Top 2025 Indiana State Fair Attractions: Rides, Shows & Free Fun
Looking for the best things to do at the Indiana State Fair this year? Whether you’re in it for thrills, nostalgia, or laid-back fun, the 2025 fair is packed with attractions worth checking out. From circus acts to tractor rides, here’s your guide to the fair’s can’t-miss experiences.
Every August, the Indiana State Fair transforms the Indy fairgrounds into a full-blown wonderland of tradition and discovery. And in 2025, they’re pulling out all the stops—complete with the theme “The Soundtrack of Summer.”
Let’s dive into the highlights.
🎡 Midway Rides & Meijer Family Fun Park
No Indiana fair experience is complete without a spin on the Ferris wheel.
The Midway features everything from the high-flying Skyride to the Tilt-A-Whirl and bumper cars.
New this year? Look out for surprise light shows and a “silent disco” bumper car night.
Want to ride it all? Grab an unlimited ride wristband and go wild.
Just across the way, Meijer Family Fun Park is the perfect zone for younger kids—think small-scale rides, interactive games, and plenty of space to burn off cotton candy energy.
🎪 Big Top Circus & Live Performances
Back by popular demand, the Big Top Circus will wow crowds with:
Acrobats, tightrope walkers, clowns, and stilt performers
Multiple free daily shows under the iconic red-and-white tent
Located near the Grandstand and included with fair admission
And beyond the circus? Live music is everywhere. The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage hosts nightly concerts with a new artist lineup each week (check back in June for this year’s headliners).
Free Stage - Indiana State Fair
👨🌾 Pioneer Village & Agricultural Attractions
One of the fair’s most beloved areas, Pioneer Village is a time capsule of Indiana’s farming heritage:
Watch blacksmiths, broom makers, and traditional craft demos
Stroll past antique tractors and old-school threshers
Don’t miss the cider press or fresh-baked cornbread station
Across the grounds, you’ll find daily animal showcases, 4‑H competitions, and barn tours where you can meet the animals up close.
🐄 Livestock Barns & 4‑H Projects
This is Indiana ag at its finest. Fairgoers can:
See prize-winning livestock—from dairy cows to goats to rabbits
View 4-H exhibits that highlight local youth in action
Learn about where your food really comes from (hint: it’s local!)
Tip: Stop by the Birthing Center for a chance to witness live animal births.
🏌️♂️ 100+ Free Things to Do
That’s not a typo. Over 100 activities at the fair won’t cost you a dime beyond admission. Some local favorites:
Play a round of mini-golf
Cast a line at the DNR Fishing Pond
Watch the sunrise balloon launch
Catch the Main Street Parade
Walk through the livestock barns and meet the stars of Indiana agriculture
Cheer on pups at the Dock Dogs jumping competition — one of the most crowd-pleasing events at the fair!
You can find the full list of free attractions at indianastatefair.com.
100 Free Things To Do - Indiana State Fair
Indiana State Fair Q&A
Q: What are the top attractions at the 2025 Indiana State Fair?
A: Big Top Circus, midway rides, Pioneer Village, livestock barns, 4‑H shows, concerts, and 100+ free activities.
Q: Are rides included with fair admission?
A: No, but unlimited ride wristbands are available. Many other attractions are free with entry.
🎟️ More from the Fair
Planning your route around the rides and shows?
Whether you’re riding or dining, we’ve got you covered.
Bring on the Fun
Whether you’re chasing carnival thrills, toe-tapping to live music, or wandering through a 19th-century village, the Indiana State Fair is built to delight Hoosiers of all ages. Pick your favorite attractions, plan your route, and we’ll see you under the Big Top.
Tag us in your fair day photos and let us know—what’s your must-do every year?
Top 2025 Indiana State Fair Attractions: Rides, Shows & Free Fun
Looking for the best things to do at the Indiana State Fair this year? Whether you’re in it for thrills, nostalgia, or laid-back fun, the 2025 fair is packed with attractions worth checking out. From circus acts to tractor rides, here’s your guide to the fair’s can’t-miss experiences.
Every August, the Indiana State Fair transforms the Indy fairgrounds into a full-blown wonderland of tradition and discovery. And in 2025, they’re pulling out all the stops—complete with the theme “The Soundtrack of Summer.”
Let’s dive into the highlights.
🎡 Midway Rides & Meijer Family Fun Park
No Indiana fair experience is complete without a spin on the Ferris wheel.
The Midway features everything from the high-flying Skyride to the Tilt-A-Whirl and bumper cars.
New this year? Look out for surprise light shows and a “silent disco” bumper car night.
Want to ride it all? Grab an unlimited ride wristband and go wild.
Just across the way, Meijer Family Fun Park is the perfect zone for younger kids—think small-scale rides, interactive games, and plenty of space to burn off cotton candy energy.
🎪 Big Top Circus & Live Performances
Back by popular demand, the Big Top Circus will wow crowds with:
Acrobats, tightrope walkers, clowns, and stilt performers
Multiple free daily shows under the iconic red-and-white tent
Located near the Grandstand and included with fair admission
And beyond the circus? Live music is everywhere. The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage hosts nightly concerts with a new artist lineup each week (check back in June for this year’s headliners).
Free Stage - Indiana State Fair
👨🌾 Pioneer Village & Agricultural Attractions
One of the fair’s most beloved areas, Pioneer Village is a time capsule of Indiana’s farming heritage:
Watch blacksmiths, broom makers, and traditional craft demos
Stroll past antique tractors and old-school threshers
Don’t miss the cider press or fresh-baked cornbread station
Across the grounds, you’ll find daily animal showcases, 4‑H competitions, and barn tours where you can meet the animals up close.
🐄 Livestock Barns & 4‑H Projects
This is Indiana ag at its finest. Fairgoers can:
See prize-winning livestock—from dairy cows to goats to rabbits
View 4-H exhibits that highlight local youth in action
Learn about where your food really comes from (hint: it’s local!)
Tip: Stop by the Birthing Center for a chance to witness live animal births.
🏌️♂️ 100+ Free Things to Do
That’s not a typo. Over 100 activities at the fair won’t cost you a dime beyond admission. Some local favorites:
Play a round of mini-golf
Cast a line at the DNR Fishing Pond
Watch the sunrise balloon launch
Catch the Main Street Parade
Walk through the livestock barns and meet the stars of Indiana agriculture
Cheer on pups at the Dock Dogs jumping competition — one of the most crowd-pleasing events at the fair!
You can find the full list of free attractions at indianastatefair.com.
100 Free Things To Do - Indiana State Fair
Indiana State Fair Q&A
Q: What are the top attractions at the 2025 Indiana State Fair?
A: Big Top Circus, midway rides, Pioneer Village, livestock barns, 4‑H shows, concerts, and 100+ free activities.
Q: Are rides included with fair admission?
A: No, but unlimited ride wristbands are available. Many other attractions are free with entry.
🎟️ More from the Fair
Planning your route around the rides and shows?
Whether you’re riding or dining, we’ve got you covered.
Bring on the Fun
Whether you’re chasing carnival thrills, toe-tapping to live music, or wandering through a 19th-century village, the Indiana State Fair is built to delight Hoosiers of all ages. Pick your favorite attractions, plan your route, and we’ll see you under the Big Top.
Tag us in your fair day photos and let us know—what’s your must-do every year?
Top 2025 Indiana State Fair Attractions: Rides, Shows & Free Fun
Looking for the best things to do at the Indiana State Fair this year? Whether you’re in it for thrills, nostalgia, or laid-back fun, the 2025 fair is packed with attractions worth checking out. From circus acts to tractor rides, here’s your guide to the fair’s can’t-miss experiences.
Every August, the Indiana State Fair transforms the Indy fairgrounds into a full-blown wonderland of tradition and discovery. And in 2025, they’re pulling out all the stops—complete with the theme “The Soundtrack of Summer.”
Let’s dive into the highlights.
🎡 Midway Rides & Meijer Family Fun Park
No Indiana fair experience is complete without a spin on the Ferris wheel.
The Midway features everything from the high-flying Skyride to the Tilt-A-Whirl and bumper cars.
New this year? Look out for surprise light shows and a “silent disco” bumper car night.
Want to ride it all? Grab an unlimited ride wristband and go wild.
Just across the way, Meijer Family Fun Park is the perfect zone for younger kids—think small-scale rides, interactive games, and plenty of space to burn off cotton candy energy.
🎪 Big Top Circus & Live Performances
Back by popular demand, the Big Top Circus will wow crowds with:
Acrobats, tightrope walkers, clowns, and stilt performers
Multiple free daily shows under the iconic red-and-white tent
Located near the Grandstand and included with fair admission
And beyond the circus? Live music is everywhere. The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage hosts nightly concerts with a new artist lineup each week (check back in June for this year’s headliners).
Free Stage - Indiana State Fair
👨🌾 Pioneer Village & Agricultural Attractions
One of the fair’s most beloved areas, Pioneer Village is a time capsule of Indiana’s farming heritage:
Watch blacksmiths, broom makers, and traditional craft demos
Stroll past antique tractors and old-school threshers
Don’t miss the cider press or fresh-baked cornbread station
Across the grounds, you’ll find daily animal showcases, 4‑H competitions, and barn tours where you can meet the animals up close.
🐄 Livestock Barns & 4‑H Projects
This is Indiana ag at its finest. Fairgoers can:
See prize-winning livestock—from dairy cows to goats to rabbits
View 4-H exhibits that highlight local youth in action
Learn about where your food really comes from (hint: it’s local!)
Tip: Stop by the Birthing Center for a chance to witness live animal births.
🏌️♂️ 100+ Free Things to Do
That’s not a typo. Over 100 activities at the fair won’t cost you a dime beyond admission. Some local favorites:
Play a round of mini-golf
Cast a line at the DNR Fishing Pond
Watch the sunrise balloon launch
Catch the Main Street Parade
Walk through the livestock barns and meet the stars of Indiana agriculture
Cheer on pups at the Dock Dogs jumping competition — one of the most crowd-pleasing events at the fair!
You can find the full list of free attractions at indianastatefair.com.
100 Free Things To Do - Indiana State Fair
Indiana State Fair Q&A
Q: What are the top attractions at the 2025 Indiana State Fair?
A: Big Top Circus, midway rides, Pioneer Village, livestock barns, 4‑H shows, concerts, and 100+ free activities.
Q: Are rides included with fair admission?
A: No, but unlimited ride wristbands are available. Many other attractions are free with entry.
🎟️ More from the Fair
Planning your route around the rides and shows?
Whether you’re riding or dining, we’ve got you covered.
Bring on the Fun
Whether you’re chasing carnival thrills, toe-tapping to live music, or wandering through a 19th-century village, the Indiana State Fair is built to delight Hoosiers of all ages. Pick your favorite attractions, plan your route, and we’ll see you under the Big Top.
Tag us in your fair day photos and let us know—what’s your must-do every year?
Written By:
Jarred Porter
Written By:
Jarred Porter
