Indiana would simply not be Indiana without the Indiana State Fair. What would we do without all those fried treats, fair rides, free concerts, and random retail booths?
This year at F.C. Tucker, we thought we would highlight the glory of the State Fair by creating an “Ultimate Guide to Attending the Indiana State Fair.” This guide should answer all those pressing State Fair-related questions that have been tugging on your heart since you saw the first advertisement.
Dates:
This year, the State Fair runs from August 3-19.
Hours:
Of course, it is important to know about the various opening and closing times, so we have listed them for you below.
Gate Hours
Sunday-Thursday………………..……….8AM-9PM
Friday-Saturday……………………..……8AM-9:30AM
Building Hours
Every Day…………………………..…….…9AM-9PM
Expo Hall………………………………..….10AM-9PM
Midway Hours
Monday-, Thursday……………………..NOON-10PM
Tuesday………………………………………NOON-11PM
Friday-Sunday…………………………….11AM-11PM
Price:
Below, we have listed the general admission, children, and advanced ticket prices. Be sure, however, to check out the “Fair’s Promotional Days & Deals” page for special one-day deals. Here is the link: indianastatefair.com
General Admission: $12
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Advanced Tickets (bought prior to August 2): $8
2018 Theme:
“Step Right Up: The Greatest 17 Days of Summer” – This year, the Indiana State Fair’s theme is no mere vegetable, as it has been in the past. Instead, the Fair’s theme is “Step Right Up,” centering around bringing, “a single-ring, world-class CIRCUS!” Yes, you read that right.
Attendees of the Fair can check out the Big Top Circus, a new attraction on the north side of the Fairgrounds. There will be three free shows daily with numerous performers, including, “Bello Nock, the International Circus Superstar!” In the past, Nock has been included on, “Time Magazine’s list of America’s Best Artists and Entertainers.”
Additionally, this year the Ball State Harvest Pavilion’s exhibit will be all about the circus. If you have been to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis recently, you may recognize some pieces of the exhibit as it was based off the Museum’s recent exhibit, Circus: Starring YOU!
Free Concerts:
Perhaps one of the best things about the Indiana State Fair is the free concert series included with fair admission. Each year, talented artists from around the nation perform, with noted performances this year from Rick Springfield, Kool & The Gang and Hanson. No ticket is required, but seating is limited, so be sure to show up early for these awesome free concerts!
August 3, 7:30PM – Rick Springfield
August 4, TBA – Natalie Stoval
August 5, 7:00PM – Why Don’t We
August 6, TBA – Anthony Hamilton
August 7, 7:30PM – Tyler Childers
August 8, 7:30PM – Randy Houser
August 9, 7:30PM – Kool & The Gang
August 10, 7:30PM – Hanson
August 11 – Firehouse (6:00PM), Warrant (7:30PM)
August 12, 7:30PM – for King & Country
August 13, 7:30PM – Happy Together Tour (The Turtles feat. Flo & Eddie / Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night / Gary Puckett & The Union Gap / The Association / Mark Lindsay, former Lead Singer of Paul Revere & The Raiders / The Cowsills)
August 14, 7:30PM – Dirty Deeds USA: Xtreme AC/DC
August 15, 7:30PM – Grand Funk Railroad
August 16, 7:30PM – An Evening with Hunter Hayes
August 17, 7:30PM – Here Come the Mummies
August 18, TBA – TBA
August 19, 7:30PM – Kirk Franklin
New Things to Do:
Animal Town – Animal Town is a brand-new experience where families can learn about all different types of animals. As the State Fair jokes, Animal Town is a place, “where all the residents were born in a barn.” Animals in the Animal Town experience include cattle, chickens, dairy goats, draft horses, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, sheep, and swine.
The Ninja Experience – New to the Indiana State Fair this year, the Ninja Experience is sure to attract all American Ninja Warrior fans. The Ninja Experience is a performance made up of martial arts experts with daily performances at 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm in the MetroPCS Family Fun Park.
The Indiana History Train – If you were not proud of Indiana already, you really need to make a stop at the Indiana Historical Society’s Indiana History Train. This train serves as a home for the new exhibit, “Made in Indiana,” featuring various inventions from Indiana.
Things to Eat:
What would an American State Fair be without delicious unhealthy food? Below, we have listed a few of the new Fair fare! (Food descriptions are from the “2018 Indiana State Fair Program”)
Deep Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwich (Urick Concessions) – “Fresh hot fluffy waffle filled with crispy fried chicken strips, maple syrup & powdered sugar”
BBQ Pork Potachoes (Indiana Pork Producers Association) – “Our delicious BBQ pulled pork on top of seasoned pit potatoes topped with cheese and sour cream”
Deep Fried Sugar Cream Pie (Urick Concessions) – “Wick’s Sugar Cream Pie dipped in Funnel Cake Battter, Deep Fried and topped with powdered sugar and chocolate sauce.”
Inside Out Grilled Cheese (American Dairy Association Inc.) – “Mild cheddar on the outside of sliced sourdough bread stuffed with gouda on the inside.”
I know, your mouth is watering, your feet are itching to get out the door, and you simply cannot wait to see a circus performance. Mark your calendars for one of those August dates and have a delightful time!
