The thermometer is inching near 90 degrees. The Indiana corn is sweating (yes, that’s a real thing). The school buses are getting ready to start practicing their routes. And the children of central Indiana have visions of Ferris wheels and topsy-turvy rides in their heads.
What does it all mean? It’s time for the Indiana State Fair 2025. The fair starts Friday, August 1 and concludes Sunday, August 17 (don’t forget, it’s closed on Mondays to give everyone–including the animals–a break).
Must‑Try Foods at the Fair
The Taste of the Fair for 2025 features forty inventive dishes—many from Hoosier vendors, offering bold new twists on classic fair food:
- Hog & Slaw: This pulled pork sandwich with creamy coleslaw on a soft bun is the official entry and a perfect taste of Indiana agriculture.
- Bacon Honeybun Burger: Angus beef between grilled honeybuns, crispy bacon, and cheese—sweet, savory, and unforgettable.
- All‑Vegan Indianapolis Philly: A stacked vegan hoagie topped with peppers, onions, and “cheez” sauce—ideal for plant‑based eaters.
Fan favorites also include BBQ Machos, Hot Honey Beignets, Pickle Fried Oreos, Lobster —Mac & Cheese, Jalapeño Popper Pizza, Blue Cotton Candy Margarita, and numerous boba‑lemonade shake-ups and wild combinations. Don’t forget to grab a Taste of the Fair map and vote for your favorite new item at various info booths.
And if the new culinary offerings don’t delight your taste buds, there are always the tried and true milkshakes at the Diary Barn, the corn on the cob near the entrance to the Midway, the saltwater taffy by the cow barn. Oh, and elephant ears in the small red barn near the 4-H building.
Shows, Attractions & Family Fun
Beyond food, the 2025 Indiana State Fair offers dozens of free and interactive experiences perfect for families:
- Meijer Family Fun Park: Watch the Wolves of the World canine show daily at 4 PM & 6:30 PM, plus additional weekend matinees and a Splash Pad for cooling off.
- Animal Town & Pioneer Village: Pet baby goats on Goat Mountain, explore the Pioneer Village schoolhouse, and check out interactive 4‑H exhibits showcasing Indiana heritage daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Wilson’s Corn Eating Competition, tiny‑tots motorcycle rides, the Wonder Trail history tour, and the Butterfly Exhibit are just a few of the “100 Free Things To Do” included with admission.
- Parades, stilt circuses, DockDogs, Indiana State Fair Band Day (a historic high‑school marching band championship), and art and agriculture showcases complete the lineup.
- The fair runs Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 17, 2025, and is closed on Mondays
Discounts & Savings
Now that you are enticed by all that the Indiana State Fair has to offer, smart locals know to snag early‑bird deals and special days:
- The Foodie Family Four Pack gives 4 admissions, parking, and $50 fair bucks—perfect for sampling food.
- $2 Tuesdays (Aug 5 & 12): $2 gate admission, $2 midway rides, and select $2 food options at stands.
- Military & First Responders Day (Aug 6): Free admission with valid ID.
- Additional savings include BMV Discount Day (Aug 7) and the IndyStar ticket day (Aug 13) for free entry vouchers.
- And here’s a hint for those who like to plan ahead: when you buy a ticket online, you will get a notification in December to buy deeply discounted tickets for next year.
Local Tips for Families from Indianapolis
- Go early (before 11 AM) on weekdays to beat the lines and enjoy cooler temps.
- Book admission and midway wristbands online early—savings can be significant.
- For younger kids, start at Meijer Family Fun Park and Animal Town, then wind your way through food stops and supervised rides.
- Bring refillable water, sunscreen, and a lightweight portable chair—you’ll want to catch shows or enjoy picnic areas.
- Evening opens the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage for concerts and shows popular with locals (check daily lineup).
Local Roots & Community Connection
The Indiana State Fair is deeply tied to Hoosier identity—celebrating agriculture, local craftsmanship, and community spirit. The Indiana Pork Tent—home to the Hog & Slaw—offers a direct connection to local farmers and pork producers. Events like the Indiana Artisan Marketplace (featured during fairgrounds’ weekends) let you discover locally made art and food beyond the fair proper. Just like the Indiana State Fair is a classic event, so are the real estate professionals at the Yosha Snyder Group. Part of the F.C. Tucker Company network, they, too, know how to highlight the best of Indiana.