Indiana State Fair 2023: Guide to activities, hours, and tickets
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indiana State Fair is swiftly approaching, providing an array of activities including performances, games, culinary delights, and more, over the course of almost three weeks.
Visitors can look forward to new exhibits, events, and a wide variety of food and drink choices. Let’s have a look at what this year’s fair has in store.
The fair commences on Friday, July 28, and concludes on Sunday, August 20. The fair is not open on Mondays and Tuesdays. The opening times are as follows:
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entry to the fair is not allowed after 8 p.m. on any given day.
Midway’s operational hours are:
Wednesdays: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ticketing details can be found here.
The 166th iteration of the Indiana State Fair is set to highlight basketball, a sport with deep roots in Indiana. An array of exhibits focused on basketball and its rich history in the state will be on display.
According to the organizers, basketball shares a deep connection with Indiana’s agricultural heritage. The sport garnered attention for its cost-effectiveness and the season was structured around farming cycles.
Basketball-themed attractions include a display featuring Gene Hackman’s 1951 Chevrolet from the film Hoosiers, a captivating exhibit presented by the Indiana Pacers, and a basketball-themed amusement park filled with engaging activities.
The entrance fee is set at $11. A parking pass costs $8. These prices are discounted for purchases made before July 27 at 11:59 p.m.
A Family Four Pack is available for $44. This includes four entry tickets and a parking pass — essentially, the parking is free with the purchase of four tickets. This is a discounted price valid if purchased before July 27 at 11:59 p.m.
Midway wristbands can be obtained for $25, valid for Fridays and Wednesdays at the fair, as well as the final Sunday of the event (Aug. 20). This is an early bird discount available before July 30 at 11:59 p.m.
Parking at the fairgrounds is priced at $10 per vehicle. There are available spaces in the Fairgrounds Infield, South Lot (38th Street), and at the Indiana School for the Deaf (42nd Street) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Accessible parking is situated inside Gate 1 (38th Street entrance) in the southwest corner of the infield near the ADA accessible walk tunnel and the South Lot.
A $2 saving can be achieved by purchasing a parking pass in advance for $8.
The “pedal and park” scheme allows bike riders to get a $1 discount on the entry fee. There is a free, secured bike rack on the Monon Trail north of 38th Street, available on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For those who prefer to take public transportation, IndyGo offers two routes (4 and 39) that stop near the fair’s entrance on 38th Street. Further information about this option can be found here, or plan your trip using IndyGo’s website.
We previously reported that the State Fair has implemented a new set of policies starting this year. In a move to enhance security, unaccompanied minors will not be allowed on the fairgrounds, and there will be restrictions on the size of bags permissible at the event.
