Indiana's State Fair Brags Rides, Concerts, And Crazy Food

How about some deep-fried sugar cream pie or inside-out grilled cheese?

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Come one, come all! The Indiana State Fair opens for its 17-day run Friday.

It is happening the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis from August 3rd through the 19th. The theme of this year’s fair is “The Greatest 17 Days of Summer”.

Tickets to the fair are $13 at the gate, but can be purchased in advance for $8 plus a convenience fee. If you are looking for the best deal, go on a $2 Tuesday when you can get admission, Midway rides, and food options for just $2 each. Various other pricing promotions are also in order, which you can find below. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

On top of the paid attractions – midway ride wristbands are available online for $20 through August 5 – there are more than 100 free things to see and do at the fair, so fair officials urge visitors to plan ahead by visiting www.indianastatefair.com.

Deep-fried sugar cream pie will be one of the delectable treats available at the Indiana State Fair.

The state fair is known as much for its food as it is for concerts, rides, and exhibits. Some of the new food items this year include deep-fried sugar cream pie, inside-out grilled cheese, BBQ pork potachoes, hatch green chili beef meatballs, birthday cake shake, and the curd cup – among others.

Speaking of food, Major League Eater and repeat Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Champion Joey Chestnut will be at the fair on Sunday, August 5 to participate in the fair’s ice cream eating championship.

Concerts on the Chevrolet Free Stage this year include:

Rick Springfield - August 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Natalie Stovall – August 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Why Don’t We – August 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Anthony Hamilton – August 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Tyler Childs – August 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Randy Houser with Nora Collins – August 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Kool & The Gang – August 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Hanson – August 10 at 7:30 p.m.

FireHouse – August 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Warrant – August 11 at 7:30 p.m.

For KING & COUNTRY – August 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Happy Together Tour – August 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Dirty Deeds USA: Xtreme AC/DC – August 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Grand Funk Railroad – August 15 at 7:30 p.m.

An Evening with Hunter Hayes – August 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Here Come the Mummies – August 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Robby Krieger of The Doors – August 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Kirk Franklin headlining Gospel Music Festival – August 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Promotional Days & Deals

RIDE SAFE INDIANA DAY

Sunday, August 5 - First 100 motorcyclists who enter Gate 6 (Fall Creek Pkwy) can park on Main Street.

CHEVROLET MILITARY DAY

Monday, August 6 - Current and former Military and their families receive FREE admission with ID presented at the gate.

$2 TUESDAY PRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Tuesday, August 7 - $2 gate admission, $2 Midway rides, and $2 food options for all fairgoers.

INDIANA PORK DAY

Wednesday, August 8 - FREE admission with Indy Star ticket. Seniors (55+) ride shuttles for free.

BMV DISCOUNT DAY

Thursday, August 9 - $6 admission with a printed voucher from myBMV.com.

HOOSIER LOTTERY DAY

Saturday, August 11 - Visitors 18+ with paid admission receive a FREE Hoosier Lottery scratch-off ticket! Stop by Lotto Town for details. (while supplies last)

CANCER SURVIVORS DAY

Sunday, August 12 - Fairgoers will have the opportunity to make a donation to Little Red Door to benefit cancer survivors.

FIRST RESPONDERS DAY PRESENTED BY ISDH             

Monday, August 13 - Statewide Firefighters, Police Officers and EMT personnel and their families receive free admission when ID or badge is presented at the gate.

$2 TUESDAY PRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Tuesday, August 14 - $2 gate admission, $2 Midway rides, and $2 food options for all Fairgoers.

FARMERS’ DAY

Wednesday, August 15 - FREE admission with Indy Star ticket. Seniors (55+) ride shuttles for free.

AAA DAY

Thursday, August 16 - AAA cardholders receive FREE admission with valid AAA membership card presented at the gate. One valid card per person.