The 2025 Indiana State Fair returns Aug. 1-17 (closed Mondays) with an expanded lineup of diverse food vendors.
Minority and family-owned businesses like Jamaican Breeze, Black Leaf Vegan and Easley Winery are bringing bold new flavors to this year’s event.
Howard Mason, owner of Jamaican Breeze, is serving his popular Cheesy Jerk Fries at this year’s fair. The dish combines crispy fries with spicy jerk seasoning and melted cheese.
“It’s something you don’t want to miss,” Mason said during the fair’s media preview day.
His Indianapolis restaurant at 4189 Northeastern Ave. has become a local favorite.
Mason acknowledged the challenges minority business owners face at large events like the Indiana State Fair.
“Opportunities in these spaces are limited for us,” Mason told the Indianapolis Recorder. “But we keep knocking on doors until they open or we knock them down.”
Black Leaf Vegan is returning to the state fair for the fifth year with a plant-based Philly cheesesteak. Co-owner Taria Slack said the dish offers a healthier take on traditional fair food.
“We’re excited to show how vegan food can be just as satisfying,” Slack said.
The business has gained popularity for its creative meat-free versions of classic comfort foods.
Easley Winery, a family-owned Indianapolis institution, returns with its signature Breakfast Mimosas. The drink features locally sourced Indiana fruit blended with sparkling wine. Meredith Easley represents the second generation running the business.
“We’re proud to share our Hoosier heritage through these great, locally sourced flavors,” Easley said.
Fair organizers say they’ve worked to create more opportunities for diverse vendors. The effort comes alongside enhanced safety measures for the 2025 season. All bags must be smaller than 9 by 10 by 12 inches. Coolers, weapons and pets remain prohibited under the fair’s updated policies.
Organizers expect strong attendance despite recent summer heat waves. Cooling stations will be available throughout the 250-acre grounds. Free water refill stations encourage guests to stay hydrated.
Admission prices for adults start at $14 when purchased online prior to the opening of this year’s state fair. Guests can expect a 20% increase when buying at the gate. Children under 5 enter free. Discounted tickets are available for seniors and military personnel. Parking costs $10 per vehicle at official fair lots.
Jamaican Breeze’s Mason sees his success as part of a larger trend.
“More people want to experience different cultures through food,” Mason told the Indianapolis Recorder. “We’re happy to bring that diversity to the Indiana State Fair.”
The fair’s emphasis on diversity extends beyond food. Musical acts, art exhibits and cultural performances will represent various communities.
For Mason, the event represents more than just business.
“It’s about showing what our communities can offer,” Mason said. “When people try our food, they’re experiencing our culture.”
Mason’s optimism reflects the fair’s evolving identity as a showcase for Indiana’s rich diversity.
Additional information about tickets, parking and safety policies can be found at indianastatefair.com. The website includes interactive maps and daily event calendars. Guests are encouraged to plan visits during weekdays for smaller crowds.
The Indiana State Fair began in 1852 and has grown into one of the state’s largest annual events. Last year’s attendance topped 800,000 visitors over 17 days, and organizers hope to exceed that number this summer.
Food remains a major draw, accounting for about 40% of fairgoers’ spending. The economic impact extends beyond the event itself. Many vendors report increased business at their brick-and-mortar locations after participating.
Black Leaf Vegan’s Slack sees the fair as a chance to reach new customers.
“People might not seek out vegan food normally,” she said. “Here they can discover it by accident and be pleasantly surprised.”
Her optimism mirrors the fair’s mission of bringing people together through shared experiences.
Fair officials remind visitors to stay safe and hydrated as temperatures rise in August. They recommend sunscreen, hats and frequent breaks in shaded areas. Medical stations are staffed throughout the grounds for emergencies.
For Mason and other minority vendors, this year’s fair represents opportunity and responsibility.
“We’re not just selling food,” he said. “We’re sharing our stories.”
That sentiment captures the evolving spirit of Indiana’s signature summer event.
The fair’s complete vendor list includes over 100 food options. Traditional favorites like corn dogs and funnel cakes remain available, while new additions reflect changing tastes and demographics. This balance between tradition and innovation defines the modern state fair experience.
Visitors can expect the usual array of agricultural exhibits and carnival rides. The 4-H competitions and livestock shows continue drawing rural attendees, while urban residents increasingly come for the food and entertainment options. This blend of audiences creates unique opportunities for cultural exchange.
As the fair opens its gates Aug. 1, organizers emphasize their commitment to accessibility. Wheelchair rentals are available at multiple locations. Service animals are permitted with proper documentation. The fair’s mobile app offers audio descriptions for visually impaired guests.
Daily schedules feature cooking demonstrations, live music and special theme days. Weather forecasts suggest typical summer conditions with highs in the mid-80s. Afternoon thunderstorms remain possible throughout the run.
Food vendors will operate from opening until one hour before closing each night. Most stands accept cash and credit cards, but some smaller vendors may be cash-only. ATMs are located near all major exhibit buildings.
For participating vendors, the fair represents both challenge and opportunity. Long hours and hot conditions test endurance, but the potential customer base makes the effort worthwhile. Many businesses rely on the annual event for significant revenue.
Mason summarizes the shared sentiment: “We put our heart into every dish. When people enjoy it, that’s our reward.”
The Indiana State Fairgrounds is located at 1202 East 38th Street in Indianapolis. Public transportation options include regular bus service from downtown. Ride-sharing drop-off points are marked near all main entrances.
For more information, visit indianastatefair.com.
Enjoy this year’s diversity, family and tradition at the Indiana State Fair!
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Facebook and TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
