The 2026 Indiana State Fair is almost here, and this is all the new attractions, immersive experiences and live entertainment Hoosiers can look forward to.
Each year, the Indiana State Fair presents a variety of new attractions to enhance the experience and diversity of the annual month-long fair. Partnering with the Indianapolis Indians, the 2026 Indiana State Fair is continuing its longstanding tradition Aug. 7-23, introducing a slew of new musical guests, exhibits, competitions, photo ops and unique fair food combinations for guests of all ages.
“The Indiana State Fair has always been a place where generations come together to make memories,” LeRoy Lewis III, director of community and media engagement for the Indiana State Fair, said in a statement. “This year we’re adding even more reasons not to miss out. We’ve invested in experiences that families can only find here, from an all-new train ride and immersive exhibits to exciting entertainment and interactive attractions. Every visit offers something new to see, do, and share, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back this August.”
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New to the fair this year is REWIND: A VHS Revival, which allows fairgoers to view iconic movie poster artwork from the 1980s-2000s, in addition to a Moulin Rouge Speakeasy, a baseball movie theater an official Indianapolis Indians gift shop and the return of the Indy CD & Vinyl pop-up store. REWIND is open daily and free with paid fair admission.
By far the largest addition to the 2026 Indiana State Fair is the State Fair Train, which pays homage to the historic transportation bringing guests to the fair each year, according to a press release. The narrated ride travels throughout the north side of the fairgrounds, offering fairgoers a relaxing way to experience the sights, sounds and history of the fair. The train runs daily for $5 per ride.
For baseball fans, the Indiana State Fair is introducing a wiffle ball field at Schumacher Stadium in the Meijer Family Fun Park in partnership with the Indianapolis Indians. Named in honor of Indianapolis Indians executive Max Schumacher, the wiffle ball field invites fairgoers to enjoy free playtime, tournaments and celebrity meet and greets as they “swing for the fences, play with family and friends, and celebrate Indiana’s baseball tradition every day of the Fair.”
The Big Top Circus is returning due to popular demand, but this year an entirely new lineup of performances will take place inside a world-renowned, air-conditioned tent, according to a press release. Each show is free and lasts 45 minutes, featuring acrobatics, comedy and more.
The 2026 Indiana State Fair is also set to include a variety of new interactive exhibits, activities and live entertainment for guests of all ages, including but not limited to:
- Daily experiences with Tortoise Feeding near Goal Mountain and Cuddle a Calf in the Meijer Family Fun Park.
- Breakdancing, comedy and street performances from Break A Boyz on Main Street.
- Marc Dobson’s One Man Band entertaining guests throughout the Fairgrounds.
- Appearances from and family photos with PBS KIDS favorites Daniel Tiger and Dinosaur Train characters in Meijer Family Fun Park on Saturdays at the fair.
- The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile visits Meijer Family Fun Park Aug. 15-16 with photo opportunities and fun hot dog-themed games and activities.
- Meet and greet opportunities with reality show stars Amy Slaton and Chris and Brittany Combs on Aug. 22.
- The Mullet Competition debuts a youth category as young contestants compete for the title of best mullet.
- The Electric Railway: Indiana’s Interurbans, a new exhibit part of the Indiana History Train. Free with paid fair admission and open daily in the Meijer Family Fun Park.
- Taste of the Fair, featuring nearly 50 new food items, and a food competition throughout the fair, presented by Pepsi.
The 2026 Indiana State Fair runs Aug. 7-23, and is closed on Mondays. For more information, to view a full schedule or purchase advance tickets, visit indianastatefair.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
