The 2026 Indiana State Fair is swinging for the fences with this year’s theme: “Always a Hit”! In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the fair has teamed up with the Indianapolis Indians for a summer of baseball-inspired fun, complete with a “mini-Victory Field” at the fairgrounds and classic Americana experiences that honor our nation and Hoosier spirit. Check the blog below for the best concerts, food, and attractions coming to this year’s fair.
Concerts & Shows at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage
The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage will serve as the centerpiece for this year’s fair offerings. This stage is a summertime staple for music lovers and concertgoers alike, featuring well-known acts every fair season, and this year is no exception! Bring your lawn chairs for these performances, which are included with your paid Indiana State Fair admission.
This year, the legendary Gene Simmons takes center stage on August 20! As KISS’s co-founder and iconic frontman, he’s sold over 100 million records and revolutionized rock with unforgettable performances. A Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Guinness World Record holder, Simmons delivers a live show like no other. Don’t miss this epic night!
The iconic lineup doesn't end there, with bands like The Beach Boys, Busta Rhymes, Don McLean, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard bringing their sounds to the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage nightly at 7:30 PM from August 7–23 (closed Mondays). Seating is first‑come, first‑served, and reserved upgrades are available for those seeking added comfort.
New Attractions & Entertainment - Going Back in Time
The brand-new baseball-themed experience, “Always a Hit,” hits a home run as the Indiana State Fair celebrates America's favorite pastime. Step into a mini-Victory Field, explore interactive exhibits, and soak up the energy of classic summer baseball culture. From nostalgic moments to hands-on fun, it’s designed to delight visitors of all ages. Don’t miss this exciting new attraction, which will surely be a fair favorite!
“Rewind: A VHS Revival” is another attraction making its debut at this year’s Indiana State Fair, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. This immersive experience brings the magic of '80s and '90s video store culture to life with retro artwork, rare VHS collectibles, and interactive exhibits. Guests can even watch live painting demos and step inside a nostalgic speakeasy-inspired space. It’s the perfect blend of throwback fun and creative discovery, sure to draw anyone who loves a good blast from the past. Click here to check out the Moulin Rouge Speakeasy, the Indy CD and Vinyl pop-up record store, and much more!
ALL ABOARD! The State Fair Train is rolling in as one of the biggest new additions to this year’s Fair, and it’s ready for riders of all ages. This brand-new attraction gives a nod to the historic trains that once brought generations of Hoosiers straight to the Fairgrounds. Sit back and enjoy a narrated trip around the north side of the grounds, offering a laid-back way to take in the sights, sounds, and stories of the Indiana State Fair. Hop aboard daily for just $ 5 per ride and make this charming new experience part of your visit. Click here to learn more!
The Hoosier Lottery Grandstand returns with some of the Indiana State Fair’s biggest, boldest, and most thrilling live events of the summer. From heart‑pounding competitions to high‑energy entertainment, this year’s lineup promises unforgettable moments for every fairgoer. With a mix of new features and fan favorites, the Grandstand continues to be one of the Fair’s most iconic destinations. If you’re looking for spectacle, excitement, and can’t‑miss summer fun, this is the place to be. Click here to see the full lineup of Grandstand events, including fan favorites like the rodeo, demolition derby, harness racing, and more thrilling shows happening throughout the fair.
Step inside the air-conditioned Big Top Circus and get ready for thrills, stunts, acrobatics, and comedy that keep the whole family smiling. The 2026 lineup brings fresh acts like Zero Gravity Arts with illuminated choreography and the breathtaking SkyBike, where a motorcycle circles overhead while a trapeze performer moves below it. With free daily shows at 1, 4, and 7 PM included with fair admission, it is an easy must-see for anyone who loves big laughs, big talent, and a whole lot of wow. Plan your next show here.
New and Unique Food Offerings
Don’t forget the food! This year’s Taste of the Fair lineup features culinary creations that showcase bold Hoosier pride across the state. Arrive hungry and dive in for a day at the fair!
New for 2026, the Dirty Slime Licker is ready to challenge anyone who claims they have a sour tongue. If you prefer something a little wilder, the Dill Pickle Snow Cone brings a cool crunch that is equal parts strange and delightful. And for the brave, the Bacon Jam Funnel Cake proves dessert can absolutely get weird in the best way. You can even track down the Root Beer Float Fudge for a sweet blast of nostalgia with every bite. By the time you leave, you may find yourself wondering which one of these quirky creations you secretly loved the most.
This year’s Indiana State Fair turns the volume up to an extreme with high-energy attractions and energetic offerings that will make for the greatest 17 days of the summer. Buy your ticket to the fair today!
If you are looking for discounted tickets, $2 Tuesday info, or special deals throughout the fair, you’ll find plenty of options to help you plan your visit. The fair offers advance admission discounts, value‑packed family four packs, and several promotional days that make attending even easier. You can also check out upgrades like midway wristbands and parking passes to round out your experience. For all available ticket options and offers, click here.
All photos courtesy of the Indiana State Fair and WTHR.
