Your Guide to the 2024 Indiana State Fair

The highly anticipated Indiana State Fair, one of the Hoosier State’s largest cultural celebrations, returns this August with several new attractions. According to the fair’s website, this year’s theme is “The Art and Nature of Fun” and is an affordable, family-friendly event.

The fair runs from August 2-18, but is closed on August 5 and 12. The fair is open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Last admission to the fair is at 8:00 p.m. Admission for children 5 and under is free, and tickets purchased in advance are $13. Visitors can view family packages, parking passes and purchase tickets here.

The party will take place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, located at 1202 E. 38th St. in Indianapolis.

Free concerts

According to the website, the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage will host several concerts, including “Fearless: The Taylor Swift Tribute” at 7:30 p.m. on August 10; “Buddy Guy: Damn Right Farewell” at 7:30 p.m. on August 7; and a performance by the band “Dogstar,” featuring Robert Mailhouse, Bret Domrose and actor Keanu Reeves, at 7:30 p.m. on August 8.

All shows are free with paid fair admission, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own folding chair to the Free Stage.

There are two premium upgrade options available to concertgoers this year. The first, General Admission Reserved, is $55 and includes one State Fair ticket, access to a reserved seating area, private bar, private restrooms, and a custom collectible lanyard. The second, Premier Reserved, is $100 and includes one State Fair ticket, seats in the front rows of the venue, private restrooms, a private bar, a custom collectible lanyard, and the option to purchase one VIP parking spot close to the venue.

Visit the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage website for a list of all the concerts at this year’s state fair.

Celebrating the Beatles

The fair will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the British rock band The Beatles performing at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 1964 with a full day of “Fab Four”-themed events on Aug. 3. The Beatles tribute band “Hard Day’s Night” will perform the exact set list of The Beatles’ 1964 set, as well as additional hits from the era, at 2 p.m. on Aug. 3. The Free Stage will host “Live and Let Die: The Music Of Paul McCartney,” featuring acclaimed actor and musician Tony Kishman, at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 3. He has earned rave reviews from “Beatlemaniacs” around the world for his visual and vocal resemblance to Paul McCartney, according to the Arcada Theatre. Visitors can purchase tickets to the tribute here . Aug. 3 will mark the start of a month-long festivity, details of which will be announced that day.

According to the fair’s website, iconic items from The Beatles’ early career will be on display from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on the fairgrounds. The collection includes a few guitars that belonged to the musicians: George Harrison’s 1964 Gibson SG Standard, John Lennon’s 1963 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 and John Lennon’s 1964 Rickenbacker Rose Morris model 1996 (later given to Ringo). Also on display are select images and memorabilia from The Beatles’ 1964 performances in Indianapolis.

According to Fox59 News, the following Beatles-themed events will also take place on August 3:

• The Fairgrounds Outdoor Theater shows classic Beatles films.
• The fair will launch a Beatles-themed hot air balloon at 6am
• Impersonators of the four Beatles members will be present throughout the day.
• Beatlemania Brunch with special themed food and drink selections takes place at 10am
• Liverpool Lunch is served at 12:00
• Fab Afternoon Tea-Time takes place at 4:00pm
• Thematic photo opportunities are available throughout the day.
• Thematic music is played on the grounds throughout the day.
• The Beatles-themed food and drink options, including the “Hard Days Flight”, “Coo Coo Ka Choo on this Turkey Leg”, “Strawberry Fried Green Salad”, “Yellow Submarine Sandwich” and “Here Comes the Sun Punch Drink” .

Unique foods

Taste of The Fair is an annual tradition known for its new food and drink creations. Visitors can try dishes and drinks such as barbecue tater tot nachos, a sweet tea slushy, chili cheese empanada and Cinnamon Toast Crunch funnel cake. According to a press release, visitors can vote for their favorite dishes by visiting one of the information booths or by using the QR codes displayed at each participating “Taste of the Fair” concession stand. The winning food booth will receive a prize of $2,500, followed by second place receiving $1,000 and third place receiving $500. A map showing the locations of all the fair’s food booths, including the food items featured, will be available at information booths throughout the fairgrounds and on the fair’s website.

Visitors can pick up the $5 menu at one of the information booths at the Indiana State Fair and sample classic treats for an affordable price.