Schedule of highlights for Friday at the Indiana State Fair
Melissa Etheridge (7:30 PM)
Hoosier Lottery Free Stage
Headlining The Hoosier Lottery stage is rock legend Melissa Etheridge. She stormed onto the rock scene with her 1988 debut, earning her first Grammy® in 1992. Her 1993 breakthrough album, Yes, I Am, delivered hits like “I’m the Only One” and the Grammy®-winning “Come to My Window.” Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy vocals, Etheridge has remained a powerful presence for decades. She won an Academy® Award for “I Need to Wake Up” from An Inconvenient Truth and inspired many with her 2005 Grammy® performance during cancer treatment. Recent releases include Memphis Rock & Soul, The Medicine Show, and One Way Out. In 2020, she founded The Etheridge Foundation for opioid treatment research.
The Art of Music Experience – Vinyl Revival (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
Harvest Pavilion
One of the most talked-about attractions at this year’s Indiana State Fair, Vinyl Revival has captured the hearts of music lovers and art fans alike. This immersive experience blends the visual artistry of iconic album covers with the stories, culture, and creativity behind them. From rare collectibles to hand-painted displays, every corner offers a new discovery. With its pop-up record store, interactive elements, and nostalgic charm, Vinyl Revival has quickly become a must-see stop, drawing crowds and creating buzz like few exhibits in Fair history.
Let’s Make Some Butter: From Cow to Table (11:00 AM & 3:00 PM)
Pioneer Village Milk House
Come on down to the Milk House in Pioneer Village for a hands-on experience like no other. Learn how to milk a cow and discover the traditional process of turning fresh milk into creamy butter. It’s a fun and educational activity for all ages!
Big Top Circus pres. By Bee Window Performances (1:00 PM, 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM)
Big Top Zone
Multiple daily performances throughout the fair’s Big Top Zone bring acrobats, aerialists, and circus flair to the Indiana State Fair.
Indiana State Fair Championship Rodeo (Slack Run: 1:00 PM | Main Event: 7:30 PM)
Hoosier Lottery Grandstand
Experience the thrill of the Indiana State Fair Championship Rodeo. Catch the excitement early with the Slack Run at 1 pm!
Baby Animal Feeding adventure (All Day)
Goat Mountain
Come visit Goat Mountain and experience the joy of connecting with adorable baby animals. Feed your furry favorites and enjoy a relaxing moment surrounded by nature and cuteness.
Belgian & Haflinger Draft Horse Shows (8:00 AM & 5:00 PM)
Corteva Coliseum
The Belgian & Haflinger Draft Horse Show at the Indiana State Fair showcases the impressive strength and beauty of these majestic draft breeds at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
Open Ag/ Hort Exhibits (All Day)
Corteva Coliseum Lobby
Make sure to take a peek at the flower and vegetable competitions on display in the lobby of the Corteva Coliseum. These vibrant exhibits showcase the best of local gardening talent.
DockDogs pres. By AAA Hoosier Motor Club Big Air Wave Competitions (11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM)
Celebration Park
Catch the high-flying excitement as dogs launch off ramps into pools in a crowd-pleaser series of Big Air Wave demonstrations, perfect for family-friendly visuals and dynamic footage.
SW Parke Community Schools looking at Revision Project
NWS extends Winter Storm Warning to Monday morning
President Donald J. Trump approves emergency declaration for Indiana
IDHS activates State Emergency Operations Center in response to winter storm
Scholarship Fund honors former Coach Blank
Winter Storm Watch in effect for the weekend, heavy snow possible
ISP releases Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative results
Indiana House Page Program available during 2026 session
Indiana State Police seeks volunteer chaplains to support trooper wellness and resilience
American Red Cross urges the public to donate blood
Rheese Benjamin finishes 8th at wrestling state finals
USDA launches Lender Lens Dashboard to promote data transparency
Cancer Action Day at the Indiana Statehouse: Advocates call for legislation to reduce the burden of cancer
U.S. Rep. Yakym’s bipartisan BARCODE Efficiency Act Advances
Applications available for Indiana Sheriffs' Association college scholarships
