2026 Indiana State Fair celebrates Hoosier spirit, summer fun and memories made

The 169^th Indiana State Fair closed just over one week ago, following a 15-day celebration that showcased what the Fair does best: bringing Hoosiers together, celebrating youth, creating family fun, making memories and building traditions.

This year’s Fair was unlike any other. Indiana experienced historic and significant weather events across the state, creating ongoing challenges for communities well beyond the Fairgrounds. At the Indiana State Fair, severe storms required multiple temporary closures and periods of sheltering throughout the Fair to prioritize the safety of guests, exhibitors and staff.

“We are incredibly grateful to every Hoosier who chose to spend part of their summer with us at the Indiana State Fair,” said Ray Allison, Indiana State Fair Commission Executive Director. “This year reminded us that the Fair is about much more than rides, concerts, food and exhibits. It’s about people. It’s about coming together, making memories and celebrating what makes Indiana special. When Mother Nature challenged us, our fairgoers, employees, vendors, exhibitors and partners showed incredible patience, understanding and still had a great time.”

Just announced, due to the popularity of the baseball theme and activations throughout this year’s fair, the State Fair and Indianapolis Indians have entered into a long-term agreement to install a permanent wiffle ball field at the State Fairgrounds. While details are still being finalized, Schumacher Stadium will ensure a new experience for fairgoers, to build new traditions and make more memories throughout their summertime visit.

“Our partnership with the State Fair brought two great Indiana traditions together,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and CEO. “The response to the Schumacher Stadium Wiffle Ball field was tremendous, and we’re proud it will now have a permanent home at the Fairgrounds.”

The Fair is also reporting overall numbers and data:

• 800,461 attended the 2026 Indiana State Fair
• The Fair recorded its strongest final week since expanding to the three-weekend format in 2009, setting attendance records. The Final Sunday, August 23 set the second-highest final-day attendance since 2009.
• Record breaking crowds attended the newly renovated Hoosier Lottery Free Stage concerts, including an estimated 9,000 concertgoers to see Josiah Queen Sunday, August 9. The largest crowd in Hoosier Lottery Free Stage history.
• Five days of gate closures and sheltering in place.

The 2026 Indiana State Fair also marked an exciting new chapter with the unveiling of several campus enhancements:

• Newly renovated Hoosier Lottery Free Stage venue
• New entry gate off Fall Creek Parkway (Gate 6)
• New State Fair Train ride, including permeant Depot on Northside of Fairgrounds

“Thank you, Indiana, for showing up, rolling with the unexpected, supporting one another and making the 2026 Indiana State Fair part of your summer. We look forward to seeing you all at the 170^th edition of the Great Indiana State Fair, August 6-22, 2027,” said Allison.