Plan Ahead: Your guide to getting to the 2026 Indiana State Fair safely and smoothly

The 2026 Indiana State Fair opens Friday, August 7 and runs through Sunday, August 23, closed Mondays.

Before making your way to the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, fairgoers are encouraged to review important information about parking, transportation, security, and guest services to help make their visit safe, easy, and enjoyable.

With more than 850,000 guests expected over the 15-day Fair, planning ahead helps everyone spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying Indiana's Best Value of Summer.

Getting to the Fair: Guests have several convenient transportation options available.

• Onsite parking is available for $10 per vehicle. Purchase parking in advance or find maps, directions, and traffic updates at IndianaStateFairParking.com.
• Multiple Fair entrances are available to help improve traffic flow. Follow directional signage and traffic officers upon arrival.
• IndyGo Routes 4, 39, and the Purple Line provide affordable public transportation with stops near the Fairgrounds.
• Rideshare services including Uber and Lyft should use the designated pickup and drop-off location at 3773 Woodland Avenue, entering through Gate 7.
• Cyclists can ride to the Fair using the Monon Trail or Nickel Plate Trail. Free bicycle parking is available near Monon Trail north of 38th Street.

Safety is our priority:

• Indiana State Police, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Fairgrounds Security, and EMS personnel stationed throughout the grounds.
• Walk-through metal detectors and security screening at every public entrance.
• First Aid stations staffed by licensed medical professionals.
• Weather monitoring and emergency response plans operating throughout the Fair.

Minor policy: The Indiana State Fair will continue its evening Minor Policy.

• After 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and after 4:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday, guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone age 25 or older.
• A valid photo ID may be requested to verify age.

Plan ahead: Before arriving, visitors are encouraged to:

• Purchase admission and parking online for the fastest entry.
• Download or review the daily schedule to plan your visit.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
• Bring a refillable water bottle. Water refill stations are available throughout the Fairgrounds.
• Follow the Indiana State Fair on social media for weather updates, traffic alerts, and daily programming.

New in 2026: This year's Fair features several exciting additions, including:

• A reimaged Gate 6, designed to improve traffic flow and ease of entrance into the fairgrounds.
• The all-new Hoosier Lottery Free Stage, offering an upgraded concert experience for Fair guests.
• A brand-new train attraction that gives riders a unique view of the Fairgrounds aboard a one-mile scenic route.
• REWIND: A VHS Revival, an immersive exhibit celebrating blockbuster movies, pop culture, and nostalgia.
• 48 New Taste of the Fair food creations from vendors across the Fairgrounds.

Know before you go

• Gates open daily at 8:00 a.m.
• Admission tickets, parking passes, maps, schedules, and attraction information are available at IndianaStateFair.com.
• Most concerts on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage are included with paid Fair admission. Premium seating upgrades are available for select performances.

For complete information, visit IndianaStateFair.com.