The best way to enjoy the Indiana State Fair from August 3-19 is to plan ahead. With dozens of exhibits and activities, including the new and exciting Big Top Circus presented by Bee Window, Animal Town presented by Farm Bureau and The Ninja Experience, it’s a good idea for fairgoers to determine what they want to do and see before coming to the fair.
The best place to begin fair planning is to visit www.indianastatefair.com and to review the program online. The Indiana State Fair program is bursting with information including the Chevrolet Free Stage lineup, Hoosier Lottery Grandstand events and details about activities that happen each of the 17 days of the fair. Fairgoers will also want to visit the App Store on their mobile device to download the Indiana State Fair 2018 app. The Indiana State Fair Mobile App allows fairgoers to plan their day and create their very own fair schedule – all from the convenience of their fingertips.
Once fairgoers decide when they want to come to the fair and what exhibits and activities they want to see, they’ll want to be sure to purchase tickets in advance to save money. Advance sale tickets are $8 plus a convenience while tickets at the gate are $13. Fairgoers should also look at the fair’s promotional days and deals to see how they can get the best bang for their buck. Ticketing information is located on the Indiana State Fair’s website in one convenient location. There is also access to a list of 100 free things to do at this year’s fair.
The Midway is not excluded from great deals and offers. There are advanced sales for Midway wristbands online for $20, a $10 savings. This discounted offer ends on August 5 at 11:59 p.m., so fairgoers should hurry while the deal is available. One of the cheapest ways to ride your way around the Midway is to take advantage of “$2 Tuesdays,” presented by the Indiana Secretary of the State. Held on both Tuesdays during the fair – August 7 and 14 – these days feature gate admission, Midway rides, and many food options for just $2.
The Indiana State Fair parking is available on a first come, first served basis and is $5 per vehicle upon arrival or may be purchased online for $5. Visit www.indianastatefairparking.com to view parking options, including the State Fair Park & Ride located at Glendale Mall’s Rural Street lot which shuttles fairgoers to/from the fairgrounds at no cost. Shuttles run daily every 20 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. There is also a Ride Safe Indiana motorcycle parking lot in the infield available for $5 per motorcycle.
Fairgoers other parking options, including Pedal & Park. Visitors who ride their bicycle to the fair can use one of the free secured bike racks available on the Monon Trail at 38thStreet from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and until 11 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Plus, fairgoers who use Pedal & Park get $1 off the price of admission. Cyclists can also participate in Mayor Joe Hogsett’s Bike to the Fair ride on Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m., which will begin at Frank and Judy O’Bannon Old Northside Park, 950 East 16th Street, Indianapolis.
