Tips like these helped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story in Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.
The Indiana State Fair lights up the Midway from August 7 – 23rd, allowing plenty of opportunities for your family to relive rituals and create new memories. However, we all know it’s easy to overspend at the fair. From the enticing goodies to the games and rides, your wallet might end up incredibly lighter without you noticing. Fun at the fair becomes a whole lot less fun when you drop an entire check on the Ferris wheel and deep fried butter. So this year, let’s make a pact to save money and have a great time, too. Here’s how to win the blue ribbon in savings.
Buy Online Discount Tickets
Being ahead of the game can reap great dividends. One of the best ways to save money when it comes to the Indiana State Fair is by purchasing your tickets before August 6 (the day before the fair begins). Purchase directly from the State Fair website and get general admission for $8 ($4 off from the gate price), parking for $5, and an unlimited ride Midway bracelet for $20. You can even conveniently print your tickets at home. There is a small convenience fee but you’ll still save plenty of money to use toward yummy snacks if you plan ahead.
Promotion Days, Deals, & Coupons!
College students, senior citizens, active military and veterans – everyone has a special day at the State Fair. Don’t miss your opportunity to reap the benefits of a free admission and/or coupons. Check out all of the special days and deals on the Indiana State Fair Website. From $2 food days and free tractor rides for seniors, you’ll want to scour over the options to select the best day(s) to visit and save, too. You can even get a FREE ticket in the Indianapolis Star on August 10th (good for admission on August 12th). Or you can print out a great voucher for half priced tickets on August 13th thanks to the BMV.
Free Concerts
A concert at the fair is the perfect way to cap the summer. Perfection turns sublime when the concert is free. You won’t even believe the awesome line up of artists on the free stage this summer – Big & Rich, the Indigo Girls, the Village People, Morris Day and the Time, Colton Dixon, and the Duke Boys themselves John Schneider and Tom Wopat (my 80s fangirl heart just let out a little gasp). Again visit the Indiana State Fair Website for a complete line up of the talent and the dates and times of performances. The concerts are completely free with general admission tickets.
Don’t Miss Indiana State Fair “Trip Tips”
Before you get to the fair, be sure to secure a map and plan your route and itinerary. The State Fair Website has “Trip Tips” – personalized guides with pre-selected stops for families, foodies, culture, and even absolutely FREE stops along the way. Go here for 10 different agendas!
Bring Bottled Water and a Quick Snack
Can I be honest? My resolve is nearly zero when it comes to the delicious drinks and fabulous fair food. However, most of us can’t afford to budget for a meal, a treat, and drinks while visiting. So instead of spending an entire week’s grocery budget, choose to pack a cooler or backpack with quick snacks and bottled water. Then, split a meal or one of those giant elephant ears with your family (or maybe both). Packing a few extra items will help keep every one from becoming hungry, grumpy, and broke.
It’s the Year of the Farmer and the perfect opportunity to celebrate summer at its best. Simple state fair pre-planning can help make memories while saving money.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
Fair time – it’s my favorite time of year in Indiana! I love all of your suggestions for saving money … as much fun as the Fair can be, it can get expensive if you’re not careful. I love the lemon shake-ups, and the last couple of years I’ve purchased the big souvenir cup from the same vendor. It’s big enough that a couple of us can share it, and the refills are much cheaper than buying several drinks. Since we go to the fair a couple of times each year, I take the cup home, wash it, and bring it back with me.
For those who live on the north and east side of Indy, I highly recommend parking at Glendale and taking the shuttle. It comes frequently, it’s comfy, it’s air-conditioned, it drops you off right at the fair entrance, and best of all, it’s free!
Awesome tips! I’ve always wanted to take the shuttle or the train to the fair but being a southsider it seems counterintuitive. 🙂