The Indiana State Fair is in full swing! You still have plenty of time to take in the fun on the midway, visit the animals, see exhibitions, and of course taste all the delicious foods. And luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to save money on your visit too. Here’s what you need to know.
First Responders Day
On Monday, August 12th, First Responders and their families receive free admission all day. Simply present your appropriate ID or badge at the gate.
$2 Tuesday
The office of the Indiana Secretary of State proudly presents $2 Tuesday again on Tuesday, August 13th. Gate admission, Midway rides, and even select food options come in at this low price.
Free Shuttle Rides for Seniors on Wednesday
Thanks to Hoosier Lottery, MHS, Sleep Number, Indiana 811, Tractor Supply Co., Indiana State University, and FedEx Employees Credit Association, Seniors (55+) can ride the shuttler around the State Fairgrounds for free on Wednesday August 14th.
FREE Entry for AAA Members
Are you a part of AAA? On Thursday, August 15th, your membership gets you free entry at the gate. One valid card per person, only.
Over 100 FREE Experiences
We all know the animals and the amazing 4H and Open Class exhibits are free. But, there’s so much more to do and see without spending a dime once you make it to the fair.
- Little Hands on the Farm: Let the kids learn how farming works with a lesson or two about money, too. Head to the Andersen Family Fun Park daily from 9 AM to 8 PM. This was one of our favorite places in years past when our girls were younger!
- Super Hero City: New this year, you can head to Corteva Agriscience FFA Pavilion where your little crime fighter can meet the likes of Batman, Spiderman, Superman, Black Panther, the Flash and my favorite Wonder Woman in this interactive exhibit. You can find the daily line up here.
- Big Top Circus: Again, this year your family can visit the fair and the circus in the same day. Daily at 1 PM, 4 PM, and 7 PM, you can catch a wonder filled show for FREE. Read more here.
- Super Cinema: Need a chance to rest your feet? Head to just inside Gate 12 where you’ll find the Super Cinema presented by IPL where you can catch a Superhero flick on the big screen.
- K9 Crew Trick Dog Show: Head to the Andersen Family Fun Park to see the amazing feats of the K9 Crew Trick Dog Show daily at 11 AM, 1:30 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM.
Be sure to check out the entire list of 100 FREE Experiences at the Indiana State Fair.
Bring Bottled Water & A Snack
Even if you plan to indulge on a fair treat, it’s a good idea to pack a reusable bottle for water and a snack for each member of your family. You can score FREE popcorn in the Farm Bureau building, too. It doesn’t hurt to bring a small bag with your essentials to keep costs lower.
Parking
If you’re from out of town and don’t know where to park your car, be sure to check out all of the options to help you save on the Indiana State Fair site. This year, the Fair has partnered with the Waze app to help guide you to the best place to park. There are also coupon codes for Lyft (discounts for both new and existing customers) if you’re grabbing a ride straight to the gate. You can park for FREE at the Glendale Mall and take a free shuttle throughout the day at set times, too. Or you can even ride your bike to the fair, get free bike parking, and even receive $1 off your gate price.
FREE Concerts
Last but not least, there are plenty of great free concerts remaining on the schedule. You can still catch Francesca Battistelli, Matthew West, Boyz II Men, Melissa Etheridge, The Guess Who, Mary, Mary, and more!
You can enjoy the fair without overspending! Have a fun family day that doesn’t break the bank when you plan ahead with these tips.
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This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
