The Indy State Fairgrounds and its History
©https://www.in.gov/dnr/historic/4105.htm
Annually, Indiana’s State Board of Agriculture organizes fairs that promote agricultural growth in Indiana. The first fair happened in October 1852, with the help of agriculture promoter Governor Wright and the Indiana General Assembly. The first venue for the fair was on what is now known as Military Park, located west of downtown Indianapolis.
In 1860 however, they established a new location with approximately 38 acres along Alabama Street, north of Indy. Forty agricultural fairs have been held at rotating sites around Indiana until they opened the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center in 1982. They use state fair buildings and grounds for a wide variety of other shows throughout the year.
In 1992, the Board established a quasi-governmental agency known as the ISF Commission. The commission governs, manages, and enhances the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the annual fair to benefit all Indiana citizens. The ISF Commission takes pride in its facilities and the citizens they represent. Today, it has over 250 acres of area with more than 1,000,000 square feet of venue space. It hosts more than 400 events every year and is one of the most flexible venues in Indiana.
Location:
1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Phone:
Administration: 317-927-7500
Fax Number: 317-927-7695
Security Office: 317-927-7520
Public Skating Information: 317-849-9930
Events
©https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/indiana-farmers-coliseum/contact
The Indiana State Fairgrounds is an excellent venue for conventions, trade shows, performances, conferences, meetings, exhibitions, weddings, banquets, and retreats. Guests can enjoy happenings on modern facilities in a historical setting. They organize dozens of activities and fairs, including expositions such as the American Red Cross Blood Drive and O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, etc.
The marketplace is also a famous go-to fair. Bargain hunters can delight in many items and low-priced merchandise, from antiques, jewelry, arts and crafts, electronics, furniture, and more. RV dealers also host a marketplace for RV enthusiasts like the Indy RV Expo. They offer special show rates, factory incentives, and on-the-spot financing.
Sports like ice hockey are a famous attraction in the most prominent building, the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Another famous annual fair is the Christmas Night of Lights, where you can be mesmerized by over 1 million twinkling lights that synchronize to old and new Christmas music when you play it through your car stereo. This yearly tradition is open for all ages but with a height vehicle limit of 11 feet. There are also venues for newsworthy festivals, live performances, tournaments, ceremonies, and public voting.
©https://www.facebook.com/IndianaStateFair/photos
You can book events at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Indiana Farmers Coliseum by contacting their Sales Department at:
You can book events at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Indiana Farmers Coliseum by contacting their Sales Department at:
Phone: 317-927-7619
Email: sales@indianastatefair.com
Catering and Concessions
Spectrum Catering, Concessions, and Events is a global business with over 25 years of service in the industry. They provide food and drinks services in all venues and sites on the fairground. They assist clients in creative solutions and bring any vision or theme to life.
Besides Spectrum Catering, other vendors provide year-round food services like the R. E. Smith Food and Drink and Urick Concessions. Additionally, Pepsi Cola is the official soft drink sponsor of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The caterers must provide all food and drink, or the ISFC contracted concessionaires.
If you want full-service catering or if you have wedding inquiries, you may contact them at:
Phone: 317-927-1447
Email: jsnyder@spectrumfcs.com
Website: www.spectrumconcessions.com
Fairground Buildings and Facilities
We listed the venues down below if you plan to book a venue and get an overview of the fairground locations and facilities.
Annually, Indiana’s State Board of Agriculture organizes fairs that promote agricultural growth in Indiana. The first fair happened in October 1852, with the help of agriculture promoter Governor Wright and the Indiana General Assembly. The first venue for the fair was on the grounds of what is now known as Military Park, located west of downtown Indianapolis.
In 1860 however, they established a new location with approximately 38 acres along Alabama Street, north of Indy. Forty agricultural fairs have been held at rotating sites around Indiana until they opened the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center in 1982. They use state fair buildings and grounds for a wide variety of other shows throughout the year.
In 1992, the Board established a quasi-governmental agency known as the ISF Commission. To benefit all Indiana citizens, the commission governs, manages, and enhances the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the annual fair. The ISF Commission takes pride in its facilities and the citizens they represent. Today, it has over 250 acres of area with more than 1,000,000 square feet of venue space. It hosts more than 400 events every year and is one of the most flexible venues in Indiana.
- 4-H Exhibit Hall and Auditorium
©https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/facilityrental/venues/4-h-exhibit-hall–auditorium
It is a three-story venue (exhibit hall, auditorium, and meeting or dorm space) part of the 4-H Complex with the Centennial Hall, Discovery Hall, and Celebration Park. Other features include:
- 1,855 sq ft lobby (1st floor, exhibit hall)
- 2,275 sq ft lobby and a 20 x 40 ft permanent stage (2nd floor, auditorium)
- Six meeting rooms and a small kitchen for breaks (3rd floor, meeting rooms)
- Parking space
Agriculture Horticulture Building
This building is perfect for consumer and trade shows and can also be great for hosting banquets and seminars. It features three adjacent doors for easy mobility, permanent concessions, office space designed for show managers, and a staff apartment. Parking space is also available.
- Blue Ribbon Pavilion
©https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/facilityrental/venues/elements-financial-blue-ribbon-pavilion
This 69,000 sq ft pavilion features nine overhead doors and two bay doors (loading dock) for easy move-in and move-out access. Other features include:
- 2,075 sq ft multipurpose meeting room (1st floor)
- Five breakout rooms (2nd floor)
- Parking space
- Ticket office
- Celebration Park
©https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/facilityrental/venues/celebration-park
It is a gorgeous outdoor landscape venue and perfect for performances and festivals. The sheltered stage can entertain up to 5,000 attendees with ample parking and restrooms. This venue features the following:
- 4-acre park with 40 X 40 ft sheltered permanent stage
- Location is adjacent to 4-H Exhibit Hall, Discovery Hall, and Centennial Hall
- Space for hospitality
Champions Pavilion
The Champions Pavilion is a 66,500 sq ft venue best for exhibit, trade, and agricultural shows. Its features include:
- Three breakout rooms for meetings, seminars, or as dorm space (2nd floor)
- 7 Load-in doors (loading dock) with easy direct floor access
- Shower facilities
- Office space and staff apartment space
- Ticket office
Covered Bridge
©https://www.facebook.com/IndianaStateFair
This venue is a unique location ideal for weddings and other special outdoor gatherings. It has ample parking space and a great venue together with Celebration Park.
Discovery Hall
It is a perfect venue for seminars, banquets, meetings, and retreats. This 9,430 sq ft dedicated conference center features nine breakout rooms, space transformable to dorm facility (224 beds capacity), full ethernet and wireless internet capabilities, kitchen facility, laundry and shower facilities, and on-site parking space.
- DNR Amphitheater
©https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/facilityrental/venues/dnr-amphitheater
The DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Amphitheater is perfect for special private occasions, weddings, and other performing arts. Features include a 22 x 26 ft permanent stage with 157 seats for guests, on-site parking, and hospitality space.
Farm Bureau Building
It is one of the most diverse locations. This 15,000 sq ft venue offers three ideal venue spaces for small exhibit shows, seminars, banquets, meetings, and other special fairs that require a built-in stage. Other features include:
- Auditorium with 24 x 60 ft stage and a green room
- Banquet Hall
- Exhibit Hall
- On-site parking space
Grand Hall
This 8,000 sq ft hall is another excellent venue for small exhibit shows, seminars/meetings, banquets, and weddings. It has a 2,590 sq ft expandable lobby area on the main floor. Ticket Office and on-site parking are also available.
Harvest Pavilion
This 18,000 sq ft pavilion can host small to medium-sized exhibits, trade shows, seminars, and meetings. It has two venue offices, one load-in door with direct floor access, a ticket office, and an on-site parking space.
Hoosier Lottery Expo Hall
It features a 1,015 sq ft multipurpose meeting room, three overhead doors, office space, parking, shower facilities, and three ticketing offices. This 74,000 sq ft usually hosts large consumer, exhibit, and trade shows.
- Hoosier Lottery Grandstand
©https://www.facebook.com/IndianaStateFair
- Indiana Farmers Coliseum
©https://www.facebook.com/IndianaStateFair
It is the largest structure that serves as a one-of-a-kind multipurpose sports and entertainment facility. It hosts over 150 sporting and entertainment such as live music, family shows, Auto Auctions, and other special fairs with over 1 million guests every year.
The Box Office located in the Main Lobby accepts payment in MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover, and cash. Once you’ve purchased a ticket for a game, performances, and alike, you can no longer do a refund or exchange.
Can pick up pre-purchased tickets at the Will Call windows of the Box Office. Just present a valid photo ID and the card used to claim your purchased tickets.
Operating Hours:
Open every Wednesday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Closed on major holidays unless there is an event at the venue
Box Office:
Monday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed unless there is an event
It Opens 2 hours before the schedule
For inquiries and other information, you may contact their following offices:
Main Phone
317-927-7601
Box Office
317-927-7601
Lost & Found
317-927-7601
Indy Fuel
317-925-FUEL
IUPUI Jaguars
317-278-JAGS
Event Booking
317-927-7619
Marketing
317-927-7545
Normandy Barn
The Normandy Barn features a unique place ideal for weddings, meetings, and other special gatherings. It has a separate pre-function space and on-site parking.
Northwest Pavilion
This 31,800 sq ft pavilion is an excellent venue for agriculture, small exhibits, and trade shows. It also has a dedicated ticket office and parking space.
- Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion
©https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/facilityrental/venues/pop-weaver-youth-pavilion
It is the newest year-round venue that opened in July 2013. It can hold up to 1,255 seating guests. Additional features include:
- 3 Load-in Doors with direct floor access
- Concessions
- Locker-Rooms
- Shower Facilities
- Skate Shop
South Pavilion
This 104,000 sq ft pavilion features three halls (Hall B, Hall C, and Hall D) that can be used individually for agriculture, consumer, trade shows, and exhibits. Each hall has its own ticket office, shower facilities, office-style space, and accessible parking space. Hall D has a 2,040 sq ft show storage area.
Southwest Pavilion
The Southwest Pavilion has a 9,005 sq ft floor area ideal for receptions, meetings, and banquets. It has parking and office space for shows as well.
Universal Windows Direct West Pavilion
The Universal Windows Direct West Pavilion is the most significant event venue and center point to some of the most prestigious and grandest consumer and trade shows in Indianapolis. It has a 147,000 sq ft area ideal for agriculture, exhibit, trade, and sports shows. Some features include 15 load-in doors with direct floor access, shower facilities, office space, show storage, staff apartments, and two ticket offices.
Entertainment
Here are some of the happenings and fun activities to enjoy at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (please call their office for inquiries and other information):
Family Fun Park
Family Fun Park is an entertainment and smoke-free area for your family. The activities in the venue are open from 9 am to 8 pm daily.
- Little Hands on the Farm
If you are searching for fun activities for your kids, Little Hands on the Farm will be an excellent option for you. Nearly 26,000 little farmers visit this interactive exhibit every year. The interactive mock farm features 13 interactive barns where attendees will harvest products and do chores such as gathering eggs, tomato or pepper seed planting, milking a cow, and other activities on the farm.
- “Easy Ride’ Em Ponies”
Little fair fans can enjoy a hand-led pony ride around the vicinity of the Family Fun Park. The ticket price is $6.
- Go-Karts
The Mini Indy track race is a solid track built with the same standards as the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It has a comprehensive banking of 9 degrees in the corners and 7 degrees straight. Ticket fees are $7 per driver and $4 per rider. Go-Karts is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Indiana History Train
This new exhibit celebrates Indiana’s creativity and innovations by exploring the invention process using Hoosier models aboard three specially renovated freight cars. The Indiana Historical Society created the “Made in Indiana” History Train using historical resources from IHS’s archives and other sources.
It will provide guests with historical details and enjoy hands-on learning about the products rooted in Indiana, such as automobiles, medical innovations, musical instruments, and agricultural equipment. They included artifacts and video documents in telling each story of the invention process. The historical train will be open daily from 9 am to 8 pm.
Animal Town
©Prairie Farms, https://www.facebook.com/IndianaStateFair
Visitors can enjoy engaging in an interactive experience with eight different species of barnyard animals. From the animal’s morning stroll to their nightly feeding, guests can have backstage access to learn closely what it takes to take care of the animals found on the farm. It will open daily from 9 am to 9 pm for 17 days (scheduled to open in 2021).
Sleep Number Skyride
©https://www.facebook.com/IndianaStateFair
Fairgoers can enjoy a new view that is 35 feet above Main Street and travels 1,400 feet of an ongoing loop between the Swine Barn and Midway. Tickets are available for purchase at any Midway Ticket Booth at $6 (one-way ride down Main Street, 4 Midway tickets). Adults must attend with riders with a height of 2.66 ft to 4 ft, while riders above 4 ft may ride alone.
Pioneer Village
This little village takes you back to the 1800s and features attractions like the Opry House, Antique Tractor Exhibition, Farm Toy Show, Liar’s Contest, Fiddle Contest, and many more. Mauri Williamson, an Agricultural Preservationist, Storyteller, and Visionary, is the Pioneer Village founder.
Livestock Barns
©https://www.facebook.com/IndianaStateFair
- Cattle Barn (Universal Windows Direct West Pavilion)
It will feature thousands of animals from beef steers, bulls, and heifers (1st week) to all six major dairy cattle breeds (2nd week). Obedient and agility dogs will be present on the fair’s final week.
- Draft Horse Barn (Champions Pavilion)
Being in the long tradition of Indiana agriculture, get up close with Clydesdales, Halflingers, Belgians, and Percherons. Llamas, donkeys, mules, and alpacas are also present in the Draft Horse Barn.
- Expositions at Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion and Cheri Daniels Arena
This fair provides agriculture and educational programs for the youth. Expositions include the showcase of llamas, alpacas, horses, mules, donkeys, beef, and dairy cattle.
- Poultry and Rabbit Barn (Northwest Pavilion)
Visitors will have the opportunity to see 100 breeds and poultry varieties, hatching baby chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Get an up-close look at bunnies and over 1,800 4-H and Open Rabbit entries during the fair.
- Saddle Horse Barn (South Pavilion)
It is home to many horses battling in the 4-H Horse and Pony Shows. Draft horses are in the Champions Pavilion, while the big horses will be stalled in the Saddle Horse Barn. West (Hall D) will be the home to showcase the largest pygmy goat show in America.
- Swine Barn
It will hold approximately 2,300 pigs (11 different breeds). Two of the most anticipated attractions will be the World’s Largest Male Hog and the Champion sow and litter.
- Sheep Barn (Blue Ribbon Pavilion)
The final week of the fair will showcase approximately 1,300 dairy goat entries. There are also sheep shearing and wool product demonstrations. For news and schedule updates, you may click on this link.
Plan your Visit and Stay in Indiana Grounds
The Indiana State Fairgrounds offers excellent campgrounds and hotel lodgings for guests and fairgoers. We listed some critical information to help you have a wonderful stay and experience the best fair in Indiana.
Camping
The campgrounds feature 140 sites with full seasonal hook-ups and primitive camping. Some sites are limited to electric-only sites, while others are primitive-only areas.
Features include:
- Year-round camping
- 30 and 50 amp services
- Indoor flush toilets and showers
- Laundry facilities (dryers and washers)
- Water (seasonal) – When the temperature reaches a freezing point during winter, water will no longer be available.
- Portable water (seasonal)
- Sanitary dumping station ($10 fee) – You must indicate and inform them before your arrival date if you wish to avail this service. You may call Security at 317-927-7520 when you arrive at to dump.
Reservations:
If you wish to camp, you must successfully book a reservation before your arrival date. You need to input your camping date, trailer type, and trailer length. Please make sure that the campsite you selected can provide the correct amperage for your RV together with its length and width space (from hitch to end).
Check-in: 1 pm to 7 pm (you must get their permission if you have an early check-in)
Check-out: At noon (no exceptions, you have to pay an additional overnight fee if you failed to leave at the time provided)
Rates: $40 per night
Indiana State Fairgrounds Rules and Reminders:
- Charcoal grilling is okay, but they do not allow open flame. Make sure to elevate your grills from the ground.
- No fire pits, bonfires, and other open flame usages
- They do not permit the use of drones.
- Please be mindful of your trash and keep your space clean (trash bins are available at the camping sites).
- Observe quiet hours around 11 pm to 6 am
- Do not use generators.
- One vehicle per space only (allocated parking space is available if needed)
- Although the campgrounds allow alcohol drinking, it must not leave your rented campsite premises.
- Pet owners must leash their pets at all times and be responsible for cleaning up and disposing of their pet’s waste. They will require your pets to stay only at your rented campsite (they will permit service animals on the fair premises).
- If you wish to bring your livestock trailer with you, it should not be at the campsite for more than 2 hours (maximum). You have to pay a penalty fee if you violate this rule.
You may send your camping questions and inquiries at camping@indianastatefair.com.
For booking and reservations, click the link here.
General RV Packing Essentials
- Sleeping bag, mattress, sofa bed, pillows, and extra blankets
- Medical and first-aid kits
- Solar-powered or propane-powered lantern, awning lights (for outdoor lights)
- Solar charger
- Water filter
- GPS and cell signal booster
- Heater (especially during winter)
- Toiletries such as towels, soap, shampoos, toilet paper, etc
- Coffee maker and pot
- Mat patio or patio rugs
- Cleaning items like trash bags, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, multipurpose cleaners, and rubber gloves
Parking
Fairground Parking – It is available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must enter through Gate 1 (38th street), Gate 6 (Fall Creek Parkway), or Gate 10 (42nd Street) with a fee of $8 per vehicle.
Motorcycle Parking Lot – The motorcycle parking space (located in the Infield) fee is $8 per motorcycle and is first-served.
E-Z Park Space – You can find these parking lots south of 38th Street across from the Main Gate and the Indiana School for the Deaf (42nd Street). The rate is $8 per vehicle.
Accessible Parking for Persons with Disabilities – It can be found inside Gate 1 (38th Street), outside Gate 16 (42nd Street), and in the Infield.
Please be informed that a free shuttle service is available to the fair at the 46th Street lot.
Hotels
In partnership with Visit Indy, we listed below some of the preferred hotels near the Indiana State Fairgrounds if you wish to stay at a hotel and get the best rates available.
©https://www.facebook.com/CandlewoodSuites
Candlewood Suites (Indy Downtown Medical District)
Location: 1152 N. White River Pkwy., W. Drive Indianapolis, IN 46222
Phone: 317-536-7700
Website link here.
©https://www.facebook.com/courtyard
Courtyard by Marriott Castleton
Location: 8670 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: 317-576-9559 / 800-321-2211
Website link here.
©https://www.facebook.com/hiindyairport
Holiday Inn (Indianapolis Airport)
Location: 8555 Stansted Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Phone: 317-856-6200
©https://www.facebook.com/IndyHotel
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Indianapolis North
Location: 3553 Founders Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: 317-334-7891
Website link here.
©https://www.facebook.com/TownePlaceSuitesIndianapolisKeystone
Towneplace Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Keystone
Location: 8468 Union Chapel Road
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: 317-255-3700
Website link here.
State Fair’s Covid-19 Reminder
Please note that some information above may not be accurate or up-to-date due to the pandemic’s effect on businesses. Before traveling, make sure to research their local guidelines by clicking on this link or following their Facebook page for news and updates. If you’re staying at a hotel, we suggest that you review and search their local guidelines for updates on amenities and services as well.