The much awaited Indiana State Fair, one of the biggest celebrations of culture in the Hoosier state, returns this August with several new attractions. According to the fair’s website, this year's theme is “The Art and Nature of Fun,” and it is an affordable, family-friendly event.
The fair will take place from Aug. 2-18 but will be closed Aug. 5 and 12. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. The last entry into the fair is at 8 p.m. Admission for children ages five and under is free, and tickets bought in advance cost $13. Visitors can explore family packages, parking passes and purchase tickets here.
The celebration will be at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, located at 1202 E. 38th St. in Indianapolis.
Free concerts
According to its website, the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage will host several concerts including “Fearless: The Taylor Swift Tribute” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10; “Buddy Guy: Damn Right Farewell” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and a performance from the band “Dogstar,” featuring Robert Mailhouse, Bret Domrose and actor Keanu Reeves, at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8.
All the shows will be free with paid fair admission, and the seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own folding chair to the Free Stage.
There are two premium upgrade options available for concert-goers this year. The first, General Admission Reserved, costs $55 and includes one State Fair ticket, access to a reserved seating area, private bar, private restrooms and a custom collectable lanyard. The second, Premier Reserved, costs $100 and includes one State Fair ticket, seats in the venue’s front rows, private restrooms, a private bar, custom collectable lanyard and the option to purchase one VIP parking spot close to the venue.
For a list of all concerts at this year’s state fair, visit the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage website.
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Celebrating The Beatles
The fair will celebrate the 60th anniversary of British rock band The Beatles performing at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 1964 with an entire day of “Fab Four”-themed events on Aug. 3. The Beatles tribute band “Hard Day’s Night” will perform The Beatles’ exact setlist from 1964, as well as additional hits from that era, at 2 p.m. Aug. 3. The Free Stage will host “Live and Let Die: The Music Of Paul Mccartney,” featuring the acclaimed actor and musician Tony Kishman, at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3. He has earned raves from “Beatlemaniacs” all over the world for his visual and vocal resemblance to Paul McCartney, according to the Arcada Theatre. Visitors can purchase admission tickets for the tribute performance here. Aug. 3. marks the beginning of a month long celebration, the details of which will be announced on that day.
According to the fair’s website, iconic items from the early era of The Beatles will be on display from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on the fairgrounds. The collection includes a few guitars that belonged to the musicians: George Harrison’s 1964 Gibson SG Standard, John Lennon’s 1963 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 and John Lennon’s 1964 Rickenbacker Rose Morris model 1996 (later gifted to Ringo). There will also be select images and items on display from The Beatles’ performances in Indianapolis in 1964.
According to Fox59 news, The fair will also include the following The Beatles-themed events on Aug. 3:
- Classic The Beatles movies will play at the Fairgrounds Outdoor Theater.
- The fair will launch a Beatles-themed hot air balloon at 6 a.m.
- Impersonators of the four Beatles members will be present all day.
- Beatlemania Brunch featuring special themed food and drink selections will take place at 10 a.m.
- Liverpool Lunch will be provided at Noon
- Fab Afternoon Tea-Time will take place at 4 p.m.
- Themed photo opportunities will be available all day.
- Themed music will play throughout the fairgrounds all day.
- The Beatles themed food and drink options including the “Hard Days Flight,” “Coo Coo Ka Choo on this Turkey Leg,” “Strawberry Fried Green Salad,” “Yellow Submarine Sandwich” and “Here Comes the Sun Punch Drink.”
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Unique foods
"Taste of the Fair" is an annual fair tradition known for its novel food and beverage creations. Visitors can try dishes and drinks like barbecue tater tot nachos, a sweet tea slushy, chili cheese empanada and Cinnamon Toast Crunch funnel cake. According to a press release, visitors can vote for their favorite dishes by visiting any of the information booths or by using the QR codes displayed at each participating “Taste of the Fair” concession stand. The winning food stand will receive a $2,500 prize, followed by second place receiving $1,000 and third place receiving $500. A map highlighting the locations of all the fair’s food booths, including the featured food items will be available at information booths located throughout the fairgrounds and on the fair’s website.
Visitors can pick up the $5 value menu from any Indiana State Fair information booth and explore classic fair treats at budget friendly prices.
