Make your 2025 State Fair bucket list

INDIANAPOLIS — Several new attractions are coming to this year’s Indiana State Fair.

From circus stunts to immersive music-themed exhibits, the fair is set to be one for the record books. The fair’s theme this year is “The Soundtrack of Summer.”

The following attractions are free with paid admission, unless otherwise noted.

Closed on Mondays, the fair will take place Aug. 1-17 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis.

What’s New

• Big Top Circus presented by Bee Window: Don’t miss the pulse-pounding action under the Big Top. Featuring a daring human cannonball, an expert crossbow artist and a jaw-dropping hand-balancer, this circus delivers thrills for all ages. Daily at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. at The Big Top Zone. Paid seating and entry upgrades are available.

• The Art of Music Experience: This immersive new exhibit celebrates the stories behind legendary album cover art with large-scale hand-painted displays, neon vibes, live mural painting and interactive education. Daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Vinyl Revival in the Harvest Pavilion.

• Mighty Mike: The world’s strongest funny man is back to bend steel, rip cards and juggle sledgehammers with style — all while keeping the crowd laughing. Daily at 1, 3 and 6 p.m. on Main Street.

• Wolves of the World: The only traveling wolf pack in existence takes the stage to showcase their natural agility, alertness and pack dynamics. Daily at 4 and 6:30 p.m. at Meijer Family Fun Park. Additional shows at noon and 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Additional Activities

• The Pioneer Grill: Step back in time and savor the flavors of yesteryear at The Pioneer Grill, the newest culinary gem at the Indiana State Fair. Nestled near the historic Pioneer Village, this charming food stand will feature grilled ribeye sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pork burger, beer, boozy slushies and a Bloody Mary flight.

• Indiana’s Court: In partnership with Pacers Sports and Entertainment, this full-size custom court will offer a photo-worthy design and space for guests to shoot hoops and celebrate Indiana’s basketball legacy.

• Taste & Create: Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners stars and legendary distillers Mark and Digger are coming to the fair on Aug. 14. Additional cost.

• IKONIC DIY Glass Workshop: Discover the wonder of glassblowing at the fair — safe, fun and perfect for all ages 10 and up. You’ll melt, shape and take home your very own creation. Additional cost.

• ABATE Tiny Tots Riding Experience: Give your little one the chance to experience the thrill of riding a motorcycle in a safe and controlled environment. ABATE of Indiana’s Children’s Motorcycle Adventure, featuring the Tiny Tots Riding Experience, lets kids hop on a pint-sized motorcycle and ride on a designated course.

• Midway rides and games: The classic fair experience continues with rides, carnival games and thrills for all ages. Additional cost.

• Pioneer Village: A celebration of Indiana’s agricultural heritage, featuring interactive exhibits, youth showcases and locally made goods.

• Canstruction exhibit: Stunning structures built entirely from canned goods, supporting hunger relief efforts across the state.

• Hoosier Lottery Free Stage concerts. National acts take the stage nightly for performances. The greatest concert value of the summer.

All shows at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage are free with paid fair admission and seating is first-come, first-served. All shows start at 7:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise.

The 2025 lineup includes:

• Aug. 1 — Three Dog Night

• Aug. 2 — Disney Throwback DJ Night

• Aug. 3 — Max McNown

• Aug. 5 — Indiana State Fair DJ Night featuring B-Swift

• Aug. 6 — Babyface

• Aug. 7 — America

• Aug. 8 — Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers

• Aug. 9 — Rookie of the Year movie screening at 5 p.m., Thomas Nicholas Band at 7 p.m. and Emo Night DJ Set at 8 p.m.

• Aug. 10 — Chris Tomlin

• Aug. 12 — 107.1 Radio Latina: Latino Day presents Banda Troyana

• Aug. 13 —Happy Together Tour ‘25 featuring The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues and The Cowsills

• Aug. 14 — Phil Vassar and Lonestar co-headline at 6 p.m. show

• Aug. 15 — Melissa Etheridge

• Aug. 16 — 1964 The Tribute

• Aug. 17 — Gospel Music Festival featuring Marvin Sapp.

Learn more at www.indianastatefair.com.