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Indiana State Fair 2026

August 7 - 23, 2026

Venue: Indiana State Fairgrounds

Expected Attendance: 800,000+

Official Website →

The Indiana State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the nation, drawing 800,000+ visitors across 17 days in August. Livestock competitions, midway rides, Indiana-grown food vendors, nightly concerts on multiple stages, 4-H exhibits, and deep-fried everything. A family tradition for Hoosiers — and worth the trip for out-of-towners who've never experienced a proper Midwest state fair.

Complete Attendee Guide Available

Schedule, expo tips, dining, hotels, parking, and what to expect.

Read the Guide →

Insider Tips

The Fairgrounds are 3 miles north of downtown — take IndyGo Route 38 from downtown bus stops, drive and park on-site ($15 general parking), or rideshare (surge pricing evenings)
Arrive before noon on weekdays for smaller crowds — weekends are packed, especially concert nights
The Midway is expensive — set a budget before you walk in or it adds up fast
Indiana fair food highlights: pork chop on a stick (the gold standard), fresh corn, elephant ears, and whatever is deep-fried this year
Evening concerts at the Coliseum and other stages are ticketed separately — check the lineup and buy in advance
Dress for outdoor heat — August in Indy is hot and humid. Drink water constantly
The 4-H building and livestock barns are free with admission and genuinely interesting even if you didn't grow up in rural Indiana
Fair admission is cheaper before 3 PM most days — check the website for daily discounts and promotions

Where to Eat & Drink

Our picks for Indiana State Fair 2026 attendees

Indiana State Fairgrounds

Indiana State Fairgrounds

venue $$ ★ 4.4

“Home of the Indiana State Fair — 800,000+ attendees across 17 days each August”

1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205

Browse All Venues

Neighborhoods to Explore

Where to Stay

Convention hotels with skywalk access to downtown venues

Aloft Indianapolis Downtown

Aloft Indianapolis Downtown

hotel $$ ★ 4.6

“Trendy Marriott lifestyle hotel opened 2025 — WXYZ bar, splash pool, and steps from Monument Circle and Gainbridge Fieldhouse”

136 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 12 min walk from Convention Center

Bottleworks Hotel

Bottleworks Hotel

hotel $$$$ ★ 4.8

“Stunning boutique hotel in the restored 1930s Coca-Cola bottling plant — rated #1 boutique hotel in the US”

850 Massachusetts Ave

🚶 15 min walk from Convention Center

Conrad Indianapolis

Conrad Indianapolis

hotel $$$$ ★ 4.6

“Hilton's luxury flag with a full-service spa, Capital Grille steakhouse, and skywalk access to the Convention Center”

50 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 8 min walk (skywalk) from Convention Center

Courtyard Indianapolis at the Capitol

“Quiet Courtyard adjacent to the Indiana State Capitol with an indoor pool and outdoor sun patio”

320 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 14 min walk from Convention Center

Courtyard Indianapolis Downtown

“Skywalk connected to both the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium — part of the six-hotel Marriott IndyPlace complex”

601 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center

Crowne Plaza Union Station

Crowne Plaza Union Station

hotel $$ ★ 4.2

“Sleep in a converted Pullman train car inside historic Union Station — connected to Convention Center via skybridge”

123 W Louisiana St

🚶 Connected via skybridge from Convention Center

Embassy Suites Downtown

Embassy Suites Downtown

hotel $$$ ★ 4.2

“All-suite hotel with free cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception — great value for families”

110 W Washington St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Downtown

“Free breakfast with skywalk access to the Convention Center — the budget-friendly entry point into the Marriott IndyPlace complex”

501 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center

Hampton Inn Downtown — Circle Centre

“Free hot breakfast in the historic 1929 Chesapeake Building — 5-minute walk to the Convention Center, across from Circle Centre”

105 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

“Free breakfast on the Central Canal Walk — built around a preserved 1869 historic church, dual-brand with Homewood Suites”

414 W Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

🚶 15 min walk from Convention Center

Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown

“Steps from Monument Circle with 12-foot ceilings, city skyline views, full restaurant and bar, and a heated indoor pool”

10 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites

“On the corner of Illinois and Market — walking distance to everything downtown”

120 W Market St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Indianapolis Downtown

“Free breakfast one block from the Convention Center — the closest budget-tier hotel to the main convention hall”

410 S Missouri St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 2 min walk from Convention Center

Holiday Inn Indianapolis Downtown

“Full-service mid-tier hotel with on-site restaurant and indoor pool — adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium”

515 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown

“Extended-stay suites with full kitchens, free breakfast, and a saline indoor pool near Monument Circle”

115 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown

“All-suite extended stay with full kitchens, free hot breakfast, and skywalk access to Circle Centre and the Convention Center”

211 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center

Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

“Full kitchen suites and free breakfast on the Canal Walk — shares a historic church building with Hampton Inn IUPUI”

414 W Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

🚶 15 min walk from Convention Center

Hotel Indy (Tribute Portfolio)

Hotel Indy (Tribute Portfolio)

hotel $$$ ★ 4.2

“Racing-themed Marriott boutique with a rooftop Cannon Ball Lounge and one of the few downtown hotels with complimentary parking”

141 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown

“Extended-stay Hyatt with full kitchen suites, free breakfast, and 15th-floor indoor pool — shares building with Hyatt Place”

130 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center

Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown

“Free hot breakfast and a 15th-floor indoor pool directly across from Gainbridge Fieldhouse”

130 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis

hotel $$$ ★ 4.3

“Connected to Convention Center via skywalk — revolving rooftop restaurant with city views”

1 S Capitol Ave

🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center

Indianapolis Marriott Downtown

Indianapolis Marriott Downtown

hotel $$$ ★ 4.4

“Solid convention hotel adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium and connected to the Convention Center”

350 W Maryland St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

InterContinental Indianapolis

InterContinental Indianapolis

hotel $$$$ ★ 4.7

“Opened 2025 in the restored 1926 Illinois Building — rooftop bar with Monument Circle views and the city's only Penthouse Suite”

17 W Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

JW Marriott Indianapolis

JW Marriott Indianapolis

hotel $$$$ ★ 4.5

“Largest hotel in Indiana — connected to the Convention Center via skywalk”

10 S West St

🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center

Kimpton Hotel Indianapolis

Kimpton Hotel Indianapolis

hotel $$$ ★ 4.2

“Boutique lifestyle hotel coming to downtown Indianapolis in late 2026”

Downtown Indianapolis

🚶 Walking distance (exact TBD) from Convention Center

La Quinta Inn & Suites Indianapolis Downtown

“Free parking and free breakfast near Monument Circle — one of the only budget downtown hotels with on-site parking”

401 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

Le Méridien Indianapolis

Le Méridien Indianapolis

hotel $$$ ★ 4.4

“Boutique Marriott in the historic Canterbury building — skywalk connected to the Convention Center with Spoke & Steele restaurant”

123 S Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center

Omni Severin Hotel

Omni Severin Hotel

hotel $$$ ★ 4.2

“Historic luxury hotel across the street from Union Station — a downtown Indy landmark since 1913”

40 W Jackson Pl

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Residence Inn Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal

“All-suite Marriott hotel steps from the Indianapolis Canal Walk — a comfortable extended-stay option near the Convention Center”

350 W New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre

“The only downtown hotel with a rooftop outdoor pool — Monument Circle views, bowling alley, and 378 rooms”

31 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Signia by Hilton Indianapolis

Signia by Hilton Indianapolis

hotel $$$$ ★ 4.4

“Downtown Indianapolis's newest major convention hotel — 800 rooms, skywalk-connected to the ICC, opening Fall 2026”

200 S Illinois St

🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center

SpringHill Suites Indianapolis Downtown

“All-suite hotel with free breakfast and skywalk access to the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium — part of Marriott IndyPlace”

601 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center

Staybridge Suites Indianapolis Downtown

“Extended-stay suites with free breakfast and Mon–Wed evening social adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium”

535 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

The Alexander

The Alexander

hotel $$$ ★ 4.4

“Boutique art hotel in the Autograph Collection — modern design, walkable to everything downtown”

333 S Delaware St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

TownePlace Suites Indianapolis Downtown

“Extended-stay Marriott near Lucas Oil Stadium with full kitchen suites, rooftop garden, and BBQ grills”

629 Russell Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 12 min walk from Convention Center

Tru by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown

“Budget-modern Hilton near Lucas Oil Stadium — free breakfast, game room lobby, and the lowest Hilton Honors rate downtown”

601 Russell Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

The Westin Indianapolis

The Westin Indianapolis

hotel $$$ ★ 4.3

“Connected to Convention Center and 200+ venues via the downtown skywalk system”

241 W Washington St

🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center

Parking

Pro tip: Pre-book parking on SpotHero to save money during events. Walk-up rates spike during major conventions.

28 E South St Parking Lot

parking $$ ★ 2.7

“Surface lot just south of Lucas Oil Stadium — a solid option for stadium and Convention Center events”

28 E South St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

“Surface lot on East South Street — convenient for Lucas Oil Stadium and Convention Center events”

31 E South St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

45 E South St Parking Lot

parking $$ ★ 4

“24-hour surface lot on East South Street near Lucas Oil Stadium”

45 E South St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

“24-hour surface lot on S Meridian — convenient for Lucas Oil Stadium events”

501-549 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

“One of the closest garages to the Convention Center on Illinois Street — steps from the skywalk entrance”

50 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 4 min walk from Convention Center

Blue Garage (Circle Centre)

Blue Garage (Circle Centre)

parking $$ ★ 3.9

“South entrance to Circle Centre — escalator access to the mall and skywalk system”

26 W Georgia St

🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center

BMO Plaza Garage

BMO Plaza Garage

parking $$ ★ 3.5

“Mid-block Pennsylvania Street garage between Monument Circle and the north downtown corridor”

135 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center

Capital Center Garage

Capital Center Garage

parking $$ ★ 3

“Underground garage near Monument Circle with ~517 spaces — a quieter alternative to the Convention Center garages”

251 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Capitol Commons Garage

Capitol Commons Garage

parking $$$$ ★ 1.8

“Closest garage to the Convention Center — but you'll pay for the convenience”

20 N Capitol Ave

🚶 Adjacent from Convention Center

Circle Centre Mall Garage

parking $$ ★ 4.3

“Best value downtown parking — $2 for up to 3 hours, connected to Circle Centre Mall and skywalk system”

48 W Maryland St

🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center

City Park Garage

City Park Garage

parking $$ ★ 3.5

“Pay-on-foot automated system near Gainbridge Fieldhouse — cameras on every floor”

120 E Washington St

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

CityWay North Garage

CityWay North Garage

parking $$ ★ 4.2

“CityWay mixed-use development garage — between the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium on Delaware Street”

301 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 6 min walk from Convention Center

CityWay South Garage

CityWay South Garage

parking $$ ★ 2.5

“CityWay south parking structure — convenient for Lucas Oil Stadium and Convention Center overflow”

357 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center

Convention Center Lot 3

Convention Center Lot 3

parking $$$ ★ 4.7

“Surface lot directly adjacent to the Convention Center south entrance — ~380 spaces”

327 S Missouri St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 Adjacent (south entrance) from Convention Center

Court Street Garage

Court Street Garage

parking $$ ★ 2.7

“Connected to Claypool Court and the Indiana Repertory Theatre — one of the closest garages to the Convention Center”

33 N Capitol Ave

🚶 4 min walk from Convention Center

Express Park Garage

Express Park Garage

parking $$ ★ 3.8

“24/7 garage right on Pennsylvania Street — early bird rate $15 if you enter before 9 AM”

20 N Pennsylvania St

🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center

Gainbridge Fieldhouse Northeast Lot

“Official Pacers game-day lot directly northeast of Gainbridge Fieldhouse”

126 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Government Center Garage

Government Center Garage

parking $$ ★ 3.5

“State government garage near the Statehouse — public access available, moderate rates”

100 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Indiana Government Center North Garage

“North government garage at Senate & Ohio — public access, 10 min walk to Convention Center”

100 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

Huntington Plaza Garage

Huntington Plaza Garage

parking $$ ★ 4.4

“Monument Circle-area garage on Pennsylvania Street — central location for downtown dining and events”

35 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 6 min walk from Convention Center

Hyatt Regency Garage

parking $$$ ★ 4.5

“Attached garage for the Hyatt Regency — 2 min walk to Convention Center, publicly accessible”

1 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 2 min walk from Convention Center

JW Marriott Garage

JW Marriott Garage

parking $$$ ★ 4.2

“Attached to the JW Marriott — connected to Convention Center via skywalk, publicly accessible”

10 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center

Lucas Oil Stadium South Lot

Lucas Oil Stadium South Lot

parking $$$ ★ 4.7

“Largest surface lot adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium — 1,499 spaces, $20-40 on event days”

601 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

Market District Garage

Market District Garage

parking $ ★ 3.5

“One of the cheapest garages downtown — $8 max daily rate”

101 N New Jersey St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Market Tower Garage

Market Tower Garage

parking $$ ★ 3

“Central downtown garage steps from Monument Circle — $24 max daily”

139 N Illinois St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

“Attached to the Courtyard and Residence Inn near the Convention Center — west-side convention parking”

501 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Merchants Garage

Merchants Garage

parking $$ ★ 3

“Downtown garage steps from Monument Circle on South Meridian — good value for evening events”

31 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Omni Severin Garage

Omni Severin Garage

parking $$$ ★ 4.6

“Omni Severin's attached garage near Union Station — 7 min walk to Convention Center”

40 W Jackson Pl, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center

Pan Am Plaza Garage

Pan Am Plaza Garage

parking $$$ ★ 3.8

“Large garage between the Convention Center and Lucas Oil — entrances on Capitol Ave and Illinois St”

201 S Capitol Ave

🚶 3 min walk from Convention Center

Plaza Park Garage

Plaza Park Garage

parking $$$ ★ 3.7

“Good value for Convention Center and Lucas Oil events — cheaper than Capitol Commons”

30 S Missouri St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Regions Tower Garage

parking $ ★ 1

“Best evening deal downtown — just $4 after 4 PM and on weekends”

150 E Ohio St

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

Sheraton Hotel Garage

Sheraton Hotel Garage

parking $$$ ★ 4

“Sheraton Indianapolis hotel garage near Monument Circle — publicly accessible”

55 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Union Station Garage

Union Station Garage

parking $$ ★ 3.9

“Best daily rates near the Convention Center — max $18 for 24 hours”

301 S Meridian St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Victory Field Lot

Victory Field Lot

parking $$ ★ 4.8

“Official Victory Field parking lot — also useful for Convention Center's west entrance and Lucas Oil events”

501 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

🚶 6 min walk from Convention Center

Virginia Avenue Garage

Virginia Avenue Garage

parking $$ ★ 4.1

“Skywalk-connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse — solid option for Pacers games and events”

155 S Delaware St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Washington Street Garage

Washington Street Garage

parking $$ ★ 4

“Skybridge to JW Marriott — great for Victory Field and Convention Center west side”

401 W Washington St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Westin Indianapolis Garage

Westin Indianapolis Garage

parking $$$ ★ 4.3

“Attached garage for the Westin Indianapolis — connected to Convention Center, publicly accessible”

241 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 5 min walk / skywalk access from Convention Center

White River State Park Garage

White River State Park Garage

parking $$ ★ 4.2

“Main parking garage for White River State Park — serves the Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, and Canal Walk”

650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center

White River State Park Parking Lot

“Primary parking for the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, and White River State Park — ~10 min walk to Convention Center”

801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

🚶 10 min walk via Washington St from Convention Center