2024 Indiana State Fair Sees Massive Crowd and Record Sales

The 2024 Indiana State Fair welcomed over 850,000 people to Indianapolis, with many vendors reporting record sales.

READ MORE: Why Every Hoosier Family Should Visit the Indiana State Fair

It was a hot opening weekend for the 2024 Indiana State Fair, but that didn't stop hundreds of thousands of folks from enjoying all the annual festivities. The fair ran from August 2nd through the 18th, featuring two weeks worth of summer fun, competition, education, and entertainment. According to a news release from the Indiana State Fair Media Department, the event was a huge success, netting over 10,000+ exhibitors and youth competitors.

2024 Indiana State Fair Celebrates Successful Event

Attendance reached 854,236 in 2024, an increase over 2023 when 840,414 folks took part in the event. Final figures revealed an annual increase in fairgoers staying longer during their visit, with many vendors and partners reporting record sales. Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, noted the organizers were pleased with the hefty turnout.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of this year’s Indiana State Fair,” she said in a news release. “The fair is an annual testament to the hard work and dedication of our leadership, staff, youth competitors, partners, volunteers, and all participants. We are grateful to all our fairgoers who came out this year to celebrate this iconic summertime tradition.”

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2024 Indiana State Fair in Review

I've said before that this was my first time back to the Indiana State Fair in almost 10 years. There was so much to see, and the interactive displays and exhibits were tons of fun. Plus, there were a lot of new activities this year, including the new splash pad, outdoor basketball court, outdoor Illuminate lantern display, and so much more.

“This year was special in many ways. Each year has its own memories, and the 2024 Indiana State Fair was one of our best! The Art & Nature of Fun theme, with our partners at Newfields, brought incredible new exhibits and immersive experiences for our guests," Hoye said.

The event saw a few celeberity guests, including Indiana Fever All-Star Caitlyn Clark and actor Keanu Reeves, who performed on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. Social media star Jackson Farmer also attended his first Indiana State Fair, where he fell in love with antique tractors and Pioneer Village. Addionally, the 8th Annual Harvest Dinner, featured The Art of Leadership with Four Gubernatorial Hoosiers: Governor Eric Holcomb, Vice President Mike Pence, Governor Mitch Daniels, and Senator Evan Bayh.