100 FREE Things Visitors Can Do at the 2024 Indiana State Fair

The 2024 Indiana State Fair runs from August 2-18, and there are more things to do during the 18 days of the fair than you shake a corndog on a stick at. Of course, there are plenty of things to spend money on at the fair, but organizers want to remind you that there are dozens and dozens of FREE things to do, too.

READ MORE: See All of the Acts Playing on the Indiana State Fair FREE Stage

100 FREE Things to Do at the 2024 Indiana State Fair

• Challenge your friends to a game of putt-putt golf
• See if your kiddos can reel in the catch of the day at the DNR Fishing Pond
• Get around the grounds for FREE on the tractor shuttles
• Decide on your favorite hot air balloon and cheer it on at the PNC Bank Hot Air
• Watch the Indiana State Fair Parade
• NEW! DockDogs Presented by T-Mobile Big Air Wave Competition

• Visit beautiful butterflies at the Butterfly Exhibit
• Meet and pet baby goats
• Visit Pioneer Village and be transported back into the 1800s!
• Cool down at the FAIRadise Splash Pad
• NEW! Check out the Stilt Circus
• Visit Illuminate! Outdoors
• Take a self-guided trail around the Fairgrounds – pick up maps for The Wonder Trail at Animal Town or any State Fair Information Booths presented by Prairie Farms.
• Tour the Indiana History Train presented by the Indiana Historical Society
• Let your youngsters take on the role of a farmer for the day by participating in Little Hands on the Farm presented by College Choice 529 Savings Plans
• NEW! Artscape: Where Imagination Grows!
• Meet Johnny Appleseed!
• Meet the Indiana State Fair Queen, Alexxys Standish, at Introduction to Royalty: Our Indiana County Fair Queens!
• Marvel at the giant cheese sculpture sculpted by Sarah Kaufmann “The Cheese Lady” and presented by American Dairy Association Indiana Inc.
• Take a reading break at the Indiana State Fair Reading Garden

READ MORE: Indiana State Fair Unveils More Than 40 Unique & Adventurous New Menu Items

• Take in fair festivities as you walk across the scenic Covered Bridge
• See beautiful works of art created by local artists
• Get creative inspiration with the Make It with Wool Fashion Show
• Feeling cozy, stop by and see the Quilting Hall of Fame Exhibit
• Check out the Championship Rodeo’s Slack Run
• Watch woodworkers make chairs, toys, and more in Pioneer Village
• Get involved in STEM & FFA interactive activities
• NEW! Watch the Stilt Circus
• Visit the Indiana State Fair Literacy Reading Garden
• Attention!! Blood pressure check...?
• Witness Vintage Farm Machinery in Action
• NEW! Pogo Fred

• Indiana Lore & Tall Tales at the Indiana History Train
• Bike to the park and SAVE!
• Let your kiddos design or color their very own quilt square
• Visit Canstruction
• Indiana State Fair Tractor Pull
• If you’re feeling brave, come see the Roving Naturalist
• See how butter is churned!
• Find out the difference between a llama and an alpaca at the 4-H Llama and Alpaca Show
• Learn about the History of Quilts in America
• NEW! Watch the Cheeseball Contest

• Check out the Ole Time Farm Auction
• Visit with the Indiana Honey Queen
• Watch and learn from the best at the Youth Talent Contest
• Feel protected from the sun with the FREE sunscreen provided by the Fair!
• Love horses? Come see the 4-H Horse & Pony Contesting
• Toast of the Fair
• Visit the Purdue Extension Design and Innovation Studio
• Architectural Trolley Tour
• See what Indiana Birds of Prey are all about
• Check out the Hoosier Homestead Award Ceremony
• Attend the Baton Twirling Contest
• Visit the Mural Derby
• Cheer on your favorite horse & jockey at Grand Circuit Harness Racing featuring the Fox Stake

• Visit the livestock and learn at the Children’s Barnyard
• NEW! Check out the Pineapple Cupcake Contest
• Fulfill your cravings at Taste from Indiana Farms featuring Indiana commodity groups
• See more animals with the Reptiles Rule! LIVE Reptile Program
• Dance around with the Circle City Sidewalk Stompers!

READ MORE: See Why the Indiana State Fair’s Brand New “All-American Mary” is Going Viral

• Check out the fan-favorite Eight Horse Hitch Draft Show presented by Indiana 811!
• Browse the merchandise and apparel at the new and improved Indiana State Fair gift shop locations
• Watch the 4-H Cat Show
• Take a stroll through The Mercantile (in Ag/Hort) and browse the various vendor booths
• Watch a cake-decorating demo
• Compete in the Watermelon Seed Catapulting Contest!
• Want to cool off? Come over to the TapRoom
• View historical artifacts and exhibits, along with old-time ice cream treats and an antique pharmacy
• Tour the Speed Barns
• Phototgraphy Awards Night
• Visit Indiana’s Urban Garden/Take-Out Garden and complete the scavenger hunt to receive a free garden kit to take home and plant!
• NEW! Check out the Backyard Composting Demonstration!
• Come watch a variety of dancers and try to dance along
• Watch the Art of Wood Carving Demonstration
• Pathway to Water Quality Presented by Indiana American Water
• Attend the Kid's Cookie Decorating Contest
• Get a photo for the ‘gram! Find 2024 Indiana State Fair Queen, Alexxys Standish, and get a picture with her!
• Come sit and relax in the Indiana State Fair Wine Garden presented by Oliver Winery

READ MORE: Indiana State Fair’s Brand New Splash Pad Helps Visitors Beat the Heat This Summer

• Work and view an old thrasher farm machine and much more in Machinery Field
• USA Mullet Championships
• It would be baaad if you missed the 4-H Market Lamb Show
• Watch the Pedal Tractor Pull to see all the amazing tractors
• Step back in time and browse the Country Market to get your shopping in!
• See what all the farmers have to say with the Live Farmers Chat
• You won’t want to miss the 4-H Grand Drive presented by Farm Credit MId-America
• Watch The Great American Duck Race
• Show your patriotism at the Daily Flag Raising Ceremony
• Walk around our Selfie Photo Trail
• You don't want to miss out on the Bubble Tower!
• NEW! Don't miss the Plein Air Paint-Out Judging!
• Check out the Indiana Young Farmers Association Exhibits
• Attend the Liar’s Contest presented by Storytelling Arts of Indiana
• Hear a variety of entertainment and music acts on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage
• Check out the Indiana-Grown Marketplace
• Get hungry and healthy with the Giant Vegetable Contest
• See all of your favorite animals at the Petting Zoo
• NEW! Check out the Bowfishing Demonstration!
• Take a picture under the famous Midway sign and post it on social media for all your friends to see. Don’t forget to hashtag #indystatefair!
• Check out the 4-H Education Station
• Cool off on a hot, summer day at the giant mist fans!

If any of these events/activities tickle your fancy and you'd like to add them to your Indiana State Fair itinerary, you can get more details including dates, times, and locations HERE.