August 05, 2026

New attractions coming to State Fair

By Erica Quinlan
The Indiana State Fair is rolling out a new attraction that will move guests across the grounds in a whole new way. In partnership with North American Midway Entertainment, the Indiana State Fair will debut a new train ride during this year’s event.

The Indiana State Fair is rolling out a new attraction that will move guests across the grounds in a whole new way. In partnership with North American Midway Entertainment, the Indiana State Fair will debut a new train ride during this year’s event. (Provided photo/Indiana State Fair)

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2026 Indiana State Fair will come to town Aug. 7-23, featuring new attractions and entertainment.

The theme this year is “Always a Hit,” celebrating Indiana’s baseball traditions in partnership with the Indianapolis Indians.

Four Things To Check Out

1. REWIND: A VHS Revival — Travel back to the video store era while experiencing this new exhibit. The experience includes celebrating iconic movie poster artwork from the 1980s through the early 2000s while adding new surprises around every corner. Guests can enjoy a baseball movie theater, the Moulin Rouge Speakeasy, an official Indianapolis Indians gift shop and the return of the popular Indy CD & Vinyl pop-up store. REWIND is open daily and free with paid fair admission.

2. The State Fair Train — This new experience plays a nod to the historic transportation bringing generations of guests to the fair annually. Don’t miss this narrated ride throughout the north side of the fairgrounds, offering a relaxing way to experience the sights, sounds and history of the Indiana State Fair. This new family attraction operates daily for $5 per ride.

3. Schumacher Stadium Wiffle Ball Field — Baseball fans of all ages can take the field inside Meijer Family Fun Park at Schumacher Stadium. Named in honor of longtime Indianapolis Indians executive Max Schumacher, this interactive attraction invites guests to swing for the fences, play with family and friends and celebrate Indiana’s baseball tradition every day of the fair. Enjoy free play time, take in a tournament or two, meet celebrity players and more — all part of the Indiana State Fair baseball theme in partnership with the Indianapolis Indians.

4. An All-New Big Top Circus — The Big Top Circus returns with an entirely new lineup of thrilling performances inside a world-renowned air-conditioned tent. From breathtaking acrobatics to laugh-out-loud comedy, each show lasts 45 minutes and offers free family entertainment three times daily, with premium seating upgrades available.

Other fun activities include:

• Tortoise feeding daily near Goat Mountain.

• Cuddle a calf in the Meijer Family Fun Park, open daily.

• Break A Boyz brings an energetic mix of breakdancing, comedy and street performance to Main Street with multiple daily shows.

• Marc Dobson’s One Man Band turns one performer into a full musical experience while entertaining guests throughout the fairgrounds.

• PBS KIDS favorites Daniel Tiger and Dinosaur Train characters make special appearances for family photos in Meijer Family Fun Park on Saturdays at the fair.

• The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile visits Meijer Family Fun Park Aug. 15-16 with photo opportunities and fun hot dog-themed games and activities.

• Fans of the reality show stars Amy Slaton as well as Chris and Brittany Combs can meet them during a special appearance on August 22.

• A youth category in the popular Mullet Competition, making its Indiana State Fair debut as young contestants compete for the title of best mullet.

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Erica Quinlan

Erica Quinlan

Field Editor