Purdue packs up for State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS — Purdue University always has a presence at the Indiana State Fair — and 2026 is no exception.

The Purdue Extension Building, located on the north side of the fairgrounds, will include the following activities:

• Block party: Children 8 months to 8 years can engage in block play to enhance a variety of school-readiness skills.

• Indiana 4-H college and career readiness: Explore how students can become “beyond ready” for their next step after high school.

• Engage with Purdue Extension specialists: Interact with experts in fields such as early childhood development, forestry and natural resources, animal sciences and farm succession planning.

• Master Gardener: Discover annuals and vegetable plants suited to Indiana’s climate and learn how to properly care for them.

“Purdue Extension is excited to continue its longtime partnership with the Indiana State Fair,” said Angie Abbott, director of Purdue Extension and associate dean of the College of Agriculture.

“It’s also a wonderful chance to celebrate the accomplishments of 4-H youth from across the state and the work our educators do year-round.”

Three Fun Bucket-List Destinations

1. Animal Town — Visit pigs, horses, llamas, sheep, goats, cows, poultry and rabbits at the Animal Town displays in the livestock barn area. Purdue Department of Animal Sciences ambassadors will be stationed at each display to share about animal care and answer questions about the animals you see on the fairgrounds. A map of all the Animal Town display locations can be found at: extension.purdue.edu/indiana-state-fair. Purdue veterinary medicine students will be providing needed care to all animals, including 4-H livestock.

2. Free popcorn in the Purdue Extension Building — Every day from 1 to 5 p.m., Purdue Extension will offer free popcorn samples, courtesy of Conagra. Attendees can spice up their snack with seasonings developed by Purdue food science students who work with the Food Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Institute. Flavors include Hammer Down Dill or All-American Caramel Apple.

3. Pioneer Village — Located between the Machinery Field and the MHS Family Fun Park, Pioneer Village transports fairgoers to the 1800s. Sponsored by the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association, the village offers guests the opportunity to enjoy antique tractors, a farm toy show, a fiddler’s contest, a liar’s contest, the Opry House and more.

The fair runs Aug. 7-23, closed Mondays.