INDIANAPOLIS — The 169th Indiana State Fair closed after a 15-day celebration that showcased what the Fair does best: bringing Hoosiers together, celebrating youth, creating family fun, making memories and building traditions.
This year’s Fair was unlike any other. Indiana experienced historic and significant weather events across the state, creating ongoing challenges for communities well beyond the Fairgrounds. At the Indiana State Fair, severe storms required multiple temporary closures and periods of sheltering throughout the Fair to prioritize the safety of guests, exhibitors and staff.
Due to the popularity of the baseball theme and activations throughout this year’s fair, the State Fair and Indianapolis Indians have entered into a long-term agreement to install a permanent wiffle ball field at the State Fairgrounds. While details are still being finalized, Schumacher Stadium will ensure a new experience for fairgoers, to build new traditions and make more memories throughout their summertime visit.
• 800,461 attended the 2026 Indiana State Fair, a 7% drop in attendance from last year.
• The Fair recorded its strongest final week since expanding to the three-weekend format in 2009, setting attendance records.
• Record breaking crowds attended the newly renovated Hoosier Lottery Free Stage concerts, including an estimated 9,000 concertgoers to see Josiah Queen Sunday, August 9th — the largest crowd in Hoosier Lottery Free Stage history.
• Five days of gate closures and sheltering in place.