Indiana State Fair visitors take in a concert by America on the free stage. (Photo courtesy Indiana State Fair)
Indiana State Fair attendance history
The fair ran for 15 days this year and in 2024. In 2021-2023, the schedule was for 18 days. The fair ran 17 days from 2009-2019 and 12 days prior to 2009.
2025 – 854,977
2024 – 854,236
2023 – 840,414
2022 – 837,568
2021 – 830,390
2020 – No fair due to pandemic
2019 – 878,857
2018 – 860,131
2017 – 906,732
2016 – 731,543
2015 – 907,000
2014 – 954,884
2013 – 978,296*
2012 – 853,941
2011 – 872,312
2010 – 950,000
2009 – 973,902
2008 – 859,600
2007 – 746,421
2006 – 870,052
2005 – 820,248
2004 – 900,365
2003 – 878,114
2002 – 796,431
2001 – 731,592
2000 – 754,410
1999 – 748,204
1998 – 728,724
1997 – 673,167
1996 – 701,021
1995 – 591,680
1994 – 672,872
1993 – 689,924
1992 – 722,218
1991 – 676,693
1990 – 639,335
1989 – 593,676
1988 – 571,230
*Fair record
Despite seeing six days with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, this summer’s Indiana State Fair managed to surpass last year’s attendance by more than 700 visitors.
The 168th Indiana State Fair wrapped up Sunday, Aug. 17, after a 15-day run with total attendance of 854,977, the Indiana State Fair Commission reported Tuesday morning in a media release. Last year’s fair, which also had a 15-day schedule, attracted 854,236 attendees.
This year’s attendance figure was the largest since 2019, when the fair ran 17 days instead of 15 (see annual attendance figures below).
Fair organizers said visitors were drawn to this year’s “Soundtrack of Summer” theme celebration, which put an emphasis on music, including the much-praised “Vinyl Revival” exhibit and the Art of Music Experience.
Thousands of people also attended the Big Top Circus and the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage, organizers said.
“The Indiana State Fair is a shining example of Hoosier hospitality, showcasing the heart of our state—our people, our agriculture, and our deep-rooted traditions,” Gov. Mike Braun said in written comments. “I had the pleasure of visiting the fairgrounds several times this year, and it was incredible to see so many Hoosiers coming together to enjoy the music, food, and festivities. Events like the State Fair not only
celebrate our agricultural heritage but also support economic development across our state.”
Among other highlights:
? About 10,000 Hoosiers participated and entered more than 50,000 entries in competitions at the fair.
? This year’s Giant Pumpkin tipped the scales at 1,323 pounds.
? 1,600 pounds of Indiana cheese was carved by Sara ‘The Cheese Lady’ Kauffman.
? More than 32,000 canned goods were built into towering sculptures in the CANStruction exhibit, which were donated to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.
The Indiana State Fair returns Aug. 7-23, 2026 (closed Mondays). Headlining next year’s Fair is the brand-new exhibit, “Rewind: A VHS Revival,” inspired by the popular Vinyl Revival attraction.
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