How to save money at the Indiana State Fair in 2023
It’s officially time for back to school, the impending close of summer, and one of the best treats of all:
The arrival of the Indiana State Fair.
I'm not sure about you but after the hit on school supplies, new uniform clothes and possibly a little overspend on our summer vacation, I'm forever searching for budget-friendly ways to save money at the Indiana State Fair.
So I asked our CityMoms members: How do you save? What are your best tips? (Basically, how do I do this without sacrificing on fun?)
Here are the best tips on how to save money at the 2023 Indiana State Fair:
1. Purchase tickets in advance online
2023 Indiana State Fair-Family Four Pack-SAVE UP TO 33% OFF GATE PRICES! Family Four Pack includes 1 parking pass and 4 admission tickets to the 2023 Indiana State Fair.
Discount Midway Wristbands-SAVE 35% OFF GATE PRICES THRU SUNDAY, JULY 30! Valid only on July 28, August 2, August 4, August 9, August 11, August 16, August 18 and August 20.
LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO SAVE?
2. Keep an eye out for promotional days
Almost every day of the State Fair calendar is dotted with days to save. $2 Tuesdays were a fave of CityMom Victoria's family for years, but with the 2023 Fair closed Mondays and Tuesdays, they have now transformed into $3 Thursdays: Admission, midway rides, and select concessions are all just $3!
Other notable days:
8/2, BMV Discount Day: 50% off gate admission when you print or show a coupon from the BMV website (be advised this was not up yet at time of publishing).
8/9: Snag a coupon from the 8/7 Indy Star for CityMom Kelly's favorite deal: Free admission on Wednesday, 8/9!*
*NOTE: While prior years have included two days of free admission with a special Indy Star ticket, this will be the only day honored in the 2023 State Fair Season.
Looking for more?
Here's a full list of discount days.
3. Remember: Kids ages 5 and under are FREE!
I mean, enough said.
More tips to save money at the Indiana State Fair:
4. Go budget-friendly on parking.
Forget the expensive lots surrounding the Fairgrounds. Instead:
Select the 38th Street lot across from the main entrance or the Indiana School for the Deaf off 42nd and 46th Streets for only $10/car.
Bike! Ride down the Monon Trail, park at a designated FREE rack, enter thru Gate 18, and receive $1 off admission.
Bonus: All trolley shuttles around the Fair are free.
WANT MORE FUN TO EXPLORE?
5. Take advantage of a FREE concert, exhibit or performance.
CityMom Rebekah loves the Little Hands on the Farm experience that teaches children about farming. Lauren's family makes sure to hit the DNR Fishing Pond each year. Let the kids explore all the tractors parked on the lawn near the Glass Barn. But really, the Fair has loads of free fun.
Here's a list of free concerts planned for the Free Stage in 2023, including Peppa Pig LIVE! Peppa Pig’s Adventure & THE TAYLOR PARTY: TAYLOR SWIFT NIGHT
Check out the list of all the newness coming to the fair this year!
6. Do $3 Thursdays.
Truly, this is one of the best deals there is: $3 admission, $3 rides, and $3 food options at each food stand on Thursdays, 8/3, 8/10, and 8/17. For us, this is the perfect time to set a specific budget (maybe $60?), and once it’s gone, it’s time to head home.
Now that you have our best tips, tell us: How does your family save money at the Indiana State Fair?
MORE INFO: The 2023 Indiana State Fair runs July 28-August 20. Fairgrounds are located at 1202 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis. For more details, visit their website or Facebook page, or call (317) 927-7500.
