How to save money at the Indiana State Fair in 2024
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 2024 Indiana State Fair:
1. Purchase tickets in advance online
2024 Indiana State Fair-Family Four Pack: SAVE UP TO 30% OFF GATE PRICES through 8/1! Family Four Pack includes 1 parking pass and 4 admission tickets to the 2024 Indiana State Fair.
2024 Indiana State Fair—Foodie Family Four Pack (New this year!) : SAVE UP TO 30% OFF GATE PRICES through 8/1! The Foodie Family Four Pack includes 1 parking pass, 4 admission tickets, and $50 fair bucks to be used for concessions!
Discount Midway Wristbands: SAVE 35% OFF GATE PRICES THRU SUNDAY, JULY 30! Valid only on August 7th, 8th, 9th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 18th.
2. Keep an eye out for promotional days
Almost every day of the State Fair calendar is dotted with days to save. $2 Tuesdays have been a fave of CityMom Victoria's family for years, and even though they disappeared last year, the popular discount days are back in 2024! Aug 6th & Aug 13th: Admission, midway rides, and select concessions are all just $2!
Other notable days:
8/8, 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).
8/14: Snag a coupon from the 8/12 Indy Star for CityMom Kelly's favorite deal: Free admission on Wednesday, 8/14!*
*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 2024 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 tractor 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 2024, including Gary Allan, Gladys Knight, & a tribute to Taylor Swift!
Check out the list of all the newness coming to the fair this year!
6. Do $2 Tuesdays.
Truly, this is one of the best deals there is: $2 admission, $2 rides, and $2 food options at each food stand on Tuesdays, 8/6 and 8/13. 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.
7. Save at the Dairy Bar
Every year, the Dairy Bar - famous for their grilled cheeses and milkshakes - offer some kind of promo. In 2024, kids ages 12 and under will save $2 off their purchase when they download a coupon. No word how or if this will stack on $2 Tuesdays, but give it a shot!
Now that you have our best tips, tell us: How does your family save money at the Indiana State Fair?
MORE INFO: The 2024 Indiana State Fair runs August 2nd-August 18. Fairgrounds are located at 1202 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis. For more details, visit their website or Facebook page, or call (317) 927-7500.
