The 2009 Indiana State Fair will take place from August 7-23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis 46205. General hours are Sundays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m.-midnight; and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Gates will open daily at 8 a.m. (with the exception of Aug. 15, when gates will open at 6 a.m.; and Gate 18 (off the Monon Trail), which will open at 10 a.m. weekdays). Ticket sales will end at 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and at 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Admission
General admission at the gates is $8 for everyone over age 5; however, many ticket discounts are available. Anyone who leaves the fairgrounds with the intent of returning later the same day must get his or her hand stamped upon exiting. Hand stamps are available until 8 p.m. daily.
Parking
Free parking is available in several lots. Visitors also may park for $5 at the South 38th Street Lot across from the 38th Street Main Gate and at Fall Creek Parkway and Keystone Avenue. Shuttle service to the fair entrance is included.
ADA/Handicap Accessibility
Parking accessible to the handicapped is located as indicated on this map of the fairgrounds. Most restrooms are accessible to persons with disabilities. The following items may be rented between 9 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. in front of the Grand Hall, just inside Gate 1 and at Gate 12: wheelchairs, $15; electric carts, $45; strollers, $10; and wagons, $12.
What You Can and Can’t Take In With You
Bags, purses, and fanny packs are subject to search upon entry and within the fairgrounds. Neither storage lockers nor a claim check area are available at the fairgrounds. Alcoholic beverages, weapons, and glass items are not permitted.
The only animals permitted on the fairgrounds are those involved with State Fair exhibits and service animals. Don’t bring your family pet.
ATM Access
A permanent National City ATM will be located in the Administration Building. Temporary, mobile ATMs will be set up in other locations around the fairgrounds.
First Aid and Emergency Services
Emergency ambulance service is available and can be reached by calling 317-927-7520. First aid will be available in Hook’s Historic Drug Store Annex, near the 38th Street Main Gate (Gate 1), at the Public Safety Center near Fall Creek Parkway (Gate 6), and in front of the FFA Pavilion.
State police booths will be in the following locations: in the Public Safety Center near Gate 6, phone 317-927-1400; across from the Administration Building, phone 317-927-7666; and across from the FFA Pavilion near Gate 12, phone 317-927-7665.
Phone the Fairgrounds
For more information, visitors may call the fair information line at 317-927-7500 or visit the Indiana State Fair’s website.