The 2023 Indiana State Fair runs from July 28 through August 20. That gives fairgoers 18 days to experience all the agriculture, animals, exhibits, food, and entertainment available around the fairgrounds. While there are tons of free things to do at the fair, if you’re taking the family, expenses like admission, meals, and activities can add up fast! $3 Thursday Indiana State Fair deals may be the solution to make your day out more affordable.
We’ll always miss $2 Tuesdays at the Indiana State Fair. Changes to the fair calendar in 2021 eliminated Mondays and Tuesdays from the schedule. But with the introduction of $3 Thursdays, budget-conscious guests can still enjoy steep discounts on admission, food, and rides.
Mark your calendars for August 3, 10, and 17, then head to the Indiana State Fair to enjoy all the $3 deals.
$3 Thursday Indiana State Fair Deals
Guests at the Indiana State Fair are offered $3 admission, $3 concession choices at every food booth, and $3 midway rides each Thursday during the 2023 event.
Admission
Standard admission to the Indiana State Fair is $14 for all guests ages 6 and up. While kids 5 and under are always FREE, big kids and adults save $11 each when visiting on $3 Thursday.
Parking at the fairgrounds is $10 per vehicle. Be aware of this cost as you plan your day.
Can’t attend on a Thursday? The Indiana State Fair offers several other discount days and even opportunities for free admission! Purchasing tickets online in advance or in a family pack of 4 can save you money as well. Advance ticket prices expire on July 27, the day before the fair opens.
Food
Lemon shake-ups. Corn dogs. Dairy Bar treats. There’s delicious food at every turn as you make your way around the State Fair. Every single concession stand offers a $3 Thursday Indiana State Fair deal. Look for the red signs as you approach each booth.
Portions are usually scaled back from regularly priced orders. Consider this an opportunity to sample your way through the event’s fabulous flavors without breaking the bank!
Midway Rides
The lights, music, and fun of the Midway are a huge draw for fairgoers. If the full-price tickets or wristbands give you pause most days, you can let the kids — and yourself — have the run of the place on $3 Thursdays. Every spinning ride, roller coaster, giant swing, and more is just $3 per person.
Another option for saving money on Midway rides is to purchase a wristband in advance. Buy online by July 30 for $25 each. Wristband prices go up to $40 the next day. Midway wristbands are valid after noon on Wednesdays and Fridays and from 11 am-10 pm on Sunday, August 20.
More Budget-Friendly Fun
You can pack your day full with $3 Thursday Indiana State Fair deals, but there are plenty of experiences around the fair that are absolutely free.
Visit the Glass Barn for games, a photo booth, and to learn about Indiana soybean farming. Inspire your kids with a stroll through the 4-H project exhibit hall. Earn a free kids’ snack by “harvesting” Indiana agricultural products and selling them at the market at Little Hands on the Farm in the Family Fun Park. Of course, no trip to the Indiana State Fair is complete without visiting the residents in the animal barns. You can attend every $3 Thursday and still not see it all!
Don’t forget free services around the fairgrounds that can make your day run smoothly. The tractor shuttle doesn’t cost a dime and lets you get around while putting your feet up. Kids just love taking a ride behind the giant tractors!
Save some space in your permitted 9″x10″x12″ bag and take advantage of free sunscreen available at the State Fair Information booths. While diaper bags are still allowed, it’s nice to know this important safety item is taken care of as you prepare for your day.
The Indiana State Fair is a classic summer tradition you won’t want to miss this year. $3 Thursdays make the fair accessible and affordable for families on a budget, or guests who just enjoy a great deal. Circle those calendar dates and start dreaming of your favorite fair foods and midway rides!
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9 thoughts on “$3 Thursday Indiana State Fair | Make the Most of Your Day with Amazing Deals”
Is two dollars Tuesday’s still going on?
Hi Laurie, the fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays this year so they introduced $3 Thursdays instead.
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Is $3 Thursday all day or does it end at a certain time?
All day!
What is 3$ midway rides? Do they sell the wrist bands for 3$?
Each individual ride is $3.
On $3 Thursday do you have to print anything out to get the $3 emission and the $3 rides
Not at all!