Gather your girls and hit up the Indiana State Fair for a fabulous night out enjoying all the entertainment and exhibits sans kids. The Indiana State Fair runs from July 28 through August 20, 2023. Tickets are available at the gate, or you can take advantage of several available promotions when you celebrate girls’ night. Send out the group text, then let us help you plan your Indiana State Fair girls night out.
Ideas for Your Indiana State Fair Girls Night Out
There’s so much to do and see at the State Fair that you could spend days there and still not catch everything. Use our suggestions to help you strategize and find some of the best activities to enjoy with your friends on your Indiana State Fair girls night out.
Ride the Big Wheel at the Fair
Our first suggestion for your Indiana State Fair girls night out is to relax and enjoy the air-conditioned capsule on the Big Wheel as you take in the sights of the fair. When you ride with your friends, your kids won’t be there to see you lose it when the wheel stops at the top — and who knows, maybe it’s even better without having to say “Sit down!” on repeat throughout the whole ride.
Visit The Taproom for Beer & Wine
Escape the hustle and bustle and duck into the Grand Hall for some sangria, a cold cider, spiked lemon shake-up, or your favorite local libation. There’s entertainment and seating right in the hall.
Take Advantage of $3 Thursday Deals
An Indiana State Fair girls night out on a budget is our favorite. Thursdays offer $3 admission, $3 midway rides, and $3 concession offerings. Thursdays are for the discount seekers — some of your favorite fair food items will be on sale for $3. Keep an eye out for fried Oreos, corn dogs, soft drinks, popcorn, milkshakes, pineapple whip, and more. Vendors will have a blue sheet of paper on their booths with notifications about their $3 deal. If you’re not visiting on a Thursday or a special promotional day, check out our ideas for free things to do at the Indiana State Fair.
Free Tractor Shuttle Rides
Sit on the mobile bench that is the State Fair Shuttle Ride. Enjoy your yummy fair food as the tractor takes you on a loop around the fairgrounds. Hop on and off as you please or just enjoy the scenery as you ride by.
Peruse Pioneer Village
There are so many things to see and experience in Pioneer Village, often you’ll miss them while you’re visiting with your kids. Take your time and look at what YOU want. You can even peek as the farmers enjoy a meal at a farm table. It’s oddly interesting to watch them eat.
Snap a Selfie or a Group-ie
There are decorated selfie booths set up near the grandstand and the midway. You can also grab photos in front of the “FA_R” letters, the “ndy” statue and inside a big ‘ole tractor wheel.
Shop ’til You Drop
There are so many adorable boutiques and vendor areas at the Indiana State Fair. You’ll find one-of-a-kind and interesting products on the north side of the fair and throughout other areas. Another favorite shopping area is the Ag Hort Building, where you can purchase food items and more, made on Indiana farms. Also, who hasn’t “shopped” for a hot tub at the Indiana State Fair?
Ride the Midway
When was the last time you felt the joy of screaming into the wind as you’re whipped around at umpteen miles per hour? A night away from the kids and you still get to ride the rides? Best girls’ night ever.
Live Music
Pick one of the free entertainment stages throughout the fair and enjoy music, concerts and other entertainment. Still coming up on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage: Happy Together Tour (Timeless 60’s & 70’s Hitmakers), August 17 at 7:30 PM, Small Town (John Mellencamp Tribute) August 18 at 7:30 PM, Carly Pearce, Chart-Topping Country Music Sensation, August 19 at 7:30 PM, Vixen & Autograph 80’s Rockers August 20 at 7:30 PM, Gospel Music Festival pres. by WTLC Fred Hammond August 21 at 7:30 PM
Grab your tickets for the fair soon! With so many things to see and do, your Indiana State Fair girls night out is sure to be a memorable one.
We also love a girls’ night out at a Colts game!
The Indiana State Fair is just one out of 101 things on our summer bucket list this year.
