Indianapolis State Fairground Events
- The Indiana State Fairgrounds are located in Indianapolis.VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm/Photodisc/Getty Images
The 250-acre Indianapolis State Fairgrounds hosts over 300 events each year. The venue has 17 buildings and a staff of over 100, and is a popular choice for sports, trade and not-for-profit organizations. The largest building, the Coliseum, has hosted some memorable moments, including a campaign appearance by John F. Kennedy, a Beatles concert for which tickets sold for three to five dollars, a speech by President George W. Bush, and the inauguration of Governor Mitch Daniels. Check the official fairgrounds calendar for dates, times and links to the websites of specific events. - Lovers of all things automotive will find plenty to enjoy.auto, detailed image by Rina from Fotolia.com
A variety of Indianapolis State Fairgrounds events showcase cars, trucks and RVs. These include the Mecum Car Auction, the 500 World of Wheels, the Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show, the Central Indiana RV Show, the GEICO AMA Endurocross, and the National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show. - Trade organizations come to the Fairgrounds to show the public their wares. Events include the Country Lifestyle Experience, the Indianapolis Home Show, the Greater Indianapolis Garage Sale & Marketplace, the Arcade and Pinball Auction and the Green Fest Indy. Other events include gun and knife shows, an expo of antique advertising memorabilia and toys, gem shows, flower shows, half-priced books and farm equipment.
- Several times a year, fine horses are showcased at the Fairgrounds.horse image by Wong Siew Tung from Fotolia.com
Animal-related events include several offerings for horse lovers, including the Hoosier Horse Fair and Expo, the Circle City Equestrian 500, and the All Arabian Horse Show. The fairgrounds also hosts the National Junior Hereford Association, the Midwest Reptile Show, the Indiana State Rabbit Breeders, the Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo and a cat show. - Ice rink events have been a Fairgrounds staple since the opening of the Pepsi Coliseum.old skate image by terex from Fotolia.com
Sporting events are a regular item on the bill of fare. The Indiana Ice Games, the Indy Cheer and Dance competition, the Naptown Roller Derby and cage fighting events all take place at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds, in addition to ongoing youth hockey leagues and public ice skating. - A wide variety of organizations make use of the Fairgrounds facilities for fundraisers and other celebrations. The Lupus Foundation, Coats for Kids, expos targeted to seniors, women and babies, a Latino Festival, an International Festival and the Spirit Fayre all take place at the Fairgrounds. High school graduations, holiday celebrations, political primaries and flu shot clinics all make use of the premises as well. The Fairgrounds also bills itself as the "World's Largest Classroom," where Indiana residents can learn about topics such as composting, water quality, and farm animals.
