Safety is the top priority at the Indiana State Fair. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all visitors. State Fair management reserves the right to refuse admission or eject any person violating facility, local, state or federal laws or whose conduct is deemed illegal, disorderly or offensive.
The safety and security of Fairgoers remains a priority at the Indiana State Fair. With this standard of uncompromised safety in mind, Indiana State Fair officials are introducing this enhancement to existing protocols.
Unaccompanied Minor
Policy
Fairgoers under the age of eighteen (18) must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone (age 21+) to enter the Indiana State Fair starting at 6PM daily Tuesday - Thursday and 4PM daily Friday - Sunday.
(Updated 8/9/2024)
- Each adult may chaperone up to six (6) individuals and must remain at the Fairgrounds while the minors they are chaperoning are still present.
- Any minors under the age of 18 not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.
- Any person entering may be asked to show a valid driver’s license, state identification card, or other government issued ID.
- Does not apply to organized and ticketed group outings or those participating in competitions where existing chaperone procedures are in place.
Bag Policy
While visiting the State Fair, all bags must be 9”x10”x12” or smaller. All bags are subject to search prior to entering the Fair.
- All bags larger than 9” x 10” x 12” will need to be returned to a vehicle or home before entering the Fairgrounds.
- Lockers are not available for those who arrive with oversized bags.
- Any prohibited items will be confiscated by Public Safety and will not be returned.
PERMITTED:
- All bags (clear, backpack, tote, camera) 9” x 10” x 12” or smaller will be permitted.
- Fairgoers are NOT limited to the number of bags smaller than 9” x 10” x 12” that they bring in, and all bags will be searched.
- Empty reusable bottles, cups, and souvenir cups will be permitted.
- Any carry-in items for family care, such as diaper bags, water or snacks for children, or medical reasons will be permitted – no medical proof or note needed.
Fairgoers are encouraged to leave unnecessary items at home. We realize this policy will change the way you prepare to come to the Fair and appreciate your flexibility and patience.
Prohibited Items:
All guests entering through gates are subject to search. To ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable to the Indiana State Fair, the following items are not permitted at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center:
- Aerosol Cans
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Banners, Signs, or flags on poles
- Bicycles, tricycles, or unicycles
- Foot powered or electric scooters (such as Bird, Lime, or Lyft scooter)
- Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, or inline skates
- UAV – drones
- Animals such as pets and emotional support animals (service animals are allowed)
- Balloons
- Beach Balls
- Commercial A/V Equipment
- Fireworks, sparklers, or explosives
- Glass Bottles
- Hard-sided coolers
- Illegal Substances (drugs, paraphernalia, etc.)
- Bags larger than 9” x 10” x 12”
- Lasers
- Noisemakers
- Sticks, Bats, Poles
- Weapons, Firearms, Knives
The following items are ALLOWED at the State Fair:
- Diaper bags of any size
- Cameras for personal use (No photography for commercial or media use without proper media credentials)
- Empty cups, water bottles, and camelback-style water packs
- Lawn chairs/folding chairs (please remove chair from bag at security screening)
- Sealed water bottles
- Bags and soft sided coolers 9”x10”x12” or smaller
- Strollers/wagons
- Umbrellas
Code of Conduct
All fairgoers are expected to follow ALL safety policies and guest code of conduct, including:
- Weapons are prohibited at the Indiana State Fair.
- Visitors entering the Fairgrounds will be screened through metal detectors at entry gates.
- If severe weather or an emergency affects the Indiana State Fair, please listen for public address announcements, and follow instructions from State Fair personnel and public safety officials.
- There is a NO RUNNING policy while visiting the Indiana State Fair
- Guests will enjoy every event free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
- Guests will consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner. Intervention with an impaired, intoxicated or underage guest will be handled in a prompt and safe manner by public safety personnel
- Guests who engage in running, fighting, throwing objects or any other violent or offensive action will be immediately ejected from the State Fairgrounds
- Smoking, including alternative smoking devices such as electronic and/or vapor, is only permitted in designated smoking areas around the Fairgrounds
Service Animal Policy
The Indiana State Fair follows ADA guidelines regarding service animals. A service animal is one that is trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.
Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness and under the control of the owner at all times.
Due to the nature of some attractions at the State Fair, service animals are not permitted on rides or attractions, and may be restricted in certain areas due to safety concerns.
ADA regulations state that the specific work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to a person’s disability. Dogs and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals according to the ADA. Therefore, emotional support animals are not permitted in the State Fair.
To report emergencies, a safety concern or request medical assistance while visiting the State Fairgrounds, please call 317-927-7520.
If you do not have access to a phone, stop any police officer or State Fair staff member, or visit one of the Indiana State Police Information Booths. Indiana State Police Information Booths are open all 18 days of the Fair, and are located across from the Administration Building, in the Communications Building, and just west of the Purdue Extension Building.
Indiana State Fair staff and Public Safety Officials have been trained to intervene when deemed necessary and to use their best discretion to help ensure that guests who ignore the Code of Conduct do not interfere with other guests’ ability to enjoy an event. Guests who violate the Code of Conduct, or prevent others form enjoying the Fair may be subject to ejection without refund and, to the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of law, may be subject to arrest.
Enjoy your visit to the Great Indiana State Fair!