Indiana State Fair Thursday schedule

Thursday, August 8 at the Indiana State Fair:

Featured Farmer: Union Go Dairy

15 Days of Art & Nature:  The Art of Agriculture

Creativity is freely flowing at the 2024 Indiana State Fair as we celebrate The Art & Nature of Fun, presented by Newfields. Gather your best pals, and come play create, and discover with us during the Greatest 15 days of the summer!

Today’s Highlights

Dogstar: 7:30 PM

The alternative rock band, fronted by none other than actor Keanu Reeves, at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. 

Percheron & Clydesdale Draft Horse Show: 6 PM

The Draft Horse Barn is the place to get up close and personal with Clydesdales, Percherons, Halflingers and Belgians. You can also watch the Percheron & Clydesdale Horse Show today at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

Open Show Agriculture / Horticulture Exhibits

The Indiana Farmer’s Coliseum Lobby is displaying Livestock displays, Crop and Plant Exhibits, Educational displays, and more.

9AM-9PM 

Artscape: Where Imagination Grows Anila Agha’s All the Flowers Are for Me: Turquoise Newfields Performances, Demos & Gift Shop Exclusive Conversation with Anila Agha!-> Harvest Pavilion      

Anila Agha is an Indianapolis-based artist, internationally recognized for her large-scale installations. With these award-winning works, Agha creatively uses light, shadow, and pattern to provide a uniquely immersive and inclusive art experience that’s meant to be shared. Newfields invites you to bask in the glow pf her piece All the Flowers are For Me: Turquoise- on display every day of the Fair in Harvest Pavilion!

9AM-8PM 

State Fair Splash Pad, Playsets & Sandboxes-> MHS Family Fun Park            

Looking for a quick way to cool off? Check out our newest permanent fixture- the State Fair Splash Pad, a gentle water play experience and a perfect gathering spot for families! Located in MHS Family Fun Park, open daily 9AM-8PM

9AM-9PM 

ILLUMINATE! Outdoors-> The Backyard

Back by popular demand! We’re moving last year’s smash hit ILLUMINATE! Outdoors to The Backyard with 14 all-new immersive lantern sculptures. Experience the spectacular display of artistry every day of the Fair!

9AM-9PM 

State Fair Outdoor Basketball Court-> GATE 12           

We’re Hoosiers! As if we could just say ‘bye-bye!’ to Basketball. Our brand-new outdoor court is now open and is a permanent addition to the Fair! Open daily for free-play 9 AM-9PM, located just inside Gate 12. Camps & Contest Dates; vary

9AM-9PM

Open Show Art Exhibits-> Indiana Arts Building

Explore the Open Show Art Competition and Exhibit in the Indiana State Fair Arts Building! Marvel at diverse artworks from local talented artists, showcasing creativity and skill. A must-see for art enthusiasts!

10:30 AM, 12PM, 2PM, 4PM & 6:30PM 

The Greatest American Duck Race-> MHS Family Fun Park

One water track. Four duck lanes. Countless smiles! Whether you’re chosen to participate or not, everyone’s a winner at this unique and educational spectacle of swimming game! Wander into MHS Family Fun Park at 12PM, 2PM, 4PM & 6:30 PM to catch The Great American Duck Race. An additional 10:30AM show will take place on Saturdays & Sundays.

12PM

THE BIG REVEAL! Cheese Carving by Sarah Kaufmann-> The Mercantile in Ag/ Hort

The Cheese Lady has finally completed the masterpiece. Stop by the Mercantile Building in Ag/Hort to see the big reveal of the cheese carving and admire the art of CHEESE!

1PM, 3PM, 6PM 

Pogo Fred-> Main Street    

Pogo Fred holds multiple Guinness World Records for his extreme pogo stick stunts and is regarded as one of the best jumpers on the planet! Stop by Main Street at 1PM, 3PM, 6PM to experience this incredible stunt show, full tricks and flips!

6PM & 7PM

Jess Lapradd-> Wine Garden

Presented by Oliver Winery

7:30PM

Dogstar ft. Brett Domrose, Rob Mailhouse & Keanu Reeves-> Hoosier Lottery Free Stage

Dogstar is an American Alternative rock band that was formed in Los Angeles in 1991. Its current members are Robert Mailhouse, Bret Domrose, and actor Keanu Reeves. The band saw its greatest success in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, gathering significant attention from the media due to the presence of Keanu. The band started back up again in 2020, announcing their reunion in 2022. Their latest album was released on October 6, 2023.