INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fair has officially announced its starting lineup of new culinary creations for the 2026 season, giving fairgoers their first look at the wild, sweet, and savory eats competing for this year’s “Taste of the Fair” title.
To kick off the festivities early, the Indiana State Fair Foundation is hosting a special baseball-themed preview event on Thursday, July 31, 2026.
The curated tasting experience combines premium bourbon offerings, handcrafted cocktails, and baseball-inspired culinary pairings in support of state fair youth programs and agricultural education:
- Curated Tastings: Includes five premium bourbon pours, featuring one pre-batched handcrafted cocktail alongside four distinct bourbon samples.
- Chef Pairings: Each bourbon pour is thoughtfully paired with a bite-sized food pairing designed to highlight regional flavors.
- Charitable Impact: Ticket sales directly benefit the Indiana State Fair Foundation’s ongoing educational and 4-H youth initiatives.
Dates and Admission Details
The 2026 Indiana State Fair officially opens Friday, August 7, and runs through Sunday, August 23 (closed on Mondays).
Tickets for both gate admission and the July 31 preview bourbon tasting are available for purchase online through the official Indiana State Fair website. Complete lists of the 2026 “Taste of the Fair” items, maps, and daily schedules will be released on the fair’s portal leading up to opening day.
