Schedule of highlights for Friday at the Indiana State Fair
Melissa Etheridge (7:30 PM)
Hoosier Lottery Free Stage
Headlining The Hoosier Lottery stage is rock legend Melissa Etheridge. She stormed onto the rock scene with her 1988 debut, earning her first Grammy® in 1992. Her 1993 breakthrough album, Yes, I Am, delivered hits like “I’m the Only One” and the Grammy®-winning “Come to My Window.” Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy vocals, Etheridge has remained a powerful presence for decades. She won an Academy® Award for “I Need to Wake Up” from An Inconvenient Truth and inspired many with her 2005 Grammy® performance during cancer treatment. Recent releases include Memphis Rock & Soul, The Medicine Show, and One Way Out. In 2020, she founded The Etheridge Foundation for opioid treatment research.
The Art of Music Experience – Vinyl Revival (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
Harvest Pavilion
One of the most talked-about attractions at this year’s Indiana State Fair, Vinyl Revival has captured the hearts of music lovers and art fans alike. This immersive experience blends the visual artistry of iconic album covers with the stories, culture, and creativity behind them. From rare collectibles to hand-painted displays, every corner offers a new discovery. With its pop-up record store, interactive elements, and nostalgic charm, Vinyl Revival has quickly become a must-see stop, drawing crowds and creating buzz like few exhibits in Fair history.
Let’s Make Some Butter: From Cow to Table (11:00 AM & 3:00 PM)
Pioneer Village Milk House
Come on down to the Milk House in Pioneer Village for a hands-on experience like no other. Learn how to milk a cow and discover the traditional process of turning fresh milk into creamy butter. It’s a fun and educational activity for all ages!
Big Top Circus pres. By Bee Window Performances (1:00 PM, 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM)
Big Top Zone
Multiple daily performances throughout the fair’s Big Top Zone bring acrobats, aerialists, and circus flair to the Indiana State Fair.
Indiana State Fair Championship Rodeo (Slack Run: 1:00 PM | Main Event: 7:30 PM)
Hoosier Lottery Grandstand
Experience the thrill of the Indiana State Fair Championship Rodeo. Catch the excitement early with the Slack Run at 1 pm!
Baby Animal Feeding adventure (All Day)
Goat Mountain
Come visit Goat Mountain and experience the joy of connecting with adorable baby animals. Feed your furry favorites and enjoy a relaxing moment surrounded by nature and cuteness.
Belgian & Haflinger Draft Horse Shows (8:00 AM & 5:00 PM)
Corteva Coliseum
The Belgian & Haflinger Draft Horse Show at the Indiana State Fair showcases the impressive strength and beauty of these majestic draft breeds at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
Open Ag/ Hort Exhibits (All Day)
Corteva Coliseum Lobby
Make sure to take a peek at the flower and vegetable competitions on display in the lobby of the Corteva Coliseum. These vibrant exhibits showcase the best of local gardening talent.
DockDogs pres. By AAA Hoosier Motor Club Big Air Wave Competitions (11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM)
Celebration Park
Catch the high-flying excitement as dogs launch off ramps into pools in a crowd-pleaser series of Big Air Wave demonstrations, perfect for family-friendly visuals and dynamic footage.
IDEM introduces new “Local Air Quality Advisory” for short‑term conditions
Hollywood actor died of natural causes
Indiana Governor Mike Braun extends suspension of gas tax
Letter Carriers' Food Drive this Saturday
Cops Cycling for Survivors to honor more than 300 Indiana officers during 25th annual ride
Peebles 'humbled' with victory
Smith, Hartman secure wins in Parke County Commissioner races
Smith, Russell earn Republican nods for Rockville Town Board
Family of RP student who died wants changes along highway
Indiana State Police launch Wellness Section to support personnel, families and retirees
IHSAA approves Personal Branding, while basketball shot clock proposal fails
Indiana BMV extends hours of operation for the primary election
Smith looks to claim Parke County Commissioner seat
USDA opens enrollment for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program
Governor ceremonially signs bill co-authored by Baird to combat animal cruelty
New online portal brings transparency to Indiana gas prices during declared energy emergency
Electric vehicle fire training held at Rockville-Adams Township Training Center
Indiana FSSA announces results of HCBS attendant care audits - $200 Million in improper payments
