Press Releases - Indiana State Fair

World Food Championships Set for 2026 Indianapolis Return

World Food Championships Returning to Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - (January 28, 2026) - The World Food Championships (WFC), the ultimate destination for competitive cooking and Food Sport, announced today its return to Indianapolis for a third consecutive year. The 2026 World Food Championships will take place October 15-18, 2026, once again at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, continuing a successful and growing partnership with a coalition of strong Indiana-based partners.

2026 INDIANA STATE FAIR QUEEN CROWNED

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Presley Hampton, Miss Jackson County 2025, was crowned the 67th Miss Indiana State Fair on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center inside the Corteva Coliseum.

Ray Allison Named Next Executive Director

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana State Fair Commission is pleased to announce Ray Allison as its next Executive Director, succeeding Cindy Hoye upon her retirement in March 2026. A nearly 30-year veteran of the Commission, Allison brings a wealth of institutional knowledge, proven leadership experience, and a deep passion for the Fair’s mission, people, and traditions. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Indiana State Fair Commission; while also honoring the extraordinary legacy of Cindy Hoye, whose visionary leadership, innovation, and dedication have strengthened the Fair’s impact and ensured its continued relevance for generations to come. The Indiana State Fair Commission is the governing body overseeing the year-round operation of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center and the annual Indiana State Fair.

TWO INDIANA STATE FAIR EXECS ELECTED TO IAFE BOARD

Denver, CO – During the recent business session of the 2025 International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE) Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado executives of the Indiana State Fair Commission were elected to prestigious, national leadership posts. Ray Allison, CFE, Chief Operating Officer of the Indiana State Fair Commission, has been elected Chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Board of Directors and Anna Whelchel, CFE, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer of the Indiana State Fair Commission, has been elected Zone 3 Director of the IAFE.

Fairgrounds Announces Free Stage Expansion

Indianapolis, IN – The Indiana State Fair Commission today formally announced plans for a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation for its on-campus boutique amphitheater, the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage, set to be completed in time for the 2026 Indiana State Fair. The venue is located in the heart of Indianapolis and has the infrastructure and accessibility of the Indiana State Fairgrounds complete with ample parking and varying capacity configurations in a familiar and unmatched setting for all Hoosiers to enjoy.

Christmas Nights of Lights Returns to Fairgrounds

Indianapolis, IN – Christmas Nights of Lights returns to the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, bringing one of the most popular holiday traditions in Indianapolis back for another season. The drive- thru light show will run from November 7 through December 31, featuring more than a million LED lights synchronized to classic holiday music.

Indiana State Fair Foundation Hosts Safe Night

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana State Fair Foundation in partnership with several community organizations, is thrilled to host the 29th Annual Safe Night Halloween on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Celebrating 40 Years of Transformative Leadership

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – It’s the end of an era as Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, announces her retirement following nearly 4 decades of service. She will step down following the longest tenure of any Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, leaving behind a legacy of vision, pride, and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. Announced today, she will officially retire effective March 31st, 2026.

Graduation Season Concludes at Corteva Coliseum

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The 2025 graduation season at the historic Corteva Coliseum wrapped up earlier this week, marking the end of a vibrant series of ceremonies that celebrated the achievements of an estimated 10,000 graduates from across Central Indiana

Battle of the Badges 2025: Annual Hockey Game

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana State Fairgrounds is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Battle of the Badges (BOTB) hockey game on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This exciting event will take place at the Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion, promising an evening of thrilling hockey action and family fun.

Celebrating the Unveiling of Corteva Coliseum

INDIANAPOLIS – April 16, 2025 – Corteva and the Indiana State Fairgrounds were joined by members of the community today to unveil the newly named Corteva Coliseum. The naming rights partnership was first announced last year and represents a commitment by Corteva and the Indiana State Fairgrounds to Indiana agriculture and to help ensure the Coliseum continues to offer memorable experiences and world-class events.

Successful Second Season of Indoor Track and Field

Indianapolis, IN - The Indiana State Fairgrounds is proud to announce the successful completion of the second season of indoor track and field events at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion.

Collin Hilton Wins 2025 World Food Championships

Indianapolis' Own Collin Hilton Wins 2025 WFC

Indianapolis, IN - The World Food Championships (WFC) is delighted to announce that Indianapolis native Collin Hilton has been crowned the 2025 World Food Champion!

Indiana State Fair & Corteva Program Returns

March 18, 2025, INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indiana State Fair and Corteva, Inc. are proud to unveil the highly anticipated 2025 Featured Farmers that will be honored at this year’s Indiana State Fair.

World Championship Chili Cook-off to Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN (February 19, 2025) – The International Chili Society (ICS) announced today that the 2025 World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC) will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking a new chapter for the renowned culinary competition.

World Food Championships Returns to Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN (February 12, 2025) – The World Food Championships announced today that it is returning to Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center and will move the 2025 Main Event into October.

ISF to Host 2025 Big Ten Indoor Track Championship

Indianapolis, IN - The Indiana State Fairgrounds is thrilled to announce that it will serve as the proud host of the Big Ten Indoor Track and Field Championships on the weekend of February 28, 2025! With the event now less than a month away, excitement is building as we prepare to welcome top-tier collegiate athletes from across the Big Ten Conference, showcasing their incredible talent and determination.

ISF to HostIHSAA Girls Wrestling Championships

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Events Center is proud to announce that it will be hosting the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Girls Wrestling Championships on Friday, January 17, 2025 inside the newly named Corteva Coliseum. This prestigious event will bring together the best high school female wrestlers from across the state to compete for the championship titles.

2025 INDIANA STATE FAIR QUEEN CROWNED

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Pilar Bravo, Miss Marion County 2025, was crowned the 66th Miss Indiana State Fair on Sunday January 5, 2025, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center inside the Corteva Coliseum.

ISF Unveils 2025 Indoor Track & Field Season

Indianapolis, IN - The Indiana State Fairgrounds is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2025 indoor track and field season at Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion. Following the success of the inaugural season, this year’s schedule welcomes premiere national competitions and a variety of local, regional meets.