The Porter County Fair runs July 23RD thru Ausust 1st 2026. Lots of things have changed at the fair, and we have focused these changes below. The Grandstand features top-notch entertainment every evening of the Porter County Fair. Other than first-class concerts you can experience the Fireworks, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, Horse Shows and more! “A fair must continually evolve,” stated Dave Bagnall,” Fair Manager.
PanoramaNOW Special Tips:
1. There’s a QR Code at t he FRONT ENTRANCE. you won’t want to will miss a lot of the free activities!
2. Arrive before Noon and get in FREE!
HERE’S Some Things You Didn’t KNOW –
Birthing Barn: This is New this Year, it’s where the old Buggy Wheel Pavilion used to be towards the back by the grand stand entrance. There will be one birthing each day. Check out their sign outside the building for the times. Some of the kinds of animal include: cows, as well as sows, hogs and goats. The barn has been updated and 4-H volunteers will help with the birthing. Click Here for Full Article!
Trolleys: Did you know there are 3 Trolleys working continuously throughout the afternoon? The Trolley locations have moved this year, and there is a pickup right outside the front gate this year.
Antique Tractor Tent: Again, south of the Midway Buildings and towards the back, there’s an entire tent devoted to an Antique Tractor Display that is a very large and special selection. This tent is actually labeled “Large Machinery” although the staff calls it “the antique tractors.”
Petting Zoo: If you couldn’t find the petting zoo, there’s a reason. It’s actually labeled the “Barnyard Tent” and like the Free entertainment it has been moved to the South side of the fair SOUTH OF ALL OF THE BUILDINGS! (South is on your right as you walk in.)
Free Entertainment: The free entertainment has MOVED! If you just walk in to the fair and walk straight in thru the food vendors, you will see the FREE Entertainment is located just a few steps from the entrance on the north side, just west of the carnival rides. These free activities
4-H Changes: Even 4H events and projects have evolved from agricultural to include more progressive S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Robotics and Maker Space projects, through financial support by ArcelorMittal.
The Exhibit Hall features – the exhibits to explore ranging from antique machinery to home economics in the open class. Explore the exhibits and see what Porter County has to offer!
Free activities are lots to things to see and do which include barnyard exhibits, antique machinery exhibits, Commercial building (Expo Center) barnyard shows, Animal shows, (Tiger, rabbit, dog, horse, goat, and many more) BBQ competition, and many more. Carnival rides cost extra.
Grandstand Entertainment have additional ticket sales and reservations. For more info call 219-462-0321. For 4-H Questions call Jean Grott at 219-465-3557.
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
