Final Bow: Last Weekend Of 2018 Circus-Themed Indiana State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — "Step Right Up" to the final weekend of the 2018 Indiana State Fair, which continues through Sunday, Aug. 19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

2018 Indiana State Fair theme: The 2018 Indiana State Fair features acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns and more from The Big Top Circus presented by Bee Window. The circus is free with paid State Fair admission. Fair organizers say The Big Top Circus will be presented in a single-ring with three shows daily - 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m, and seating limited to the first 1,600 people per show on a first come, first serve basis.

Officials say there will be no exotic animals as the Indiana State Fair is committed to providing world-class entertainment in a safe and welcoming environment.

The circus features world-class performers such as Bello Nock, also often known as "Bello." Bello is referred to as the "World's Greatest Comic Daredevil" and has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for a high wire walk over a cruise ship, he has performed several stunts in New York City, including rappelling off Madison Square Garden and hanging from a helicopter over the Statue of Liberty. Fair officials report he has been included on Time Magazine's list of America's Best Artists and Entertainers.

2018 Indiana State Fair hours:

• Gate hours: Sunday through Thursday - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday through Saturday - 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Midway hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday - 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 19 - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Vendor hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Building and Exhibit hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with exhibit hall opening 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Midway Wristbands - Wristbands are $30 on site.

NOTE: **Subaru Skyride is not included with wristband as it costs $5 (4 Midway tickets).

Hoosier Lottery Grandstand schedule:

• Friday, Aug. 17: Monster Truck Show: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Aug. 17; free!
• Saturday, Sunday, Aug. 18 & 19: Demolition Derby: Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.; Aug. 19 at 4:30 p.m.; $5 tickets for Aug 18 and $5 tickets for Aug. 19.

Chevrolet Free Stage Schedule:

• Friday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m.: Here Come The Mummies
• Saturday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m.: Robby Krieger of The Doors
• Sunday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m.: Kirk Franklin – Headlining Gospel Music Festival

Other Indiana State Fair favorites:

• Indiana State Fair Competitions, Contests: Livestock schedule and competitions, 4-H competitions, Indiana Brewers' Cup, pageants and more.
• The MetroPCS Family Fun Park: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
• Indiana Beer, Wine & Spirits presented by Visit Indiana: Open daily in the Grand Hall across from the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, this venue showcases Indiana beer, wine and spirits with tastings and sales by the glass for fairgoers ages 21 and older. Those younger than 21 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Subaru Skyride: (refer to note above in wristband section).

Plenty of new delicious foods and more at this year's Indiana State Fair:

• Nearly 20 different new foods: Deep fried chicken and waffle sandwich; BBQ Pork Potachoes; two new grilled cheeses; Birthday cake shake; Deep fried sugar cream pie; peach cider slush; Bison rangoon; Wood fire pizza; gourmet mac n' cheese and so much more. See photos/more details: Indiana State Fair Food
• "Animal Town": An interactive learning experience that showcases a variety of animals including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, llamas, rabbits and chickens, on display all 17 days of the Fair.
• The BulletTrain roller coaster in the Midway

>> Complete Indiana State Fair event schedule

>> Parking and transportation

For more information on the 163rd Indiana State Fair, including a map, camping info., featured/participating farmers and vendors, visit indianastatefair.com

Image via Renee Shiavone