The Indiana State Fair is gearing up for its 2026 run and wants a small army of seasonal workers on deck, with roughly 800 hires needed to cover gates, shuttles, exhibits and other fair operations in August. To jump-start recruitment, the fair is hosting a job fair on Thursday, June 4.
The 18th annual job fair is set for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. inside the Agriculture/Horticulture Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. According to WRTV, attendees will be able to fill out applications, sit for on-site interviews and get priority consideration in the hiring process, with organizers hoping the in-person event speeds up staffing for the busy season.
What they're hiring for
The fair is looking to fill about 800 seasonal roles across both front-line and behind-the-scenes operations. Positions include parking attendants, gate workers, security staff, operations crew members, tractor shuttle drivers, information booth assistants and guides for educational exhibits, as reported by WISH‑TV. Human resources director Mark Anderson said many of the openings are a good fit for first-time workers, college students and retirees hoping to pick up some extra income.
How to apply
Job seekers who show up to the June 4 hiring event can apply and interview on the spot and receive priority in the selection process. Anyone who cannot attend can still apply in person starting June 8 at the State Fair Employment Office inside the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion. Per WRTV, walk-in applications are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and applicants are encouraged to bring a resume if they have one.
When the fair runs
The 2026 Indiana State Fair is scheduled for August 7 through August 23 and will be closed on Mondays, according to the official State Fair schedule. Ticket and date details are available on the Indiana State Fair tickets page, and the seasonal employment application can be downloaded from the fair’s employment page. Fair leaders say the short-term jobs are especially suited to students and others looking to pad their summer earnings, as reported by WISH‑TV.
