Allen County Fair

The Allen County Fair in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a longtime annual county fair known for its family-friendly agricultural and entertainment offerings, taking place at the Allen County Fairgrounds. The 2025 event runs from June 17 to June 22 with gate opening at 9:00 AM and closing at 5:00 PM daily.

The fair features a variety of 4-H animal shows, projects, and events, along with carnival rides, games, a food court, motorsport events, and hot air balloon activities. There are also many free activities for families, including a popular ice cream social, watermelon eating contest, and “touch-a-truck” event where children can explore different vehicles. The experience is described as “Timeless Fun,” emphasizing a blend of traditional fair events and community engagement.

Event Atmosphere and Surroundings

Located on 2726 Carroll Road at the Allen County Fairgrounds, the venue is accessible and known for its rich history and ties to local agricultural culture. The grounds host year-round events besides the fair, including motorcycle races, demolition derbies, craft shows, and swap meets, which contributes to a vibrant community hub atmosphere. The fair serves as a major local gathering with over 200,000 visitors historically attending, creating a busy and welcoming vibe suitable for all ages. The fairgrounds are fully handicapped accessible.

Activities and Attractions

• 4-H Animal Shows and Projects: Competitions and exhibitions involving livestock and agricultural projects by youth participants.
• Carnival Rides and Games: A wide array of rides and midway games catering to children and adults.
• Food Court: Featuring classic fair foods and local vendors.
• Motorsport Events: Including demolition derbies and races.
• Hot Air Balloons: Balloon launches or demonstrations as part of the fair spectacle.
• Family Friendly Events:
  • Ice Cream Social
  • Watermelon Eating Contest
  • Touch-a-Truck event, allowing hands-on interaction with trucks and other machinery.

Rough Schedule and Pass Information

• Dates: June 17–22, 2025 (Tuesday through Sunday)
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
• Admission:
  • Daily gate admission is $10 for adults and youth (7+); children 6 and under enter free.
  • Season passes and membership options are available for residents and non-residents, with prices ranging from $20 (youth) to $45 (season adult pass).
  • Grandstand events often require separate tickets.

While the full detailed daily schedule for 2025 is not fully public, the fair typically includes daily livestock shows and contests in the mornings and afternoons, motorsport events with specific timing in the afternoon or evening, as well as scheduled community events like contests and social gatherings throughout the day.

History and Founding

The Allen County Fair has a long history, recently celebrating over 175 years of operation, emphasizing its importance and sustained popularity in the region. The fair has continuously evolved with infrastructure improvements and expanded programming thanks to extensive community support. It has become an annual highlight in Allen County with traditions deeply rooted in agriculture and community celebration.

Overall, the Allen County Fair offers a blend of traditional agricultural heritage and modern entertainment in a family-oriented, welcoming environment on the fairgrounds of Fort Wayne, Indiana.