The complex is home to year-round tenants and is used throughout the year for a variety of other gatherings, including trade shows, sporting events, and concerts.

Indiana was the sixth state to begin holding an annual statewide agricultural fair.

[7] On October 20–22, 1852, Indiana's first state fair was held on the grounds of what is now Military Park, west of downtown Indianapolis.

In 1860 a new location for the fairgrounds was established on approximately 38 acres (15 ha) along Alabama Street, north of the city.

The gates opened at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on East 38th Street for the first time on September 19, 1892.

Other Indiana cities hosted the event during the 19th century, including Lafayette (1853); Madison (1854); New Albany (1859); Fort Wayne (1865); and Terre Haute (1867).

[1] On August 13, 2011, high winds from an approaching thunderstorm collapsed the roof over the grandstand stage just before Sugarland was about to perform, killing seven people and injuring 58.

[18] The Indiana State Fairgrounds' mile-long oval track has hosted auto races for over a century.

The half-mile dirt track in the infield will also be eliminated to allow more parking for the State Fair and other events.

Over the years, Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump have all made appearances at the fairgrounds.