What the Poultry Show Is
The 4-H and Open Poultry Show fills the Expo Hall at the Indiana State Fair for the closing four days of the fair, August 20 to 23, 2026. Birds are judged against the American Standard of Perfection, and the show covers meat-type commercial birds, large fowl, bantams and waterfowl. 4-H members compete Thursday through Saturday, and the open show runs Saturday and Sunday. The open show also hosts the Rooster Crowing Jubilee.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- 4-H birds must be owned, raised and cared for by the 4-H member. A county fair win is not required.
- 4-H members must complete Quality Assurance training. Birds should be hatched before May 1 for competitive purposes, except birds shown in meat classes.
- A bird may be shown in only one class in a given year. If your variety is not listed, enter it under A.O.V. (all other varieties). Guinea fowl are not offered.
- Exhibitors must be present at judging. Dirty birds can be excused, and birds must be free of external parasites to earn an award.
- A 4-H member may pre-enter one bird per class for turkeys (up to 12 birds in total). In commercial chickens, a member may enter one pair of broilers and one pair of roasters, plus eggs (six per carton, up to three cartons).
Commercial chickens are weighed at check-in. Broilers are 6 to 8 weeks old and up to 5 1/2 pounds; roasters are 8 to 12 weeks and over 5 1/2 up to 10 pounds. A bird over 10 pounds is disqualified.
How It Works: The Timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Wed., Aug. 19, 3:00-8:00 p.m. | 4-H birds admitted |
| Thu., Aug. 20 | 4-H birds admitted and penned 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; showmanship check-in noon, showmanship at 1:00 p.m. |
| Fri., Aug. 21 | Commercial birds weighed 8:00-9:00 a.m.; judging of commercial classes at 9:00 a.m., followed by large fowl, exhibition waterfowl and bantams. Open birds admitted 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. |
| Sat., Aug. 22 | Open judging begins at 9:00 a.m.; 4-H birds entered in the open show are transferred; Best and Reserve 4-H Exhibition chosen at 2:00 p.m.; 4-H commercial and exhibition birds released at 5:00 p.m.; Rooster Crowing Jubilee at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. |
| Sun., Aug. 23 | Open judging continues at 9:00 a.m.; Rooster Crowing Jubilee finals at 10:00 a.m.; Overall Exhibition Champion awards at 2:00 p.m.; chickens and waterfowl released at 5:00 p.m. |
Birds not picked up (after 9:00 p.m. Saturday for 4-H, 7:00 p.m. Sunday for open) become fair property and may be sold. 4-H exhibitors may sell birds privately after 6:00 p.m. Saturday, outside the building; no public sale is held.
Showmanship, Fees and Awards
Poultry showmanship is open to 4-H members entered in the show. Juniors are grades 3 to 5, intermediates grades 6 to 8, and seniors grade 9 and up, judged on presenting clean, healthy, trained birds. Champions and reserves earn a small plaque and a lavender rosette.
Entry for both 4-H and open is $5 per head from May 18 to July 1, $30 from July 2 to July 31, and $45 from August 1 to August 6. Live birds are placed first through fourth, with 4-H turkey classes paying $7, $6, $5 and $4 and open Modern Game Bantam classes paying $8.50, $7.50, $6.50 and $5.50. The Celebration of Champions recognizes the grand champion 4-H meat-type chicken, the grand champion commercial waterfowl and the best exhibition chicken or waterfowl. Open exhibitors can rent standard coops in the sales section for $3 each (four birds maximum).
Where
Expo Hall, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Questions
Can I pick up my ribbons later?
Yes. Satin ribbons not collected at poultry checkout go to your County Extension office after the fair.
Who do I call?
The Entry Department at 317-927-7515, or the fair at 317-927-7500.
Official Links
- Indiana State Fair livestock show schedule
- 2026 4-H Poultry Entry Book (PDF)
- 2026 Open Poultry Entry Book (PDF)
Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Indiana's 92 counties each host a fair, and most run in July, per the Farm Bureau's 2026 county fair guide. Allen County ran June 23-28 and Adams County July 19-23.
State fair
The 2026 Indiana State Fair ran August 7 to 23 in Indianapolis, with 4-H beef, swine and sheep shows starting August 7, per the livestock show schedule.
IDs and health
Animal ID goes into Indiana 4-H Online by May 15, per the 2026 ID chart. Indiana animals need no BOAH health certificate unless the show asks, per the state requirements.
Who can show
Indiana 4-H runs from third grade through grade 12, up to ten years, per the eligibility policy. Members enroll each year in 4-H Online.
Show week
Harrison County opened livestock check-in June 19 and held its auction June 25, per its 2026 handbook.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and ID day dates.
Rules and entry limits differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Marion County Fair
Mark June 26 to July 5, 2026 for the Marion County Fair in Indianapolis (10 days, Friday start). Held each year; the most recent dates were June 26 to July 5, 2026.
Indianapolis, IN Official event details - Indiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Judging Contest
Open to 4-H and FFA members, this state contest at the Indiana State Fair teaches youth to evaluate horses, and no Area Contest qualifier is required. Held each year; the most recent date was August 6, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair fills the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis with livestock shows, 4-H exhibits and farm displays, closed Mondays. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 7 to 23, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair 4-H Beef Showmanship
Young Indiana 4-H exhibitors lead their beef animals before the judge in showmanship classes at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Held each year; the most recent date was August 7, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair Open Cattle Show
Breeders from around Indiana bring beef cattle to the Open Cattle Show at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis, which shares its day with 4-H beef showmanship. Held each year; the most recent date was August 7, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.