What the Rabbit Show Is
The 4-H and Open Rabbit Show is the state fair's rabbit competition, held in the Expo Hall. The Open Rabbit Show is Friday, August 14, 2026, and the 4-H Rabbit Show is Saturday, August 15. On Sunday, August 16 the 4-H Rabbit Ambassador Contest tests the top 4-H rabbit project members from across the state. Breeders and youth both come for breed judging, a Best in Show, a hands-on interactive demonstration area and an awards program.
Divisions and Ways to Enter
| Part | When | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Open Rabbit Show | Fri., Aug. 14, judging from 9:00 a.m. | Any rabbit exhibitor |
| 4-H Rabbit Show | Sat., Aug. 15, exhibitors meeting 9:00 a.m., then judging | 4-H members; up to 20 entries, one per class number |
| 4-H Interactive Demonstration | Sat., Aug. 15, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Any county 4-Her interested; no pre-entry, register at the area |
| 4-H Rabbit Ambassador Contest | Sun., Aug. 16, check-in 8:00 a.m., contest 9:00 a.m. | County-nominated 4-H members; no entry fee |
How It Works: The Timeline
- Thursday, August 13: check-in 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for both 4-H and open rabbits. The Rabbit Building closes at 9:00 p.m., and all open rabbits must be cooped.
- Friday, August 14: open class judging begins at 9:00 a.m. Open rabbits are released at 6:00 p.m. after Best in Show.
- Saturday, August 15: 4-H exhibitors meet in the show arena at 9:00 a.m., followed by judging of the 4-H show.
- Sunday, August 16: Ambassador contest, then the 4-H Rabbit Awards program at 4:00 p.m. Checkout is at 6:00 p.m. through the west exit, and all rabbits must be removed by 8:00 p.m. Rabbits not picked up become fair property and may be sold.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- 4-H exhibitors enter online by choosing department, section and class numbers. No entries are accepted after August 10, 2026.
- A 4-H member can show up to 20 entries, with only one entry per class number. Market classes count toward the 20.
- Entering a 4-H rabbit gives permission to use the animal in the Ambassador Contest breed identification, unless you tell the 4-H Rabbit Show Manager by the end of judging on Saturday that it is unavailable.
- Open exhibitors enter through the open department and meet open deadlines.
The Rabbit Ambassador Contest
Each county can nominate five contestants: one novice (grades 3 to 4), junior (5 to 6), intermediate (7 to 8), senior (9 to 10) and master (11 and up). Contestants take a 100-point written test, identify ten rabbits by breed, showroom classification and class for 60 points, and are scored out of 100 points on showmanship. Questions come from the American Rabbit Breeders Association Domestic Rabbit Guide and Standard of Perfection. No reference material is allowed, and contestants bring a #2 pencil. Category winners cannot win the same category again and move up to the next category the following year.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
4-H entry is $5 per head from May 18 to July 1, $30 from July 2 to July 31, and $45 from August 1 to August 10. Open entry is $4, $29 and $44 for the same periods. Open premiums run on a sliding scale from $10.25 for first place, with $20.00 for Best of Breed, $14.75 for Best Opposite Sex of Breed and $9.50 for Best of Variety. The Indiana State Fair Celebration of Champions recognizes the Grand Champion 4-H Meat Pen of Rabbits and 4-H Best of Show rabbit.
Where
Expo Hall, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. Expo Hall hours during the show are 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Questions
What if a contestant needs assistance?
Call the Rabbit Office at 317-927-1478 by noon Saturday.
Who else can 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 Rabbits Entry Book (PDF)
- 2026 Open Rabbits 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.