What the Open Cattle Show Is
The Indiana State Fair Open Beef Cattle Show is the breeding-cattle show for beef breeders of any age. Registered cattle are judged breed by breed, with champions chosen in each breed division and the best females and bulls meeting in a Supreme Open Beef Drive. The most recent show was Friday, August 7, 2026, starting at 8 a.m. in the Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.
It is open to breeders and farms, not only 4-H members. The same day, 4-H beef showmanship follows the open show, and the 4-H steer and heifer shows run over the weekend.
Breed Divisions
Classes are organized by breed, then by sex and birth date. Recognized divisions in the 2026 entry book are Angus, Charolais, Chianina, ChiAngus, Highland, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Maine Angus, Maintainer, Mini Hereford, Red Angus, Red Poll, Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn, Shorthorn Plus, Simmental and Sim-Solution, plus an All Other Breeds division for registered cattle of unlisted breeds.
Within a breed, heifer classes run by calving date, from junior heifer calves born in 2026 up through senior yearlings born in late 2024, and bull classes follow the same pattern. Cow-calf pairs show as their own division. A breed needs at least 15 head to be offered its own breed and gender classes.
Rules That Matter at the Barn
- Every animal needs an official ID tag, such as a 15-digit 840 tag, an NUES brite tag or a USDA orange calfhood vaccination tag.
- Exhibitors must hold the Indiana premises ID and may be asked to carry registration papers; tattoos are checked against papers at the show.
- Only sawdust and tan bark bedding is allowed in the cattle barn. No sand, no straw.
- No pressure washers, no butt fans, and fans over 24 inches are banned. No trucks in the barn, no stall dividers, gates or posts in tie-outs, and no nurse cows.
- Bulls over 12 months old must wear a bull lead or ring when showing and at tie-outs.
Fees and Entry Dates
Enter online at the State Fair's Exhibitor's Corner; entries are not taken by phone and are not complete until paid. The per-head fee is $100 from May 18 to July 1, $160 from July 2 to July 31, and $175 on August 1 and 2. Tie-out space is $25. Each exhibitor gets two complimentary admission credentials for each week an entry is made. A vehicle parking pass is $30, and trailer parking at the 46th Street lot is free.
How the Week Works: The Timeline
- Tuesday, August 4: stalling assignments and tack admitted, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., West Pavilion.
- Wednesday, August 5: cattle admitted 8 a.m. to noon and 4 to 10 p.m.
- Thursday, August 6: last arrivals 6 to 8 a.m.; all beef cattle in place by 8 a.m.
- Friday, August 7: Open Beef Show at 8 a.m., Corteva Coliseum. Open cattle not staying for the 4-H shows are released after the show.
- Monday, August 10: all beef cattle out by 6 a.m.
Awards and What You Get
The Grand Champion Female receives a large banner and $85, and the Reserve Grand Champion Female a medium banner and $55. In the Supreme Open Beef Drive, the Supreme Champion Female and the Supreme Champion Bull each earn a large banner and $1,100, with the reserves earning a large banner and $550 each. The top five open females and top five open bulls are chosen from the breed grand and reserve champions. Class premiums are paid on a sliding scale by number shown. Premium checks are mailed in October, and an exhibitor receiving $600 or more must provide a completed IRS Form W-9. Only two premiums are paid per exhibitor in any single class.
Where
Corteva Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. Cattle are housed in the West Pavilion.
Questions
Can a 4-H member show in the open show too?
Yes, by entering online under the open class department and paying open class fees by the open deadlines.
What if my breed has too few head?
Breeds under 15 head total fold into the All Other Breeds division, which still pays premiums and can reach the overall champion drive.
Who do I call?
The State Fair Entry Department at (317) 927-7515, or the fairgrounds at (317) 927-7500. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health premises ID line is 877-747-3038.
Official Links
- Indiana State Fair open livestock entry books: 2026 Open Beef Cattle entry book with classes, rules and premiums
- Indiana State Fair livestock show schedule: show date
- Livestock FAQs: entry office contacts and premium payment
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 4-H Dairy Beef Showmanship
Dairy beef and dairy feeder exhibitors compete in showmanship at Corteva Coliseum on the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Held each year; the most recent date was August 11, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.