What the Open Swine Show and Sale Is
The Open Swine Show and Sale is the one-day purebred and crossbred breeding hog show at the Indiana State Fair, followed straight away by a breed-by-breed sale. Hog breeders bring boars and gilts to the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion on Saturday, August 22, 2026, show starting at 8:00 a.m., and the sale begins when the show ends. It is open class, so breeders of any age can enter, and it is the stage where state fair champions are crowned and sold.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- All animals, male and female, must have been farrowed after December 1, 2025 and through March 31, 2026.
- Every hog needs an 840 RFID tag in the ear before entering the fairgrounds, and the tag number must be on its health papers. Bring two copies of the health papers per pig.
- Registration papers and the completed exhibitor card go to the swine barn office by 3:00 p.m. the day before the show. Ear notches must match the registration certificate. An emailed or faxed registration is accepted only if it comes straight from a national breed association.
- Classes are broken by staff with no more than a 30-day age spread and no more than 11 per class.
- Exhibitors cannot show more than they entered. Enter each animal individually.
- Indiana residents showing purebreds that were bred, born and owned in Indiana also compete for extra "Indiana Special" premiums.
- Grooming stays inside your assigned pen. Tents, canopies and portable grooming pens are not allowed in or around the pavilion.
The Show
All breeds show on Saturday in two rings. The East Ring takes Berkshire, Landrace, Duroc, Hampshire and York. The West Ring takes Chester, Hereford, Poland, Spots, Tamworth, crossbred gilts and crossbred boars. Gilt classes run youngest to oldest followed by the champion gilt, and then boar classes run the same way, followed by the champion boar. Grand champions come from the first-place winners, and the animal standing second in the champion's class may show for reserve.
How It Works: The Timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Thu., Aug. 20, noon, to Fri., Aug. 21, 2:00 p.m. | Rolling arrival for open swine |
| Sat., Aug. 22, 8:00 a.m. | All breeds show |
| Following the show | Sale in the East Ring: Chester, Landrace, Hereford, Duroc, Poland, Hampshire, Spots, York, Tamworth, Berkshire, then crossbreds |
| Sat., Aug. 22, 10:00 p.m. | Barn closes; hogs left past this time without the superintendent's permission become fair property |
All animals are released after the show unless they are in the sale. Each vehicle has 20 minutes to unload hogs and tack at the swine barn.
The Sale
Breeding sales are run by the breed association, or by a qualified auction service for crossbreds. The fair manages the sale but does not collect or pay out the money, so questions about when checks arrive go to the sale company. Anyone conducting a sale pays the fair 1 percent of gross sales. In several breeds, a hog the judge selects for the sale must sell in it, and the champion and reserve 4-H gilts may sell third and fourth behind the open champion and reserve gilts if the 4-H exhibitor completes the paperwork and agrees to open sale terms.
Fees and Awards
The entry fee is $22 per head from May 18 to July 1, $82 from July 2 to July 31, and $97 from August 1 to August 21. Grand champions receive large banners and reserves receive medium banners. Indiana Special classes pay $32 for first place in a class of 13 to 15, then $22, $17, $14, $14, $12, $12 and $7.
Where
Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Questions
Can a 4-H member sell in the open sale?
Yes. A 4-H exhibitor and parent must sign a hold harmless and indemnification form before joining an open class sale.
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 Open Swine Entry Book (PDF)
- Open livestock entry books
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.