INDIANAPOLIS (June 3, 2026) – Wednesday, the Indiana State Fair unveiled the first full wave of its 2026 list of scheduled
concerts as part of the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage schedule, August 7-23 (Fair is closed on Mondays).
The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage has become a summertime staple for concertgoers and music lovers. All shows at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage are free with paid fair admission, and seating is first-come, first-served. All shows start at 7:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Discount tickets can be purchased for the 2026 Indiana State Fair today at indianastatefair.com/.
The first wave of concerts just unveiled today for the 2026 Hoosier Lottery Free Stage at the Indiana State Fair includes:
•The Beach Boys – Friday, August 7 – opening day
•Busta Rhymes – Thursday, August 13
•Gene Simmons – Thursday, August 20
•Don McLean – Saturday, August 22
•Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Sunday, August 23
“The Indiana State Fair is a beloved summer tradition that has been bringing people together for 169 years,” said Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing Officer of the Indiana State Fair. “The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage lineup adds to the unforgettable entertainment, memories, and traditions that make the Fair a highlight of summer.”
As Champions of Play and title sponsor of the Free Stage, the Hoosier Lottery is inviting fairgoers 18 or older to take a swing at summer fun with myLOTTERY. Six winners will receive six State Fair tickets, a parking pass, $250 in Fair Bucks, six box seats to a 2026 Indianapolis Indians home game at Victory Field, and a Hoosier Lottery Prize Pack. Enter by signing up to become a free myLOTTERY member or confirming your existing account at HoosierLottery.com/StateFair by July 2, 2026. Promotional odds are dependent upon the number of entries received.
“The Hoosier Lottery is proud to be back in the starting lineup as sponsor of the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage at the Indiana State Fair,” said Sarah M. Taylor, Executive Director of the Hoosier Lottery. “This year’s ‘Always a Hit’ theme is a home run, celebrating baseball, Indiana’s summer spirit and our nation’s 250th anniversary. As longtime partners with the Indiana State Fair and the Indianapolis Indians, we know how baseball brings people together, and we’re excited to help fairgoers enjoy great entertainment, great value and great memories at one of Indiana’s favorite summer traditions.”
There is a limited number of reserved viewing area tickets available now for the concerts. The 2026 Indiana State Fair is scheduled to open on Friday, August 7, and run through August 23, when you can enjoy The Greatest 15 Days of Summer at this iconic Hoosier tradition. For more information, please visit indianastatefair.com/ or follow the Indiana State Fair on Facebook, Instagram and X. The Indiana State Fair will be highlighted by its 2026 theme “Always A Hit,” presented by the Indianapolis Indians.
