The Indiana State Fair is one of the biggest events held annually in Indianapolis, typically running for 17 days from early to mid-August. With over 950,000 attendees each year, the State Fair offers an incredible selection of concerts, shows, exhibits, competitions, foods, rides, games, and more. Music lovers from Indiana and beyond flock to the fairgrounds for the exciting concert series featuring top performers spanning genres like country, pop, rock, R&B, and more.
So what concerts can you catch at the 2023 Indiana State Fair? Here’s a look at the stellar musical lineup set to hit the Indiana Farmers Coliseum and Free Stage this August.
Indiana Farmers Coliseum Concerts
The following concerts will take place inside the indoor Indiana Farmers Coliseum, which can seat up to 8,000 attendees:
- Brooks & Dunn – August 4. Country music legends Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of the award-winning duo Brooks & Dunn will headline the first Coliseum concert of the fair. Expect to hear smash hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Believe,” and “Red Dirt Road.”
- Disturbed – August 5. American heavy metal band Disturbed is set to deliver a high energy show featuring songs like “Down with the Sickness,” “Stricken,” and “The Sound of Silence.”
- Jon Pardi – August 6. Jon Pardi is one of country music’s biggest rising stars, known for songs like “Head Over Boots,” “Dirt on My Boots,” and “Heartache Medication.”
- Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias – August 12. Comedy superstar Gabriel Iglesias, aka “Fluffy,” is sure to bring tons of laughs to the Coliseum stage with his unique brand of standup comedy.
- Carrie Underwood – August 13. Country queen Carrie Underwood, an eight-time Grammy winner, will play a not-to-be-missed concert featuring her powerful vocals and mega hits like “Before He Cheats,” “Blown Away,” and “Cry Pretty.”
- The Chicks – August 18. Iconic country trio The Chicks (formerly known as The Dixie Chicks) make their State Fair return with beloved songs like “Wide Open Spaces,” “Cowboy Take Me Away,” and “Long Time Gone.”
- Keith Urban – August 19. Grammy-winning country superstar Keith Urban is set to rock the Coliseum with smash hits like “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” “The Fighter,” and “Somebody Like You.”
- For King and Country – August 20. Contemporary Christian duo and four-time Grammy winners For King and Country will perform uplifting hits like “joy,” God Only Knows,” and “Shoulders.”
Tickets for these indoor Coliseum concerts can be purchased directly through Ticketmaster once they go on sale. Prices vary by show, but are typically in the $40-$75 range depending on seat location.
Free Stage Concerts
The Indiana State Fair also offers a number of free shows at the Free Stage, an outdoor concert venue that fits up to 4,000 people. Here are some of the top free concerts on the 2023 schedule:
- Happy Together Tour – August 4. Featuring classic rock groups like The Turtles, The Association, The Vogues, The Cowsills and more, this concert celebrates the biggest pop hits of the ’60s.
- Boyz II Men – August 5. R&B icons Boyz II Men, known for timeless love songs like “I’ll Make Love to You” and “End of the Road,” take the Free Stage.
- Yacht Rock Revue – August 6. This popular cover band performs smooth hits from the ’70s and ’80s soft rock era.
- Trace Adkins – August 12. Country legend Trace Adkins brings his rich baritone voice and hits like “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing.”
- Grand Funk Railroad – August 13. Founding fathers of arena and stadium rock Grand Funk Railroad play their classics like “We’re An American Band,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” and more.
- Village People – August 15. The Village People aim to get the crowd dancing and singing along to disco classics like “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man.”
- The Beach Boys – August 16. Iconic pop group The Beach Boys bring feel good summer vibes with timeless hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “Kokomo,” “Good Vibrations” and so many more.
- Everclear – August 18. Alt rockers Everclear take the stage to perform ’90s favorites like “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” and “I Will Buy You A New Life.”
- Collective Soul – August 19. American rock band Collective Soul is set to play chart-toppers like “The World I Know,” “December,” and “Shine.”
- Gin Blossoms – August 20. Rounding out the Free Stage lineup are ’90s rockers Gin Blossoms, playing hits like “Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down,” and “Til I Hear It From You.”
Tickets are not needed to see shows at the Free Stage – just make sure to arrive early to get a good spot. Bleacher seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
2022 Concert Highlights
Last year’s Indiana State Fair concert series was also jam packed with A-list performers across genres. 2022 Coliseum headliners included:
- Alabama
- Willie Nelson & Family
- Brooks & Dunn
- Gwen Stefani
Meanwhile, the 2022 Free Stage featured free concerts from acts like:
- Styx
- REO Speedwagon
- Nelly
- Riley Green
The 2022 concert series gave fairgoers 17 days of incredible live music to enjoy alongside all the other great State Fair attractions. This year’s lineup looks to continue that trend of booking first-rate performers that appeal to diverse musical tastes.
Other Indiana State Fair Music
In addition to the main Coliseum and Free Stage concerts, fairgoers can also catch live music at a few other designated areas on the fairgrounds:
- Harvest Pavilion Stage – Local and regional acts take this stage throughout the day and night with cover bands, blues, country, pop, and more.
- Pioneer Village Stage – Check out bluegrass, gospel choirs, barbershop quartets, and other Americana-style performers at the Pioneer Village open-air stage.
- 4-H Park Stage – 4-H youth and other community talent gets the chance to shine on this stage with singing, dancing, magic shows, and all kinds of family-friendly entertainment.
Schedules for these side stages are typically released in the weeks leading up to the fair opening. It’s a great way to take a break from the rides and exhibits and discover some fantastic local and up-and-coming talent.
Indiana State Fair Admission
Daily gate admission to the Indiana State Fair ranges from $8 – $14 depending on the day. Children 5 and under get in for free. However, be aware that the Coliseum concerts are ticketed separately, while the Free Stage concerts are included with fair admission.
There are also season passes and value deals available, like:
- Season pass – $40 ($55 at the gate). Includes admission for all 17 days.
- Weekly value pass – $25. Provides admission for any 5 days of the fair.
- Gate deal – $8 admission after 5pm on weekdays.
Parking at the State Fair is $10 per vehicle and $20 for buses. However, there are cheaper lots in the vicinity that allow you to walk in and avoid the on-site parking fees.
How To Get Indiana State Fair Concert Tickets
Here are some tips and policies to be aware of when getting tickets to see shows at the 2023 Indiana State Fair:
- Coliseum concert tickets will be available for presale and then general public sale through the Ticketmaster website. Sign up for Ticketmaster Verified Fan to get early access to presales.
- Free Stage concert entry is first come, first served. No tickets required.
- Seating for Free Stage shows is festival-style bleachers. Arrive early for the best spot.
- Tickets for kids as young as 6 months old are required at the Coliseum. Lap infants are free.
- Print your tickets in advance or use mobile tickets on your smartphone for entry.
- Ticket delivery methods like print-at-home PDF or mobile transfer are best to avoid shipping fees.
- All tickets sales are final – no refunds or exchanges.
- Check the Indiana State Fair website for presale codes and additional ticket information.
The exciting Indiana State Fair concert lineup gives music lovers so many options to see chart-topping performers across genres this August. Grab your concert tickets today and get ready for 17 days of fantastic live entertainment alongside all the other can’t-miss fair festivities happening in Indianapolis this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other big events happen at the Indiana State Fair?
In addition to concerts, the Indiana State Fair offers a wide range of exhibits, competitions, activities, and entertainment across the 17-day event. Highlights include:
- Carnival rides and games
- 4H competitions and animal shows
- Tractor pulls and demolition derbies
- Arts, crafts, horticulture and science exhibits
- Unique fair foods, drinks and treats
- Shopping at dozens of merch vendors
- Interactive agriculture and sustainability displays
- Championship racing events like sprint cars and stock cars
- Lumberjack shows and circus spectacles
- Celebrity chef demonstrations
- Interactive kid play zones
With so much going on, you’ll want to come back multiple days to experience it all!
What are the State Fair hours and dates in 2023?
The 2023 Indiana State Fair is set for August 4-20 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Fair hours are:
- Weekdays: 9am – 10pm
- Saturdays: 9am – 10pm
- Sundays: 9am – 9pm
Note that buildings and exhibits typically open at 9am each day, while midway rides open at 11am on weekdays and 10am on weekends.
Can you bring food and drinks into the Indiana State Fair?
Outside food and drinks are permitted, but there are some rules to be aware of:
- Food can be carried in one clear, gallon-sized plastic bag per person.
- Factory-sealed water bottles and empty refillable water bottles are allowed.
- No coolers over 18 inches long are permitted.
- Alcohol, glass containers, and metal utensils are prohibited.
Keep in mind there are plenty of delicious and unique fair food vendors onsite if you’d rather try some classics like elephant ears, corn dogs, and more!
Are there discounts or free days for the Indiana State Fair?
Yes, here are some ways to save on Indiana State Fair admission:
- Kids 5 and under get in free every day
- Grab the weekday gate deal for $8 after 5pm
- Check for discount days sponsored by local businesses
- Sign up for email or text alerts for special promo offers
- Buy saver value packs and season passes in advance
There are also frequently coupons and discounts available from grocery stores, local media outlets, and on the Indiana State Fair mobile app.
Conclusion
The Indiana State Fair delivers 17 exciting days of concerts from major headliners, plus so many other entertainment options for all ages. The 2023 lineup promises another stellar series of performances at the Coliseum and Free Stage. Pop and country superstars like Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Brooks & Dunn lead the way, along with rock, metal, R&B, Christian, and comedy acts. Music fans won’t want to miss these can’t-miss concerts as part of their Indiana State Fair experience this August!