Indiana State Fair announces final wave of Hoosier Lottery Free Stage concerts for 2026

The Indiana State Fair unveiled the third and final wave of its 2026 list of scheduled concerts as a part of the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage schedule, August 7-23 (Fair is closed on Mondays).

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/.

Concerts for the 2026 Hoosier Lottery Free Stage at the Indiana State Fair include:

• The Beach Boys - Friday, August 7 - opening day
• TUSK - The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute - Saturday, August 8
• Josiah Queen - Sunday, August 9
• Clayton Anderson - Tuesday, August 11
• Bret Michaels - Wednesday, August 12
• Busta Rhymes - Thursday, August 13
• Grand Funk Railroad - Friday, August 14
• DJ Golden Hour: A Tribute to Demon Hunters - Saturday, August 15
• Trace Adkins - Sunday, August 16
• Los Sementales De Nuevo Leon - Tuesday, August 18
• Happy Together Tour- Wednesday, August 19
• Gene Simmons - Thursday, August 20
• Sammy Kershaw & Craig Morgan - Friday, August 21
• Don McLean - Saturday, August 22
• Tasha Cobbs Leonard - Sunday, August 23

"We are proud to unveil the full 2026 Indiana State Fair concert lineup as we prepare to introduce fairgoers to the newly-renovated Hoosier Lottery Free Stage concert venue," said Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing Officer of the Indiana State Fair. "This multi-million-dollar renovation represents an investment in the future of live entertainment at the State Fair, elevating the guest experience while helping us attract exceptional artists and events for years to come." 

Announced last fall, the enhancements for the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage will include improvements to the venue, including:

●      New stage and expansion - 60’x40’ main stage with two 30’x40’ wings

●      Added roof height - 30’ from stage deck to bottom of roof structure

●      Total roof load capacity upgrade - 92,000 lbs.

●      Brand new dual 10’x18’ LED video walls (flown stage left and right)

●     Flexible seating capacity setups - 5,000-7,500 (depending on general admission or reserved seated shows or a mix of both general admission and reserved seating)

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. 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 amount of reserved viewing area tickets available now for the concerts. The 2026 Indiana State Fair is scheduled to open on Friday, August 7 and runs 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.