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

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 7:17 AM

By Staff report

The Indiana State Fair unveiled the first full wave of its 2026 list of scheduled concerts as a part of the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage schedule, August 7-23.

The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage has become a summertime staple for concert goers and music lovers. The lineup each year consists of some of music’s most legendary and diverse acts and this year is no exception. 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 include:

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

As 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 amount of reserved viewing area tickets available now for the concerts.

For more information, 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.