Music festival season is here and while Indiana might not offer anything quite like Coachella or Electric Forest, the Hoosier state still boasts an outstanding balance of festivals and award-winning music venues (ah-hem Ruoff Home Mortgage Center). If you’re a music lover, and even if you’re not, you need to add these must-visit music attractions to your summer bucket list.
If You’re A Concert Goer…
Then you’ll want to add these venues to the top of your list. From dancing in the lawn to shouting the lyrics to your favorite songs, these outdoor venues are where you want to be this summer.
Ruoff Home Mortgage Center – Noblesville, IN
This outdoor music venue has been consistently ranked among the top five amphitheaters in the world since its opening in 1989. It’s located on 228 acres in Noblesville and is known for its picturesque outdoor setting and top-name talent. If you’ve ever seen a show here, you know the Indiana sunsets can put on a great performance too!
Self-promotion alert! Jiffy Lube of Indiana is back as the title sponsor of the Country MegaTicket for the 11th year! Join us at the Jiffy Lube RV at the back entrance for a chance to win concert tickets to upcoming shows and to take photos in our country-themed photo booth!
See the MegaTicket Lineup: http://jiffylubeindiana.com/megaticket
See The Summer Lineup: https://www.livenation.com/venues/14412/ruoff-home-mortgage-music-center
Symphony on the Prairie – Fishers, IN
This is a 38-year tradition that shouldn’t be missed. Coordinated by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, you can enjoy 35 concerts from June through September.
This is their largest summer series to date, with music from Elvis, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and so many more. The prairie is the perfect place to spend the evening with friends, family, and even large groups. You can choose to pack your own food and drinks or purchase them from the concession stands. Grab a blanket for the lawn and enjoy an evening of family fun!
See The Lineup: https://www.indianapolissymphony.org/symphony-on-the-prairie
Foellinger Theatre – Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne continues to be a destination city and outdoor venues like Foellinger Theatre bring in visitors from all over the state. This summer the concert lineup includes some nationally acclaimed musicians and tribute bands like the Prince Experience, the Billy Joel Tribute, and Vince Gill.
Several free general admission concerts will be held this season as well, including the Fort Wayne Youth Symphony and Concert Orchestra, the Fort Wayne Area Community Band, the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, and the New Millennium Jazz Orchestra.
See The Lineup: http://www.fortwayneparks.org/facilities/foellinger-theatre.html
If You’re Into Music AND Food…
And who’s not into food? Pack up your friends and family for a road trip to one of these music festivals. There is a celebration for nearly every style of music. So get down, turn around, go to town, and boot scootin’ boogie at the following festivals.
Elkhart Jazz Festival – Elkhart, IN
June 21-23, 2019
Did you know that Elkhart, Indiana, is actually known as the Band Instrument Capital of the World? Elkhart businesses employ nearly 2,000 skilled craftsmen in the production of instruments that turn music into art.
Since 1988, jazz musicians and thousands of music fans have gathered in Elkhart for a weekend each summer to celebrate all things jazz. Today, the festival is an internationally-acclaimed event drawing around 20,000 people in attendance to watch more than 100 performers.
There are seven stages all performing America’s classic art form for three days and you can enjoy it all for a reasonably low price. One day passes start at $30 and three-day passes begin at $100.
More Information: https://elkhartjazzfestival.com/
Madison’s Regatta & Roostertail Music Festival – Madison, IN
July 4-6, 2019
The Madison Regatta is one of the largest (and fastest) hydroplane races in the United States. Some hydroplanes are capable of going up to 200 miles per hour! This water sporting event has been held annually for nearly 70 years on the Ohio River in Madison, Indiana.
This patriotic festival continues to grow each year and even includes the Roostertail Music Festival. The Alternative Rock/Outlaw Country music festival features several Grammy nominees and Billboard chart-toppers. Head south to celebrate America’s Birthday with boat racing, fireworks, parades, shopping, food, drinks, some real country music, and the best alt-rock around!
More Information: https://www.madisonregatta.com/
Bean Blossom Blues Fest – Bean Blossom, IN
August 22-24, 2019
The first ever Bean “Jam Session” was held twenty years ago. It was meant to be an intimate party of harmonica musicians but when word broke that a few well-known musicians were coming to perform, more than 700 people showed up to listen!
Now the Bean is voted the #1 music festival in Indiana. Planted in a wooded setting at the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground in Brown County, they carry the tradition of being one of the more intimate outdoor festivals. Only a limited number of tickets are sold in order to maintain an enjoyable experience for festival-goers.
Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground holds several music festivals throughout the year. More Information: https://www.billmonroemusicpark.com/
Ferdinand Folk Festival – Ferdinand, IN
Saturday, September 21
This September marks the 10th year for the Ferdinand Folk Festival. Over the last decade Ferdinand, Indiana, has offered a full-day of free, family-friendly music, and activities. In addition to several outstanding singer-songwriter performances, there are also dozens of food, art, and environment and wellness booths.
Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and plop down on the lush lawn surrounded by trees and enjoy a relaxing day of Americana, folk, roots blues, and reggae music.
More Information: http://www.ferdinandfolkfestival.com
