Here’s a look at the artists playing the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage at the 2026 Indiana State Fair.
The Indiana State Fair announced the full lineup for the 2026 Hoosier Lottery Free Stage on June 17 — an evening affair which has become a bit of a “summertime staple for concertgoers and music lovers,” according to a press release.
The theme of this year’s fair is “Always a Hit,” which pays homage to the game of baseball, dubbed “America’s Pastime,” in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. Concerts will take place on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage each night, Tuesday-Sunday, Aug. 7-23, featuring artists such as Busta Rhymes, Bret Michaels, Trace Adkins and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Each concert is free with fair admission, begins at 7 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served.
“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,” Anna Whelchel, chief marketing officer of the Indiana State Fair, said in a statement. “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.”
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Last fall, representatives from the Indiana State Fair announced that the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage would see some improvements to the venue — including a 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) and new dual 10’x18’ LED video walls (flown stage left and right). The venue will also have a new flexible seating setup to accommodate 5,000-7,000 people, depending on general admission, reserved-seating shows, and a mix of the two, according to a press release.
The 2026 Hoosier Lottery Free Stage lineup:
- Aug. 7 (Opening Day) — The Beach Boys
- Aug. 8 — TUSK –The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute
- Aug. 9 — Josiah Queen
- Aug. 11 — Clayton Anderson
- Aug. 12 — Bret Michaels
- Aug. 13 — Busta Rhymes
- Aug. 14 — Grand Funk Railroad
- Aug. 15 — DJ Golden Hour: A Tribute to Demon Hunters
- Aug. 16 — Trace Adkins – Sunday, August 16
- Aug. 18 — Los Sementales De Nuevo Leon
- Aug. 19 — Happy Together Tour
- Aug. 20 — Gene Simmons
- Aug. 21 — Sammy Kershaw & Craig Morgan
- Aug. 22 — Don McLean
- Aug. 23 — Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Title sponsor of the Free Stage and Champions of Play, the Hoosier Lottery is once again inviting fairgoers 18 and older to participate in my LOTTERY. Six winners will be given a packet of six Indiana State Fair tickets along with 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.
“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,” Sarah M. Taylor, executive director of the Hoosier Lottery, said in a statement. “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.”
Participants can enter to win by signing up for a free myLOTTERY membership or confirming their existing account before July 2 at hoosierlottery.com/statefair.
The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage reserves a limited number of viewing area tickets for the concerts. The 2026 Indiana State Fair will open on Aug. 7 and run through Aug. 23. The fair is closed on Mondays.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit indianastatefair.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
