Take the Stage at the Indiana State Fair
Want to play the Indiana State Fair? Live music is a big part of Indiana’s largest event, and we’re looking for talented performers who know how to connect with a crowd and create a great atmosphere. The Fair is an opportunity to get your music in front of new audiences from across the state, grow your following and turn Fairgoers into future fans.
Indiana-based performers are given priority in our booking process. All performances must be family-friendly.
We are accepting applications for:
- FULL BANDS
- Upbeat, engaging bands with the energy and stage presence to pull in a crowd.
- ACOUSTIC PERFORMERS
- Solo artists, duos and small groups that can create a great atmosphere in our more intimate venues.
Before You Apply
Our Entertainment Team reviews submissions as we build the Fair’s music schedule. If we are interested in booking your act or need more information, WE WILL CONTACT YOU. Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot provide individual application updates. Please do not call or email to check the status of your submission.
Performance Format
Performers should be prepared for: 45-minute set | 15-minute break | 45-minute set
You will be asked to provide your total rate for the full performance engagement. Admission and parking credentials are provided for approved performers and necessary crew.
Find Your Fit
Each of our stages has its own personality. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Backyard Stage | Full Bands
- Bring the party. This outdoor bar and food area is all about upbeat, recognizable music, great covers and high energy. We want bands that can make someone walking by stop, sing along and stay for another song.
- Wine Garden | Acoustic
- Think winery patio on a summer evening. Relaxed, social and a great fit for solo artists, duos and small acoustic groups with recognizable music and personality.
- Taproom | Indoor Acoustic
- Think neighborhood brewery: cold beer, friends around a table and great live music. We’re looking for acoustic acts that can keep the room fun and lively without needing a full-band production.
- Saloon | Acoustic
- Country, southern rock, bluegrass, Americana, classic country and similar styles. We want music that feels right at home in a State Fair saloon.
What We Provide
We strongly prefer performers who can work within the sound and production equipment we already provide.
Our stages do not have direct vehicle access, so bringing additional sound systems or large production packages can create significant load-in and setup challenges. Bring your instruments, backline and necessary specialty equipment. We’ll ask you in the application to tell us exactly what else you plan to bring.
- Acoustic Package
- Allen & Heath console with 6 inputs
- Full Band Package
- Stage kit: mic stands, microphones, XLR cables, NL4 cables and direct boxes
- 2 Lab Gruppen PLM 4-channel amplifiers
- 1 stagehand to assist with setup, patching and strike
Load-In: Keep It Simple
Vehicles cannot pull directly up to our music stages. Equipment must be transported from the designated parking/load-in area to the stage. The easier your setup is, the better. Acts that can bring their instruments and backline, plug into the production we already have in place and put on a great show are exactly what we’re looking for.