Music Festivals in Indiana
There are music festivals in Indiana for everyone that cover all genres from rock to EDM and everything in between. Indiana may not be the first state that comes to mind when you are looking for a fun music festival. But it hosts many fun festivals that are known for their charm and friendliness as well as the famous Hoosier hospitality. Here are 5 of the best music festivals held in the state of Indiana.
We hope this list of music festivals in Indiana helps you find the festival experience you are looking for. We are always adding to this list of festivals so be sure to check back from time to time. If there is a music festival we have missed, be sure to send us an email and we will get it added to the list.
Bean Blossom Blues Festival
Every summer around June Brown County holds a 3-day music festival in the woods on Bill Monroe Music Park. The attendees come from over 35 states and are often repeat visitors, so the festival vibe is that of a small friendly gathering. This festival is exclusively for blues musicians and music lovers and jam sessions often pop out in the festival’s campsites.
Festival Line-up: Larkin Poe, Cedric Burnside, The Record Company, Noah Wotherspoon
When: August
Where: Brown County, Indiana
Ferdinand Folk Festival
The Ferdinand folk festival is a free annual event held every September since 2009 at 18th Street Park in Ferdinand, Indiana. The festival prides itself on being environmentally friendly and has a stage powered fully by solar. Festival performers are singer-songwriters from the area representing different music genres.
Children are kept well entertained by a mix of child-friendly activities and shows. This is the festival for you if you are passionate about the environment and wellness. Other than the music performances, there are yoga classes, several food booths and many exhibits and demonstrations.
Festival Line-up: Bruce Cockburn, Chastity Brown, The Way Down Wanderers, Amber Rubarth
When: September 18, 2021
Where: 18th St Park, Ferdinand, Indiana
Lotus World Music & Arts Festival
This is a four-day extravaganza of music that takes place every four days in September. The festival was established in 1994 with a mission to celebrate the diversity of the world’s cultures through music and the arts. The festival attracts about 12,000 people every year and showcases performers from all around the world and different genres.
This festival is for people that are interested in expanding their worldview by learning more about different cultures and experiencing unique art. The event is named in honor of Indiana musician Quinten Lotus Dicky who encouraged interest in music from different cultures.
Festival Line-up: Different genres of musicians from over 20 different countries
When: September 23-26, 2021
Where: Downtown Bloomington
Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival
This is an eight-day music festival held every year for over 50 years at the Bill Monroe Music Park in Indiana. If you are a bluegrass music lover then you can’t miss this annual festival. Performances often pay tribute to legendary musician Bill Monroe. Other than daily performances the festival offers music workshops, food carts and craft vendors.
Festival Line-up: Over 70 Bluegrass bands
When: September
Where: Bill Monroe Music Park, Indiana
Madison Ribberfest
The Madison Ribberfest is an annual festival that celebrates neighborhood BBQ cookouts and blues music. It has been voted the best music festival in Indiana as it includes fun activities for the whole family. If you love barbeque and blues music, then this is the festival for you.
They have an annual barbeque cookoff so if you are talented at firing up a grill you should submit your application and compete with other amateur cooks at the Backyard BBQ Blast. If you are a skilled BBQ eater you can also apply to be a judge at the competition or for the Good To The Bone rib eating contest.
Festival Line-up: Blues bands such as Greg Foreman Band, Jimmy Davis Band, The Revelators, The Jordan Wilson Coalition
When: August 20-21, 2021
Where: Historic Madison Park, Indiana
We have compiled this comprehensive list of music festivals in Indiana, if there are any that we’ve missed that you would like us to add please contact us.
