ENTERTAINMENT

Indiana State Fair Free Stage concerts to serve alcohol

With no concerts at the Coliseum, beer, wine and spirits move over to the Free Stage

Alexa Goins
IndyStar

Music fans who want a glass of beer or wine while they watch a concert at the Indiana State Fair should have no worries this year.

For the first time, alcohol will be permitted and sold at the 17 Free Stage concerts. Alcohol was served last year at the ticketed shows in Indiana Farmers Coliseum but not at the shows on the Free Stage.

Fair spokeswoman Lesley Gordon said that the change came naturally as concerts this year moved out of the coliseum.

"We devoted the coliseum to livestock exhibits and shows. We previously had concerts in there where alcohol was offered," Gordon said. "So we just wanted to continue that expectation for our fairgoers who would like to have a drink while they’re attending a concert. They have an area to do that. It really is more of just changing the availability of that amenity to that area versus the coliseum."

Indiana State Fair will present 17 days of Free Stage shows

The designated area will feature a general bar with wine, beer and spirits. Guests must buy and drink their alcoholic beverages in that tented area. The size of the area will vary by concert.

The fair runs Aug. 5-21 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Performers at the Free Stage include Night Ranger, 38 Special, The Fray and Blues Traveler.

Alcohol became an amenity offered at the fair two years ago and became available at the four ticketed coliseum shows in 2015.

Alcohol will make debut at Indiana State Fair concerts

A 67-year prohibition on alcohol at the fair was lifted in 2014 with a local beer and wine exhibit. It was contained in one area to not interfere with the family-friendly atmosphere elsewhere at the fair. The designated area at the Free Stage should have a similar effect.

Call IndyStar reporter Alexa Goins at (317) 444-6155. Follow her on Twitter: @AlexaGoins.