After a long, grueling, paperwork-filled, meeting-heavy, deeply unglamorous process, we’re excited to officially say it:

HI-FI Annex will return for an encore season in 2026.

You can read more about the process and all of the amazing folks that helped make this a reality over on the HI-FI website.

We heard you. We appreciate you. We ❤️ you.

See you in 2026 – with more shows and more memories.

For show announcements and updates, keep an eye on the HI-FI Annex page, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for show updates.

The Indiana State Fair Commission today formally announced plans for a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation for its on-campus boutique amphitheater, the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage, set to be completed in time for the 2026 Indiana State Fair. The venue is located in the heart of Indianapolis and has the infrastructure and accessibility of the Indiana State Fairgrounds complete with ample parking and varying capacity configurations in a familiar and unmatched setting for all Hoosiers to enjoy.

The enhancements for the Hoosier Lottery Stage will include improvements to all facets of the venue including:

• 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.
• Brand new dual 10’x18’ LED video walls (flown stage left and right)
• Flexible seating capacity setups – 5,000-7,500 (depending on general admission or reserved seated shows or a mix of both general admission and reserved seating)

“Enhancing the Hoosier Lottery Stage concert area is an important investment for the future of the Indiana State Fairgrounds experience. These improvements allow us to better serve our guests, attract top-tier entertainment, and continue providing unforgettable moments for Hoosiers each summer, including outside of the Fair,” said Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer for the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center.

For years, the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage has been a major part of the annual Indiana State Fair where it welcomes internationally known artists of all genres. As the centerpiece of the State Fair’s entertainment lineup, it has built a powerful reputation among artists and audiences alike as a must-play stage on the State Fair circuit. Past performers on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage include Babyface, Tyler Childers, STYX, The Beach Boys, Melissa Etheridge, Boyz II Men, The Fray, Chase Rice, Max McNown, Barenaked Ladies, Jesse McCartney, Josh Turner, Kansas, Casting Crowns, Patti LaBelle, for King & Country, Rick Springfield, Buddy Guy, Dogstar ft. Keanu Reeves and many, many more. The renovation will be designed and built to not only enhance the State Fair experience, but to create a true concert facility and event venue accessible 365 days a year.

Today, the State Fairgrounds also announced a partnership where Indiana-based concert promotions company, MOKB Presents will program and book the Hoosier Lottery Stage during non-State Fair dates.

“The Hoosier Lottery Stage at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is an excellent addition to our portfolio of venues that we represent in Indiana,” said Dan Kemer, Co-Owner and VP of Programming for MOKB Presents. “This renovation and expansion will serve as a great opportunity for artists, managers and agents looking for an alternative outdoor Midwest-based venue in the 5,000-7,500 capacity range. And, it’s a facility that Hoosiers are already familiar with and will now be able to enjoy throughout the year.”

“For us, the partnership with MOKB Presents is a strategic step forward—allowing us to maximize the potential of our facilities, expand our impact within the Indianapolis concert scene, and create more year-round opportunities for Hoosiers to connect and celebrate at this iconic institution,” said Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer for the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center.

For more information, please visit www.indianastatefair.com

For booking inquiries, contact:
Dan Kemer: dk@mokbpresents.com
Jason King: jk@mokbpresents.com

About Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center
The Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center is a modern public event facility that annually hosts more than 400 meetings, shows, sports and agricultural events, including the Indiana State Fair. The year-round management of the Fairgrounds is overseen by the Indiana State Fair Commission which is a quasi-governmental agency that was established in 1992, with the mission to preserve and enhance the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the annual Indiana State Fair for the benefit of all citizens of Indiana.

About MOKB Presents:
Founded in 2008 with the mission to attract more touring artists to Indiana, MOKB Presents has become a powerful independent force in Indianapolis’s live music scene. Over the years, MOKB has produced more than 5,000 top-tier events and now hosts over 500 shows annually, helping launch and grow nationally touring acts like Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, The Lumineers, Tyler Childers, The Avett Brothers, and Alabama Shakes from their early indie days to today’s stages. As MOKB focused on developing artists, it also began creating live music venues to support its expanding concert business, starting with the LO-FI Lounge, followed by HI-FI, HI-FI Annex, and now a full-scale indoor facility set to open in late 2026. In addition to producing events in the marquee venues it has created, MOKB Presents hosts events across multiple Indiana venues, including Nickel Plate District Amphitheatre, Fishers Event Center, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the just announced Hoosier Lottery Stage at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. MOKB also provides event production, talent buying, and ticketing services to clients such as The Clyde Theatre in Fort Wayne and Hendricks Live! in Plainfield.

As a promoter, MOKB Presents is committed to developing Indianapolis as a vibrant music destination, nurturing a diverse community of musicians, live producers, and fans. Key initiatives include driving the development of Indy’s Music Strategy, creating the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance, and anchoring the D-Tour promoter alliance. MOKB also served on the local host committee for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, bringing a uniquely local perspective to the event’s entertainment lineup. For more information, visit www.mokbpresents.com.

Originally conceived as a temporary pandemic-era solution, HI-FI Annex quickly filled a unique need in Indianapolis’ entertainment landscape, attracting audiences and top tier talent with its dynamic outdoor setting.

“When we opened our first venue, we didn’t have a detailed plan, but we did have a vision,” said Josh Baker, partner and CEO of HI-FI & MOKB Presents. “It’s been a humbling journey filled with unexpected challenges, adaptation, and getting really lucky. With each expansion and renovation, we’ve moved closer to realizing our dream of creating a multifaceted entertainment and arts facility.”

The new venue will feature an expanded footprint, nearly doubling the size of its outdoor predecessor. The versatile event space will include a cutting-edge concert hall with a projected capacity of more than 1,200, as well as an underground, speakeasy-style room for intimate gatherings and pre- and post-show events.

Significantly, the new location will bring HI-FI Annex’s outdoor operations indoors, addressing considerations such as neighborhood impact, reclaimed parking, and regulatory challenges, all while maintaining its community-oriented approach.

“Fans can expect our continued commitment to delivering high-caliber entertainment and exceptional customer service—hallmarks of the experience we’ve provided over the past 10 years at HI-FI and the first five years of HI-FI Annex,” said Dan Kemer, partner and vice president of events. “The new space and increased capacity perfectly complement our growing group of venues, which now includes LO-FI Lounge and HI-FI. With venues ranging from 100 to 1,200+ capacity, we’re uniquely positioned to support artists, managers, and agents year-round at every stage of an artist’s career.”

With roots stretching back over 100 years, Fountain Square has a rich history as an entertainment destination. Once home to five theaters, each with more than 1,000 seats, the area drew large audiences for performances and silent films.

“This neighborhood was built on entertainment,” Baker said. “After being separated from the city by the creation of the I-65 interstate, it lost much of its audience and regular traffic. HI-FI, along with our fellow Fountain Square businesses, has been aggressively working to recreate the elements that long defined this area.”

The new venue will rise on the former site of the historic Granada Theatre, a fitting nod to Fountain Square’s entertainment legacy. With a renewed commitment to fostering arts, music, and culture, HI-FI aims to make a lasting impact on Indianapolis’ live entertainment community and solidify Fountain Square’s position as the city’s top arts and entertainment district.

“The HI-FI has been a major draw to our district for the last 10 years, and with the addition of the Annex, it has gained national recognition as one of the premier music venues in the Midwest,” said Justin Jones, president of the Fountain Fletcher District Association. “This new indoor venue is the next step in building on the momentum created by the vibrant mix of local businesses and artists that define our community.”  

2025 will mark the final season of HI-FI Annex in its outdoor configuration, with concerts beginning in early April. Through the first 5 years of the outdoor venue, HI-FI Annex has hosted hundreds of shows featuring such notable artists as Band of Horses, Shakey Graves, Larry Fleet, Afghan Whigs, Charley Crockett, Guided By Voices, Atmosphere, Backseat Lovers, Wynona Judd, KMFDM, The Buzzcocks and many more. A full schedule of events for the 2025 outdoor season, running April through October, will be announced soon. Construction on the indoor venue will continue as the outdoor season takes place.

“The evolution of HI-FI from a small, 100-capacity venue to where it is now has been transformational,” said Craig Von Deylen, manager of the Murphy Arts Center. “The synergy between arts, music, and culture in Fountain Square is unmatched in Indianapolis. This project is a significant step toward strengthening that foundation as the area grows as the city’s premier arts district. We look forward to the continued growth and success of HI-FI and MOKB Presents.”

Over the past decade, HI-FI’s trio of venues has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors to Fountain Square, benefiting area businesses. HI-FI’s commitment to Fountain Square is further demonstrated through donations and support for key organizations, including SEND and the Southeast Community Center. In addition to attracting concertgoers, HI-FI has engaged with the community by sponsoring events such as Art Squared, Scare in the Square, and various neighborhood activities throughout the Fountain Fletcher District.

For more information and inquiries, visit this page to get connected

Billy Strings’ journey from intimate venues to headlining arena shows is a testament to his talent and hard work. MOKB Presents has had the privilege of producing nearly every one of his shows in Indianapolis, from small performances at HI-FI and Holler on the Hill, to his 2019 show at The Vogue, and his historic headlining sets at Garfield Park. It’s not often you see a generational talent like Billy staying true to his roots, but he’s proven time and again to value the relationships that have supported him along the way.

Billy’s genre-bending fusion of bluegrass, rock, and psychedelia has helped him amass a passionate fanbase and rave reviews from critics. His live shows are celebrated for their intensity and musicianship, making them unmissable for music lovers. If you’ve never experienced Billy Strings live, now is the time to see why he’s one of the most talked-about artists on the scene today.

Don’t miss your chance to catch these historic shows! While Saturday’s performance is already sold out, a handful of tickets remain for Friday.

Get your tickets here:

• Friday, October 11 – Billy Strings Tickets
• Saturday, October 12 – Billy Strings Tickets (SOLD OUT)

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Tixr, an industry-leading international ticketing provider, to power our operations for the coming years. After an extensive search and receiving numerous endorsements from artists and talent agents, we have officially teamed up with Tixr and begun rolling out our first shows on the new platform. 

Fans can look forward to a cutting-edge mobile ticketing experience that caters to modern devices, while still offering excellent in-person service and printed tickets for our nostalgic customers. With over 80% of our customers purchasing tickets via mobile devices, our partnership with Tixr ensures a seamless experience across any device.

If you do not have a Tixr account, we recommend setting one up so you will be ready to roll when that next must-see show is announced. It’s free and easy to create an account.  

Here are some additional benefits of this new partnership:

• A modern, mobile ticket experience
• Fan-to-fan transfers
• Lower service fees
• Enhanced waitlist for sold-out shows
• Order protection
• Advanced data security
• Reduced access to third-party resellers
• Fan Rewards program

We are also excited to collaborate with Tixr’s Data Science Team, focused on minimizing access for third-party resellers and keeping tickets out of the hands of ticket brokers. Illegal reselling and speculative tickets are issues affecting concert prices and fan experiences.

Due to the volume of shows and the time it takes to ensure a smooth transition, we want to inform you that tickets will be available on both SeeTickets and Tixr for a short period. As you may have noticed, we’ve already begun announcing Tixr-powered shows this week. We are committed to a swift and seamless transition to our new partner, with minimal impact on our customers.

Tickets purchased on either platform will be valid and will not experience any interruptions during the admission process. Once we’ve fully transitioned to our new partner, we will exclusively use Tixr for our events. All new shows announced this week and going forward will be available through Tixr.

Transition Period

All MOKB Presents events at HI-FI, HI-FI Annex, and LO-FI Lounge will now be powered by Tixr, along with select shows at venues like Nickel Plate District Amphitheatre. Since we promote shows at various venues, some events will continue to use the venue’s existing ticketing partners, such as The Vogue, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Fishers Event Center.

New Marketing Partnership with Cymbal

We are also enhancing our marketing efforts to be more efficient, reducing the number of messages you receive. Our aim is to provide only relevant information to you. We have partnered with Cymbal, an innovative venue-focused technology partner, to streamline our communication. Weekly emails will soon transition to MOKB Presents branding, consolidating our messages under one banner. This will help you discover more shows across Indiana without receiving duplicate information.

Have A Question?

If you have any questions about your tickets or shows, please contact our Box Office at boxoffice@mokbpresents.com or boxoffice@hifiindy.com. We monitor these messages daily and during our shows.

For media inquiries, please contact Josh Baker (jb@mokbpresents.com) and Dan Kemer (dk@mokbpresents.com).

Interested in learning more about our new partners? Contact them via the links below and let them know the MOKB Presents & HI-FI teams sent you. 

Contact Tixr | Contact Cymbal

August 2nd: The Glass Cannon Network Presents – Call of Cthulhu Live!

If you didn’t buy tickets in time for Glass Cannon Live! at the Helium Comedy Club, no need to worry! The Glass Cannon Network will be returning to The Basile Theatre for another night of absurdity. Except this time, a new group of adventurers will be at their wits end as they navigate a nearly unwinnable scenario of the infamous cosmic horror role-playing game, Call of Cthulhu. This unique live event features members from across Glass Cannon Network and is sure to constantly leave you at the edge of your seat.

Be sure to catch this spectacle at The Basile Theatre at the Athenaeum – TICKETS

August 3rd: Spirit Bomb – Anime Music Experience

Spirit Bomb is coming to HI-FI sheathed with an artillery of beloved anime songs, face-melting visuals, and surprises you have to see for yourself. Spirit Bomb’s Anime Music Experience encapsulates the very best anime songs and themes in a breathtaking performance that is sure to leave everyone’s jaws dropped. If you engage in cosplay, this is the time to show it off!

Don’t miss this high-energy show happening at HI-FI – TICKETS

August 14th: Bear Ghost

Although this is happening two weeks after the big weekend, what’s a better way to remember all the fun you had at GenCon with a band that identifies as “adventure rock?” Pretty badass. If you like getting on your feet to some real quirky musicianship and being hit with, as they say, “righteous boogie,” then you definitely want to make sure that this date is marked on your calendar.

Catch Bear Ghost at HI-FI w/ special guests Super Guitar Bros – TICKETS

Recommended If You Like: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Noah Kahan, Briston Maroney, Huey Mack, Joe Moreland.

It’s an age-old saying that if your intentions are clear, the world will notice. Singer/songwriters Anthony D’Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, and Mike Montali decided to take a quick break from the exhausting stresses that the music industry presents to have a little fun. This decision birthed a lighthearted side project by the name of Fantastic Cat, and its subsequent records titled “The Very Best of Fantastic Cat” and “Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat.” Sure enough, the project birthed from the pure love of creating art with friends has attracted widespread attention. Rolling Stone dubbed them as the “Harlem Globetrotters of Americana,” and their debut album “The Very Best of Fantastic Cat” earned them their national TV debut, sold-out headline dates around the US and Europe, festival performances everywhere from Sundance to Take Root, a song in the Showtime series Tulsa King, and a 50th anniversary take on Wings’ “Band On The Run” produced by legendary producer Butch Walker.

Individually, each member of Fantastic Cat boasts their own impressive resume along with a litany of critical acclaim. Paste declared Don DiLego’s latest album a “stunner.” NPR said Anthony D’Amato “sings and writes in the tradition of Bruce Springsteen or Josh Ritter.” Rolling Stone called Brian Dunne’s new record “the sleeper album of the year” and praised Mike Montali’s band, Hollis Brown, as “the soundtrack for a late-night drive through the American heartland.” Collectively, though, the four transcend their respective roots, emerging as a velvet-clad rock and roll cooperative far greater than the sum of its parts. 

Despite this, the foursome uses the term “supergroup” in a playful manner. Don DiLego told Charlottesville’s “The Daily Progress” that “What we had first was the music; it wasn’t a gimmick. It isn’t a comedy band. It’s funny, but we’re not telling jokes.” Each member is serious about their songwriting, but Fantastic Cat will always be a place bred from serendipity.  

“The Very Best of Fantastic Cat” was a showcase of each member’s individual songwriting ability. However, their newest album “Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat,” is their first amalgamation of the members’ combined songwriting abilities. Some would describe this as their magnum opus, but most would describe this as “purr-fection.”

The group will perform live at HI-FI in Indianapolis Wednesday, August 28th.  Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their music, you won’t want to miss this intimate show.

Tickets are on sale for $20 in advance or $25 at the door on the night of the show. Purchase tickets online or stop by the Virginia Ave. Mercantile & Box Office in Fountain Square (1043 Virginia Ave. Suite 2) to purchase tickets with no service fees.  

This industry recognition shines a light on all of the work, both seen and unseen, our team has put in to keep Indy’s live music scene strong – and on the national radar.

IBJ’s David Lindquist interviewed HI-FI co-owner Josh Baker for a special feature on Indianapolis entertainment venues and the outlook on 2022. You can read the full interview here (with IBJ subscription) or pick up a copy at your favorite newsstand.

In the story, Baker notes “cautiously optimistic outlook for 2022” but notes “all signs point to one of the biggest years of music we’ve ever seen.”

Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets to our shows this year. Ya’ll are the best! Stay safe and enjoy your holidays. We’ll see you in 2022!

• Holiday Ticket Deals on 26 live shows including Anderson East, G. Love & The Juice, Detroit Cobras, Citizen Cope, Freddy Jones Band, Samantha Fish, JD McPherson and more.
  
• Two-Day Pop-Up Sale at our new retail shop – Virginia Ave Mercantile. Take 20% off everything in the store on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday including merchandise from HI-FI, United State of Indiana, No Bad Ideas, Fountain Square Music Fest and more. Plus: Exclusive merchandise offerings, free coffee & cider and free gift wrapping. You can also purchase tickets in person (including Holiday Ticket Deals) with no service fees.
  
• 20% off all merchandise in the HI-FI Online Store: Friday Nov. 26 through Cyber Monday Nov. 29. No code needed, just add your first item to your cart to start taking advantage of the discount.

Friday, Nov. 26th – Monday, Nov. 29th:
Holiday Ticket Deals

26 HI-FI & MOKB shows are on sale for a limited time. Limited quantities available. Discount will be applied at checkout. Holiday Ticket Deal starts this Friday.

Friday, Nov. 26th – Saturday, Nov. 27th:
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday Pop Up Sales at Virginia Ave. Mercantile

Shop merch at the new Virginia Ave. Mercantile pop-up shop located in the heart of Fountain Square, between Pure Eatery & La Margarita. Get 20% off everything in the store, including merchandise and apparel from HI-FI, MOKB Presents, United State of Indiana, Indiana Independent Venue Alliance, No Bad Ideas, Fountain Square Music Fest and more. Look for the exclusive run of new HI-FI fitted hats and enjoy free coffee, cider and gift wrapping. Plus, you can purchase tickets with no service fees (including Holiday Ticket Deals) Come see us on Friday and Saturday, we’ll be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

Friday, Nov. 26th – Monday, Nov. 29:
HI-FI Online Store Sale

Shop our online store any time this weekend and take 20% off of everything in the store. Discount will be applied when you place your first item in your cart. Offer ends on Cyber Monday, November 29th at 11:30 p.m.