Symphony on the Prairie: A full Summer 2024 review
Nothing is more quintessentially “Summer in Indiana” than Symphony on the Prairie. The tradition returns this summer with a spectacular line-up! Offering nights of fun and music on weekends throughout June, July, and August, there is literally something for everyone this summer out at Conner Prairie in Fishers. The 2024 summer schedule is packed with music from Indy’s local symphony as well as a handful of fantastic traveling groups.
We’ve broken down the entire season with what to expect and who to bring:
June 28: The Music of Queen with the Windbone
Best For: The neighborhood families
Kick off a rocking summer with the community closest to you. The classic rock jams will delight all ages. Bring yummy block party food to share, great dance moves, and your vocal range for the “Galileo! Galileo!” in “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
June 29: The Music of Led Zeppelin with the Windbone
Best For: The Edgy Grandparents
Take your mom and dad out for a night to remember their youth and slow dancing in a gym to “Stairway to Heaven.” Complete with an electric violin and rock show lighting, you may just catch a glimpse of who they were before they had you.
July 3-5: Star Spangled Symphony
Best For: The Whole Family
Plans for the Fourth of July are simple with SOP. Put on your patriotic garb, pack the picnic basket, and have a classic Fourth complete with fireworks set to the 1812 Overture!
July 12-13: Disco Fever! With Enrico Lopez-Yanez
Best For: The Grandparents (with your kids, too!)
There is no better multigenerational moment than singing along to “We Are Family” with all three generations of yours. Everyone will have a great night boogie-ing the night away!
July 19-20: The Best of John Williams
Best For: Your Preteen
Part history, part music appreciation, part pop culture, your older kid will light up as they recognize the familiar scores of Jaws, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and more. Bring some great snacks and embrace their growing up to the same legendary music that shaped you, too.
July 26-27: She’s Got Soul with Capathia Jenkins
Best For: Mom’s Night Out
Broadway star and television actress Capathia Jenkins covers hits from Adele, Stevie Wonder, and more with the symphony. Grab your mom friends, pack some delicious snacks and beverages of your choice for a beautiful, fun night off!
First-time at Symphony on the Prairie?
August 2: Evil Woman: The American ELO
Best For: Your Family and your dancing shoes
Evil Women is a fantastic band pumping out recognizable hits like “Roll Over Beethoven '' and the famed song of the band’s name. Bring the whole family for diverse instruments, stellar vocals, and sing along’s to generation spanning symph-pop-rock favorites! You will be sure to be on your feet and dancing!
August 3: A1A Jimmy Buffett: The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show
Best For: The Whole Family
Throw a lei on the kiddos, get your partner the tackiest Hawaiian print shirt, mix up some margaritas, and head to the beach while staying close to home! Prepare for what will surely be a special night of celebrating the iconic late musician. Also, be sure to teach your crew the bridge in “Cheeseburger in Paradise” before you go– it’s a right of passage!
August 9: Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA
Best For: Your College Pals
With all the features of a true ABBA show (think costumes, lights, and great vocals), this night is a perfect place for a reunion with your favorite “Dancing Queens” or the gals you first saw the Meryl Streep classic with all those years ago.
August 10: Yachtley Crew with Rock E Bassoon
Best For: The families you and your family love to hang out with– kids, too!
This LA-based band has developed a bit of a cult following of captain hat and lei-wearing fans. So grab your favorite families, throw on your best Yacht Rock accessories and fire up the margarita machine! (Virgin and the real deal encouraged.) This night will be a perfect summer memory for everyone.
August 16: Hollywood Nights: A Bob Seger Experience
Best For: You and your partner to just chill
Get a babysitter for this night of honoring Bob Seger’s classic Rock ‘n Roll hits. Hold hands in side-by-side lawn chairs or get on your feet and sway along to “Night Moves” and the countless other Seger songs this band has perfected.
August 17: Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience
Best for: Swifties of all ages
Can’t get your hands on Eras tickets in November? Get your Taylor Swift fix as the band covers much of her massive catalog. Costumes are encouraged, and there will surely be plenty of friendship bracelet sharing. Get ready for a night of sparkling girlhood joy!
Looking for more local fun?
August 23: Free Falling The Tom Petty Concert Experience
Best For: Date Night
Take your partner out for a night of swaying along to Tom Petty’s extraordinary songs and free-falling deeper in love with the essence of a true Tom Petty concert.
August 24: Face2Face: A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel
Best For: A Double Date
Two icons and so many great songs? Part romantic, part party jams? It’s the perfect fit for a double date. Get ready for a night that will make you dance, sing, and even forget it’s a tribute band.
August 30: Proud Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner
Best For: Your Best Girls
Take out your favorite Queens for a night of celebrating the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll! Tina Turner’s music spans many decades and will make for a fabulous girls' night out.
August 31: The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute
Best For: Your Parents
The Fab Four band has won an Emmy for their performances so your “Beatle Loving” parent is bound to be blown away by this show. Close out summer with them as you reminisce all the songs sung together for all the years of your life.
