Indiana State Fair honours 60th anniversary of Beatles' historic show with special event
This year, the Indiana State Fair is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Beatles' iconic shows at the fairgrounds.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 3, when the fair will present a full day under the banner "Celebrating The Beatles." Fans and music lovers alike can look forward to tribute concerts, showcases of Beatles memorabilia, and a variety of themed activities that will transport you back to the unforgettable 1964 performances.
The celebration starts early with a Beatles-inspired hot air balloon launch at 6 a.m., bringing a fun and nostalgic vibe. At 10 a.m., you can enjoy the Beatlemania Brunch, featuring dishes and drinks inspired by the iconic band. The Liverpool Lunch at noon and Fab Afternoon Tea at 4 p.m. offer more chances to savour Beatles-themed food, keeping the festive spirit going all day.
Music will be a central part of the celebration, starting with a matinee concert at 2 p.m. by "Hard Day’s Night," a renowned Beatles tribute band. The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage will feature a performance of the precise setlist from The Beatles' 1964 shows in Indianapolis, along with other beloved hits from that era.
Following that, "Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney" will take the stage in the evening. This show, headlined by Tony Kishman, a seasoned performer from both national and international tours of the Broadway hit "Beatlemania," will start at 7 p.m. and bring McCartney’s iconic songs to life.
During the day, you can explore an exciting Beatles memorabilia collection at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Check out highlights like three famous guitars from Colts' owner Jim Irsay’s collection: George Harrison’s 1964 Gibson SG Standard, John Lennon’s 1963 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120, and the 1964 Rickenbacker Rose Morris 1996, later given to Ringo Starr. These instruments, along with photos and items from The Beatles' 1964 shows, offer a great look at the band’s memorable Indianapolis concert.
Visitors can enjoy Beatles-themed films shown at the outdoor theatre, offering a glimpse into the band's film history. Look out for Fab Four impersonators strolling around the fairgrounds, perfect for photo opportunities and enhancing the Beatles vibe. Various themed photo booths will be strategically placed throughout the fair, providing numerous opportunities to take memorable pictures during this special event.
The whole fairground will be filled with Beatles music, making it an exciting experience for everyone. You'll also find Beatles-themed food like the "Strawberry Fried Salad," "Yellow Submarine Sandwich," "Here Comes the Sun Punch," "Hard Day's Night Flight," and the funny "Coo Coo Ka Choo Turkey Leg." These food and drink choices will make the Beatles Day celebrations even more enjoyable.
