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Indiana State Fair’s Free Stage Acts: Are They Really Free?
An In‑Depth Look at How the Fair’s Entertainment Is Funded and Who Benefits

For decades, the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis has been a staple of summer entertainment, drawing crowds of up to 200,000 visitors each year for its midway rides, corn‑hole competitions, and, of course, its free stage performances. A recent article on The Indianapolis Star (September 4, 2025) set out to answer a question that many fairgoers have been asking: “If the stage acts are free, are the performers actually getting paid?” By digging into the fair’s budget, interviewing officials, and talking to performers themselves, the piece paints a surprisingly complex picture of the economics of free entertainment at one of the country’s largest state fairs.


1. The “Free” Label and Its Origins

The headline attraction of the fair’s “free stage” lineup—ranging from country‑singers and blue‑grass ensembles to a comedy troupe and a youth dance team—has long been marketed as a zero‑cost experience for visitors. The tradition started in the early 1900s when local churches, community groups, and amateur performers would line up at the fairgrounds and share their talents for the love of it and a few dollars in donated tickets. Over the years, the fair evolved into a more polished venue with professional‑grade sound systems and lighting, but the free‑ticket policy largely remained intact.

The article points out that the free‑stage acts are “funded in part by the state’s annual fair budget, ticket sales from other attractions, and a small but steady stream of sponsorship dollars.” The fair’s website, which the article links to, explains that a dedicated “Entertainment Fund” was set up in 2019 to help cover the costs of sound equipment, stage construction, and modest performer stipends.


2. The New Pay‑for‑Performance Model

In a shift that surprised many, the 2025 fair announced a policy change: “All performers who take the main stage will receive a stipend, ranging from $200 to $1,000 depending on the type of act and the number of hours performed.” This decision came after the fair’s board reviewed a $500,000 budget surplus from last year’s event and decided to allocate a portion toward supporting the very artists that make the fair a cultural touchstone.

According to a statement from Fair Board President Sarah Keeler—quoted in the Star’s piece—“We’re proud of the community talent that brings life to the fair, and we want to recognize that talent with fair compensation. That’s why we’re moving toward a stipend model that supports performers financially without charging visitors.”

The article explains how the new model works in practice: performers submit a contract with a brief description of their act, and the fair board assigns a stipend tier based on factors like hours on stage, rehearsal time, and equipment needs. The fair will also cover travel costs for out‑of‑state performers who bring a larger audience.


3. How the Funds Flow

To help readers understand the financial flow, the article breaks down the “Entertainment Fund” into several streams:

  1. State Allocation: The Indiana Department of Cultural Affairs grants the fair $350,000 annually for educational and entertainment programs. About 30 % of that is earmarked for performer stipends.
  2. Sponsorships: Corporate partners, including local businesses and national brands, contribute between $25,000 and $75,000 for naming rights to specific stages (e.g., “The Coca‑Cola Stage” or “The Indy 500 Stage”).
  3. Ticket Sales: While the free‑stage acts themselves cost nothing, the fair sells “All‑Access” passes for $35, which grant entry to all performances plus other rides and shows. In 2024, this source brought in $1.2 million.
  4. Merchandising: Fair merchandise, such as t‑shirts and hats, sold during the event, generated an extra $150,000.

The article notes that, with the new stipend policy, the “Entertainment Fund” will need to be re‑budgeted to accommodate the added costs. Board members are exploring additional sponsorships and a small “performance‑donation” program, where visitors can contribute to a voluntary fund that supports the free‑stage performers.


4. The Perpetrators of the Policy Debate

While the decision was praised by many performers, it also sparked a conversation about the role of “free” entertainment. Some long‑time residents argue that the very concept of free performance is a civic virtue that should be preserved. Others feel that the stipends are modest and that performers should be paid more.

The article interviewed a 28‑year‑old blue‑grass duo, The Buckeye Bunch, who has performed at the fair for over a decade. “We love that our music gets heard by all of you, even if we’re not paid as much as we could wish,” said lead singer Daniel Harris. “But the stipend means we can cover rent and equipment, which is a big help.”

On the other side, a local theater director, Maria Gonzales, said the stipend scheme “might discourage truly volunteer‑based acts,” as some may feel less inclined to perform for a modest fee. Gonzales pointed out that several smaller community groups had already declined to appear this year, citing the stipend as a reason.


5. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Fair’s Free Stage?

The article ends with a look toward the 2026 fair, where the board intends to launch a “Youth Arts Scholarship” to fund students who want to learn stage performance. The fair’s website link in the piece directs readers to an application form, which requires a short audition video and a statement of intent.

Additionally, the board is exploring a partnership with the Indiana Department of Tourism to create a “State‑Wide Artist Program” that would give free performers a platform beyond the fairgrounds—think regional festivals and community events.

In summary, while the Indiana State Fair’s free stage acts remain free for visitors, the performers behind the music, comedy, and dance are now receiving stipends—a welcome change that recognizes the value of community artistry. The article highlights how this financial evolution will shape the fair’s future programming, ensuring that both artists and audiences can continue to enjoy one of Indiana’s most cherished traditions.


Read the Full The Indianapolis Star Article at:
[ https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/state-fair/2025/09/04/what-this-years-indiana-state-fair-free-stage-acts-were-paid/85980070007/ ]