Published: April 30, 2009 02:39 pm      

On A Good Note

Outdoor music venues bring summertime fun to Hamilton County

Forget the typical dinner and a movie; warm-weather outings call for something a little more fun and funky. Hamilton County’s outdoor concert venues can be the perfect place to unwind, have a great time, and add a little hip-shaking action to your summer.



The king of Indiana’s outdoor venues

Is there a better place in not only Hamilton County but the entire state to watch a concert than at Verizon Wireless Music Center? The biggest and best bands tour Verizon each season, and on-the-grass lawn seats are usually pretty affordable. If you’re looking for more up-close action, the pavilion’s got it – plus a covered overhang for uncooperative weather. Leave the house plenty early when going to a big show at Verizon; concert-goer traffic can get frequently congested.



Free in Fishers

Budgets are tight these days, but luckily, the Fishers Parks & Recreation Department has you covered. Its 2009 Summer Concert Series is free for all attendees and all shows are on Tuesdays, lending to a fun mid-week break. “They’ve always got great cover bands,” said Kim Jackson, a recent college graduate whose family lives in Noblesville. All Fishers shows on the Town Hall lawn begin at 7 p.m.



Family fun in Carmel

If you can’t get your music itch scratched in Fishers on Tuesday, just head over to Carmel on Wednesday evenings. Similar to Fishers’ concert series, Carmel offers free, family-friendly music. All events take place at Carmel Fountain Square, near the gazebo.



A classic(al) experience

Looking for a more relaxed musical evening? Try Symphony on the Prairie, the immensely popular outdoor concert series presented by Conner Prairie. Although admission is $20 per adult, you can bring all the picnic food you’d like and have a romantic evening on the grassy hills overlooking the stage. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra plans the concert schedule. Look for updates online at www.indianapolissymphony.org. Last year’s performances included tributes to the Beatles and famous sports movies!