View of stage from reserved seating (B106)
7-4-2021
a crowd of people sitting in lawn chairs
outside
Reserved seating area
Fireworks
Concession stand
4th of July, 2021
Volunteers getting ready
outside
105 mm cannons
Great popcorn
a hot air balloon in the sky
Star Spangled Symphony show during sunset
a black and white photo of a crowd of people
Stage
Lawn Seating
View from our table of the stage
Nice wagon load
View from the audience
155 mm howitzer
Connie S.
Jul 6, 2024
First time at Symphony on the Prairie! We were at a reserved table and got to bring food to share with our friends who would also be at our table. Enjoyed the music of Queen and had our charcuterie and sangria. I'd definitely get a table again! When seated at a reserved table you also have access to private air conditioned bathrooms. We were able to watch the performance of the stage or view the large overhead screen.The show was enjoyable and had one intermission. I was glad that I chose to wear dressy /casual since seats at the table seemed a bit more upscale than sitting in lawn chairs.Afterwards as long as you understand that leaving will take a while then it's really not bad.We chatted with a friend for a bit at her tailgate and then got in the line to leave.
Read MoreStefanie W.
Aug 27, 2023
I've been to Symphony on the Prairie before but as soon as I saw the concerts released, A night with Queen seemed the most appropriate for our family! My kids love Queen and it would be their first "concert" - we invited a few friends and family to join us and had the best time. Not only did the entertainer interact with the audience, he jumped down into the crowd to chat, took selfies, wore a hat from a spectator- it was like we were watching the real Freddie Mercury! We brought our own coolers, snacked on their kettle corn and dipping dots for the kids! Music was spot on, they returned for an encore and their finale was We will Rock you/ champions! My husbands first time there and we will return every time for Queen!
Read MoreJohn P.
Jul 20, 2024
I love Symphony on the Prairie! We have come many times in the past few years with our kids and without. Grabbed a seat on the hill and listened to great music. They offer so many different types of music and performances. We are here for The Music of John Williams but later in the season they have abba tribute, Bob Seeger tribute, Cody fry and so much more. They have a great Independence weekend concert. Many of the early shows feature the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra while later in the season its cover and tribute groups and original touring acts. They have 3 bars, and a bunch of concessions including kettle corn! Hot air balloon rides and a playground for the kids make it even more family friendly. There are great friendly volunteers and staff on site including Boy Scouts who help carry your stuff from your cars (you can bring chairs, coolers and food and drink if you don't want to buy) and also golf carts to help those that need help getting from cars to their seats. Highly recommend!!
Read MoreCaden M.
Sep 3, 2023
I have gone here for a number of years with my family and friends and it has always been a blast! You bring your chairs and some food and set up in an open spot across the massive field/hill area. While you eat, you can enjoy watching whatever band is preforming! Even if you can't fully see the stage, there are two large screens that show you the concert up close! Before the concert starts, you can go and play on the playground. However, once the concert begins, the playground is closed off. Overall, this is a great event to go to and is definitely worth it!Recommendation:I would recommend getting there slightly earlier if you want to set up in a good spot where you can see as much of the stage as possible.
Read MoreLien K.
Aug 29, 2021
A favorite summer night out activity! Arrive early to get a good spot, especially if it's hot and you're hoping for some shade before the sun goes down. You can pack in any and all food and drinks. There are also on site vendors. If you park out in the field it can be quite a walk but in the past, there has been a shuttle available and the Boy Scouts also offer help carrying your stuff for a donation. Note that snything with a flame is prohibites-tiki torched, grills and candles. The time before the show starts goes fast when you're eating and enjoying your company. The venue itself has a fun atmosphere. It does get crowded but I've always had great neighbors at this event-a few times we have shared food or forgotten items!
Read MoreMegan P.
Feb 15, 2021
This was my first time at symphony on the prairie and it did not disappoint! We parked in a field and had a little bit of a trek. You can take a wagon but many people including myself had cooler bags that we just carried. There are 3 different areas you can sit in. Lawn which is anywhere in the grass/on the hill, tables, or reserved which are fixed fold down chairs closest to the stage. We sat in reserved seating, front row which was awesome. There are servers that come to this section and take drink orders so you don't have to miss the show. There are food options available as well. If you sit in reserved you had access to the bathroom trailers which have 4 port o potties in each with running water and a/c which was really nice. I really like that you can bring your own food and drinks in so you aren't forced to purchase over priced items but they're there in case you change your mind. I will definitely go back and will take my son and will sit in the lawn so he can run around. :) The show last night was Broadway hits which was fun! The singers even played a little in character depending on what they were singing and the musical it was from which also made it more enjoyable! If you haven't attended SOTP I highly recommend at least one show during the
Read MoreBrady R.
Jun 4, 2019
SOTP is a staple summer event for many in the central Indiana area. I mean, c'mon, what can be better: BYO drinks, eats, chairs, blankets, etc. all while listening to the ISO play tunes, enjoying the summer weather, with the sunset in the background and hanging with friends/family. I've been a handful of times and every time I have sat in the grassy hilly area with friends where we're able to make a picnic out of the event. Everyone brings wines, drinks, local eats, and more. You're able to hangout and create an experience out of the event. I most recently came for the 2019 season opener, the Broadway Rock of Ages. Honestly, I had no idea the ISO wasn't going to be performing, and instead, it was a karaoke-like rockband. I wasn't a fan. New for the 2019 season, they have offered front-row, assigned seating for front-row experiences. This also includes private, VIP, A/C'd bathrooms and it seemed like the bar staff were coming around and serving drinks as well. In theory, this setup sounds amazing, and if you're a die-hard fan for whomever is performing, it's totally for you. Sadly, I was there more for the experience of hanging with fellow Yelpers, sharing local wines and foods, and seeing the sunset in the background. The front-row experience doesn't allow for that, sadly at all. While there seems to be good intentions, I'm not sure I'm a fan. It takes away from the whole SOTP experience that we've all come to love and enjoy. Again, that was my personal experience - others seemed to love the opportunity to be front-row.
Read MoreNiki B.
Jun 5, 2019
Nothing says summer more than Symphony on the Prairie! Buy a summer ticket package to save money and so you can go to multiple shows! Invite all your friends, pack a picnic and bring a blanket -- then arrive early so you can sprawl out, snag a space and enjoy a nice bottle of wine or snacks. The concert line-up is always amazing and family-friendly. Some of my upcoming favorites include: Queen, Elton John, and Broadway hits. So excited! We went to a Michael Jackson Symphony on the Prairie last year, and everyone was dancing around in the grass, having a great time. Every concert is always packed, but you'll always at least find a little chunk of grass. There's also local snack and drink options including Sun King, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and much more. Everyone definitely needs to attend at least one of these fun concerts! The tickets are reasonably priced too!
Read MoreShelly B.
Jan 8, 2020
We love Symphony on the Prairie as a date night or fun family night out. Here are my tips: Ride Your Bike- If you're close enough and have good safety lights/reflectors on your bike you should consider riding to the concert. You will be able to easily bypass parking traffic on entering and exiting the venue. We were able to pile all of our necessities in the bike trailer with our daughter and it made for a special little spot for her to play with toys when she got restless. Get up close- It's often intimidating to get up close to the orchestra members during a performance at the Hilbert Theater. At Conner Prairie you have the chance to show your children the performers in action by getting close to the stage. Check out the Teddy Bear series for preschoolers as well as Community Concerts (free) where families can learn more about playing in the orchestra. BYOT- Bring your own treats! Although Conner Prairie has concessions at the event, there's nothing like packing your own picnic for an outdoor concert. I've seen everything from people bringing in Jimmy John's to people setting up a table with candles, linens and place settings for a gourmet meal! Our favorite treats are chicken salad on croissants, potato salad, frozen grapes and chocolate covered strawberries.Bring the fun- Symphony on the Prairie is a great chance to introduce young children to the arts. It's a wide open area for children to be able to dance and sing as they wish. We like to bring light up toys like Lite Brite or Crayola Light Up Drawing Pad. If we know we're in a kid zone or it's an especially kid friendly event, we'll break out the light up balloons and glow necklaces.Let your family choose- Check the Symphony on the Prairie series lineup and ask your family which ones they want to attend. The ISO performs their top concerts each year (John Williams and Beatles) so if you aren't able to attend multiple you won't miss out. The Star Spangled Symphony is an awesome event. Very kid friendly and they have an amazing firework show.
Read MoreKarley C.
Sep 1, 2018
I think going to Symphony on the Prairie is a "must-do" for all Indy residents--it is such a unique experience!Pros: You will see some of the most impressive picnic spreads at this event. People pull out all the stops--some even brining table decor and candles. After attending two shoes, I can also promise you that the music will always be good. This is a great place to come together with family and friends to enjoy all that summer has to offer: warm weather, picnics, and outdoor concerts.Cons: Really, the only con is if you don't bring a lawn chair (trust me, you'll want one) and the parking situation.
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