Summer is the perfect time to hang out outside and enjoy live music. Indy’s Rock The Ruins in historic Holliday Park is the ideal place to do it. They have impressive artist lineups and fantastic food and beverage vendors during the events.
The Venue
Why is it called Rock the Ruins? This concert series is hosted in the shadow of the iconic “Races of Mankind” sculptures created by Karl Bitter in the 1980s. In the 1950s, the St. Paul Building in New York City was torn down to make way for a new skyscraper. Bitter had designed the facade of the original building, including three massive statues made of Indiana limestone. The sculptures needed a new home, so the building owners held a competition among U.S. cities to show how they would preserve and display them. Indianapolis proposed to showcase them in Holliday Park and won the competition. In 2016, the park revitalized the Ruins, adding a shimmering fountain, benches, trees, and several new gardens, making it the perfect space for concerts and festivals.
Constantly Growing
Rock the Ruins began in 2021 and has continued to grow and improve. The first year, they had eight shows for the summer. In 2024, they hosted fourteen. This past year included some serious talent like The Decemberists, Elle King, Switchfoot, and more. You’ll find food and beverage vendors on-site and lots of other perks you can add to your ticket. They are using their growth for good, making it an event you can feel good about attending. Proceeds from Rock the Ruins concert events go to support Holliday Park and the Holliday Park Foundation.
All About Upgrades
After buying your ticket to see a show, you can add some pretty awesome upgrades. They offer three packages, all including wifi, designated entrances, a comfortable seat, and complimentary beer and wine! Want the best experience? Go with the All Access package and get early entry, air-conditioned restrooms, a stage view with shade, premium food options available for purchase, exclusive bars with cocktails available for purchase, and a reserved seat.
What You Need to Know
You are welcome to bring your own chair or blanket to the venue, but outside drinks and food are not permitted. All shows go on rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather. With such a unique venue, parking can be a bit tricky. Paid parking is limited and fills up fast. There are some overflow parking options with shuttles to the venue, but it's also limited. This is an event you will want to carpool to with all your friends. Grab a ticket and a chair and get ready to “Rock the Ruins”!
