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Nickel Plate District Amphitheater amphitheatre in Fishers, IN
Photo: Nickel Plate District Amphitheater
View of Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers, IN
Photo: Pravil Pokharel
View of Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers, IN
Photo: Brent Kane

Nickel Plate District Amphitheater

4.7(667 reviews)FreeEntertainment
🕑 2-3 hours for most concerts and events, though families often arrive early to picnic and stay through the entire performance👶 Best for all ages, but especially enjoyable for ages 3 and up. Toddlers love the open space to move around during concerts, while school-age kids appreciate the movies and interactive festival activities. Teens enjoy the live music performances and social atmosphere.

About

The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater is Fishers' premier outdoor entertainment hub, offering free family-friendly concerts, movie nights under the stars, and seasonal festivals in a beautiful downtown setting. Kids can spread out blankets on the lawn, dance to live music, and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere that makes summer evenings magical for families.

Highlights

  • Free weekly summer concert series featuring diverse musical genres
  • Family movie nights with classic and current kid-friendly films
  • Spark!Fishers festival and other seasonal community celebrations
  • Open lawn seating that allows kids freedom to move and dance
  • Beautiful downtown location perfect for pre-event exploring

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive at least 30-45 minutes early for popular events to secure a prime spot on the lawn near the stage
  2. 2.Bring low-back lawn chairs or blankets, plus layers as temperatures drop after sunset,even in summer
  3. 3.Pack snacks and drinks in a small cooler; while food vendors are often present, having your own keeps costs down and hungry kids happy
  4. 4.Check the event calendar online before visiting as programming varies throughout the summer season
  5. 5.The adjacent Nickel Plate District area has great spots for pre-show dinner or ice cream, making it easy to arrive early

Best Time to Visit

Summer evenings (June through September) when the free concert series and movie nights are in full swing. Arrive early for the best lawn spots, especially for Friday and Saturday evening events which tend to draw larger crowds.

What to Know

Most events are completely free, making this an incredible budget-friendly option for families. Parking is available in nearby municipal lots and street parking throughout downtown Fishers, typically just a short walk from the amphitheater.

Seasonal Notes

The amphitheater is most active May through September with regular programming. Winter months see fewer events, though occasional holiday celebrations occur. Check the city's event calendar as the summer concert series typically runs weekly from June through August.

Nearby Eats

Walk to Nickel Plate Bar & Grill for family-friendly American fare, or grab pre-show pizza at Puccini's Smiling Teeth just blocks away. The Sun King Distillery nearby offers outdoor seating where parents can enjoy craft beverages while kids play yard games.

More Activities Near Fishers

Entertainment

The Escape Room Fishers

4.9$$

The Escape Room Fishers offers an exciting adventure where families work together to solve puzzles and crack codes in themed rooms designed with kids in mind. With an impressive 4.9/5 rating from over 3,000 reviews, this isn't your typical escape room,the challenges are age-appropriate and perfect for bonding as a family while exercising critical thinking skills in a fun, immersive environment.

Adventure

Nickel Plate Trail

Free

The Nickel Plate Trail is a beautifully maintained, family-friendly paved path that winds through Fishers, offering a safe and scenic route for families to bike, walk, or scooter together. This multi-use trail connects multiple parks and neighborhoods, making it easy to plan a flexible outdoor adventure that suits your family's energy level and interests. The smooth, flat surface is perfect for young cyclists learning to ride and parents pushing strollers.

Park

Fishers District Drive

Free

Fishers District Drive is a fantastic community hub that offers something for every member of the family. The splash pad is a major hit during warm months, while the playgrounds and expansive walking trails keep kids active year-round. With regular community events at the amphitheater and open spaces perfect for picnics, this park has become a beloved gathering spot for Fishers families.

Farm

Fishers Agripark

4.8$

Fishers Agripark offers families an authentic farm experience right in the Indianapolis suburbs. Kids can get up close with chickens, observe working beehives, explore community gardens, and participate in hands-on agricultural education programs that teach where food comes from. The farmers market and seasonal events make every visit unique and educational.