Indiana State Fair to fete Beatles 60 years after band played sold-out shows at fairgrounds

In honor of Global Beatles Day, the Indiana State Fair announced Tuesday they will hold a day-long celebration of the Fab Four on Saturday, August 3. 

The commemoration comes 60 years after the band performed two sold-out shows on the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 1964.

On just this day, there will be an artifact display inside the Indiana Farmer's Coliseum including items the group used in their 1964 performances in Indiana as well as guitars from their early era, one that belonged to George Harrison and two to John Lennon.

Beatles-themed movies will play at the outdoor theater. There will also be themed food for sale, including the Coo Coo Ka Choo on this Turkey Leg and a Yellow Submarine Sandwich. 

The day will start with a Beatles-themed hot air balloon launch at 6 a.m. A Hard Day's Night, a Beatles tribute band, will perform a live concert of the Beatles’ 1964 setlist and several other beloved songs at 2 p.m. on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage.

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At 7 p.m., on the same stage, Tony Kishman will perform Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney.

All of the events are included in admission to the Indiana State Fair. Tickets can be purchased at indianastatefair.com for $13.

Alex Haddon is a Pulliam Fellow. You can email her at AHaddon@gannett.com.