Acorn Concert Series
Get ready for another great summer of music with the 2026 Acorn Concert Series!
Starting July 17, Gabis Arboretum invites families to enjoy five evenings of live music as part of our annual concert series. Pack a blanket or lawn chair and make lasting memories together in a beautiful, family-friendly setting.
Tickets
Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended—some shows sell out!
Gabis Arboretum members receive discounted tickets for the 2026 Acorn Concert Series. New or renewed memberships qualify. Use the promo code sent to your email at checkout. The code entry box appears on the final page.
Children 12 and under can enter free with a paying adult—no ticket required!
Free parking is available, but space is limited.
| Membership Level | Series VIP Ticket (on sale through July 17) | Presale Ticket (valid up to a week before a concert) | General Admission Ticket (the week of a concert) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | $85 | $20 | $23 |
| Non-Member | $105 | $23 | $28 |
PNW Chancellor’s Circle Tickets
Are you a PNW Chancellor’s Circle member? Contact advance@pnw.edu for your exclusive offer!
PNW Alumni
Are you a PNW alumni? Contact alumni@pnw.edu for discounted tickets (limit 4).
2026 Lineup
Friday, July 17: Second Hand News (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Music begins at 7 p.m.
Purchase Tickets for Second Hand News
Second Hand News recreates the experience of seeing Fleetwood Mac in their heyday. Powerful vocals, fiery guitar solos, a dynamic rhythm section, and heartfelt passion bring classic songs to life with precision and joy.
Through the talents of these seasoned performers, the mystique and artistry of Fleetwood Mac come to life on stage. Audiences are energized by favorites from the band’s extensive catalog of hits as well as deep cuts beloved by superfans. The enthusiasm that Second Hand News breathes into this iconic music is infectious, and will bring you to your feet in celebration of one of the greatest bands of all time.
Friday, July 31: MegaBeatles (Beatles Tribute)
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Music begins at 7 p.m.
Purchase Tickets for MegaBeatles
MegaBeatles is a talented group of musicians from Northwest Indiana/Chicago that recreate the music of the Beatles with precision, passion and Love! The band features members of both the Chris and Lou band and the CrawPuppies, both Northern Indiana favorites. As individual bands, they both have very successful reputations as original and cover bands.
It is a rare treat when these bands combine for a high-energy set of amazing post-1965 Beatles hits, deep cuts and fan favorites. A Splendid time is guaranteed for all!
Saturday, August 8: Hyryder (Grateful Dead Tribute)
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Music begins at 7 p.m.
Back by popular demand, Hyryder returns to play two full sets in true Grateful Dead fashion. Their immersive performances celebrate the spirit of the Dead’s improvisational style, allowing the music to flow organically in our natural setting.
The arboretum’s landscape provides the perfect backdrop for their jam-band approach that has made them regional favorites. Hyryder takes the stage at 7 p.m.
Friday, September 4: Trippin’ Billies (The Dave Matthews Tribute Band)
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Music begins at 7 p.m.
Purchase Tickets for Trippin’ Billies
Since the mid-1990’s, Trippin’ Billies has continued to be the nation’s most successful & longest-touring Dave Matthews Band Tribute.
Friday, September 25: Sarah’s Place (Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan Tribute)
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Music begins at 7 p.m.
Purchase Tickets for Sarah’s Place
Sarah’s Place is a tribute to two of the most emotionally resonant voices of this generation—Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan. With a raw, all-live sound and no reliance on backing tracks, the band recreates the honesty and intimacy of these artists’ songs with grit, depth, and care.
Each set captures the full arc of emotion, from quiet acoustic ballads to driving full-band builds—complete with lap steel, fiddle, and layered harmonies that stay true to the spirit of the originals. It’s not a performance that imitates—it honors, with intention and feel guiding every note.
Inclement Weather & Refunds
- Concerts run rain or shine. In severe weather, the venue will decide on delays or cancellations.
- Updates on weather and show conditions will be posted on our website and Facebook.
- If the show is cancelled, ticket holders will be notified by email.
- Refunds are not available unless the venue cancels the show.
Outside Food & Beverages
- Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.
- Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- Coolers will be checked upon entry.
- Food, beer, wine, and other beverages will be available for purchase. Please support our local vendors!
What to Bring
- Bring a lawn chair or blanket; seating is not provided.
- Pop-up tents are not permitted.
- Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.
- Smoking is permitted in designated areas only.
Accessibility
- The concert venue is on grass.
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and handicap parking spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Golf carts are available to transport guests from their vehicles to the concert venue.
To request a disability-related accommodation, please contact the Office for Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2163 five days prior to the event.
In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office for Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2337.
