For music lovers, the best season is concert season.
Late spring and summer, when the region’s open-air venues provide music under the night sky, brings out the best live concert events of the year. Over the next four months, fans can catch legendary performers such as Neil Diamond and Tom Petty, master entertainers such as Future and Bruno Mars and the visual spectacle of the Flaming Lips.
The only problem is figuring out which ones to see.
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As one of the major music markets in the country, Indianapolis is a prime stop for nearly all of the must-see acts hitting the road this year. At the same time, the region’s smaller venues have lined up an impressive slate of up-and-comers to catch in more intimate settings.
To help you create your calendar, and ensure your wallet makes it through the summer intact, here are some of the highlights coming up:
Heavy hitters
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Klipsch Music Center, 12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville
Cost: Mostly sold out; remaining tickets between $149 and $420.
Why: To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Petty and his longtime bandmates are heading out on the road. They’ll be visiting Indianapolis for the first time since 2013, performing classics such as “Free Fallin,” “Refugee” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” It’ll be a rock legend two-fer, with Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh serving as the opening act.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
When: 8 p.m. May 18
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis
Cost: $49 to $99
Why: The surf-funk-punk rockers from Southern California come back to Indianapolis in support of their most recent album, “The Getaway.” Even after performing for 30-plus years, lead singer Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea and the rest of the band bring unabashed energy on stage. They’ve been on the road since January and have drawn rave reviews for their enthusiasm and punch.
Neil Diamond
When: 8 p.m. May 26
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Cost: $29.50 and up
Why: Another anniversary tour hits the Circle City, this time featuring Neil Diamond as he celebrates 50 years of music greatness. Scream along to “Sweet Caroline,” “Red Red Wine” and the rest of the seemingly unending catalog of hits, as he shows why Billboard bestowed on him their highest award for touring musicians, the Legend of Live honor.
Future
When: 7 p.m. June 3
Where: Klipsch Music Center
Cost: $30 and up
Why: Future has had quite a year so far. In back-to-back weeks, he released new albums, first the self-titled “FUTURE,” followed by “HNDRXX.” And in back-to-back weeks, the Atlanta rapper claimed the No. 1 album in the land. On the back of this success, Future will be touring with a host of emerging hip-hop artists, including Migos and Tony Lanez.
Wilco
When: 7:30 p.m. June 13
Where: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Cost: $29.50 and up
Why: Few bands have had as strange of a career arc as Wilco. Born as an alt-country outfit from the ashes of Uncle Tupelo, it slowly morphed to a more experimental indie rock band. Their most recent release, “Schmilco,” features lead singer Jeff Tweedy and company as more introspective and reserved, yet crisp as ever.
Bruno Mars
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 13
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Cost: Available seats start at $143 and go up.
Why: The king of modern funk, Bruno Mars has specialized in bombastic R&B hits while at the same time transitioning to more easy-crooning ballads. His “24K Magic” album released in late 2016 has spun off two Top 10 Billboard hits, adding to his already supremely danceable catalog.
Green Day
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 16
Where: Klipsch Music Center
Cost: $29 and up
Why: From their youthful punk days in the early ‘90s to the more mature and socially conscious rock of the past decade, Green Day’s evolution has mirrored that of a whole generation of listeners. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers will be supporting their most recent album, 2016’s politically charged “Revolution Radio.”
Zac Brown Band
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 25
Where: Klipsch Music Center
Cost: $28 and up
Why: Under the stars on a hot late-summer night with a cold drink in hand is the right way to see Zac Brown Band, whose blend of country twang and tropical themes takes the baton from Jimmy Buffett for the coming decades. With their “Welcome Home” album coming out Friday, expect a healthy dash of new material to supplement classics such as “Toes” and “Knee Deep.”
The Flaming Lips
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 19
Where: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn
Cost: $39.50 and up
Why: The Flaming Lips have built a reputation for live shows that are wildly weird and visually stunning. It’s not uncommon for lead singer Wayne Coyne to roll out into the crowd in a massive plastic ball, or to ride a light up robot unicorn. But the spectacle doesn’t overshadow the band’s free-flowing psychedelic rock; it only serves to enhance it.
Don’t-Break-the-Bank alternatives
The Struts
When: 8 p.m. Monday
Where: Deluxe at Old National Centre
Cost: $17.50
Why: This foursome from Derby, England, has no shortage of swagger and ego, as the name suggests. Their glam-inspired hard rock has won the band fans throughout the United Kingdom, and earned them an opening spot on Guns N’ Roses’ 2016 tour.
Wavves
When: 8:30 p.m. May 22
Where: The Hi-Fi, 1043 Virginia Ave. Suite 4, Indianapolis
Cost: $20
Why: Summer was made for surf-punk prodigy Nathan Williams, who brings his band to Indy to perform songs such as “King of the Beach” and “Demon to Lean On.”
Future Islands
When: 8 p.m. June 9
Where: Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Cost: $22
Why: Known for their whirlwind live shows, see the Baltimore-based band as it tours in support of a new album, “The Far Field,” released on April 7.
Greensky Bluegrass
When: 6 p.m. June 10
Where: MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park, 2450 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis
Cost: $25
Why: Jammy bluegrass and improvised riffs with guitar, mandolin and banjo are the perfect complement to sitting under the evening sky at Garfield Park’s historic bandstand.
The Revivalists with Robert Randolph and the Family Band
When: 7 p.m. June 23
Where: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn
Cost: $27.50 and up
Why: The roots-rock band from New Orleans headlines this year’s WTTS Rock on the River, a benefit for the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund. Don’t miss Randolph, a wizard on the pedal steel guitar.
Turquoise Jeep
When: 9 p.m. June 23
Where: The Hi-Fi
Cost: $15
Why: The hip-hop record label founded by rappers Flynt Flossy and Whatchyamacallit has become a force in the indie music scene, choosing to release new music via YouTube videos that garner millions of hits.
Eagles of Death Metal
When: 9 p.m. June 29
Where: The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Why: Don’t let the name fool you. Eagles of Death Metal may excel at pounding rhythms and blistering guitar licks, but the “death metal” portion of their moniker is a joke. Still, expect to rock.
Clayton Anderson
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 5
Where: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville
Cost: $15 advance, $20 day of
Why: Anderson, a Bedford native, has been establishing himself as one of country’s most unique voices. His new six-song EP “Only To Borrow” is out now.
The only thing better than seeing live music in the summer is getting into the show for free. Johnson County and the surrounding areas have a wide array of free concerts available; here’s a rundown of what’s been announced so far.
May 27
Cari Ray, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville
May 28
The Tides, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
May 29
Acoustic Catfish, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
June 1
Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, 6:30 p.m., Greenwood Park Mall outdoor fountain
June 3
Stawberry Festival, with Kelleen Strutz from 1 to 4 p.m. and Mike & Joe from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
The Flying Toasters, 7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater, 100 Surina Way
June 4
Strawberry Festival, with the Woomblies from 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
June 8
Blue River Band, 6:30 p.m., Greenwood Park Mall outdoor fountain
June 10
The Blue River Band, 7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater
June 11
Exit 99, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
June 15
Simply Elton, 6:30 p.m., Greenwood Park Mall outdoor fountain
June 16
Toy Factory, 7 p.m., Smoke on the Square, downtown Franklin
June 17
Blue River Band, 7 p.m., Smoke on the Square, downtown Franklin
Lemon Wheel, 7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater
Royalty, a Prince tribute band, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
June 18
Davis and Devitt, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
June 22
Mike and Joe, 6:30 p.m., Greenwood Park Mall outdoor fountain
June 23
Tribute to Johnny Cash & Patsy Cline, 7 to 10 p.m., downtown Bargersville
June 25
Wilsons, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
June 29
Henry Lee, 6:30 p.m., Greenwood Park Mall outdoor fountain
July 1
Toy Factory, 7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater
Red, White & Blueberry Festival, with music by Andra Faye & Scott Ballantine, 1 to 4 p.m.; the Big 80s, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
July 2
Red, White & Blueberry Festival, with music by An Innocent Band, a Billy Joel tribute, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
July 3
Red, White & Blueberry Festival, with music by Christine Nicole, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
July 6
Corey Cox, 6:30 p.m., Greenwood Park Mall outdoor fountain
July 8
My Yellow Rickshaw, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
July 9
The Sax Guy, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
July 13
The Stranger, 6:30 p.m., Greenwood Park Mall outdoor fountain
July 14
Toy Factory, 7 p.m., Daily Journal Street Party, downtown Franklin
July 15
Tastes Like Chicken, 7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater
The Doo! Band, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
July 16
Acoustic Flashback, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
July 20
The Blind Side, 6:30 p.m., Greenwood Park Mall outdoor fountain
July 22
Toy Factory, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Living Proof, 7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater
July 23
Half-Step Sisters, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
July 30
Chicken Bone, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
July 29
The Big 80s, 7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater
Aug. 5
Indy Nile, 7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater
Aug. 6
Wilsons, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Aug. 12
The Bishops, 7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater
Tastes Like Chicken, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Aug. 13
Steve Michaels, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Aug. 18
Hazelwood String Band, 7 to 10 p.m., downtown Bargersville
Aug. 19
Blue River Band, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Aug. 20
Davis & Devitt, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Aug. 26
Living Proof, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Aug. 27
Acoustic Catfish, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Sept. 2
Craig Brenner & the Catfish, 1 to 4 p.m.; Hunter Smith Band, 5: 30 to 8:30 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Sept. 3
HT3, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
Sept. 4
Joe Hess & the Wandering Cowboys, 2 to 5 p.m., Mallow Run Winery
