Rock the Ruins - Indianapolis, Indiana

Sarah M.

My first visit to Rock the Ruins was earlier this month and I wasn’t sure what to expect. We purchased the upgraded parking and I think that was a good choice. The entrance was congested and those working didn’t seem to know what was going on. But I parked on the grass near the entrance. Getting into the venue was smooth. I had electronic tickets on my phone that they scanned. They also searched my tiny purse and patted me down. They had a tent for checking IDs that went smoothly. We went and set up our chairs and were just looking around and taking it all in. A staff member came up to us and offered us free upgraded wristbands that got us closer seats which was super cool. We moved seats then checked out the food truck area. This process was also smooth. (I’ll do a separate review for the one we ate at.) When the concert started we were a little disappointed that the people directly in front of us stood up and stayed up even though there were tons of people behind them. There was also a lot of marijuana being smoked which made it uncomfortable for me as a non-smoker. Getting out after the concert was easy and smooth. I have tickets for another concert here in August and I’m excited to go back!

Chet A.

The park is nice, the concerts aren't handled very well. After listening to 2 hours of terrible movie soundtrack filler music, the opening band starts. We'd never heard of them before, but they were ok. 45 minutes later, they start setting up the stage for Manchester Orchestra, the actual band we paid to see. And drove 3 hours for. But then all of a sudden they make an announcement that there is lightning in the distance and everyone needs to evacuate. Evacuate to where though? We're in the middle of a huge park and most people took Uber's or a shuttle to get here. They told us to leave our chairs and the concert would resume after the lightning subsided. Rain did come through, but only lasted 15 minutes. So now we're all standing at the gate waiting to get back in. They eventually tell us the concert is cancelled, but they won't let us back in to get our chairs until the lightning is at least 8 miles away. The lightning from the storm that just passed us...that we already stood outside through. So even though the skys are now clear and the storm is past, they're still making us wait outside the fence just to get back in for our chairs. 30 minutes later they let us is. So we essentially waited for 90 minutes after a storm passed for them to say the concert is cancelled. They could have done that from the start. Or maybe just checked the radar and had the band we all came to see play first. Just not handled well at all.

Mary C. W.

Sound was okay, but for a temporary venue with a temporary stage they did a great job! Food offerings were good and parking options with the shuttle worked out quite nicely. Keep in mind when you go that bathroom options are limited. Lots of space to both sit and stand. It was very fun to have vendors and places to browse while you wait for the show to start. Well priced for the venue.

Michelle A.

Very fun interesting place. After checking out the ruins, we hiked the trails. Beautiful area, well kept and I imagine looks fabulous in the summer and fall. We were there late November. The ice rink had lots of people there. Very fun! Definitely recommend.

Derek H.

As a music venue, it is fine. The sound is decent, and they get very good acts.

However, their non alcoholic options are abysmal. The last 3 concerts I have seen there they have run out of bottled water before the show even started. Food truck options are decent enough, though limited vegetarian and vegan options and a bit of a crap shoot of how many of their preferred vendors show up, it seems.

Ticket costs are typically very reasonable and the bring your own chair and lawn atmosphere is nice enough.

As a venue, they are still fairly new and figuring some things out. Could be a really cool spot if some tweaks were made.

Joseph S.

The absolute worst seating arrangement. We bought GA tickets because I had been there before and it was great. This time there were separate seating areas that were insanely expensive and GA couldn’t anywhere near the stage. Even the opening band was hating on the seating arrangement.

Also, the show was cancelled due to rain even though the website states “rain or shine”. There are no refunds for weather related cancellation's. It’s been 3 days since the date of the concert and I haven’t heard anything from the venue about the cancelled event or rescheduling it.

Chastiti S.

Went for a concert here, very nice small venue. Had a great time

Rebecca C.

Rock the Ruins is an absolute gem of a music venue! From the moment I stepped through the entrance, I was captivated by the electrifying atmosphere and incredible sound quality. The unique setting amidst the ruins adds a mystique and charm that sets it apart from other venues. The diverse lineup of artists they host ensures that there's something for everyone, and the staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. I can't recommend Rock the Ruins enough – it's a five-star experience that any music lover should not miss!