Free and Affordable Final Four Weekend Events in Indianapolis

Beyond the NCAA Men's Final Four games, there will be a variety of family-friendly festivities for fans in the host city.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a college basketball game into abstract shapes and planes of color, creating a dynamic and visually striking representation of the energy and excitement of the NCAA Men's Final Four.A cubist interpretation of the energy and excitement of the NCAA Men's Final Four, capturing the dynamic action and passionate fans in a visually striking way.Indianapolis Today

The NCAA Men's Final Four will take place in Indianapolis on April 3, marking the first time the city has hosted Divisions I, II, and III, along with the NIT, simultaneously. In addition to the basketball games, there will be a range of free and affordable events and activities for fans, including Fan Fest, a Music Festival, Reese's Final Four Friday, a Dribble Event, and the Tip-off Tailgate.

Why it matters

Indianapolis has hosted the Men's Final Four nine times, making it the second most frequent host city behind Kansas City. The return of the full fan experience after the COVID-19 pandemic is an important milestone for the city and the NCAA tournament, providing an economic boost and a celebration of college basketball.

The details

The Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center will feature interactive games, celebrity appearances, and autograph opportunities with the championship trophy. It's free for Capital One cardholders, ticketholders, kids 12 and under, military, and college students. The Music Festival on American Legion Mall will have free concerts with local and national acts, including Twenty One Pilots, Zac Brown Band, and Post Malone. Reese's Final Four Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium will showcase the Final Four teams' open practices and the NABC All-Star Game, also free with parking. The Dribble Event on April 5 allows ages 18 and under to dribble one mile through downtown to Victory Field, receiving a basketball, t-shirt, and Fan Fest entry. The Tip-off Tailgate on Georgia Street will have watch parties, pep rallies, music, and food.

  • The NCAA Men's Final Four will take place on April 3, 2026.
  • Fan Fest will be held from April 3-6 at the Indiana Convention Center.
  • The Music Festival will be held from April 3-5 at American Legion Mall.
  • Reese's Final Four Friday will be on April 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
  • The Dribble Event will be on April 5, starting at Carroll Stadium.

The players

Ashleigh Newbold

Vice President of Engagement for the Indiana Sports Corp.

Patrick Talty

President of the Indiana Sports Corp.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't hosted a full fan Final Four since 2015.”

— Ashleigh Newbold, Vice President of Engagement for the Indiana Sports Corp.

“To have that celebration of college basketball here in Indy is going to be very special and unique.”

— Patrick Talty, President of the Indiana Sports Corp.

What’s next

Registration and tickets for the various Final Four weekend events are available on the official website.

The takeaway

Indianapolis is embracing the return of the full fan experience for the NCAA Men's Final Four, offering a variety of free and affordable events and activities that celebrate college basketball and provide an economic boost for the city.