Expanded Lincoln Amphitheatre boosts Perry County tourism and arts

Lincoln Amphitheatre, the covered outdoor venue inside Lincoln State Park just outside Tell City, completed a multi-year expansion that opened for the 2025 season, increasing seating capacity from roughly 1,500 to over 2,000 and upgrading facilities used by audiences across southern Indiana. The renovation, led by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation and local foundations, added new seating sections and patios, modernized restrooms and concessions, and improved accessibility and patron amenities.

The upgrade solidifies the amphitheatre’s role as a cultural and recreational anchor roughly midway between Evansville and Louisville. The site hosts an annual performance series and regional touring shows that draw ticket buyers, campers and day visitors who contribute to hospitality and dining revenue in Tell City and other Perry County communities. Expanded capacity allows larger bookings and more simultaneous attendees, increasing the economic footprint of each event on local restaurants, lodging and retail.

Beyond direct tourism dollars, the amphitheatre’s improvements aim to broaden access. The venue now advertises hearing assistance, accessible facilities and standard ticketing policies designed for predictable entry and seating. Season programming continues to include partnerships with local community foundations and organizations, which helps keep a portion of the season focused on regional performers and nonprofit events that serve Perry County residents.

Lincoln State Park’s landscape of trails, wooded hills and lakes remains a complementary draw. Visitors planning an amphitheatre event can also use park amenities for hiking, camping and day use, extending stays and local spending. Event times are typically listed in Central Time, and the amphitheatre posts its full season lineup, ticketing rules and venue policies on its official website and on park pages maintained by the Indiana DNR. Those sources are the primary places to confirm schedules, accessibility accommodations and any park advisories.

The project illustrates how state agencies, destination development bodies and local philanthropy can combine to upgrade cultural infrastructure in rural counties. For Perry County officials and business owners, the amphitheatre’s expanded capacity creates both opportunity and obligations: more visitors can mean higher revenue, but also greater demands on parking, traffic management and local services during peak events. Coordinated planning between venue operators, county government and local businesses will be key to capturing benefits while minimizing disruptions for residents.

Our two cents? If you plan to go, check the amphitheatre and Indiana DNR pages for event times, buy tickets in advance and plan pre- or post-show meals in Tell City to keep those tourism dollars local.