For 25 years, the Friday before Thanksgiving in Fountain Square has been reserved for do-gooder music lovers.
It’s estimated that every $75 Tonic Ball ticket feeds 34 people. That’s a small price to pay for a night filled with more than 60 bands performing live tribute sets honoring iconic recording artists at five Fountain Square venues.
Tonic Ball started at Radio Radio 25 years ago with a group of organizers raising money for Second Helpings. It raised more than $4,600 that first year. These days, the event raises more than $200,000 annually and has raised more than $1.5 million in total.
The 2026 Tonic Ball will kick off at 7 p.m. Nov. 20.
Some things will be the same: Musicians will be performing at HI-FI Indy, Square Cat Vinyl, Radio Radio, White Rabbit Cabaret and Fountain Square Theatre. And, all proceeds will go directly to providing meals for the community.
Here’s what’s new this year.
All 60 ‘tributees’ will be honored
In 25 years, 60 world-famous artists have been honored. That list includes ABBA, Tina Turner, Queen, Taylor Swift and Stevie Wonder. Who are the other 55? Too many to list, but you are sure to find one of your favorites. You can see the full list here.
Which brings us to …
The ‘hall of fame’ tributes
Beginning at 8 p.m., the stage at Fountain Square Theatre will have a special “hall of fame” segment. Being that this is the largest Tonic Ball venue, this set is especially for you if you don’t want to wait in line at Square Cat Vinyl and Radio Radio.
The hall of fame lineup includes cover sets for The Rolling Stones, performed by Isaac Rudd and the Revolvers; Michael Jackson by Beatty & the Bayonets; Dolly Parton by Chick Grizzly; Elton John by Matt Mays Band; and The Beatles by Bomb Dylan. These sets will be 30 minutes.
A full lineup will be released and you can check here for when that happens.
Band The Common is celebrating 20 years playing for Tonic Ball
Local band The Common is set to play its 20th set at Tonic Ball and it’s their biggest yet. Over the years, they have covered the Foo Fighters and Bruce Springsteen. There was also that time they paid tribute to the “Ed Sullivan” set that made The Beatles famous in 1964. This year, they will pay tribute to English rock band The Clash.
“Clash songs are short, so we’re confident we’ll be able to cram in four,” said The Common band member Steve Hayes. “Our goal is to span our favorite parts of their catalog and give folks a taste of their pure punk side and their poppier side.” Catch them at Radio Radio at 10 p.m.
Teresa Reynolds and The Slicktones will pay tribute to Prince
Teresa Reynolds and The Slicktones will perform a special tribute to Prince at 9 p.m. at Fountain Square Theatre.
“His musicality, creativity and messages throughout his catalog are an incredible legacy,” said Reynolds. “His music will stand the test of time.”
Reynolds said that she and her band have a couple of surprises up their sleeve that you won’t want to miss. This will be their fifth time playing at Tonic Ball. In previous years, they paid tribute to Outkast, Rihanna, Parliament-Funkadelic and Britney Spears.
Lots of construction
During this time of year, parking gets tricky. But now it will be even more so because of construction. Plan to carpool with a buddy, or take advantage of the city’s IndyGo Red Line. You can also walk or bike. If you do decide to drive, you might find some open parking lots near Bovaconti Coffee or Arthur’s Music Store and throughout the Fountain Square neighborhood.
If you go
- Tonic Ball 25
- 📅 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21
- 📍Various Fountain Square venues
- 🎟️ $75
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Amira Alquraishy is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach her at alquraishyamira@gmail.com.
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