Opening Celebration at White River State Park
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Gather in the heart of the nation’s only urban state park, one of Indy’s most iconic and beloved destinations.
White River State Park is home to world-class museums, the NCAA Headquarters, the Indianapolis Zoo, Victory Field and the Everwise Amphitheater, just to name a few. You’ll kick off the 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition by reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones as you enjoy seasonal bites, fun activations and a high-energy live musical performance from an exciting headlining artist. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for an unforgettable week!
13-Time GRAMMY Award-Winning Artist Babyface Joins the Opening Celebration!
Babyface, Indianapolis native, and one of the most celebrated songwriters and producers of all time, will perform at Everwise Amphitheatre in White River State Park at this year’s Opening Celebration. Babyface created the soundtrack of a generation and with it at his fingertips, his live performance will take you back in time to your first crush, real love, and tragic heartbreak all while delivering a dynamic show.
A 13-time GRAMMY Award winner and recently named by The New York Times as one of the “Greatest Living American Songwriters,” Babyface has helped shape the soundtrack of generations. He’s contributed to more than a billion records sold, launched the careers of artists like Usher, TLC, Toni Braxton, P!nk and Outkast, and written and produced iconic songs for everyone from Boyz II Men, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson to Eric Clapton, Celine Dion, and Justin Bieber.
He has produced and written 125 Top 10 Hits, 45 number 1 R&B hits, and 16 number 1 pop hits. In addition to winning a total of 13 GRAMMYs, he has been nominated 83 times. Throughout his career, Babyface has won the BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year trophy seven times, the BMI Icon Award and received a total of 52 BMI Awards, as well as 4 American Music Awards, 5 Soul Train Awards, and 5 NAACP Image awards.
He also produced and co-wrote the Oscar-winning song “When You Believe,” sung by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
Recent Honors
- 2025 — Activism in the Arts and Distinguished Arts Awards, National Action Network’s Triumph Awards
- 2024 — Inducted into The Apollo Walk of Fame; received the inaugural Legacy Award from The Apollo Theater and the BMI Icon Award at the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
- 2017 — Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
- 2013 — Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- 1999 — His home state, Indiana, named a highway after him
Babyface is a passionate philanthropist, actively supporting the Carousel of Hope, which benefits the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Larry Ruvo’s “Keep Memory Alive,” and Stand Up for Cancer. In 2023 he partnered with the non-profit organization Music Will to launch music programs in 20 schools in his hometown of Indianapolis, IN.
Transportation
- Shuttle service is provided only from Hyatt Place/Hyatt House, The Alexander, and Hilton. All other hotels are within walking distance of White River State Park (WRSP).
- Shuttles run continuously from 5:30pm – 9:30pm.
- Shuttle to WRSP starts at 5:30pm.
- Shuttle from WRSP back to hotels starts at 7:00pm.
- Last shuttle departs WRSP at 9:30pm.
Clear Bag Policy
All guests will pass through security screening. Small personal umbrellas are permitted for private events, but large golf umbrellas are not allowed.
Permitted bag sizes:
- Clear bags (preferred): must not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Visit Indy is sponsoring clear bags for each registered attendee, available at Express Registration and Main Registration points at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
- Small clutches: up to 6″ x 9″.
Food & Beverage Menu
Activations
- Flow Star Artists – Artists spin, toss, and catch ambient fabric props to create mesmerizing, geometric visual patterns in the air.
- Bubble Jim – Jim artfully creates giant bubbles, a perfect welcome into the park!
- Yard Games – Croquet, horseshoes, and more.
- Swan Boats – Pedal boats on the Canal for a true Indy summer experience. (Waiver required to participate.)
- Lemonade Stand – Create your own summer mocktail with various syrups and garnishes. A bartender will add vodka on request, but this is a mocktail-forward station.
- Sidewalk Chalk – Draw on the pathways, play hopscotch, or leave a supportive message for fellow attendees.
- DIY Sunglasses – Personalize your own sunglasses, inspired by Opening Celebration headliner Babyface, who is known for wearing them.
Movie Area
The Heartland Film Festival brings over 100 independent films, major blockbuster previews, and $3.5 million in cash prizes to Central Indiana each year. It hosts screenings across several local venues and features the “Indiana Spotlights” category, which highlights local stories and talent.
The Heartland team will curate a program of 20–30 minute shorts for guests to enjoy throughout the evening on an outdoor movie screen. Headphones and popcorn will be included for a relaxing summer experience. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets will be pre-set.
Music & Entertainment
Celebration Plaza at WRSP
Brandon Meeks – 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Brandon Meeks is an accomplished jazz bassist and bandleader who delivers hip hop infused with jazz and soul, for a sound that feels both timeless and modern. He’s joined forces with a dynamic collective of musicians from Indianapolis, Chicago, and Cincinnati to explore fresh musical concepts inspired by modern jazz and hip-hop innovators such as Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, and Madlib.
Everwise Amphitheater Concert with Babyface
Pre-Show – 7:00pm – 7:45pm
Headliner Performance by Babyface – 8:00pm – 9:00pm
A 13-time GRAMMY Award winner, recently named by The New York Times as one of the “Greatest Living American Songwriters,” Babyface has helped shape the soundtrack of generations. He’s contributed to more than a billion records sold, launched the careers of artists like Usher, TLC, Toni Braxton, P!nk, and Outkast, and written and produced iconic songs for everyone from Boyz II Men, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson to Eric Clapton, Celine Dion, and Justin Bieber. He has produced and written 125 Top 10 hits, 45 number-one R&B hits, and 16 number-one pop hits. He’s won 13 GRAMMYs and been nominated 83 times.