Indianapolis – HI-FI & MOKB Presents announced the construction of a new indoor venue in the Murphy Arts Center, the same site that currently hosts HI-FI Annex as a temporary outdoor venue. Set to open in early 2026, the new indoor space will provide a permanent home for the tentatively named HI-FI Annex and build on its success as a catalyst for the Fountain Square music scene.
Originally conceived as a temporary pandemic-era solution, HI-FI Annex quickly filled a unique need in Indianapolis’ entertainment landscape, attracting audiences and top tier talent with its dynamic outdoor setting.
“When we opened our first venue, we didn’t have a detailed plan, but we did have a vision,” said Josh Baker, partner and CEO of HI-FI & MOKB Presents. “It’s been a humbling journey filled with unexpected challenges, adaptation, and getting really lucky. With each expansion and renovation, we’ve moved closer to realizing our dream of creating a multifaceted entertainment and arts facility.”
The new venue will feature an expanded footprint, nearly doubling the size of its outdoor predecessor. The versatile event space will include a cutting-edge concert hall with a projected capacity of more than 1,200, as well as an underground, speakeasy-style room for intimate gatherings and pre- and post-show events.
Significantly, the new location will bring HI-FI Annex’s outdoor operations indoors, addressing considerations such as neighborhood impact, reclaimed parking, and regulatory challenges, all while maintaining its community-oriented approach.
“Fans can expect our continued commitment to delivering high-caliber entertainment and exceptional customer service—hallmarks of the experience we’ve provided over the past 10 years at HI-FI and the first five years of HI-FI Annex,”said Dan Kemer, partner and vice president of events. “The new space and increased capacity perfectly complement our growing group of venues, which now includes LO-FI Lounge and HI-FI. With venues ranging from 100 to 1,200+ capacity, we’re uniquely positioned to support artists, managers, and agents year-round at every stage of an artist’s career.”
With roots stretching back over 100 years, Fountain Square has a rich history as an entertainment destination. Once home to five theaters, each with more than 1,000 seats, the area drew large audiences for performances and silent films.
“This neighborhood was built on entertainment,” Baker said. “After being separated from the city by the creation of the I-65 interstate, it lost much of its audience and regular traffic. HI-FI, along with our fellow Fountain Square businesses, has been aggressively working to recreate the elements that long defined this area.”
The new venue will rise on the former site of the historic Granada Theatre, a fitting nod to Fountain Square’s entertainment legacy. With a renewed commitment to fostering arts, music, and culture, HI-FI aims to make a lasting impact on Indianapolis’ live entertainment community and solidify Fountain Square’s position as the city’s top arts and entertainment district.
“The HI-FI has been a major draw to our district for the last 10 years, and with the addition of the Annex, it has gained national recognition as one of the premier music venues in the Midwest,” said Justin Jones, president of the Fountain Fletcher District Association. “This new indoor venue is the next step in building on the momentum created by the vibrant mix of local businesses and artists that define our community.”
2025 will mark the final season of HI-FI Annex in its outdoor configuration, with concerts beginning in early April. Through the first 5 years of the outdoor venue, HI-FI Annex has hosted hundreds of shows featuring such notable artists as Band of Horses, Shakey Graves, Larry Fleet, Afghan Whigs, Charley Crockett, Guided By Voices, Atmosphere, Backseat Lovers, Wynona Judd, KMFDM, The Buzzcocks and many more. A full schedule of events for the 2025 outdoor season, running April through October, will be announced soon. Construction on the indoor venue will continue as the outdoor season takes place.
“The evolution of HI-FI from a small, 100-capacity venue to where it is now has been transformational,” said Craig Von Deylen, manager of the Murphy Arts Center. “The synergy between arts, music, and culture in Fountain Square is unmatched in Indianapolis. This project is a significant step toward strengthening that foundation as the area grows as the city’s premier arts district. We look forward to the continued growth and success of HI-FI and MOKB Presents.”
Over the past decade, HI-FI’s trio of venues has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors to Fountain Square, benefiting area businesses. HI-FI’s commitment to Fountain Square is further demonstrated through donations and support for key organizations, including SEND and the Southeast Community Center. In addition to attracting concertgoers, HI-FI has engaged with the community by sponsoring events such as Art Squared, Scare in the Square, and various neighborhood activities throughout the Fountain Fletcher District.
For more information and inquiries, visit this page to get connected.
Related