Kool & The Gang headlines June18-20 festival; Foghat, Asia, Lo Cash also to perform

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The Haynes-Apperson Festival returns to Foster Park June 18–20, 2026, marking its 50th Anniversary with a vibrant weekend of live music, family fun, and community celebration while also honoring the 250th anniversary of the birth of the nation.

Festival Chairman Paul Wyman shared his excitement about this milestone year.

“Celebrating 50 years of the Haynes-Apperson Festival is truly special for our community,” Wyman said. “Many people have volunteered their time over the years to help us celebrate our community’s automotive heritage and all that is great about Kokomo and Howard County. Fifty years of people giving back. Fifty years of our community celebrating. Fifty years of traditions kept.”

This year’s festival will feature an unforgettable concert series in Foster Park, kicking off Thursday’s opening night with chart-topping country duo LoCash Cowboys, followed by classic rock legends Foghat and Asia on Friday, and Grammy-winning funk icons Kool & the Gang headlining on Saturday night.

The weekend will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show Saturday night in Foster Park, immediately following Kool & the Gang’s performance.

“This year’s musical lineup is one of the best we’ve ever assembled. There’s something for everyone, from country to classic rock to funk. It’s the perfect way to honor our past while creating new memories together.”

Typically held in close proximity on the calendar to July 4, this year the festival was moved up to accommodate the schedule of the company providing the carnival rides, which will feature prominently in the Haynes-Apperson offerings. Still, Wyman reflected on the broader significance of this year’s celebration, marking a pair of chronological milestones.

“As we mark not only our festival’s 50th anniversary but also 250 years since the founding of our country, we get to come together, celebrate our heritage, and look ahead with pride,” said Wyman. “The festival has always been about community, and this year that spirit shines brighter than ever.

“We have so much to celebrate as a community. What more can we ask for than a live performance of one of the greatest hits ever by Kool and the Gang, ‘Celebration?’”

This year, in honor of the festival’s 50th anniversary, the Haynes-Apperson Pageant will return, led by former Mrs. Indiana United States and current Mrs. Kokomo Chanteal VanCamp.

“We are so thankful that Chanteal and her team have stepped up to bring back a great part of the last 50 years,” said Wyman.

In moving the date of the festival, the Haynes-Apperson landed on a weekend already occupied by the annual Juneteenth celebration. Rather than approaching the coincidence as a conflict, the two events will seek to benefit from each other.

“The Juneteenth Jubilee is all about celebrating together as one,” said Juneteenth organizer Derick Steele. “Our collaboration with the Haynes-Apperson Festival serves as an opportunity to connect with numerous members of our community in joyous celebration. We look forward to welcoming first-time attendees and sharing in the celebration of freedom.”

How the presence of the Juneteenth celebration on the courthouse square will impact the annual Haynes-Apperson Parade was not disclosed, but the parade is still scheduled to take place on Sat., June 20, at 2 p.m.

The Haynes-Apperson Festival has not abandoned the inspiration for its existence. Classic cars will feature prominently once again in the three-day event. Cruise-ins will be held on Thu., June 18, and Fri., June 19. And a car show will take place on Sat., June 20.

And the Haynes-Apperson Sports Festival is still alive and well, taking place prior to and during the festival and various times and locations.

With a rich legacy rooted in celebrating Kokomo’s automotive heritage and community spirit, the Haynes-Apperson Festival continues to be one of Indiana’s premier summer traditions. For a full schedule and additional details, visit haynesappersonfestival.org. Also check out the Haynes-Apperson Festival, Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana Facebook page for updates.