TradeUp Fest brings free family festival, live music & hands-on career exploration to Noblesville

Families looking for something fun to do on Saturday, Sept. 19, will have a chance to enjoy live music, interactive exhibits, and food trucks while introducing their children to career opportunities that are in high demand across Indiana.

TradeUp Fest, presented by Gaylor Electric and Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky, will transform Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile into a daylong celebration of the skilled trades, bringing together employers, educators, apprenticeship programs, and local businesses with students and families from across Central Indiana.

Admission to the daytime festival is free.

Organizers say the goal is simple: create a fun family event where young people can experience careers in the skilled trades through hands-on activities instead of brochures and classroom presentations.

“The skilled trades built this country, and they’ll build its future,” Gaylor Electric CEO Chuck Goodrich said. “TradeUp Fest is an opportunity for families to come together, have fun, explore incredible career opportunities and celebrate the men and women whose skills and craftsmanship keep our communities moving forward.”

The free outdoor festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and features eight live bands, local food trucks, beer and wine vendors, interactive exhibits, heavy equipment displays, and a Trades Village where attendees can try hands-on activities and meet professionals working throughout the construction and skilled trades industries.

DIY Network personality and skilled trades advocate Kayleen McCabe will serve as master of ceremonies throughout the day.

“TradeUp Fest is more than a concert,” said Jake Gibson, executive director of Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky. “It’s a celebration of the people who build our communities and a bold step toward reducing the skilled-trades workforce gap. By bringing together tradespeople, employers, businesses and music fans, we’re shining a spotlight on the pride, purpose, and opportunity found in the trades.”

The celebration continues inside Riverview Health Arena with a ticketed concert featuring platinum-selling country artist Larry Fleet, The Wilder Blue, and Nora Reese. Arena doors open at 5 p.m., and the concert begins at 6 p.m.

TradeUp Fest founder Josh Cecil said he hopes parents leave the event with a new perspective on career opportunities available to their children.

“For too long, many families have viewed the skilled trades as a backup plan,” Cecil said. “The reality is these careers offer purpose, excellent earning potential, and the chance to build something that lasts. We want students and parents to experience that firsthand while enjoying an incredible day of music and community.”

Organizers encourage families, educators, and youth organizations to reserve free daytime festival passes in advance. Companies are also invited to bring employees and their families to enjoy the festival together while supporting workforce development in Indiana.

Free outdoor festival passes and arena concert tickets are available at tradeupfest.com.