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Folsom Prison Experience
    (If you are paying with a gift card, you must call to purchase tickets 260.768.4725)
Sep 16, 2026 Wednesday @ 7:30pm
Event Details

A full-throttle trip back in time, built for lifelong Johnny Cash fans and brand-new ones alike.

What Is Folsom Prison Experience?

Folsom Prison Experience is a fully immersive theatrical tribute that drops you into the grit, tension, and music of the day Johnny Cash recorded At Folsom Prison. Unlike any show you've ever seen, you're more than an audience member; you're serving time as an "inmate" at the most infamous concert ever staged.

What to Expect as an Inmate

From the moment you walk through "intake," the line between audience and atmosphere blurs
Get your mugshot taken and meet fellow cellmates.
Feel the weight of the warden's presence as the tension builds.
As Johnny Cash, June Carter, the Statler Brothers, and the Tennessee Three bring the music to life.
Don't worry; we won't touch you or pull you on stage. This is immersive, not interactive. You'll stay safe in your seat while the drama unfolds all around you. And, if you're coming to a show, don't forget to report early for intake! Before the show begins, step inside our jail cell photo booth for your official inmate mugshot. It's your first stop behind the gates, and one of the fan-favorite moments of the night.

The Gamble of A Lifetime

You know the music, but do you know the story?

By 1968, Johnny Cash was running on fumes. His career had stalled, the hits weren't coming, and his personal battles with addiction weighed heavily. Calls from Nashville studios were drying up. He needed something raw. Something dangerous. Something real.

That spark came in the unlikeliest of places: Folsom Prison.

On January 13, 1968, with everything on the line, Cash walked through the gates of Folsom Prison. If the show had flopped, it would have been the end of him. Instead, he gave the performance of his life. The tension in the room was electric. Guards were on edge, inmates were hungry for release, and Cash balanced it all with his thunderous voice.

What emerged from that day was music history. Live at Folsom Prison revived Cash's career, cemented his legend, and proved he was born to command a stage.

Plan Your Visit:
Parking: Free parking is available at the venue. Please have patience and be respectful when leaving our parking lots after the show.

Ticket Office: For ticket sales and assistance with ticket orders, please visit our box office or call 260-768-4725. Box Office hours are Monday thru Saturday, 10am to 7pm. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable, no exception.

Tickets: Your phone is your ticket. Make sure you have downloaded your ticket before arriving at the venue to present at ticket check. Will Call tickets can be picked up at the box office window, and you must present a photo ID. If you need your tickets printed for any reason, visit the venue box office prior to entering ticket check. Tickets that include a dining package will need to be printed prior to visiting the restaurant since they serve as your dining voucher.

Rain or Shine Events: All events are rain or shine. In the event of hazardous weather during an event, please follow the safety directions given by venue staff and displayed on digital screens.

Bag Policy: For safety and efficiency, we recommend entering without a purse or bag at our venues. If essential items are needed, we encourage guests to bring them in a small, clear purse. All non-clear purses will be searched, and this will be enforced upon entry at our Performing Arts Center. Diaper Bags for families with small children and bags with required medical items are permitted. No oversized purses, tote or duffel bags, or backpacks of any type will be allowed.

Prohibited Items: Please review the prohibited items list before you come to an event. This list can be found on our FAQ page.

Concessions: Refreshments are available for purchase within the venue. No outside food, candy, or beverages are allowed.

Bar Service: We do have beer and wine service available at most of our PAC concerts. Hours of service vary, depending on show schedule, but the bar is typically open for at least 90 minutes once doors are open.

No Smoking: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the venue.

Safety and Security Policies: All members of your party must have a ticket to enter the venue. All individuals entering the facility are required to go through a security screening which includes metal detection and checking bags for prohibited items. These security screenings may vary on some events, so please refer to your "Know Before You Go" email to plan your visit accordingly. Re-entry is not permitted without a ticket. For a complete list of prohibited items and venue policies, visit our FAQ page.

Accessibility: For complete information on our services, please visit the Accessibility section of our FAQ page.

Dining Packages: Buffet dining at our Blue Gate Restaurant can be added to any ticket price for your convenience. Price would include meal but not gratuity. To ensure guests have time to dine, we suggest arriving no later than 2 hours prior to show time, in case the restaurant is on a wait.

Hotel Reservations: If you need hotel accommodations, consider staying at our Blue Gate Garden Inn – adjacent to the Performing Arts Center! For more information and to check availability, visit https://www.bluegategardeninn.com/ or call 260.768.4725.

For more information, simply visit our FAQ page.
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