2019 Summer Festivals in Indianapolis :: GUIDE
Whoa Indianapolis. You love to party it up with summer festivals and fairs galore. In fact the research on this post alone took 427 hours. {Ok not really, but it felt like it.} And moms, until Coachella decides to make a stop in Indianapolis, we'll at least list out all the festivals you can look forward to closer to home. Best part? Some of them are adults only. So leave the CityKids at home.
Here's a full list of 2019 Summer Festivals in Indianapolis, thanks to our partners at the Eiteljorg Museum!
:: ALL SUMMER LONG ::
First Friday Food Truck Festival
June 7, July 4, August 2, September 6, 5-10:30pm. Old National Centre, downtown Indianapolis
Indy’s Original First Friday Food Truck Festival (FFFTF) will be returning for its 9th annual season. Indulge in the savory selections of Indy’s best food trucks while enjoying live music and entertainment. The FFFTF will showcase alternating line ups of up to 30 food trucks monthly. Each month games and activities will be provided by our promotional partners including the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indy Eleven and RadioNOW 100.9. Back for 2019, live music comes to the First Friday Food. Cost: $5 admission.
Food Truck Fridays driven by ChooseYourChevy.com
Now–August 23, 11am-1:30pm. Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis
Head to Georgia Street’s Boardwalk every Friday during the lunch hour to enjoy your favorite food trucks.
:: JUNE ::
Juneteenth
June 1, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm. Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Eiteljorg with music, performances, demonstrations, food and fun for the entire family. Juneteenth - or Freedom Day - is a holiday commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in June 1865. Cost: Free.
Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival
June 1, 12 – 6pm. Military Park in downtown Indianapolis
Sample local culinary offerings and taste some of the 300 Indiana wines. Attendees can browse artisan booths, enjoy food and wine sessions and hear live performances from the Flying Toasters and two other acts. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Cost: Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 day of and $15 for designated drivers. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Tarkington Fest
June 1, 12 – 6pm. Tarkington Park in midtown Indianapolis
Come laugh and play, all ages, all neighbors, all day. The splash pad will be open, the stage will be poppin’, the food will be delicious (and local), and the cherry on top will be the movie in the park at sundown. This new festival includes live music, art, a sunset movie in the park, basketball tournament, food trucks, splash park, car show, yoga, marketplace and more. Cost: Free but registration kindly requested for planning purposes by clicking here.
Indy Pride Festival Presented by Salesforce
June 8, 11am-11pm. Military Park in downtown Indianapolis
Indiana's largest LGBT celebration. Head to Military Park for live entertainment, drag performances, comedians, hundreds of vendors and community service booths and fun for all ages. More than a festival, Indy Pride encompasses a three-week celebration that includes an Indy Pride Pageant, Rainbow 5k Walk/Run, the Cadillac Barbie Pride Parade and the culmination of festivities with Indy Pride Fest. Cost: $5.
45th Annual Eagle Creek Folk Festival
June 8-9, Saturday 1-8pm and Sunday 12-7pm. Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis
A two-day music festival with live music, workshops, open stage, jamming, instrument “petting zoo,” and more. Bring a folding chair and join in the fun! Cost: Festival is free; parking $5.
** CityMoms Fave: Strawberry Festival on the Circle
June 13, carryout begins at 8:30am, entertainment at 10am. Festival ends at 4pm or until supplies are gone. Monument Circle, downtown Indianapolis
Each year on the second Thursday in June, strawberry lovers descend on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument for the annual Christ Church Cathedral Strawberry Festival On The Circle. More than six tons of strawberries and 18,000 homemade shortcakes will be served to over 20,000 visitors. Try The Works dish with traditional strawberries, ice cream and whipped topping on a shortcake biscuit for $7. Cost: Free to attend; $2-7 for food. Cash only.
Italian Street Festival
June 14-15, 5-11pm. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, downtown Indianapolis
One of the city’s most-loved and most-attended church festivals, dedicated to celebrating the Italian heritage.Includes Italian food, live music and amusement rides. Cost: Free admission. Food and beverage purchases require food ticket which are $1 per ticket. Carnival rides an added cost. Cash only for both.
INDIEana Handifcraft Exchange & Independent Music + Art Festival
June 15, 12-8pm. Harrison Center in downtown Indianapolis
Contemporary artwork and crafts, live music, local food, craft beer and more make this the perfect way to spend a summer day. There will be more than 100 vendors slingin’ their handmade goods at the Harrison Center. Cost: Free.
Talbot Street Art Fair
June 15-16, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. Between 16th+20th Streets and Delaware + Pennsylvania in downtown Indianapolis
With over 270 artists from across the nation, this art fair continues to be ranked as one of the finest fairs in the country. It’s located in the historic Herron-Morton Neighborhood and is a family-friendly event with plenty to see and do for everyone. Cost: Free.
Tacos, Tequila and Margaritas Festival
June 21-22, 7-11 pm. The Pavilion at Pan Am, downtown Indianapolis
Enjoy samples of your favorite tacos and margaritas all night long. Cost: $25/pp; $35 for VIP.
LOOKING FOR MORE SUMMER FUN? You got it. Here's a list of all the local farmers markets.
Marion County Fair
June 21-30. Marion County Fairgrounds
Fairgoers enjoy a variety of attractions including a petting zoo, live music and entertainment, queen and princess pageant, 4-H exhibits, family arts exhibits, 4-H animal competitions, fireworks (opening night), Dino-ROAR interactive dinosaur exhibit, first bite fishing tank, bear hollow chainsaw carving demos, K9 frisbee dogs, princesses and superheroes, the midway, fabulous fair food, and more. Cost: $5/adults; Free/children 5 and under and those with military ID; $25/season pass.
International Festival
June 21-22. St. Gabriel Catholic Church, westside of Indianapolis
The St. Gabriel International Festival celebrates the cultural diversity of the surrounding International Marketplace neighborhood. The festival features classic summer fun including family-friendly games, an old-fashioned midway, and live music by talented local acts. Above all, the food takes center stage, drawing from the global culinary traditions of Indianapolis' ethnically diverse West Side community.
Christ the King Summer Social
June 21-22, 6pm-12am. Christ the King Catholic School, midtown Indianapolis
What a social event! Visitors of the CKS Summer Social enjoy a huge dedicated kid’s area with: Inflatables, fair-type games, putt-putt; and an enormous food court including tenderloins, burgers, hot dogs, Keystone Sports Review wings, Indy Tacos, HotBox Pizza, elephant ears, BRICS + more. A Beer Garden and live music add even more to this family-friendly ambiance. Cost: $1 admission, 5 and under free.
** CityMoms Fave: Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market and Festival
June 22-23, 10am-5pm. Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis
Experience a one-of-a-kind cultural experience full of family activities, cultural demonstrations, shopping, Indian tacos and buffalo burgers, and entertainment by renowned Native performers. Seasoned art collectors and first-time market-goers alike will appreciate the personal interactions with artists and wide variety of Native fine art available. Cultural experiences and performances are a big part of the weekend, and this year’s entertainment includes dancing, music and storytelling Visitors are also encouraged to stop by the widely popular Dogs: Faithful & True exhibit. Cost: For the general public, adult tickets to the Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival are $15 at the gate either day. Advance adult discount tickets of $13 can be ordered online atwww.eiteljorg.org or by calling 317.636.WEST (9378). Youth and children ages 17 and under are free at Indian Market and Festival. BONUS: Use code TCM19 and save an additional $2 off when you purchase 2 or more adult tickets!
Asian Fest
June 23, 12-5pm. Indiana State Museum on the downtown Indianapolis Canal
This free, family-friendly event brings the sights, sounds, and tastes of all the different cultures of Asia in one festival marketplace. Korea takes the center stage this year as the featured country with special exhibits and displays. Cost: Free.
Taste of Broad Ripple
Please note this event is on hiatus until 2020!
Spark!Fishers
June 28-29. Downtown Fishers
Spark!Fishers kicks off on Friday night and continues with an all-day celebration on Saturday in Fishers’ Nickel Plate District and Municipal Complex celebrating our vibrant community while honoring our freedom. Cost: Free.
Greenwood Freedom Festival
June 29, 12-11pm. Craig Park, Greenwood
A full-day event that kicks off with a parade, including live bands, music, microbreweries and games with fireworks finale. Cost: Free.
Hendricks County Rib Fest + Avon Balloon Glow
June 29, 4pm. Kingsway Christian Church/School of Avon
Annual family-friendly event featuring fireworks, music, games, a 5k fun run and vendors. Cost: Free admission, $5 parking.
Familia Fest
June 30, 12-11pm. Military Park in downtown Indianapolis
The largest recurring Hispanic-cultural event in Indianapolis. Enjoy a day full of Latin foods, music, a beer garden and family fun located at Military Park. This festival features a kid's area with games, arts and crafts, bounce houses and more. Cost: Free.
:: JULY ::
CarmelFest
July 3-4, Wednesday, 3-10:30pm and Thursday, 10:30 am-10:30pm-ish. Civic Square, Southwest of S. Range Line Road and North of Carmel Drive.
Family-friendly celebration of our country’s birth through entertainment, live music, a 5K run/walk, parade and kids zone. The spectacular Carmel Symphony will also perform on one of the 3 entertainment stages. This event ends with a spectacular fireworks display. Cost: Free.
Westfield Rocks the 4th
July 4, 2-10:30pm. Grand Park of Westfield
Food, fun activities for the kids and family, local retailers, car show and entertainment. Enjoy the FREE Kids Zone with tons of activities for kids of all ages. Bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, corn hole, giant slides, bungee jumpers, human foosball and more. Cost: Free.
IPL's Downtown Freedom Fest
July 4, 6:30-11pm. Downtown Indianapolis
Celebrate Independence Day with a bang. See Indy's largest fireworks display shoot from the top of the Regions Tower around 10pm. The Indiana War Memorial is a perfect spot to view the fireworks, plus enjoy live entertainment and family fun starting at 6:30pm. Cost: Free.
Taste of Indy
July 6, 11am-9pm. Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.
Multiple different onsite activities including concerts featuring local artist, chefs table starring Indy’s finest, food from local vendors and restaurants, and an assortment of activities for the entire family. Cost: $8, free kids 6 and under.
Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration
July 11 - 21. Downtown Indianapolis
Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration brings a variety of events Downtown for all ages and interests starting July 11. Larger events include the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon at the Indiana Convention Center and the Music Heritage Festival concerts.
Indy Criterium Bicycle Festival
July 13, 8am–7:15pm. Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis
Thousands of bicycle enthusiasts will celebrate the IU Health Indy Criterium Bicycle Festival. This family-friendly festival is a fun way to enjoy bicycling in the heart of the city while watching world-class amateur and professional bicycle racing. Families and bicyclists will also enjoy many of the activities taking place throughout the day including food and beer vendors, music, expo area, free community rides, free Kids Zone activities, kids and juniors bicycle races and much more.
Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair
July 14-20. Johnson County Fairgrounds
This county fair includes rides, games, food, parade, pageant, livestock auction and more.
St. Christopher Mid-Summer Festival
July 25-27, Thursday, 4–10pm, Friday, 4-11pm, Saturday, 12-11pm. St. Christopher Catholic Church in Speedway One of the oldest festivals in the state and one of the largest events in Speedway. Find food, carnival rides, games and lots of entertainment for the whole family. Cost: Free.
Indiana Microbrewers Festival
July 27, 2–6pm. Military Park in downtown Indianapolis
Hosted by the Brewers of Indiana Guild, the Indiana Microbrewers Festival boasts more than 100 breweries. Cost: $30, $50/early-bird entry; $10 designated driver.
Festivals not your thing? There's probably something on our 100 Things To Do This Summer List
that will strike your fancy.
:: AUGUST ::
** CityMoms Fave: Indiana State Fair
August 2-18, Sunday-Thursday, 9am-9pm; Friday-Saturday: 9am-9:30 pm. Indiana State Fairgrounds in midtown Indianapolis
Throughout the 17-day event, the Indiana State Fair will salute Hoosier farmers, first responders, educators, members of the Armed Forces, and many others who keep us safe and make us proud. The Fair will celebrate our nurturers, protectors, guardians and guides. Additionally, each day during the fair, Super Heroes featured in box office movies will be highlighted. Cost: $8/advanced admission, $13 at the door. Children under 5 free.
Brew-Ha-Ha
August 3, 4–8pm. White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis
Indy’s original craft beer festival is celebrating its 24th year with a new date, location and vibe. Benefiting the Phoenix Theatre, Brew Ha Ha moves to the Old Washington Street Bridge at White River State Park. Support the arts while sampling many 3-ounce pours of some of the best craft beer, cider and mead from 40+ breweries, cideries and meaderies. Enjoy local fare from Indy's best restaurants, shop Indy vendors and party with one of Indy's best DJs. Cost: $35; $10 for designated drivers.
Broad Ripple Carnival
August 8-11, Thursday, 6–9pm; Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday, 12–9pm; Sunday, 12–7pm. Broad Ripple Park
Celebrate the history of Broad Ripple with a 4-day festival featuring activities for the entire family. The event features carnival rides and games, food and drink, a craft beer garden, live entertainment and community booths. A history exhibit provided by Broad Ripple Gazette will be on display and Saturday will feature an artisan flea market. Cost: Free. Rides and game tickets available at $1.50 each.
IndyFringe Festival
August 15-25. Mass Ave in downtown Indianapolis
IndyFringe Festival is one of the biggest (and most unique) performing arts festivals in Indy, and takes over Mass Ave for an incredible 11 days in the middle of August every year. Nearly 300 performances will be given during the festival ranging from dance, drama, comedy, magic and more. Cost: Varies.
SausageFest
August 17-18. St. Thomas Aquinas Church in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood of midtown Indianapolis
This unique summer festival features gourmet foods, craft beer, and a variety of music with a focus on local vendors and talent. The tradition continues this year with ice cold beer from Sun King Brewing Co. and delicious sausages from L.E. Kincaid and Sons meat market. Over-21 guests can enjoy the wine garden and the 2019 raffle will be a 50/50 with plenty of chances to win the big pot of money! Activities for younger guests include inflatables, games, cake walk, face painting, and more.
Indianapolis Greek Festival
August 23-25. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Carmel
Try authentic Greek cuisine, Greek wines, and fresh pastries, many of which are only available once a year at GreekFest. Visit the open marketplace and bookstore, enjoy live Greek music, Church tours, dance performances, children’s activities, and more. Cost: Free.
Feast of Lanterns
August 24, 4-11pm. Spades Park, eastside of Indianapolis
The Feast of Lanterns is a historic festival based on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. This festival includes live music, artisan vendors, food trucks and lots of beautifully floating lanterns. Cost: Free.
Artomobilia
August 24, 12-5pm. Carmel Arts and Design District, Main Street and Rangeline Road
A special exhibit of sleek motorcycles, retro cars, and sweet trucks. In addition to one-of-a-kind cars, motorcycles, and art, everyone is invited to stroll the District and enjoy a variety of refreshments, music, restaurants and art galleries. Cost: Free.
Amigos de Westfield
August 24, 4-7pm. Asa Bales Park in Westfield
A true taste of Latin America right in your community! Get a feel for authentic Latin culture with delicious food, lively music, and festive dancing! There is also a kids zone for children. Cost: Free.
Indy LaborFest
August 31, 11am-6pm. Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis
Georgia Street will be transformed into Indy LaborFest, a free-admission street festival featuring live music, food, beverages and a kid's zone. More than 20,000 people are expected for this premier Labor Day weekend event. Visit with working men and women from around central Indiana and learn more about career opportunities.
Fall Festivals to keep an eye on:
The brand new Harvest festival by Newfields
Penrod Arts Fair: September 7, 9am-5pm
Indy Irish Fest: September 13 - 15
Monument Circle Oktoberfest: September 13, 5-11pm
