Summer in Indianapolis is all about getting back outside. From patios and parks to festivals and splash pads, our city comes alive with endless ways to soak up the sun. Whether you’re planning family outings or weekends with friends, here are 50 summer activities in and around Indianapolis to help you make the most of every sunny day.
Festivals and Events
1. Step into the story of “Cinderella” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theater and enjoy a meal before the curtain rises. Now through July 12.
2. Pick fresh raspberries to bake into a sweet summer dessert or zinnias and sunflowers to add a pop of color to your patio at Beasley’s Orchard. June through July
3. Celebrate Juneteenth at the 9th annual Indy Juneteenth Celebration featuring a festival, parade, food trucks, beer garden and more at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. June 20
4. Lose yourself in the 25th annual Bloombox Festival at the Harrison Center, a full day of live music, colorful art, and artisan market packed with handmade goods. June 20
5. Or, be one of the 60,000 visitors who attend the Talbot Street Art Fair to explore work from 220 artists representing a wide range of styles and mediums from watercolor and pastels to jewelry and woodwork. June 20-21
6. Sample more than 100 of Indiana’s finest wines, meads, and ciders all at Military Park at Uncork Me Indiana. June 27
7. Attend the Eiteljorg Museum’s annual Indian Market and Festival to shop jewelry, pottery, paintings, beadwork from more than 150 Indigenous artists and enjoy cultural performances. June 27-28
8. Treat yourself to a visit to the Benjamin Harrison Historical Site’s Independence Day Ice Cream Social, complete with re-enactors, ice cream and snacks, games, live music from the White River Jazz Band, and more. July 4
9. Then, head downtown for Fourth of July and enjoy one of Indianapolis’ biggest summer traditions, Fourth Fest, for a street festival and 20-minute fireworks show that will light up the skyline over the city. July 4
10. Connect with Black-owned businesses, artists, civic leaders, and entrepreneurs at the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration. July 9-19
11. Create a glowing memory by decorating and setting eco-friendly lanterns afloat at the Indianapolis Water Lantern Festival along the Indianapolis Canal. July 11
12. Dress up in your fascinator and spend the day at the Horseshoe Indianapolis’ Indiana Derby by cheering on your favorite Thoroughbred as they race to the finish line. July 11
13. Gear up for Momentum Indy, a two-day bicycle festival in the Bottleworks District, then refuel at The Garage Food Hall and keep the fun going at Pins Mechanical Co. July 11-12
14. Shop used hardback and paperback books all under $2 at the Benton House Book Sale. July 15
15. Accept your invitation to Indianapolis’ “Best Backyard Party” at the Indiana Brewers Guild Summerfest, where you can sip craft beer from nearly 50 brewers while enjoying a summer evening at Victory Field. July 18
16. Experience the “Best Four Days in Gaming” at Gen Con with board games, role-playing adventures, cosplay, tournaments, special guests, and countless gaming experiences. July 30 – August 2
17. Dive into all the Indiana State Fair has to offer with iconic fair foods, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, and live music. August 7-23
18. Or, discover the traditions at your local county fair. – Dates vary throughout June and July.
19. Take on Eagle Creek’s Iron Eagle Paddle Run with two 2.6-mile trail runs and a 1.5-mile paddle, all while helping support the park’s trail system. August 8
20. Explore five acres of blooms at Avon Gardens’ Flower Fest, where you can build your own bouquet, explore whimsical fairy gardens, and more. August 10
21. Help your children build a lifelong love of reading through the Indianapolis Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, where they can track the number of books they read and earn prizes throughout the summer.
Outdoor Concerts and Movies
22. Jam out under the stars at Holliday Park’s 5th annual “Rock the Ruins” concert series where national acts take the stage throughout the summer.
23. Feel the bass through the crowd at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park where artists like The Fray, Darius Rucker, and Young the Giant will take the stage this summer.
24. Catch one last show at the Hi-Fi Annex before it closes and reopens as a larger, new 1,200-capacity live music venue.
25. Spend a summer evening at the Indianapolis Zoo during “Animals and All That Jazz,” where a new musician or group takes the stage each week featuring genres jazz, soul, blues, pop and R&B. June 18 – July 30
26. Turn up the volume at Post. Fest, a downtown Indianapolis rock festival packed with live bands and electric performances. July 23-25
27. Grab some snacks and settle in for a movie under the stars at Tibbs Drive-In, where new releases light up the silver screen.
28. Or, if you’re in the mood for something classic or nostalgic, check out the Newfields Summer Nights Film Series, with tickets still available for films like “Cabaret,” “Selena,” “Stage Fright,” and more.
29. For a movie night the whole family can enjoy, head to White River State Park’s Movie Nights for outdoor screenings of “National Treasure,” “Shrek,” and “Mamma Mia!” June 18, July 16, and August 20
30. Have a night out at Conner Prairie’s Symphony on the Prairie with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, featuring music from “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” Disney favorites, and tributes to Sabrina Carpenter, Harry Styles, Elton John, Billy Joel, and more.
Other Outdoor Activities
31. Make a splash at SKYLAKE, a new water and adventure park just north of Indianapolis with floating obstacle courses, thrilling water slides, open-water swimming, and more.
32. Or, cool off with your children at one of Indy Park’s pools or splash pads.
33. If your family is looking for treats to enjoy alongside the water fun, visit the Waterpark at the Monon Community Center for water slides, a lazy river, and concession carts from Kona Ice and Orange Leaf.
34. Tee off at Back 9 Golf and Entertainment, where you can perfect your golf swing at the driving range while enjoying food and drinks like hole-in-one sliders and cocktails.
35. Pedal through Hamilton County’s scenic woodlands and farmlands on a 7-mile family-friendly ride with Nickel Plate Railbike Tours.
36. Pick up a paddle and try your hand at pickleball at one of The Picklr’s locations, including its newest on the west side in Avon.
37. Visit the The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience, where coaches can help your children try sports like football, hockey, and soccer to discover a new passion.
38. Spend a Saturday morning browsing baked goods, farm-fresh produce and more at Broad Ripple’s and Carmel’s Farmers Markets.
39. Take a nature break at Fort Harrison State Park and spend the day exploring miles of trails or canoeing down Fall Creek.
40. Sing along all night at the Brick House Dueling Piano Bar, where talented pianists battle it out on stage (and take requests.)
41. Watch the summer sun set over the Indianapolis skyline at Highland Park.
42. Spend a weekend roasting s’mores and sleeping under the stars at S&H Campground or Indianapolis KOA Holiday.
Food and Drink
43. Grab a scoop at the new LiftOff Shakes & Sandwiches location inside the historic Sanitary Diner.
44. Cheer on women’s sports at The Sports Bra, a new family-friendly restaurant opening this summer near Monument Circle.
45. Sip on a craft coffee or locally brewed beer at Speedway City Garage, where Founders Grounds Coffee Company and Pax Verum Brewing Company have partnered to create a welcoming gathering space for locals and visitors.
46. Enjoy a taste of a French Riviera summer at Harry & Izzy’s “Riviera Nights” where you can sip refreshing spritzes and savor light bites. Through June 27
47. Cool off with an iced drink on the shaded porch at Fresh Pots Coffee Bar and bring home a new houseplant to add to (or start) your collection.
48. Relax on the wrap-around deck or patio at Guggman Haus while enjoying German-inspired food and craft beer.
49. Fire up the grill for a summer cookout with friends and family and enjoy a taste of the Indiana State Fair at home with The Original Lemon Shake-Up, now back in stores for the season.
50. Bring your furry friend to Metazoa Brewing Company to enjoy local brews in a pet-friendly taproom while supporting its mission to donate 5% of profits to animal and wildlife organizations.
Nicole Thomas is a writer and digital marketer who’s ready to spend every spare moment outdoors this summer. You can follow her on LinkedIn.
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