Summer is upon us, so it’s time to get outside, friends. Whether you’re looking to watch a classic film under the stars, hit up a kid-friendly summer festival, or tip a few cold ones back with a summer soiree in your backyard, there’s plenty to keep your calendar as full as you want. Here are 50 ideas to get started.
- See if you can find all 12 butterfly wings painted by local artists on Zionsville’s Butterfly Trail (June 1 – Aug. 31).
- Go to the “Roy Kinsley: A Legacy Project (Court Theatre’s Black Power Project Series)” and entertain a unique perspective (June 6).
- See a movie under the stars during the Summer Nights Film Series at Newfields (June 7 – Aug. 31).
- Pride Bubbles and Beats at Plat 99 combine two fun summer pastimes (June 8).
- Support the LGBTQ+ community during Pride festivities, including the Pride Parade on (June 8).
- The Kruse Family Stardust Terrace at the History Center introduces Concerts on the Canal (June 13).
- See an Osborn News award-winning play that will make you think at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre (June 13-30).
- Enjoy wine and animals at the Zoobiliation black-tie event at the Indianapolis Zoo (June 14).
- Enjoy the sights and sounds at the first all-day Bloombox festival, featuring music and art at the Harrison Center (June 15)
- Celebrate Juneteenth at events throughout the city (June 15).
- Support more than 200 artists nationwide who come together for the Talbot St. Art Fair (June 15-16).
- Attend Indy’s largest yoga event for FREE at Monumental Yoga (June 21).
- Kick off a weekend of celebrations with a Legacy Fest Concert at the Madame Walker Legacy Fest (June 21).
- Hit up the inaugural Uncork Me Indiana wine festival at Military Park (June 22).
- Can’t wait for late summer fireworks and festivals? Check out Spark!Fishers Summer Festival (June 24-29).
- Celebrate Black Culture during IBE Summer Celebration (June 20-30)
- Join 140 artists from across the United States and Canada as they showcase their wares at the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival (June 22-23).
- Enjoy a picnic and Shakespeare with friends at Indy Shakes’ production of Riverside (July 18-27).
- Shop the legendary Benton House Used Book Sale. (We once snagged a first-edition copy of The Female Eunich by Germaine Greer for $2.) (July 19-21).
Uncork Me - Indulge in your favorite fair traditions at the Indiana State Fair (Aug. 2-18).
- Take a staycation at Mystic Waters Campground or another Indiana camping spot.
- Get your meat fix at the St. Thomas Aquinas Sausage Fest 2023 (Aug. 18-19)
- Make some core memories with the family and see the Cirque du Soleil Ove at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Aug. 22-25).
- Support the near eastside’s Feast of Lanterns, a family-friendly festival with artisans, vendors, music, food trucks, and more (Aug. 24, 4-11 p.m.)
- Brush up on water safety tips to keep everyone safe this season.
- Go see a Rock the Ruins concert at Holliday Park (May 23- Sept. 20).
- What’s summer without baseball? Cheer on the Indianapolis Indians in a hometown game (through Sept.).
- Enjoy food, wine, and music all summer long during the Mallow Run Summer concert series (through Sept. 21).
- Jump into something new at the Dumpling Festival at the Philippines Cultural Community Center (Sept. 21).
- Treat yourself to a Thursday evening of fine chocolate and wine at SoChatti (May through Sept.)
- Take your littles on a trip to Fishers AgriPark for a day of produce picking, farm animal encounters, and more nature fun across the 33-acre farm (May-Oct.).
- Or, take a flick in from your car at Tibbs Drive-In.
- Pick up a box of Nicey Treat pops—toasted coconut and strawberry mint are among our faves.
Driving Windberry - Try one of these simple summer recipes from local food experts.
- Mix up your wardrobe with some new summer staples.
- Go berry picking just minutes outside downtown Indianapolis at Driving Windberry Farm through the summer (check their Facebook for updates and events).
- Host a summer soiree in your backyard.
- Snag a spot on the patio at Just Pop In! for bites, bubbles, or a local brew.
- Support your local farmer’s market by shopping for fresh produce and delicious food.
Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival - Don’t have access to a pool? You can rent one!
- Hit up a local seafood spot.
- Grab a few girlfriends and get away for the weekend (or two).
- Hike the new Westside Trail at Eagle Creek Park.
- Spruce up your outdoor space. You’ll be spending a lot of time there.
- Learn more about the events and the pop-up park at Belmont Beach, a formerly segregated swimming hole along the White River in the Haughville community.
- Have some summer fun at the various events hosted throughout the summer in Midtown Plaza in Carmel.
- Grab a tube, canoe, or kayak, and enjoy a day on the White River.
- Enjoy a coffee and a croissant at Landlocked Bakery in Irvington, then ride your bike along the Pennsy Trail. (It’s much less crowded than the Monon.)
- Get your reading on with these summer must-reads recommended by local book store owners.
- Refresh your makeup bag with summer-ready products.
RELATED ARTICLE: THREE GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAYS TO TAKE IN INDIANA THIS SUMMER
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