It’s officially summer time in Indianapolis. People may be sitting at home bored, wondering what to do. Good thing Indianapolis has fun and interactive events almost every day in the summer to keep everyone entertained and connected with the community. Many events are free or low cost, allowing students and the greater Indianapolis community to enjoy their summer without breaking the bank. Take a look at the sections below to see what events look interesting! Don’t forget to click on the links provided to register for events and get more detailed information. Want to look for more events? Check out Visit Indy to find a wide variety of fun events.
IU events
The IUI Senior Academy String Theory group invites all to create “useful and beautiful items that can warm bodies and hearts,” on Tuesday, June 10 and Tuesday, July 8. This includes activities such as knitting or crocheting items to give to those in need during the holiday season. Participants must bring their own supplies.
There will be a golf outing from 12-7 p.m. on Monday, June 16, to support IU Southeast’s golf teams. There will be course games, food, refreshments, and meetings with coaches and athletes.
Let the Games Begin is a free event “filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition!” It will be held at Global Crossroads on June 24 from 3-4:30 p.m.
The 2025 Jazz Brunch, hosted at VisionLoft from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 19, will be a “celebration of Black and African American culture and community.” Dress to impress; the theme is tropical chic. The event will also be having some alumni award nominations.
Historical events
Check out the Palladium Public Tours on June 10 or June 24 to see the concert hall and learn about “architecture and other features” that their guests enjoy.
Crown Hill Cemetery a tour of the connection between the Underground Railroad and Crown Hill. Fitting for the occurrence, it will be held on June 19 with an entry fee of $10.
Go back in time for a Civil War Tour at the Crown Hill Cemetery, which was built for the Civil War, for $5 on July 5.
Art events
The Talbot Street Art Fair showcases craftsmanship and artistry at “one of the only admission-free” art fairs in the state.
Fort Ben Cultural Campus will be hosting a free event called Art and Soul, presented by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, a Juneteenth jubilee featuring local artist Kierra Ready and an interactive mural project.
Cultural and inclusive events
Feeling hungry and want to celebrate a very important day? Juneteenth Foodways Festival offers the experience of how “Black cuisine adds flavor to America’s favorite foods!” while supporting black-owned businesses.
The Indy Juneteenth festival will host “thousands of attendees to shop, eat, and celebrate Black culture, history, and economic empowerment!” The event lasts multiple days with a boxing showcase on June 14, a fireworks show on June 19, and the main event on June 21, all will be held at the White River State park.
Are you ready to celebrate your pride during this lovely month? The Indy Pride Parade will be held downtown on June 14. This event is free to attend and you’ll be surrounded by love and positivity the whole time.
Turntable in Broad Ripple is hosting a Queer Joy party on June 14. Portions of proceeds from the event will go towards PLUS1 x Noise For Now Reproductive Health Access Fund.
Guests get 50% off admissions at the Indianapolis Zoo to celebrate Juneteenth! The zoo will open on June 19 at 9 a.m.
The Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center is hosting a Juneteenth celebration on June 21 starting at 12 p.m., featuring fun events, performances and food for the whole family.
Another family friendly event happening during the same time and date is the Madam Walker Legacy Center’s Legacy block party. It is a two-day, free celebration in honor of black music, Madam Walker, and the historic building.
On June 19, the Indiana State Fair will be having a free admissions day in honor of Juneteenth. Be sure to stop by, the museum opens at 10 a.m.
The Crown Hill Cemetery is hosting their free Juneteenth Celebration at 4 p.m. on June 22. Bring your own chairs and enjoy an evening of live music, a DJ, food and local vendors.
Bi and Beyond is a celebration hosted by Indy Pride at 10 East Art Hub. The event begins at 6 p.m. on June 26 and is open to all ages!
Indy Pride is hosting Pride Community Music Night on June 27, 6 p.m. at Butler University’s Schrott Center for no cost.
LatinX Pride hits Indy at The Vogue in Broad Ripple on June 28 at 7 p.m.
Stop by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to celebrate new American citizens at the Naturalization Ceremony held on July 3 at 10 a.m.
The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration is happening everyday from July 10-20. Check out the website for a detailed, full itinerary of the celebration.
The Indiana Black Expo Music Heritage Festival will be happening on July 18, 6 p.m., at the IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium.
Tibbs Drive-in Theater is hosting an Indy Pride night at 7:30 p.m. on July 25.
Festivals/fairs
Indy Deaf Pride is coming downtown to put on a free celebratory event for pride month on June 9.
Need some refreshment? The Indy Strawberry Festival is making an appearance on June 12. Be sure to stop by and see the goods made from 12,000 pounds of strawberries.
Indy Girl Pride is hitting broadripple on June 12 at 7 p.m.
Stop by the most-attended church festival, the Italian Street Festival at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church for food, spirits, live music and rides. The event begins at 5 p.m. on June 13.
The zoo will be putting on a Zoobilation- a “luxurious night” of live music, food, and spirits. This event is the Midwest’s “largest black-tie fundraising event” to support animal conservation at the zoo, and it will be held on June 13.
The Bloombox Festival starts at 12 p.m. on June 21 at the Harrison Center downtown. The festival highlights music with performances from local and regional artists along with original artwork, food and spirits.
The Indian market and festival will be happening at the Eiteljorg Museum June 28-29. There will be more than 150 artists from across Canada and America. There is a morning breakfast, many cultural activities and more fun for the whole family.
An Independence day social will be happening on July 4, 11 a.m. at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Reservations are required for the free event. Enjoy activities such as a free tour, live music, animals, crafts and food.
“Indy’s premier food festival,” Taste of Indy, comes to White River State park at 11 a.m. on July 5. Enjoy a vast array of food, spirits, music and fun for the whole family.
The Indianapolis Water Lantern Festival will be happening at the Historic Military Park at White River State Park on July 12 at 6 p.m. There will be activities, food and music while you get to decorate your lantern.
Summerfest features a live DJ, games, over 100 different kinds of spirits from all sorts of breweries. It’s happening at 2 p.m. on July 19 at Victory Field.
The Indy Dance Festival will be occurring on July 19 and 20 for dance masterclasses, community workshops, and performances. Check out the event website for more details.
Everwise Amphitheater will be hosting the Totally Tubular Festival on July 24 at 6 p.m. for a fun, 80s themed evening.
Lobster Palooza will be happening on July 26 at 6 p.m. at the Basile Opera Center in Broad Ripple. The palooza offers drinks, dancing, and fun for fundraising to “bring educational programming to inner-city schools free of charge.”
Gen Con, one of the best and longest-running gaming conventions, will be going on from July 31 to August 3 at the Indiana Convention Center. Check out the website for more information on the variety of events that will be going on during the convention.
Farmer’s markets
Check out Visit Indy’s summer farmer’s markets list here to explore and look through fresh produce, handmade items, and more! Or check out this website to see all of the Farmer’s markets happening in the whole state.
Music events
Check out websites such as TicketMaster and Indiana Concerts for information and tickets on summer concerts from: Bailey Zimmerman, Avril Lavigne, Thomas Rhett, Mumford & Sons, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Teddy Swims, Dave Matthews Band, Wiz Khalifa, Dierks Bentley, Lord Huron, The Lumineers and so many more artists! Concerts are held at different venues such as the Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, the Old National Center, Ruoff Music Center and more.
Calling all Swifties! The Vogue in Broad Ripple is hosting a Taylor Swift style dance party starting at 9 p.m. on June 13. Wear your Era’s outfit and come ready to party!
The Vogue in Broad Ripple is hosting a 2000s rave on June 14 at 9:30 p.m. Come drop it while it’s hot and party rock!
Moon Drops Distillery is hosting an open mic night to showcase original poems and songs. Be brave and have a go, the event is free and begins at 7:30 p.m.
Every week on Thursdays from June 19 to July 31, the zoo will be hosting jazzy concert nights called Animals and all that jazz. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the event will “showcase a diverse lineup of musicians from Across the Midwest” in a variety of jazz genres.
Rock the Ruins symphony in the park is a free concert at Holiday Park in Broad Ripple. Bring your own blankets or chairs to enjoy nature and live music. Entry begins at 5pm and the music starts at 6:30 p.m.
Sporting and active events
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is hosting a Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational, or SVRA Saturday and Sunday. At this event, held on June 14 and 15, there will be “hundreds of the world’s finest and most historic racers” competing in a short course. Kids 15 and under get in for free!
Indiana Fever will be playing against New York Liberty at 3 p.m. on June 14 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Indy Eleven soccer team will be competing against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at the IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium on June 14 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices start at $15.
Indiana Fever faces Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 17, 7 p.m. Take a seat and bring the heat!
Lace up your walking shoes and walk the Electric Rail at the Indiana Historical Center for a walking tour. The event will start at 6 p.m. on June 19.
Indy Eleven will be facing off in a match against the Las Vegas Lights on June 21 at 7 p.m., with admissions starting at $15. Also check out their summer schedule for more games and events.
The Indianapolis Indians will play the Omaha Storm Chasers at 7 p.m. from June 24 to June 29. Tuesday’s game will offer $1 concessions, Thursday will feature cheaper sodas and spirits, Friday is dedicated to Native American Heritage Night, and the weekend will be Jurassic themed with kids under 14 getting to eat free on Sunday!
Put on your dancing boots and get free line dancing lessons at Duke’s Indy at 7 p.m. every Wednesday starting June 25.
Indiana Fever will be playing the Los Angeles Sparks on June 26, 7 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Click here for the rest of the Fever’s summer games schedule.
The Indianapolis Indians are playing the Louisville Bats July 4-6 at 6:30 p.m. at Victory Field. Check out the Indians full schedule for more upcoming events.
IU Health Momentum Indy, a three-day cycling event in the Mass Ave area, is a free event for the family to celebrate healthy lifestyles. The event will be from July 11-13.
The AT&T WNBA All Star game comes to Indianapolis on July 18 and 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Also on July 19 is the Fever Fest, an event that brings together music, culture and sports.
The NASCAR Brickyard Weekend comes July 26 and 27 for a few days of on-track action.
Viewing events (movies, plays and musicals)
If you like to laugh and have a good time, be sure to check out the Helium Comedy Club, the Indianapolis Theater, and sites such as TicketMater to find shows from comedians such as Nate Bargatze, Leanne Morgan, Desi Banks, and more!
Hendricks Live in Plainfield is hosting an evening of art and entertainment for their fundraiser, Performances for a Purpose. The event begins at 7 p.m. on June 14.
Indy Story Slam will be hosted, held in person with an option of virtual, on June 18 at the Half Liter BBQ & Beer Hall. The event is described as “A fun night for storytellers of every skill level, designed as an after-work event to relax and unwind.”
Broadway in Indianapolis are presenting a fan favorite, Wicked, every day from June 18 to July 7. Grab a ticket and don’t miss it!
Experience Jaws in the IMAX theater in the Indiana State Museum, playing on June 19.
For $10, Crown Hill Cemetery is having a Spectacular Specimens bike tour of the 11,000 “massive living museum of trees.” Get your legs pumping while you take in the beautiful, refreshing scene.
White River State Park is opening the doors at 8 p.m. for a movie night on June 22. Bring $5 for admission, your own chairs or blankets and vote for the movie!
Waitress, the musical, will be playing everyday from July 17 to August 31 at the Beef & Boards Dinner Table. The buffet opens two hours before the show and will close 30 minutes before the show.
The Helium Comedy Club will be hosting an Open Mic Night at 8 p.m. every seven weeks on Tuesday starting July 22. Don’t forget to sign up online!
Bring family or friends to get out and explore the community of Indianapolis this summer by attending some of these events and more! Stay safe and have fun.
Taylor Goebes (she/her) is an undergraduate studying professional and public writing. Outside of writing, Taylor enjoys reading, crafting, being outside, and spending time with her cats and favorite people.