1. INDY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
If you have a sweet tooth and love strawberries, then this is the perfect festival for you! Christ Church Cathedral will be holding their 57th annual strawberry fest this June, and you’ll want to head there as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on all the delicious food. Each year, they bake over 18,000 shortcakes and are known for their signature dessert called “The Works” – a handmade biscuit topped with strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream! Not only is this festival a fun way to socialize and eat strawberry covered shortcakes, it also allows you to give back to the community with over 95 percent of the proceeds going towards non-profit groups in the city, country, and even across the globe. I hope to enjoy some shortcakes with you!
Location: Christ Church Cathedral
Date: June 8, 2023 from 9:00am-4:00pm or until supplies last
http://www.indystrawberryfestival.org/#indy-strawberry-festival
2. INDY PRIDE FESTIVAL
One of the things I love about Indianapolis is the diversity and inclusivity of the city. It’s easy to find flags and supportive signs hung up in windows which allows the community to feel safe and comfortable. One of the most notable ways that Indy celebrates diversity and inclusion is with their annual Indy Pride Festival. A parade kicks off in the morning and travels all the way down Massachusetts Avenue (which is home to many LGBTQ+ owned businesses and a center for LGBTQ+ life). And better yet, this parade is free to attend! However, if you aren’t much of a parade person but still want to celebrate Pride, you can attend the Indy Pride festival at Military Park. There will be delicious food and live performances at three different stages within the park. The Indy Pride Festival is just one of the many ways to celebrate Pride Month in Indy. You can check out all the other events happening around Indy here.
Location: Military Park
Date: June 10, 2023 from 10:00am-11:00pm
https://indypride.org/indy-pride-festival-23/
3. WONDERROAD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Location: Garfield Park
Date: June 17th-18th, 2023 from 12:30pm-10:00pm
https://www.wonderroadfest.com/
4. INDIANA BLACK EXPO & SUMMER CELEBRATION
The Indiana Black Expo Summer celebration is a phenomenal way to learn about African American culture in Indianapolis. Like many of these festivals, it will have live music, food, and drinks. But it will also allow you to connect with local entrepreneurs and community leaders. All of the proceeds from this celebration will be invested back into the Indiana Black Expo. Supporting IBE’s programming helps them provide equitable education and economics for all.
Location: American Legion Mall
Date: July 14th, 2023
https://summercelebration.net/
5. INDIAN MARKET & FESTIVAL
Each year, the Eiteljorg Museum hosts the Indian Market and Festival at their building. This museum is the only one of two Native culture museums in the Midwest. So, if you are interested in Native cultures, then this event is just for you. At the festival, you can learn a wide range of information about the different nations living throughout the US and Canada. Their amazing dances, storytelling, and traditional crafts make this festival an unforgettable experience.
Location: Eiteljorg Museum
Date: June 24th-25th, 2023 from 10:00am-5:00pm
https://eiteljorg.org/indian-market-and-festival/
6. ST. CHRISTOPHER MID-SUMMER FESTIVAL
The St. Christopher Mid-Summer Festival is the fourth largest annual event in Speedway, Indiana and is another fun opportunity to try some homemade food. They are best known for their homemade fish sandwiches and pork barbecue. They provide a variety of activities such as riding amusement rides, listening to live music, and even playing bingo.
Location: St. Christopher Catholic Church
Date: June 23rd from 5:00pm-11:00pm, and June 24th, 2023 3:00pm-11:00pm
7. CHICKEN & BEER FESTIVAL
If you love crispy chicken and ice cold beer, this is the perfect event for you! Over thirty local chicken restaurants and beer breweries come together to serve you Indianapolis’ best. Fried or smoked, dark or light — you will find yourself in heaven at the Chicken and Beer Fest, so come on out and grab a bite!
Location: Monon 30
Date: August 12th from 2:00pm-7:00pm
https://www.chickenandbeerindy.com/
8. SAUSAGEFEST
Indy’s annual Sausagefest is another great way to enjoy a meal with the community. Although the sausage is a staple at this festival , the event will also feature a beer and wine garden along with vendors serving other food and dessert options. There will also be face painting, inflatables, and a DJ to help you jam out all evening. evening.
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Church
Date: August 18th-19th from 5:30pm-12:00am
https://www.staindy.org/church/sausagefest/
9. DEVOUR INDY
This tasty summer fest occurs citywide, and it is a chance for you to get your chomps on some of Indy’s finest foods. During this time, participating restaurants will have special discounted prices to help you explore Indy’s food scene on a budget! Just take a look at their website to see which restaurants are participating. Maybe you’ll find a new spot that piques your interest!
Location: Indianapolis
Date: August 23rd- September 3, 2023
10. THE FEAST OF LANTERNS
Although the city lights are beautiful, sometimes you need different scenery, and that’s where the Feast of Lanterns comes in! Throughout Spades Park, hundreds of lanterns will light up the area and set a nice evening mood. Vendors will have tents set up for you to explore, eat, and shop while listening to local performers
Location: Spades Park
Date: August 26rd, 2023 from 4:00pm-11:00pm
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