26 FREE Things to do this August in Indianapolis

Whoa August, where did you come from? You signal the end of summer, the start of the school year, and the time where we’re craving sweaters but still sweating because of 80-degree heat. It’s the last few weeks to get splash parks and pool time out of our systems. And of course, the Indiana State Fair arrives with more fun than we can wrap our heads around. We went through and handpicked some of the best free fun this month.

So here’s to August! And to all the free things to do this August in Indianapolis.

August 5

Family Yoga on the Lawn

Yoga instructor Katie Pellerin will lead a free an hour-long class from 9:00am-10:00am. The class will be suitable for all age groups, from beginners to more advanced. Bring your own yoga mat or blanket and enjoy the relaxing, rejuvenating effects of yoga – especially beneficial out in the fresh air of summer.

Details: Irving Theater; 9am-10am.

Chalk-it-Out

Come “Chalk Out” the new Bicentennial Plaza next to the Indiana Statehouse and make your mark in chalk! This is an event that will feature local, Indiana artists, and provide an opportunity to do some doodles of you own! We provide the chalk, you provide the art!

Details: Bicentennial Plaza; 5pm-7pm.

International Marketplace Pole Painting

The International Marketplace Coalition (IMC) represents unity, life, and diversity. By splashing the utility poles with beautiful colors from flags of countries across the world, they are bringing culture from across the sea to west side village.

Sommerfest

It’s that time of year again… join us at German Park for for annual Sommerfest! It’s a great time to celebrate summer, catch up with old friends, make new ones and help support the club.  Enjoy great food, good beer and fun music.  **kids 12 and under are free.

Details: German Park; 5pm-10pm.

Details: International Marketplace Coalition; 7:45am-11am.

Bates-Hendricks Street Fest

August marks the 21st anniversary of our neighborhood association’s founding and we are hosting a street fest to celebrate!  We’ll have beer from Fountain Square Brewing, La Margarita food truck, Gordon’s Ice Cream Parlor, free food served by East Street Apostolic Church, live music, corn hole tournaments, raffle prize drawings, music, a kid’s play area, and more!

Details: Bates-Henricks House & surrounding area; 6pm-10pm.

Art Fair on the Square

Enjoy charming historic downtown with juried artists, all painting mediums, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, more. Art experience for kids. Food available.

Details: Historical Noblesville Square; all day. 

MashCraft Cornhole Tourney

Try your hand at cornhole while supporting a great cause.  The proceeds from the tournament support surrounding schools.  The event will feature a DJ, food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, and more.  **only kids are free.

Details: MashCraft on Delaware; 12pm-5pm.

11th Annual Open House Fly-in & Airshow

Come enjoy a day of flying, food, fun, and family at Indy Exec Airport. We are partnering with the Sport Air Racing League to host the 7th Annual Indy Air Race to kick off a family-friendly day of static displays, fly-bys, aircraft and helicopter rides, candy drop, pancake breakfast, food trucks, bounce houses, raffle, kids activities, and much more.

Details: Montgomery Aviation; 7:30am-2pm.

Indy Folk Fest

The Indy Folk Fest is a family-friendly event that offers the community a chance to eat, drink and shop locally and of course listen to amazing folk music. This is the Folk Fest’s 8th year and we are very excited to help promote local businesses and artists.  **kids ten and under are free

Details: Indy Hostel; 11am.

August 6

National S’mores Day

Gather around our campfire and celebrate National S’mores Day at our 10th annual event! We’ll supply everything you need for making these gooey treats. This program is an open house format, so feel free to drop by any time, rain or shine.  Registration appreciated.

Details: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve; 4pm-7pm.

August 10

Broad Ripple Community Dog Walk & Dog Night

This walk will go from the heart of the Village to Broad Ripple Park where we will enjoy the Broad Ripple Carnival, which just so happens to be celebrating DOG NIGHT!  At Dog Night will be all sorts of pet supply vendors, treats for dogs, an agility course, and adoption organizations.

Details: Broad Ripple United Methodist Church; 6pm.

August 11

First Friday Community Art Night

Join Garfield Park Arts Center for a Community Art Night! All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. We will be providing tables, chairs, crayons, pencils, markers and other supplies for community members to come and do art together.

Details: Garfield Park; 6pm-8pm.

August 12

Hamilton County Sports Complex Fun Fair

Our fairs are fun for all ages with everything from airbrush tattos, bounce houses, fire trucks, and so much more. Our complex and tenants are open to all visitors for introductions, trial events and open gym fun! Make sure to visit all the local vendor booths and enjoy our fair foods. We have giveaways, free games and activities for all ages and much, much more!

Details: Hamilton County Sports Complex Fair; 11am-3pm.

Broad Ripple Carnival

Broad Ripple will celebrate the history of the area with a four-day festival featuring 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 and vintage market.

Details: Broad Ripple Park; 12pm-10pm.

Near West Flow Fest

A festival with games, dance, art and circus classes, music, food, an obstacle course and more!  We are gathering to celebrate the poeple of the Near West Side!

Details: Haughville Park; 2pm-7pm.

SoundSport International Music and Food Festival

The exciting day of performances will mark the culmination of the summer portion of the year-round performance opportunities for the global SoundSport and DrumLine Battle programs, all taking part in a festival-like atmosphere with some of Indianapolis’ best food vendors onsite and entertainment aplenty.

Details: PanAm Plaza; 11am-4pm.

Inside Out at the AMP

As a part of Stigma Free Fishers Week, visitors are invited for a free showing of Inside Out at the Nickel Plate District AMP! The movie begins at sunset, and guests are encouraged to arrive early with blankets and lawn chairs before the show.

Details: Nickel Plate District Amphitheater; 9:00pm-10:30pm.

August 19

Creekfest

Join us for a celebration of Eagle Creek, including a Stream Cleanup, Creekstomp for kids, kayak demonstrations, music by Dumpster Drummers, activities, booths and MORE!  To register to the Stream Cleanup click here.

Details: Various Zionsville locations; 10am-1pm.  *9am if participating in Stream Cleanup.

August 20

India Day

The whole family will enjoy cultural performances (vocal, dances, instrumental, musical) from different parts of India, music from the east and the west, educational booths, ethnic food vendors, parade and floats.

Details: Monument Circle; 10am- 2:30pm.

August 23

Yappy Hour

Fishers loves our furry friends, and this event is guaranteed to be a “dog-gone” good time! Every 4th Wednesday, pets and their humans can enjoy a fun social hour. Socialize under the tent, walk the trails and much more! Alcohol will be available for purchase from Metazoa Brewing Co.

Details: The Historic Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens; 6pm-8pm.

August 26

Carmel ARTOMOBILIA

The Carmel Artomobilia features more than 400 enthusiast and collector cars across more than 26 classes, including Super Car, Exotic, Classic, Sports car, European, Domestic, Vintage and Racers, attracting nearly 15,000 visitors from Carmel and the surrounding areas.

Details: Carmel Arts & Design District; 12pm.

Motorcycles on Meridian

One of the most iconic two-wheel events in the country – Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Motorcycles on Meridian presented by ABATE of Indiana – is taking over the city!  South Meridian Street and Georgia Street will be filled with the sound of engine roars and the sight of leather-clad motorcycle riders. The event is for people with and without bikes.

Details: Georgia & Meridian St. 4pm-12am.

GreekFest

Now in its 44th year, the three-day festival offers a taste of Greek life and culture with authentic foods, pastries, music, traditional dancing, church tours, a bazaar and children’s activities. For the younger family members, enjoy “Bounce House City”, our puppet show featuring Rumpelstiltskin and various children’s activities available in the Children’s Tent.

Details: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church; 11am-10pm.

Amigos de Westfield

Experience a true taste of Latin America at Amigos de Westfield!  Get a feel for authentic Latin culture with delicious food, lively music, and festive dancing!  The kids will enjoy themselves in our fun Kids Zone.

Details: Asa Bales Park; 4pm-8pm.

August 31

National Trail Mix Day

Celebrate National Trail Mix Day by joining us at Flat Fork Creek, where you can explore our trails, sample different varieties of trail mix, and even make your own trail mix treats! This all-ages event is an open house format, so feel free to stop by when it’s convenient for your family.  Registration appreciated.

Details: Flat Fork Creek Park; 5pm-7pm.

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