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.
Carmel Clay Kids Concert: Ruditoonz
August 1
Jump, sing, and express your creative side at the Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation free Kids Concerts. Your child will listen and dance around to new tunes, classic sing-a-longs, and kid favorites.
Story Time – Many Worlds of Chris Van Dusen
August 3
This is time for kids 2-5 to experience reading, interact with each other and our staff, and for their parents/ guardians to socialize. Spaces are limited, so be sure to call and reserve a spot.
Summer Family Concert Series- The Bishops
August 3
Pack blankets, chairs, and a picnic basket before you head up to Carmel Civic Square. The Summer Family Concert Series will be featuring The Bishops, known as “the best cover bad touring Indianapolis today.”
Target Free Family Night at Children’s Museum – Hot Wheels: Race To Win
August 4
Explore the world’s biggest and best children’s museum for free! Come one, come all for Target Free Family Nights. Make discoveries, spark your creativity, be transported to other times and places, get your hands in sand and water, climb and jump . . . and have a ball doing it all.
Free Admission Night At The IMA
August 4
Following suit with some of our local museums and hotspots, the Indianapolis Museum Of Art offers free admission on the first Thursdays of every month from 4-9pm. Perfect for a date night, evening out with the family or a little ‘me’ time.
August 5
The Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission announces its 24th production of Shakespeare in the Park, “Shakespeare #400: A Celebratory Sampling.” The show will be a part of the international recognition of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death.
Know what else is free in August? The Indiana State Fair Free Stage Concerts. Here’s a list of the starring acts.
August 6
The Mass Ave Critierium is one of Indy’s most exciting sporting events held in the beautiful and hip downtown Cultural District of Mass Avenue. There is also an opportunity for the kids to race when they register online. Viewers can enjoy great food provided by vendors, check out the beer garden, or browse the tents in addition to cheering on cyclists and teams.
Fossils and Minerals and Rocks Oh My!
August 6
This will be an opportunity to learn about the geology of Indiana and the various minerals, rock types, and fossils that are found in our state. There will be some hands on activities and also samples and specimens on display throughout the day. One of our staff members with a geology background will be available for discussion and questions during this time.
National S’mores Day Celebration with Fishers Parks
August 7
It’s time to celebrate National S’mores Day! Fishers Parks and Recreation provides roasting sticks, graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate so your family can build the perfect dessert. Although the event is free, pre-registration is kindly requested.
August 10
Come celebrate S’mores Day at the library! Be ready to read books about s’mores and make s’more crafts! You might even get sent home with a tasty treat!
Movies In The Park – Finding Nemo
August 12
West Park of Carmel comes alive once a month in the summer with fun outdoor movies for the family. Pack up the family, grab your snacks, and enjoy the fresh air while you watch a movie on the big screen.
Indianapolis Art Center Open House
August 12
Come find out why the Indianapolis Art Center is the place for newbies and creative pros of all ages and join us for an evening of hands-on activities, special offers on classes, local food, Sun King and much more.
August 13
Join the Taylor Center of Natural History for an evening discovering the night sky at Strawtown. The program will begin with a short presentation about the specific celestial objects we will be looking for on our hike. Then, we will take a short hike to do some stargazing.
August 13
Join more than 300 people to pound the pavement and change the face of liver health. Registration opens at 8:30am and the walk kicks off at 10:00am. Event activities include entertainment, refreshments, raffle, Kids Zone, and a special message from the 2016 LIVEr Champion.
IFAST 8th Anniversary Celebration
August 13
Invite your friends and family to cheer on our lifters and stay after to help us celebrate our anniversary! Prizes, popcorn, a bouncy house, cotton candy, and inflatable sumo-wrestling matches: The only way to make it more epic is to have you join.
LOOKING FOR MORE FUN THINGS TO DO? Check out the Indy’s Child August Calendar of Events!
August 14
Make your way to Monument Circle to celebrate Indian culture and history with a parade, Indian cuisine, cricket, and live performances!
August 20
CoderDojo is a movement oriented around running free, not-for-profit coding clubs for young people ages 7-17. At a CoderDojo, young people learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and more.
Benjamin Harrison’s 183rd Birthday Celebration
August 20
Come celebrate Benjamin Harrison’s 183rd birthday with free walk-thru tours of the home’s first floor and free birthday cake.
Yelp’s White Night On The Circle
August 20
Join our friends at Yelp for a dinner party with Lady Victory, Downtown Indy, musicians from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and 15+ local beverage businesses sharing complimentary beer, wine, soda, coffee and more!
August 26
he mission of the Indianapolis Greek Festival is to create a celebratory, family friendly event that shares our Orthodox faith and Hellenic culture – authentic Greek foods, traditional dancing and live music – with the entire Central Indiana community.
IU Health North Hospital Artomobilia
August 27
See more than 300 one-of-a-kind vintage, classic, fantasy sports cars, and rare vehicles on display in this one-day trip down memory lane. A special exhibit of sleek motorcycles has been added as part of the festivities too. In addition to one-of-a-kind cars, motorcycles and art, everyone is invited to stroll the District and enjoy a variety of refreshments, music, restaurants and art galleries.
August 27
This year’s Feast of Lanterns, hosted by Lanterns Foundation, brings a refocus on the origins of the event, local neighbors and neighborhoods working together to not only put on a festival but also to build community. This festival includes live music, artisan vendors, food trucks and lots of beautifully floating lanterns.
Downtown Indy, Inc’s Motorcycles on the Meridian
August 27
Motorcyclists gather in Downtown Indy for this annual tradition. The event is for people with and without bikes. Interested parties with no steel horse of their own are welcome to walk around at this free event and marvel at the impressive choppers and sport bikes.
August 27
This event started last year in partnership with 30 Westfield residents who had a passion to bring their Latin culture to Westfield. Authentic food, dance, music and games were just some of the rich experiences that night. This year we will add a 5vs5 Soccer Tournament for ages 9 and up! Bring your whole family to experience delicious food, beautiful dances, and participate in fun activities for all ages!
