Summer is in full swing in Downtown Indy. Plan out your August with our family-friendly top picks.
1. The MAC is back
More than 400 racers and 5,000 cycling fans will come together on Mass Ave for the 8th annual Mass Ave Criterium & Cycling Festival on Aug. 1. Races start at 9 a.m. and continue all day. There are many races throughout the day. You’ll see kids on bikes, people on fixies – not to mention some professional riders competing in the final race. Kids ages 3 – 8 can participate in kid’s races and receive a medal, helmet and goodie bag. Adult non-racers can enjoy a beer garden, food and vendor booths.
2. Get revved up during Downtown Indy’s Motorcycles on Meridian presented by Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Kids are sure to ooh and ahh when Motorcycles on Meridian takes over Monument Circle, South Meridian Street and Georgia Street Aug. 7 & 8. Bikes and more bikes will be on site, from stylish Harleys and Ducatis to sport bikes to motor scooters. Motorcycles I saw during the 2014 event that are worth looking out for this year include a Spiderman themed bike and a bike equipped with a live scorpion. No joke!
3. Fill up on fried Oreos, Indiana sweet corn and grilled cheese at the Indiana State Fair
Live animals, amusement rides, fried food, Meghan Trainor concert… what’s not to love? The Indiana State Fair kicks off Aug. 7 and continues through Aug. 23. Feel the bass at the Shane Co. Concert Series with big names including Meghan Trainor, Garrison Keillor, Gabriel Iglesias and Jake Owen or enjoy free live music at the Indiana State Fair Free Stage. Bring the kids to the Family Fun Park for pony rides, stunt shows, go-karts, tractor pulls and more.
4. 8 venues, 64 performing groups, 384 performances – IndyFringe Festival is back
IndyFringe Festival begins Aug. 13 and continues for 11 days at various Downtown theatres, especially throughout Mass Ave. Expect the weird and uncensored – everything from one-man shows, to magic, to stand-up, to doves and rabbits, to puppets. Ticket prices are reasonable for live theater and shows are short and sweet for the little ones (between 45 and 60 minutes). Kid-friendly shows (ages 7+) include:
- The Comedy Magic of Oscar Munoz
- Cabaret of Puppetry, Peewinkle Puppets (daytime shows for kids and evening shows will appeal to teen/adult)
- A Little Business at the Big TOP
- My Wildlife: Owl By Myself
- The Traveling Tap Dance Super Show
For older kids who love music and song, check out:
- Ulysses Grant: A Fluxkit Opera
- Fruit Flys Like a Banana
5. Summer sports in full swing
The P&G Gymnastics Championships, coming to Bankers Life Fieldhouse Aug. 13 – 16, features the country’s top gymnasts (think: Olympic Gold Medalists Gabby Douglas, Nastia Liukin, Aly Raisman and Shawn Johnson). Fans can meet the gymnasts, get autographs and attend free activities on Georgia Street’s “The Road to Rio,” including face painting, photo ops, food and Brazilian entertainment. Single-session tickets range from $10 – $105. Other ways to cheer on your favorite teams this month:
- The Indianapolis Colts return to pre-season action against the Chicago Bears Aug. 22.
- Indy Eleven are back at Michael A. Carroll Stadium for their fall season and play three home games: Aug. 1, 8 & 19.
- The Indianapolis Indians will host 13 home games at Victory Field.
- The Indiana Fever play five home games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
