This article appears in our June issue of Indy’s Child Magazine. Pick one up at a grocer, library or community center near you!
The weather has warmed and the daylight has grown longer – it’s time for the greater Indianapolis area to surge to life with its many celebrations of the season. Here’s a sampling of what to expect this summer.
First Friday Food Truck Festival
What is it? A monthly gathering of food trucks from around the greater Indianapolis area in one location, presented by Leinenkugel. Plenty of tastes to choose from and includes kid-friendly activities too. Admission fees apply.
Location: Old National Centre Parking Lot, downtown Indy
Dates: First Friday of the month, May-October
Italian Street Festival
What is it? One of the city’s most-loved and most-attended church festivals, dedicated to celebrating the Italian heritage. Includes Italian food, live music and amusement rides.
Location: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, downtown Indianapolis
Dates: June 12-13, 5-11pm
Greenwood Freedom Festival
What is it? A full-day event that kicks off with a parade, includes live bands, music, microbreweries and games. Also includes a fireworks show at the end!
Location: Craig Park, Greenwood
Date: June 27
Hendricks County Rib Fest
What is it? An annual family-friendly event on the southside that features fireworks, music, games and vendors.
Location: Kingsway Christian Church/School, Avon
Date: June 27
Fishers Freedom Festival
What is it? A 2-day festival offering fine arts and crafts, food and business vendors, a 5K event, children’s tent, street dance and fireworks.
Location: Roy Holland Park, Fishers
Dates: June 27-28
CarmelFest
What is it? A family-friendly celebration of our country’s birth through entertainment, live music, a 5K run/walk, parade and kids zone. This event ends with a spectacular fireworks display.
Location: Carmel Civic Square, downtown Carmel
Dates: July 3-4
Ice Cream Social on The Circle
What is it? A celebration of National Ice Cream Month with more than 30 celebrity scoopers dishing out gigantic ice cream sundaes. Also features face painters, mascots, games, the Pacers Fan Van and more.
Location: Soldiers and Sailors Monument, downtown Indy
Date: July 10, 10 am
Indiana State Fair
What is it? A 17-day celebration of agriculture, education and excitement, the Indiana State Fair brings new meaning to the word fun. The 2015 Fair will be the “Year Of The Farmer” and include rides, free live music from the Indigo Girls and Big & Rich, a Family Fun Park and more. This is an event not to be missed.
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis
Dates: August 7-23
SausageFest
What is it? A unique summer church festival in the heart of the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood. This event features local selections of gourmet foods from Kincaid’s Meat Market, craft beer, music and plenty of family fun like inflatables, face painting and more.
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Church and School, Indianapolis
Dates: mid-August
Dig-In
What is it? A “Taste of Indiana” where the state’s best chefs, brewers, vintners, foodies and farmers gather to present their greatest offerings to the masses. This is kid-friendly but admission prices apply.
Location: White River State Park, downtown Indy
Date: August 30
These are just a few of the fairs, feasts and festivals happening in the Indy area this summer – what are your favorites? Send us a tweet at @indyschild and let us know! (Or if you’re out enjoying the fun, tag us on Instagram at @indyschild and we may repost your pics!)
