Spend your fall weekends enjoying all of the cultural festivities Downtown has to offer. From biergartens at Oktoberfest, to dragon and lion dancers at the Indianapolis Chinese Festival, there is a festival for everyone to enjoy this fall.
Cultural Festivals in Downtown Indy:
Penrod Arts Fair
Take part in “Indiana’s Nicest Day” at the Penrod Arts Fair Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The Fair showcases more than 300 artists and includes six stages and a special children’s area. Don’t forget to visit the Indiana Craft Beer Garden while you’re there! Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Indy Irish Fest
Be Irish for a weekend! The 21st annual Indy Irish Fest takes place in Military Park Sept. 16 – 18. Attendees can enjoy live Irish music, indulge in plenty ‘o Irish food, participate in a kilted mile run/walk, shop the Irish market or attend a Sunday Celtic Mass. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 day of; $10 for students; $5 for children 5 – 13.
Fiesta Indianapolis
More than 15,000 people will attend the FREE Fiesta Indianapolis Sept. 17 from noon – 10 p.m. at American Legion Mall. Fiesta Indianapolis has become the largest Latino Festival in the state, celebrating Latino culture with art, music, dance, food and activities.
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
Kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month with a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo for the annual Hispanic Heritage Fiesta Sept. 18 from noon – 4 p.m. This festival highlights Hispanic culture and achievements and will feature activities and crafts for kids, an animal scavenger hunt, a piñata every hour and Latin-inspired food and live entertainment. This event is FREE for Zoo members.
Indianapolis Chinese Festival
The seventh annual Indianapolis Chinese Festival celebrates the Chinese Moon Festival. On Saturday, Sept. 24 from noon – 6 p.m. at IUPUI’s Wood Plaza, guests can sample authentic Chinese and Asian food, watch tai chi and martial arts demonstrations and try your hand at Chinese games. Admission is FREE.
Original and Fabulous GermanFest
Dust off your lederhosen and dirndl and head to the Original and Fabulous GermanFest at the Athenaeum Oct. 8 from noon – 8 p.m. Celebrate all things German with dancing, German bier and food, music, Wiener dog races, a strong man competition, children’s activities and crafts and more. Tickets are $8 in advance; $3 for kids 12 and under.
Oktoberfest celebrations
What better way to welcome the fall weather than with a pint of beer, live music and your favorite food trucks?
Monument Circle Oktoberfest
Sept. 16, 7 – 11 p.m.: Monument Circle Oktoberfest boasts an authentic German Biergarten, traditional German fare and live music. Admission is FREE.
Rooftop Garden Oktoberfest
Sept. 17, noon – 6 p.m.: Rooftop Garden Oktoberfest at Fountain Square Theatre will have Bratwurst and Knackwurst from Claus’ German Sausage & Meats, as well as cold German beer from Sun King on tap to wash down other Oktoberfest favorites.
Herron-Morton Oktoberfest
Sept. 24. 2 – 9 p.m.: Herron-Morton Oktoberfest at Herron Morton Place Park will have local beer, mead, live music and some of Indy’s best food trucks. Admission is $10 and FREE for kids 13 and under.
