May is a busy month all over Indianapolis! The kids are anxious for the end of the school year and parents are looking ahead to summer planning. Lucky for us, Indy has us covered with lots of fun and FREE events this month. Enjoy our list of ideas for the family to enjoy outside or in, for the occasional rainy day!
Call a Pacer
Every Monday in May
Children and families are invited to hear their favorite Dr. Seuss stories read by members of the Indiana Pacers from April through June on The Indianapolis Public Library’s 24-hour Call-a-Story telephone line. Click the link for more info!
Indianapolis Hosta Society
Holliday Park
Monday, May 1, 6:30- 8:30 pm
Organized in 1886, the Indianapolis Hosta Society consists of hosta gardening enthusiasts who gather to learn more about shade gardening and share their gardening experiences with each other and the public.
Indiana Asthma Awareness Day
Monument Circle
Tuesday, May 2, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm
Check out booths that specialize in educating the community on asthma, live music, and food vendors!
Kickoff To May
Monument Circle
Wednesday, May 3, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
A host of lovable Indiana mascots will put rubber to the pavement as they race down Meridian Street on tricycles in a slightly slower rendition of the Indianapolis 500. Numerous Indianapolis business and civic leaders will be on hand for the special ceremony just prior to noon. Some of Indy’s favorite food trucks will provide additional meal options.
Lunchtime Concert at Liberty Plaza
Liberty Plaza in Fishers
Every Wednesday through October, May 3, Noon- 1:00 pm
Grab your lunch and head over to Liberty Plaza on the Central Green to enjoy a free lunchtime concert!
Fishers Movies in the Park: Secret Life of Pets
Nickel Plate District
Monday, May 5 at Sunset
Roll out a blanket, stop by concessions and get ready for a free show! Spring Movies in the Park return offering the perfect opportunity to unwind under the stars on Friday nights. Please call the Weather Line at 317-567-5057 if inclement weather is forecast.
Star Wars Day
Fishers Library East
Saturday, May 6, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
A celebration of all things Star Wars! The Fishers Library Star Wars Day festival returns with even more intergalactic fun. We have activities and performers scheduled throughout the day at this fun, free family event that you don’t want to miss! Real robots! Interactive games! Lightsaber training!
Broad Ripple’s Farmers Market
Behind Broad Ripple High School
Saturday, May 6, 8:00 am- Noon
The Broad Ripple Farmers Market is committed to supporting locally grown and produced foods. The Market brings the greater Broad Ripple community the very best and freshest of the season.This year, they are proud to announce the introduction of several new environmentally friendly programs designed to help everyone reduce, reuse and recycle.
Paws To Read
Indy Ready Books
Saturday, May 6, 11:30 am
Bring your child to read to a very special reading dog! The rotating cast of certified reading therapy dogs makes reassuring (and adorable) listeners. Their vision is to instill pride and confidence in those we serve.
Yelp’s Yoga on the Prairie
Conner Prairie
Saturday, May 20,8:30- 10:00 am
Grab your mat and RSVP, Yelp yogis.They are hosting a yoga session overlooking the Prairie behind the Conner house with the help of Hot Room Indy.
Chase 500 Festival Kid’s Day
Monument Circle
Saturday, May 13, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Engage the whole family in the excitement of the 500 Festival at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day—the state’s largest outdoor free festival for children. With activities and entertainment galore, this is THE event your kids (and you!) won’t want to miss!
Touch a Truck
Johnson County Fairgrounds
Saturday, May 13, 10:00am- Noon
Discover various trucks, tractors, and big machines! This event offers a horn free hour with reduced noise. Each vehicle will have a driver present to answer questions and help kids explore. Food vendors available; proceeds to benefit Beats For Bristol.
Tiny Tots Rock!
Murphy Arts Center
Saturday, May 13, 10:30 am
ALL KIDS AGES 0-6 are welcome! In an effort to provide children with that special connection year round and to as many children as we can, we’ve developed Tiny Tots Rock! Now your younger rockers can join the fun! Parent and child fun, not a drop-off class. Also, a great time for parents to meet other parents and there is always free coffee on hand!
Mystery Solved!
Indianapolis Public Library
Monday, May 15, 6:00- 8:00 pm
Go back in time to 1890’s Indianapolis for one special night. Was Indianapolis the home of America’s first automobile? It’s Indiana automotive history’s most intriguing question and now the mystery is finally solved! Period images, fashions, music, and more combine to create a panorama of the sights and sounds of Indiana History.
Lemonade Day
Downtown Indy Canal Walk
Friday, May 19, 10:30- 11:00 am
They will be turning the canal yellow in support of Lemonade day!
Family Fun Fair
Hamilton County Sports Complex
Saturday, May 20, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm
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! Bring the entire family and enjoy the fun!
Brick Street Market
Main Street in Zionsville
Saturday, May 20, 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. In addition to the vendors, the event features a kids’ area, live entertainment, Silly Safari, face painting and balloon artists.
Don’t forget to check out Indy’s Child Calendar of Events to find more happenings around town!
Holliday Park’s Summer Concert Series
Holliday Park at the Ruins
Thursday, May 25, 7:00 pm
This week will be featuring The Tides (Island Rock). Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and head to Holliday Park for a free evening of family fun!
Concert on the Canal
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
Thursday, May 25, 6:00- 8:00 pm
The History Center is free on Thursdays during concert season and open until 8 p.m. featuring all exhibits, including rotating special exhibits. This week’s concert is Hopkins and Miller Sunset Stomp Jazz.
Dessert Festival.
Monument Circle
Thursday, May 25, 10:00 am- 7:00 pm
The Mind Program High School is hosting it’s first annual Dessert Festival. The Dessert Festival is a fundraiser for the school and will set up stations along the sidewalk area around Monument Circle, each featuring a different dessert.
Family Fort Night
College Avenue Library
Tuesday, May 30, 6:30 pm
Families and children of all ages are invited to experience reading in a fort! Books, plastic tablecloths for construction, and a bedtime snack will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring their own blankets and sheets. They can also sign up for the Library’s Summer Reading Program.
Food Trucks Friday
Georgia Street, Downtown Indy
Every Friday, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
Head down to the Boardwalk for lunch. Your favorite food trucks will be parked on Georgia Street between Capitol Avenue and Illinois Street.
