Free Things to Do in Indianapolis this September

All around Indianapolis, FREE EVENTS are taking place. Find some of our favorite free events perfect for family fun!

Free Things to Do in Indianapolis this September:

Free Museum Admission Days

Take advantage of these special free admission days at Indianapolis museums:

• Sept. 4 – Newfields Community Day
• Sept. 14 – Fiesta de la Familia: A Celebration of Latin American Cultures at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Free Outdoor Concerts

With music styles ranging from jazz to kids’ tunes to good old-fashioned rock ‘n roll, it’s easy to find something the whole family will enjoy. So, grab a chair or blanket, pack a picnic, and take advantage of these FREE summer concerts that continue into September.

Mallow Run Winery Picnic Concert Series

Every weekend through September 13

• Sept. 1 – 20th Anniversary: Midtown Mad Men
• Sept. 6 – Park Avenue Band
• Sept. 13 – The Woomblies

Free Summer Concerts at MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park

All concerts at 7 PM

• September 3 – POPs: New Horizons Band
• September 4 – Alt Indy: Sweet Poison Victim
• September 10 – POPs: Indianapolis Brass Choir
• September 11 – Jazz Night with Clint Breeze and The Groove
• September 13 – Opera in the Park
• September 17 – POPs: Indianapolis Symphonic Band
• September 27 – Garfield Park Art and Music Festival (4-9 PM)

Monumental Concert Series

• September 25 – 7:30 PM

Free Fairs & Festivals

Festivals are always fun. Free festivals are even better. Below are the free festivals taking place in September. These festivals all offer free admission but may charge fees for attractions and food.

• Sept 6-7 – Zionsville Lions Club Fall Festival – Lions Park, Zionsville
  Annual festival with rides, vendors, a car show, and a parade.

  

• Sept 13 – Blues in the ‘Burg – Arbuckle Acres Park, Brownsburg
  Family-friendly music festival with live blues, food trucks, and a kids’ zone.
• Sept 13 – Carmel on Canvas – Carmel Arts & Design District
  Outdoor plein air painting event and competition with dozens of artists.
• Sept 20 – St. Joan of Arc French Market – St. Joan of Arc Church, Indianapolis
  One-day festival with authentic French food, wine, live music, and an artisan craft fair.
• Sept 20 – Carmel’s PorchFest – Carmel Arts & Design District
  Dozens of bands perform on neighborhood porches throughout the district.
• Sept 20 – Carmel Chinese Mooncake Festival – Midtown Plaza, Carmel
  Cultural celebration with a dragon parade, live performances, and mooncake tastings.
• Sept 21 – Harvest Festival: Grape Stomp – Daniel’s Vineyard, McCordsville
  Seasonal celebration with grape stomping, live music, a makers market, and food trucks.

  

• Sept 20-21 – Back to the Fifties Festival – Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds, Lebanon
  Nostalgic weekend of classic cars, vintage music, and retro fun.
• Sept 26-28 – Festival of the Turning Leaves – Downtown Thorntown
  Three-day street festival with live music, vendors, a children’s area, and a parade.
• Sept 27 – Rocky Ripple Festival – Hohlt Park, Rocky Ripple
  Neighborhood festival featuring 80+ regional artists, local bands, and food vendors.

  

• Sept 27 – Global Fest Indy – Location TBD, Indianapolis
  A community celebration of cultures with international food and entertainment.
• Sept 27-28 – Atlanta New Earth Festival – Downtown Atlanta, IN
  Massive festival with over 600 arts, crafts, and food vendors.
• Sept 27-28 – Carmel International Arts Festival – Carmel Arts & Design District
  Juried art fair with 130+ international artists and a Saturday night concert.

Carmel International Arts Festival

Movies at Midtown

Tuesday evenings at 6 PM and Thursday at noon and 6 PM
Carmel Plaza

Movies at Midtown are FREE and are every Tuesday at 6 PM and Thursday at 12 PM and 6 PM through October. Bring your own chairs, blankets, food, and even adult beverages to enjoy family favorites on the outdoor screen.

September Movies:

• Sept 2 & 4: The Boss Baby: Family Business
• Sept 9 & 11: UP
• Sept 16 & 18: Toy Story 4
• Sept 23 & 25: Lilo & Stitch

Free DIY Workshops

• September 6: Home Depot In-Store Kids Workshops: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at participating Home Depot stores. Get into the football season by building a spirit board.
• September 20: Lowe’s DIY Workshop: Pet Station: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Lowe’s Home Improvement. Kids can build a Pet Station at this free workshop.

Free Fitness & Wellness Activities

Stay active with these FREE outdoor fitness classes continuing through September:

Indianapolis Cultural Trail Programs

• Tuesdays at 5:30 PM – Trail Run Club (meets at Cultural Trail HQ, 132 W. Walnut St.)
• Tuesdays at 6 PM – Yoga on the Canal (Admiral Spruance Basin)
• Wednesdays at 5:30 PM – HIIT IT on the Canal (Orange Bridge)
• Thursdays at 6 AM – Sunrise Yoga on the Canal
• Thursdays at 6 PM – Pilates on the Plaza (Vermont St. Plaza)

Yoga on the Beach

Geist Waterfront Park

• Sept. 12
• Sept. 24

Pack your calendar with these fantastic FREE events happening throughout Indianapolis this September. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivals, outdoor concerts, cultural celebrations, or fitness activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without spending a dime on admission!