Indianapolis families who know exactly which house everyone belongs in have a fall date to put on the calendar: DroneArt Show: Harry Potter comes to the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Sept. 25 and 26.
The outdoor show uses 1,200 synchronized drones to recreate moments from the Harry Potter films in the night sky, set to music from the original soundtracks. A live electric violinist plays through key moments, and everyone gets an LED wristband that lights up along with the show.
All ages are welcome, and kids under 3 attend free. Tickets are sold only through the Fever website or app, not at the door, and they’re nearly sold out. If your night is gone, join the Fever waitlist.
What the show is like
The drones move together to form familiar characters and scenes above the fairgrounds, with the film music guiding the action. For kids who know the movies, calling out what’s taking shape overhead is half the fun. The show runs about an hour with an intermission, which doubles as the bathroom break.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the show starts at 8:15 p.m. Organizers want you there at least 30 minutes to an hour early, and Fever doesn’t allow entry once the show begins. Leave time for parking, the bag check and finding seats.
Food, merchandise and seating
Food and drinks are sold on site, and outside food and drinks are not allowed. If your kids run on snacks, feed them in the car. Themed merchandise, including wands, scarves and collectibles, is also for sale, so settle the wand question before you get there.
This is a seated show, with chairs or bleacher seats for every ticket type. Tickets are sold by zone, and seating within your zone is first come, first served. Insider tip: a family that wants to sit together should be in line when doors open, not rolling in at 7:45 p.m.
It’s outdoors at night in late September, so dress in layers and bring a blanket or jacket. Comfortable shoes only. High heels are not allowed on the field.
A few rules worth knowing
Strollers are not allowed inside the venue, even though all ages are welcome, so bring a carrier for the youngest ones. The venue is ADA compliant, with designated accessible seating and room for at least two companions. Guests who need a support person can get that person in free at the entrance with proof of need. There are no golf carts or shuttles inside the fairgrounds, so expect a walk from the lot to your seat.
Parking is $10 per vehicle, cash or card. Main entrances are Gate 1 on 38th Street, Gate 2 on 42nd Street and Gate 6 on Fall Creek Parkway, and parking attendants direct traffic from there. IndyGo Routes 4 and 39 stop at the fairgrounds if you’d rather skip the lot.
Bags are searched at entry. Weapons, outside alcohol, smoking and recreational drones are prohibited. Pets are not allowed, but service animals are. Photos are fine, but tripods and professional camera gear are not.
The show is weather-dependent. If it’s called off, organizers email the address on your Fever account, so check that inbox (and the spam folder) before you leave the house. There are no refunds, but you can request a date change up to 48 hours in advance or transfer tickets to someone else for free through the Fever app.
Plan your visit
Event: DroneArt Show: Harry Potter in Indianapolis
Dates: Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26
Time: Doors open at 6:15 p.m.; show starts at 8:15 p.m.
Location: Hoosier Lottery Grandstand at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205
Run time: About an hour, including an intermission
Ages: All ages; kids under 3 free. No strollers.
Parking: $10 per vehicle, cash or card
Tickets: Zone C tickets are $47.90 for ages 12 and up and $29.90 for ages 3 to 11, plus a $1.90 booking fee per ticket. Zones B and A and Deluxe seating cost more, and discounts sometimes show up at checkout. Check availability and buy through Fever.
Official website: DroneArt Show: Harry Potter in Indianapolis
More fall fun around Indianapolis
For more ideas beyond the wizarding world, check out our full list of things to do in Indianapolis with kids or see what else is on the Indianapolis family events calendar.
