Get ready for a summer of non-stop family fun in Indianapolis! Our guide to the “15 Can’t-Miss Summer Festivals for Families in Indianapolis” will take you on a journey through the city’s most entertaining and exciting events. From thrilling activities and mouth-watering food to captivating entertainment, we’ve got it all covered. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the ultimate family-friendly festival experience that awaits you in Indy!
15 Can’t-Miss Summer Festivals for Families near Indianapolis:
Indy Strawberry Festival
Date: June 12, 2025
Location: Monument Circle, downtown Indianapolis
The Cathedral Women of Christ Church Cathedral are delighted to announce the return of the 58th Indy Strawberry Festival to Monument Circle. The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until supplies last. This annual festival takes place on the second Thursday of June, bringing together the community for a day of delicious treats and fun.
Italian Street Festival
Date: June 13-14, 2025
Location: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, downtown Indianapolis
Indianapolis’ much-loved festival is back for another year! Enjoy delicious Italian food, beer, wine, and live music!
Slaw Fest
Date: June 14, 2025
Location: Sullivan Hardware & Garden, Indianapolis
Slaw Fest is a festival for coleslaw enthusiasts. Held at Sullivan Hardware & Garden (Keystone location) from 11am – 3pm, it features many types of coleslaw and unique coleslaw-topped entrees. There will be live music, WIBC broadcast, local craft beer, and a ton of coleslaw!
Talbot Street Art Fair
Date: June 21-22, 2025
Location: Talbot Street (Between 16th & 20th), Indianapolis
With over 200 artists from across the nation, this juried art fair continues to be ranked as one of the finest fairs in the country. Talbot Street Art Fair is located between 16th & 20th in the historic Herron Morton Neighborhood in Indianapolis, IN.
Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival
Date: June 28-29, 2025
Location: Eiteljorg Museum, downtown Indianapolis
Shop for jewelry, pottery, paintings, beadwork and more from more than 140 artists from across the United States and Canada. Enjoy cultural performances including music, dance and storytelling, and family art-making activities while eating fry bread and other food from local vendors.
Spark!Fishers
Date: June 24-28, 2025
Location: Downtown Fishers
Fishers Parks’ annual, weeklong Spark!Fishers festival will take over downtown Fishers the last full week of June, running from Tuesday, June 24, through Saturday, June 28.
Hendricks County Rib-Fest & BBQ
Date: June 28, 2025
Location: Hendricks County Fairgrounds, Danville
Annual tradition featuring live entertainment, games for kids, lots of food, and fireworks! Local restaurants compete for bragging rights!
Greenwood Freedom Festival
Date: June 28, 2025
Location: Craig Park, Greenwood
As Greenwood’s marquee community event, Freedom Festival draws more than 50,000 people to Craig Park every summer to celebrate the American Spirit. Indiana’s best fireworks show is held on the last Saturday in June.
Marion County Fair
Date: June 27-July 6, 2025
Location: Marion County Fairgrounds, Indianapolis
Fairgoers are invited to enjoy a variety of attractions including a petting zoo, live music and entertainment, queen and princess pageant, 4-H exhibits, family arts exhibits, 4-H animal competitions, fireworks (opening night), Dino-ROAR interactive dinosaur exhibit, first bite fishing tank, bear hollow chainsaw carving demos, K9 frisbee dogs, princesses and superheroes, the midway, fabulous fair food, and much more for the entire family!
Lights over Morse Lake Festival
Date: July 3-6, 2025
Location: Morse Reservoir, Noblesville
Bringing together all persons, young and old, in a celebration of our nation and our community. Lights Over Morse Lake promotes the economy through local businesses and supports local charities, churches, service groups, schools and youth organizations. Lights Over Morse Lake operates through donations and dedicated volunteers.
Johnson County Fair
Date: July 13-19, 2025
Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds, Franklin
The Johnson County Fair has been held for over 183 years. It first started in 1838 on the property at Martin Place in Franklin.
Monsoon Madness
Date: July 26, 2025
Location: Roy G. Holland Park, Fishers
Beat the heat as Holland Park transforms into a pop-up water park during one of the most popular summer events featuring giant waterslides, a mini-monsoon area for little ones, live entertainment, and more!
2025 Indiana State Fair
Date: August 1-17, 2025
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis
The Indiana State Fair is the state’s largest multi-day event celebrating the Hoosier spirit and agricultural heritage. These 18 days bring all communities together to celebrate all things Indiana and promote it to hundreds of thousands of people across the state, and beyond.
Zionsville Street Dance
Date: August 2, 2025
Location: Main Street- Downtown Zionsville
Experience Zionsville’s biggest celebration, featuring professional live music with The Dundies headlining and The Janeways kickstarting the festivities. Enjoy a refreshing selection of beverages from local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, alongside an array of food trucks and a dedicated kids’ area. With up to 6,000 attendees expected, it’s the community party you won’t want to miss.
SausageFest 2025
Date: August 15-16
Location: Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, Indianapolis
Celebrating its 20th year, SausageFest at St. Thomas Aquinas has become known as the “best fest in the Midwest.” Parishioners, school families, and Butler-Tarkington neighbors have made this late summer celebration a welcoming and enjoyable event for all.
