things to do this weekend

Looking for the best things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids? You're in the right place. For August 7–9, we rounded up our top picks for family events across Indy and the surrounding suburbs, from a Beatles tribute at Symphony on the Prairie and breakfast with Big Hero 6 to a poolside movie, free outdoor concerts and a quieter morning at the Indianapolis Zoo. Start with our curated picks below, then check out the full Indy family events calendar for even more options. Things to Do This Weekend in Indianapolis with Kids | August 7–9, 2026 All Weekend Indiana State Fair | August 7–23 | Indiana State Fairgrounds | $18 admission, ages 5 and younger FREE The Indiana State Fair kicks off Friday with midway rides, animals, fair food, live entertainment and a baseball-themed "Always a Hit!" celebration. Families can also find plenty included with admission, including Little Hands on the Farm, the FAIRadise Splash Pad, baby animals, the Butterfly Exhibit and daily fair traditions. This opening weekend also brings the State Fair Hot Air Balloon Race Saturday morning and free-stage concerts throughout the weekend. Ongoing event, runs August 7–23. Closed Mondays. Friday, August 7 First Friday Gallery Opening: August 2026 | Harrison Center | 6–9 p.m. | FREE The Harrison Center opens several new exhibitions for First Friday, along with Mini FoodCon 2026 in the Historic Gymnasium, live music, a food truck and free ice cream at the courtyard entrance. One gallery features work by survivors of sexual abuse, so parents bringing younger children may want to preview the exhibition descriptions before visiting. Jams at the Junction: Groovesmash | Grand Junction Plaza | 7–9 p.m. | FREE Groovesmash takes over the Great Lawn with a mix of classic rock, pop, funk, soul and R&B. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, grab dinner from a food truck or nearby restaurant and settle in for the evening. A free shuttle runs between the Westfield Washington Public Library and Grand Junction Plaza. Symphony on the Prairie: The Fab Four – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute | Conner Prairie | 8 p.m. The Fab Four brings its Beatles tribute to Symphony on the Prairie with songs spanning the band's different eras and three costume changes throughout the performance. Gates open at 6 p.m., so families can arrive early, claim a lawn spot and bring their own food and drinks before the 8 p.m. concert. Saturday, August 8 Cereal Cinema: Big Hero 6 | The Basile Theatre at the Athenaeum | 10 a.m.–noon | $7, ages 5 and younger FREE Cereal Cinema makes Saturday morning pretty simple: a family movie and a bowl of cereal. This month's screening is Big Hero 6, with cereal included in the ticket price and coffee and other treats available for purchase at Coat Check Coffee. Small Wonders: Into the Wild | Indiana State Museum | 10–11 a.m. | $13 youth This one-hour program for ages 3–5 heads into the "wild" with storytelling, sensory exploration and hands-on STEAM activities. Kids will build animal habitats from natural materials and learn how different adaptations help wildlife survive. The child's program ticket includes museum admission, and accompanying family members receive 50% off museum admission. Back 2 School Bash | Clay Terrace | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | FREE Clay Terrace's Back 2 School Bash includes Touch-a-Truck displays, Silly Safaris animal shows, a visit from Indiana Pacers mascot Boomer and a Passport Trail with school supply giveaways. The first 35 children to complete the Passport Trail receive a backpack filled with school supplies, while supplies last. Flix and Float: Wonder | Forest Park Aquatic Center | 8–10 p.m. | $5 movie ticket Watch Wonder from the pool during Forest Park Aquatic Center's Flix and Float series. Guests can swim, float or relax poolside while the movie plays. Families coming only for the movie pay $5; guests spending the day at the pool pay the $9 day-pass admission plus the $5 movie ticket. Sunday, August 9 Sensory-Friendly Sunday | Indianapolis Zoo | 9 a.m.–noon | Included with Admission The Indianapolis Zoo lowers the sensory load for the morning with adjusted lighting, reduced noise and designated sensory-friendly spaces. The program is designed for guests with sensory sensitivities or anyone who does better with a calmer zoo experience and is included with regular admission and memberships. Hip-Hop Anthology at MacAllister Amphitheater | Garfield Park MacAllister Amphitheater | 4–7 p.m. | FREE Garfield Park's free summer concert series wraps up the weekend with Hip-Hop Anthology at MacAllister Amphitheater. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and catch an afternoon of live music in the park. No matter what you choose, there's plenty of fun to be had this weekend. For even more options, check out our full calendar of Indianapolis family events and our guide to free things to do in Indianapolis this month. Things to do near Indianapolis this weekend (August 7–9, 2026):

things to do this weekend

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