Did you know September is one of the busiest months in Indianapolis for festivals? And woo-ee are there festivals galore around town this weekend. We’ve got our eye on some fun for the fam including a bonus pick-six {football fans, you’ll appreciate that reference now that the Colts are back in action}Â and one for the week ahead.
Here’s a roundup of the top 5 {okay 6!} family-friendly events to check out this weekend…
Zoom over to the Conner Prairie Festival of Machines
September 17-18
Conner Prairie kicks into gear celebrating Indiana’s rich heritage in transportation with this annual festival featuring a 20-plus car display, vintage airplanes, race cars, tractors and tons more. Entry is free with general admission. Don’t forget to stop by the Treetop Outpost while you’re there. Then be sure to hit up the Apple Store.
Castaway with Family Fishing at the Fort
September 17-18
Our friends at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will host a fishing derby this weekend at Fort Harrison State Park. Learn the basics of fishing for free with this friendly and fabulous Fish & Wildlife crew. Requires park admission fee of $7/car. All fishing activities are free – meet at Delaware Lake.
Fly over to the Indy Air Expo
September 17-18
If you can’t make your way to Conner Prairie, the Indy Air Expo – benefitting Shriners Hospital for Children – is also hosting family-friendly fun this weekend with exhibits, vintage and modern aircraft, a car show, a kids area, military re-enactments, vendors, food choices, car show, and much more. Kids ages 15 and under are FREE. Tickets available here.
Arrrr matey: Talk Like A Pirate Day at the Children’s Museum
September 17
Make a stop in the Sunburst Atrium at the Children’s Museum on Saturday to brush up on your pirate lingo, test ‘yer’ knowledge on past pirates, and try to win some booty. Free with paid general admission.
Grab a box of Cheerios at Cereal Cinema
September 17
IC Insider Jeanine visited Cereal Cinema last month so you might find her “holed” up in the front row for this Saturday’s showing of Disney’s The Black Hole. Tickets are $5/pp and include your choice of cereal + a seat in the historic Athenaeum for a viewing of this classic children’s film. Next month’s viewing of Coraline moves to the IMA to coincide with Family Day. Learn more about the bi-monthly Family Days at the IMA.
BONUS WEEKEND EVENT #6! The Hispanic Heritage Fiesta at Zoo
September 18
The Indianapolis Zoo is throwing a fiesta in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month! From 12-4pm, the Zoo will transform into a street fair, with lots of food, family-friendly activities and entertainment. Free with paid general admission.
Honorable mention for the coming week:
- Wednesday, September 21: Free Plant Giveaway on Monument Circle. Make like a tree and ‘leave’ for the Circle at 11am on Wednesday where Engledow will celebrate National Indoor Plant Week with food trucks, giveaways and more to cap the fun off.
Of course, that’s not all that’s on tap for fun this weekend. Discover the rest at the Indy’s Child Calendar of Events! Primary photo of family talking near race car is credited with thanks to our partners at Conner Prairie.
