Come celebrate Independence Day Downtown!
Cold ice cream on a hot summer day is always enticing, especially when it’s the Fourth of July! Satisfy your cold craving at the 33rd Annual Ice Cream Social at the President Benjamin Harrison Home. Before the fireworks, take your family to explore the historic Downtown Canal at FamilyFest hosted by The Canal and White River State Park. Enjoy live musical performances, art activities, face painting, games and much more! Then head to Victory Field to root for the home team as your Indianapolis Indians take on the Louisville Bats. Immediately following the game is Victory Field’s own firework display, and then fans are then encouraged to stay for a captivating look at Indy’s own Regions Bank Freedom Blast firework show beginning at 9:47 p.m.
Summer sounds
It’s that time of year again, and the summer concert season is in full bloom! Head to the WhiteLies Lawn at the White River State Park and listen to the hilarious parodies of “Weird Al” Yankovic July 3. Then come back July 18 for Umphrey’s McGee and STS9.
Don’t miss your favorite Idols on July 22 when the American Idols Live tour comes to Conseco Fieldhouse. You can also listen to the head banging beats of the Foo Fighters July 23 or the soft rock sounds of Neil Diamond July 29.
Tired of the same ol’ brown bag lunch? Try something new besides that ham and cheese sandwich -- Lunchtime Concerts on the Canal! Every Wednesday on the Canal the Indiana Historical Society will host concerts for all to enjoy.
Enjoy a glass of fine wine and great jazz at the Easley Winery Groovin’ in the Garden concert series Tuesdays and Saturdays through September. Awesome local acts play and great carryout from a variety of Downtown restaurants is available.
Animals and All That Jazz concerts take place at the Indianapolis Zoo July 17, 24 & 31 and Aug. 7, 14 & 21. The concert series offers a rare chance to experience the ambiance of the Zoo after hours. Still haven’t had your fill of jazz? Head to Indiana Avenue July 25 to enjoy Jazz On the Avenue: James Bell at the Madame Walker Theatre Center.
Creativity Downtown
Downtown is the place to explore your artistic side! Visit the Eiteljorg Museum of Indians and Western Art July 5 for an authentic Indian Drum-Making Workshop. Make sure to participate in the Community Drumming Circle.
Enjoy beautiful, original pieces of art outdoors! In late July, nationally renowned artist Chakaia Booker will display at least nine original, site-specific sculptures for a temporary public art exhibition Downtown.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art will host the World Language Tour July 10 and 24 and Living Forever in Ancient Egypt July 13. Be sure to visit the IMA again for Summer Nights Films: July 4: Glory, July 11 The Rocky Horror Picture Show, July 18 The Mummy and July 25 The Big Lebowski.
Festivals, food and fun
The Indiana Black Expo presents the 38th annual Summer Celebration July 10 – 20 at the Indiana Convention Center and various Downtown venues. Summer Celebration is now the largest African-American event in the nation, with more than 300,000 people in attendance. Enjoy everything from live music at the Music Heritage Festivals to exciting youth activities. Also take advantage of business workshops, employment opportunities, health fairs, cultural pavilions, various exhibits and more! Indiana Black Expo was formed to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans.
Head to Indiana Avenue Blues and Bar-B-Q Family Reunion Festival July 11 for a taste of soulful blues and mouth-watering Bar-B-Q! It all takes place on the grounds of the historic Madame Walker Theatre Centre. The day will be filled with exciting activities for families as well as performances by Rhythm and Blues legends. After you’ve had your fill of blues stop by Monument Circle Downtown, and grab a refreshing sundae at the American Dairy Association Annual Ice Cream Social.
Summer sports heat up Downtown
Head Downtown for some good old fashioned baseball! The Indianapolis Indians have a jam-packed schedule filled with home games for the month of July. Enjoy ball park favorites as you cheer the Indians to victory all summer long!
Catch the Fever – the Indiana Fever that is – at Conseco Fieldhouse. Come cheer on the ladies as they take on their opponents! The Indiana Fever will heat up the home court four times this month: July 2, 12, 18 and 24.
Switch gears and speed things up – it’s race time! Bring the family Downtown to experience Dodge Racers on the Circle July 24. This fan event features food, drinks, music and fun for the entire family. Then be sure to race over to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard July 27. This world-class event will accelerate your desire for Indy racing!
SI Restaurant and Lounge opened for lunch in June, Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner continues Monday – Saturday starting at 5 p.m. and Sunday brunch is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. SI is offering half-priced bottles of wine on Mondays, half-priced appetizers on Tuesdays and half-priced martinis every night, all summer long.
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For more information about any of these events or IDI programs, please contact Jennifer Hanson at 237.2202 or Megan Bulla at 237.2207.
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