Visit Downtown and save this summer!

Enjoy some local summer fun, right here in Downtown Indianapolis. With gas prices soaring to record highs in Central Indiana, motorists are eager for a little relief. So grab your walking shoes and head Downtown. The days of driving off to those distant summer spots may soon be a fond memory. Fortunately, Downtown is the perfect destination for your new summer vacation tradition.

This summer you can count on Downtown for plenty of exciting and affordable activities. And the best part is that once you get Downtown there's no need to get back in your car. Downtown is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, thanks to a well designed and compact layout, safe and convenient sidewalks, multiple skywalks and more. So don't let rising gas prices affect your summer fun - head Downtown and enjoy!

FREE:

1. Visit Easley Winery Downtown and receive a FREE guided winery tour on Saturdays and Sundays. More than 2,000 wine and grape-related gadgets, home accessories, glasses, wine racks and more are available. You can also enjoy a glass of fine wine and great jazz at the Easley Winery Groovin' in the Garden FREE concert series Tuesdays and Saturdays through September. Local acts perform and carryout is available from a variety of Downtown restaurants. Visit www.easleywine.com for more information.

2. Head to the Canal for numerous outdoor concerts. Visit the Indiana History Center and enjoy FREE Lunchtime Concerts on the Canal every second and fourth Friday in June, July & August from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Also, spend Thursday evenings at the Indiana Historical Society's Concerts on the Canal! Enjoy FREE musical performances along the canal plaza. Bring your own chairs and blankets or reserve a table. Concerts take place every Thursday now through Aug. 28, 6 - 8 p.m. (except July 3) and July 4 from 4:30 - 9:30 p.m. Log on to www.indianahistory.org for more information.

3. If it's outdoor public art you enjoy, stroll along Massachusetts Avenue and admire talent of many different artists. The Mass Ave Arts & Theater Cultural District boasts unique, one-of-a-kind art in various locations that can't be found anywhere else in Indianapolis. Find out more at www.discovermassave.com.

4. Take the FREE guided walks through Indianapolis Museum of Art's beautiful 152 acres of gardens and grounds. These Garden Walks tours are offered now through September on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm. Tours meet at the main visitor entrance to the Lilly House. The museum itself is also FREE. For more information, visit www.imamuseum.org.

5. Located above the busy intersection of Washington and Illinois streets is the Indianapolis Artsgarden, a unique glass-domed structure suspended 17 feet over street level and rising to 95 feet above the ground. Owned and operated by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the Artsgarden provides residents and visitors with more than 300 FREE arts performances and exhibits each year. Visit www.indyarts.org for more details.

6. In an Old World atmosphere, the Indianapolis City Market hosts approximately 50 shops and restaurants offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, flowers and imported foods and coffees. A variety of food stands offer traditional, ethnic and specialty cuisines. Also enjoy live outdoor music every Thursday this summer at Acoustic Unplugged from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Be sure to come back on Friday afternoons for the Indy Parks Series starting at 1 p.m. July 6 - Aug. 29. Check out www.indianapoliscitymarket.com for more information.

7. Come to the Italian Street Festival and enjoy more than 25 different pastas, Italian meats, desserts and more at this delicious celebration of Italian culture! Be sure not to miss it June 13 & 14 at the corner of East Street and Stevens Street. On Saturday there is an early afternoon Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Later in the day an Italian religious procession takes place, followed by a second mass. For more details, visit www.italianheritage.org/streetfestival.htm .

8. Visit Talbot Street and the Talbot Street Art Fair June 14 & June 15 for an art selection like none other! Browse and buy art from more than 250 artists around the United States. Enjoy live entertainment and food booths lining the historic street all for FREE. Log on to www.talbotstreet.org for more information.

9. Don't miss the White River State Park Free Family Art Series June 14 - Sept. 26. Enjoy fresh air and fun at this FREE concert series held at the Celebration Amphitheatre in White River State Park. Bring the entire family, blankets and a picnic! Food and drinks are available for purchase on site. Visitors are also welcome to relax or enjoy a picnic in the area when no events are taking place. Log on to www.inwhiteriver.com for more details.

10. Military Park will be buzzing with action June 28 for El Dia De La Familia! This event offers a day of Hispanic music from national, regional and local entertainers. Visitors can sample cuisine from Mexico, Peru, the Caribbean and other places. A family area with food and activities will also be available. Check out www.wedjfm.com.

11. Celebrate Independence Day with a bang … or a blast! Don't miss the Regions Bank Freedom Blast on July 4. See Indy's largest fireworks display, shooting from the top of the Region's Bank Tower! This fantastic fireworks show is a local tradition and favorite activity! Bring the entire family Downtown for food, music and fun that lasts all day and ends in an amazing fireworks display after dusk.

12. The Indiana Avenue Blues and Bar-B-Q Family Reunion Festival is a FREE festival that celebrates the rebirth of the glory days of Indiana Avenue. It all takes place July 11 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. Log on to www.walkertheatre.com for more details.

13. Relax and enjoy Movies in the Park at the Indiana Historical Society, a movie series offered on select Fridays during August and September. Screenings begin at dusk on the Canal Plaza. Admission is FREE with FREE table seating available. Log on to www.indianahistory.org for details.

14. Don't miss a Taste of Downtown, a FREE Downtown street festival on Aug. 9. The festival takes place on College Avenue between Ohio and New York streets. Enjoy delicious wine, specialties from numerous Downtown restaurants and live music featuring Tastes Like Chicken, Toy Factory and The Tides. Approximately 20 restaurants will serve food in sample portions for $5. For more information, visit www.easleywinery.com

15. Celebrate the end of summer at HANK's Advantage Health SkyConcert on Aug. 30. Enjoy great food, cold drinks, entertainment and even a play area for the kids! This FREE annual celebration will take place in White River State Park. More information is available online at www.hankfm.com.

16. If you want to take your family on a historical journey, Downtown Indianapolis is the place to explore. Indianapolis has the second largest number of war memorials in the U.S. next to Washington, D.C. Visit the top of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument on Monument Circle and get a top-notch view of the city. There is a $1 fee to use the elevator. Learn more about Indiana veterans and their history at www.in.gov/iwm.

17. Visit the Biergarden at the Rathskeller. This outdoor venue is one of the hottest spots in Indianapolis during the summer. Enjoy a full service walk-up bar, gourmet pub style food and no cover charge. The Biergarden features live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday. Log on to www.rathskeller.com for more details.

18. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis was ranked the #1 museum in the Midwest by FamilyFun magazine and Best Children's Museum in the Nation by Child magazine in 2002. Attracting a million adults and children per year, this five-story museum houses 110,000 artifacts, the largest collection of any youth museum in the world. The museum is open FREE for families the first Thursday of each month from 4 - 8 p.m. Check out www.childrensmuseum.org.

19. Visit Crackers Comedy Club and see the stars of tomorrow as national, regional and local comedians appear weekly at this nightclub/restaurant. Partake of the full service bar and munchies menu as you enjoy comedians that appeal to all audiences. Wednesday is Ladies Night...admission is FREE for all Ladies! Thursday is College I.D. Night...admission is $5 with College I.D. Log on to www.crackerscomedy.com for more details.

    $15 and under:
    

20. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is one of only two museums east of the Mississippi that showcases Native-American and Western art. The museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world, including traditional and contemporary work. Students and faculty of IUPUI receive FREE admission. www.eiteljorg.org.

21. The Indiana State Museum in Downtown's White River State Park is the crossroads of everything interesting, educational and unique about the state. The Indiana State Museum features original works of art, hands-on exhibits devoted to Hoosier culture, science and history, an innovative gallery on Indiana's future and an atmosphere that invites discovery and exploration. The museum honors Community Tuesdays by offering a 50 percent discount on all standard museum admission tickets on the first Tuesday of each month. Learn more at www.indianamuseum.org.

22. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Come see them all at the Indianapolis Zoo, the nation's only accredited combined zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Be sure to check out the visiting cuddly koalas before Labor Day. Each Thursday evening from July 17 to Aug. 21 enjoy the big sounds of Animals and All That Jazz, a fun-filled, laid back event where guests of all ages can enjoy the animals, great music, Zoo mascots, small animal greets and additional food offerings. Also, enjoy the Zoo at nearly half-priced ($7) every first Tuesday of the month for Community Tuesday. Visit www.indyzoo.org to learn more.

23. Hit a homerun with your family by bringing them to Victory Field to cheer the Indianapolis Indians on to victory! Voted the "Best Minor League Ballpark in America" by Sports Illustrated, Victory Field is the place to be. Ticket prices range from $8 - $13, making this sporting event fun and affordable. Enjoy promotions like Friday Night Fireworks, Monday Dollar menu and FREE giveaways all summer long. Visit www.indyindians.com for more details.

24. The IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum is a 404-seat theater specializing in 3D and 2D films projected onto a giant six-story-tall screen. Featuring cutting-edge technology, films in the theatre are a one-of-a-kind experience for any visitor. Log on to www.imax.com/indy for more details.

25. 16th Annual Indian Market welcomes approximately 140 Native American artists from 60 tribes around the United States June 21& 22. Immerse yourself into the artwork, food and traditions of Native American cultures at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art. Participants will showcase some of the finest traditional and contemporary pottery, painting, sculpture, jewelry and cultural items. Ticket prices are $10 per adult; $8 in advance; children 17 and under are FREE. For more information, log on to www.eiteljorg.org.

26. The Indiana Black Expo presents the 38th annual Summer Celebration July 10 - 20 at the Indiana Convention Center and various Downtown venues. 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! Convention Center admission is $10; $8 in advance and $20 for a three day pass. For more information, log on to www.indianablackexpo.com.

27. Mass Ave Theatre and IndyFringe Festival is a big, bold and bodacious celebration of alternative theatre and performance arts on Mass Ave! This splashy spectacle takes place Aug. 22 - 31. Enjoy more than 300 artists perform more than 50 unique, cutting-edge stage productions in six theatres featuring dance, drama, comedy, music, magic and cabaret. Ticket prices for IndyFringe are $10 per person, per show. A $3 one-time festival badge is required onsite during the festival, good for all 10 days. Visit www.indyfringe.org.

28. Stop by and smell the barbeque at the 13th annual Rib America Festival … and taste it while you are there! Award-winning vendors will offer the best-of-the-best ribs! Be sure to head to Military Park Aug. 29 - Sept. 1 for a fulfilling weekend. Don't miss Peter Frampton, The Elms, Ted Nugent and other performances all weekend long. Admission is FREE before 1 p.m. A $5 admission charge will apply after 1 p.m. Children 12 and under receive FREE admission at all times. For more information, log on to www.ribamerica.com.

29. Jillian's is complete with bowling, billiards, video games, great food and more. Make plans to play the day away! Come in for the Play With Your Food Deal Combo. For only $14.99, you will get a Jillian's entrée and a $10 game card! Bring your friends and family for a fun night out! Log on to www.jilliansbilliards.com for more details.

30. Located in the heart of the Mass Ave Arts and Theater District, ComedySportz Indianapolis is team competitive improvisation. No, it's not comedy about sports, it's comedy played as a sport! Two teams of improvisational "actletes" compete against each other for points by playing improv games based on audience suggestions. Ticket prices are $15 per adult; $12 for students and seniors; $8 for children 5 -11 and FREE for children 4 and under. Check out www.indycomedysportz.com for more information.

31. Scholars Inn (SI) Restaurant and Lounge was recently renovated and reflects a warmer, more intimate atmosphere. The bar area was converted to an ultra-lounge complete with new upscale lighting, furniture and décor. Those wanting to enjoy SI on a budget can take advantage of weekly specials, including half-priced bottles of wine on Mondays, half-priced appetizers on Tuesdays, Community Night on Wednesdays and half-priced martinis every night of summer. For more information, visit www.scholarsinn.com.

    $35 and under:
    

32. A magnificent view of Downtown can be found on the Canal located in an urban park in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis. Explore the district by bike or by boat. Bikes include surreys, choppers, scooters and more! Bike prices range from $5 - $24. Wheel Fun Rental Company also offers manual and electrically powered pedal boats in various sizes from $10 - $25 and is open now through October. Check out www.discovercanal.com.

33. Don't miss the Indy Jazz Fest presented by Kroger June 13-15 in Military Park. Listen to the best of jazz with performances by music legends Buddy Guy, John Legend, Dave Koz and other great artists! Ticket prices are $25 in advance and $35 on event days. Three-day passes are available for $65 and children 14 years and under will be admitted free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. For more details, log on to www.indyjazzfest.net.

34. The Phoenix Theatre Brew-Ha-Ha is an annual benefit for the Phoenix Theatre. The outdoor block party features samples of the best brews from local, regional and national microbreweries, as well as entertainment from the hottest local bands. This year's event will take place June 21 in the 700 block of North Park Avenue between Mass Ave and St. Clair Street. Tickets are $25 at the gate and $20 in advance through the Phoenix Theatre box office. Call 317.635.PLAY (635.7529) for tickets or visit www.phoenixtheatre.org.

35. Be transported to another era in time with Action Duckpin Bowl in the Fountain Square Theatre Building. In addition to the eight lanes of bowling, Action Bowl has a café area with a vintage pool table. Windows surround the cafe for a magnificent view of Downtown Indianapolis. Open bowling lane rental is $30 per hour per lane, and bowling shoes are provided for FREE. Visit www.fountainsquareindy.com for more information.

Want to skip the drive all together? Learn the benefits and opportunities of living right Downtown in the Circle City! Discover more at http://www.indydt.com/livebackgrounder.html

***Note - Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. representatives are available for interviews. ***