Annual Indianapolis Events: Year-Round Hoosier Happenings

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Art Events in Indianapolis

Art is of paramount importance to the residents of the sophisticated metropolis called Indianapolis. Take a look in detail at the major Indianapolis art events happening all year long in the circle city:

	Broad Ripple Art Fair One of the favorite fairs in Indianapolis, this event, which benefits the Indianapolis Art Center, draws some 25,000 visitors every year. More than sixty organizations related to the arts combine their vast creativity and energy to create this enormously popular annual event.
	Penrod Art Fair A very special one-day-in-September arts fair, one of the largest such art fairs in the entire nation, held on the stunning Indianapolis Museum of Art grounds.
	Stutz Artists Association Holiday Show This event is a yearly exhibition of work by almost 50 Indianapolis artists, convened in the historic Stutz Art Space Gallery.
	Talbot Street Art Fair Still a unique and fun annual Indianapolis attraction, this fair has been one of the favorites in America for more than fifty years.

Cultural Events in Indianapolis

Indianapolis society, culture and community combine to form the foundation of this diverse city. Here are the major cultural events in Indy:

	The 48 Hour Film Project comes to Indianapolis each summer to test local film makers on how quickly they can think on their feet.
	Art Shows Indianapolis The world of art in Indianapolis is one that residents of the Circle City take very seriously, and Indianapolis art shows are a favorite activity around here.
	Circle City Classic: An important part of the Indiana Black Expo, this event features the best of the best in black college football.
	Fiesta Indianapolis Honoring the large Latino base in Indy and its strong and bountiful history, the “Fiesta” is held in late September annually.
	Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade As enormously attractive as the world-renowned Indianapolis 500-mile race may be, the parade that precedes it every May enjoys nearly an equal footing.
	Indiana Black Expo Circle City Classic This is a wonderful fall festival that draws nearly 200,000 every year to see the very best in black college football.
	Indiana Black Expo Summertime Celebration Eleven fun-packed days that focus on the unique African-American culture in Indianapolis, this is one of Indy’s most popular events.
	Indianapolis Greek Festival Put on by the Indianapolis Greek Orthodox Church, this is the big downtown party just after Labor Day.
	The Indianapolis International Festival celebrates Indiana’s rich cultural heritage.
	Indianapolis Irish Festival Traditional Irish festivities from dawn to night, set in the popular Military Park gathering place.
	Indianapolis Italian Street Festival Held at Stevens and East Streets every June, this colorful, energetic festival celebrates the Italian culture and its pervasive influence in Indiana.
	Indianapolis Middle-Eastern Festival Another colorful summer festival, this one honors the Middle-Eastern culture through its dance, food, music and spirit.
	Indianapolis Pride Festival Thirteen days of summer fun with live entertainment, vendors and a big huge gay and lesbian pride parade.
	Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival A 10-day extravaganza of unconventional performance art, this festival turns Mass Ave into a living stage every summer.
	The INDY Awards are hosted by the Indiana Film Society every other year to showcase, celebrate, and honor Indianapolis filmmakers.
	Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival Each June, Indy citizens gather at Military Park to sample some of the finest wines and foods in Indy, all set to a backdrop of local musical acts.

Holiday Events in Indianapolis

When it’s holiday time in Indianapolis, Hoosiers gather together and warm one another up. Follow the links for tons of information on these Indianapolis holiday events:

The Circle of Lights in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana is a beautiful sight

Circle of Lights Downtown Indianapolis Thousands of people gather every year to witness this stunning holiday tradition at Monument Circle in the heart of Indy.

Miscellaneous Events in Indianapolis

	Indiana Auto Show Huge exhibition of the newest makes and models, plus tons of entertainment, held in the spanking new Indiana Convention Center attached to Lucas Oil Stadium.
	Indiana Flower and Patio Show This dazzling event takes place each Spring at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and is a must for any outdoor lover.
	Indianapolis Home Show If you’re in the market for a new home or simply want to spruce up the one you have, make sure to attend this popular event every January.
	Indiana State Fair If you’re an animal lover, 4-H enthusiast, down-home Country music lover, or any of the above, don’t miss out on this staple of summertime fun in Indiana.

Music Events in Indianapolis

Indianapolis music is right up there with sports, art and family. Here are some of the ongoing, major music events in Indianapolis:

	Drum Corps International World Class Championships The DCI world championships happen over a week in August every year. The competition is always hot among the young participants, age 15 to 21. Drum Corps International makes its home in Indianapolis, Indiana.
	Indy Jazz Festival One of the most popular music festivals held in the Midwest, the Indy Jazz Fest convenes in June every year at Indy’s famous gathering spot, Military Park.
	Indianapolis Early Music Festival A month-long event celebrating the early origins of music and dance in downtown Indianapolis.
	International Violin Competition of Indianapolis A highlight for Indianapolis culture, this contest lasts 17 days and winners take away not only significant prize money, but one of the most highly respected trophies in the field.
	SkyConcert A yearly festival, this is a family favorite of Indy’s many wonderful events. Held in beautiful White River State Park, it’s a big party culminating in fireworks put to music out under the summer sky.
	X-Fest Hosted by WRZX radio station, the X-Fest in Indiana is produced in Indianapolis suburb Noblesville at the nearby Verizon Wireless Center, and draws almost a quarter million music lovers every year.

Sports Events In Indianapolis

In the city that hosts the greatest auto races in the entire world, and one which is also known as the “basketball capitol of the nation,” Indianapolis sports offer huge entertainment. Here are the biggest annual sporting events in Indy:

	500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard This breakfast celebrates the success of the Indy 500 and is where the crowning of the 500 Festival Queen takes place.
	500 Festival Memorial Service An integral part of the 500 Festival and celebrates Memorial Day in Indianapolis by paying tribute to all the Hoosiers who lost their lives in defense of the their country.
	500 Festival Mini-Marathon The largest foot race of its kind in the nation brings in nearly 40,000 participants each year.
	500 Festival Princess Program Thirty-three 500 Festival Princesses are chosen each year as ambassadors of the festival and reign over the festivities surrounding the Indy 500 during the month of May.
	Allstate 400 at the Brickyard NASCAR’s most popular event, the Brickyard 400 is held at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway every year in July.
	Hoosier 100 A USAC event that takes place just west of Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and is one of the most popular events surrounding the legendary Indy 500.
	Indianapolis 500 Mile Race The biggest, splashiest, most-anticipated racing event in the entire world, the Indy 500 is produced annually over the Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
	Indianapolis 500 Festival Inspired by the greatest race on the planet, the Indy 500 Festival puts some 40,000 marathon runners to the test every year in May.
	Miller Lite Carb Day The Friday before the Indy 500, this fun day allows fans to watch the drivers practice and listen to a national musical act perform.
	NCAA Final Four Basketball Tournament AKA “March Madness,” this extremely popular college basketball competition has become a major yearly Spring event.
	Regions 500 Festival Snakepit Ball A glamorous affair complete with dinner and dancing that celebrates Indy’s biggest night in sports, the Indy 500.
	Super Bowl XLVI in 2012 The biggest party on the planet is Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, at the Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.
	Victory Circle Celebration The party that takes place in Victory Circle at the conclusion of the Indy 500, when the winner is awarded the wreath, trophy, and famed sip of milk.

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Matt Bartlett May 19, 2010 at 1:27 pm: Hi,

I would like to put an event on the calendar:

John Deere Drive Green Experience

Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Location: Indy Tractor- 8669 Old State Rd. 67, Mooresville, IN 46158
Time: 12pm-6pm
Contact: Gary Cauble/Ed Burgin- 317-831-1450, g-cauble@indytractorllc.com
Website: http://www.deere.com/en_US/CCE_promo/drive_green/index.html

Building on the success of last year’s Drive Green Utility Tractor program, John Deere announces it is holding Drive Green Tractor Experience events at more than 50 locations across the southern and eastern United States for 2010. The dealer-sponsored events, which kick off in Texas, are designed to give rural property owners, agricultural producers and other interested consumers a chance to operate and ask questions about the latest models of utility tractors and other equipment available from John Deere. This year, the event will showcase a Chip Foose customized John Deere Big Buck 4020 tractor! Visitors who attend the Drive Green event can enter to win the tractor at the John Deere dealership.

Thanks!

Matt Bartlett

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Lori Aberle January 21, 2010 at 3:58 pm: Hi,

Would like to put an event into your calendar of events section, if possible.

20th Annual National Toy Truck ‘N Construction Show & Auction
August 20, 21 & 22, 2010
Formerly the Adam’s Mark Hotel (now it is a Wyndham West)
Indianapolis IN

For more information call (800) 533-8293 or visit our
Web site @ http://www.toytrucker.com

Thank you very much,
Lori Aberle
Show manager,

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Cindy Paul November 17, 2009 at 2:49 pm: Hi Jenn,

Thanks for your comment and the tip on the upcoming Annual “Evening of Elegance” event in Carmel, Indiana. You will find a full article on this fun greater Indianapolis event within the Fun City Finder news pages by going here: http://indianapolis-indiana.funcityfinder.com/2009/11/17/annual-evening-of-elegance/.

Best of luck,
Cindy Paul

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Mike Mecke November 11, 2009 at 1:51 pm: I can find nothing on your Annual Indianapolis Events website….. on on Google, regarding the Miss Indianapolis Beauty Pagent? Has it been dropped? I would not think so in a prominent city?

My mother, the late Aline Epple, won the contest in the late 1920′s or maybe 1930? Does the event have a website or a history site?

Thank you, Mike Mecke

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Jenn Fish October 23, 2009 at 10:26 am: I am writing to have our event included in the Events portion of your website. This will be our 6th Annual Evening of Elegance Fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation. It will be held at the Winslow Aesthetic and Wellness Center (2000 E. 116th St. on Carmel) on Sat, Dec. 5th from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. Thank you very much for your assistance.

This event is free to the public and includes free food and spirits all day, free pampering for all attendees by local beauticians, hair stylists, aestheticians, massage therapists, etc., and a large silent auction of great items on which to bid! We will also have some great shopping from local boutiques and businesses just in time for the holidays. All money raised goes directly to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Come have some fun, get pampered and raise money for a great cause all at once!

Reply