100 FunThings to Do in Indianapolis

Architectural Tours

Touring the Scottish Rite Cathedral is an impressive 212 feet and houses a 54-bell carillon. In addition to the detailed craftsmanship showcased by the many stained-glass windows and opulent carved woodwork, patterned ceilings offer a glimpse of the hours of artistry that went into creating the Cathedral. In the last few years the temple has drawn an impressive 100,000 visitors a year. It is a prime example of Historic Indianapolis Architecture.

Arts

The Harrison Center for the Arts is home to 21 Indianapolis artists who, through private tours and events such as the First Friday gallery tours of the Indianapolis Downtown Artist and Dealers Association (IDADA), share their craft with over 30,000 visitors a year. It is one of the meccas of Indianapolis art.
The Indianapolis Art Center exhibits art made by working artists, runs a gift shop that offers refreshingly artistic gifts made by the resident artists, and employs professional artists to teach their community outreach classes. Its vast 40,000 square foot halls and the enormous property itself can be divided into the Marilyn K. Glick School of Art, the Cultural Complex and ARTSPARK, a huge studio without walls occupying twelve acres that contain interactive and stimulating sculptures.
Indianapolis Art Center Artspark – The Indianapolis Art Center Artspark is a wonderful composition of nature and art, where Indianapolis residents and visitors can stroll, relax and observe sculptures in an open air setting. The Artspark exibit defies the restrictions of traditional Indianapolis art. It is one of several locations where you can find Indianapolis Outdoor Art Exhibits.

Attractions

Hoosier Park – If you’re visiting Anderson, Indiana, be sure to put Hoosier Park at the top of your list of Anderson attractions. This is a premier simulcast thoroughbred racetrack and a 24-hour casino with all the professional table games and slots. In the casino, there are always special Anderson events and promotions, and dining at Hoosier Park is top notch. Get the VIP treatment at Hoosier Park.
Indiana Downs – Indiana Downs opened in 2002 and has been hosting intense races ever since. Indiana Downs offers live horse racing on its track a few select days throughout the year, including thoroughbred, quarter horse, and harness meets. Betting is done in pari-mutuel style, where bets are calculated in a pool; odds can fluctuate from hour to hour, creating an electric betting atmosphere.
Indiana Live Casino – Try your luck at one of the 1,800 slot machines, try not to bust at the electronic Blackjack tables, exploit your opponents’ tell at either the three card poker tables or the state of the art, fully automated Poker Room, or cross your fingers and hope your number is called at an electronic roulette table.
Indiana War Memorial Plaza – On the Indiana War Memorial grounds, which occupy a full six city blocks, there are three parks and some 24 acres of awe-inspiring statues, monuments, fountains and sculptures. Some of the greater monuments and memorials in the Indiana War Memorial include the Indiana War Memorial Museum, Veterans Memorial Plaza, the American Legion Plaza, the U.S.S. Indianapolis Memorial, and many more.
Indianapolis Artsgarden – Soaring almost 100 feet into the air of busy downtown Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Artsgarden is considered by many to be the quintessential performance and Indianapolis event venue, with its high glass walls, bright and airy atmosphere, and easy access to the hub of Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Canal Walk – The Indianapolis Canal Walk serves as a true connection between the serenity of the park and the bustle of downtown. A variety of interesting architecture awaits visitors to the Indianapolis Central Canal along the Canal Walk’s waterside promenade, like fountains, waterfalls, bridges, and murals done by Indianapolis artists.
Indy Greenways – The Indy Greenways constitute the metropolitan recreational trail system which serves to connect Marion County and the metropolis of Indianapolis via walking, jogging and running paths. Indianapolis has nearly 40 miles of greenway trails meandering through sites of Indianapolis history, streams, old railway corridors and beautiful, mature green spaces.
Indianapolis Zoo – A world-class zoological garden, the Indianapolis Zoo is also the only such institution that also offers an aquarium and a botanical garden. Every year, about a million and a half visitors come to enjoy the Indianapolis Zoo and the huge number of Indianapolis things to do it has, and the Zoo is able to entertain, educate and enlighten them all.
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument – One of the single most recognized landmarks in Indianapolis, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument sits on Monument Circle. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument serves as a memorial to the soldiers and sailors who fought in the American Revolution, the Mexican-American War, the U.S. Civil War, and the Spanish-American War. It rises to a height of nearly 285 feet, just five yards shorter than the Statue of Liberty. It is one of several Indianapolis monuments and memorials.

Automotive / Cars

Track Attack Racing School – If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to zoom around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway behind the wheel of a low-slung sports car going over 100 miles an hour, Track Attack Racing School gives you the chance to learn.

Bars, Clubs & Nightlife

Après Jack’s – If you’re looking for a place to get away from noise and energy of downtown Indianapolis, a place with dim lighting, drinks any liquor connoisseur would drool over, and a chill ambiance, the place to be is Après Jack’s, a martini and cognac bar located on the north side of Indianapolis.
Birdy’s Bar & Grill – One of the most popular rock clubs in Indianapolis, Birdy’s claims to be “Rock & Roll’s Nesting Grounds.” As the slogan implies, they present regular live music, featuring several bands a night, making them a favorite draw for Indianapolis music. The venue hosts all sorts of different bands, from national acts like The Detroit Cobras to local Indianapolis bands like Glass Halo.
Blu Lounge – Blu Lounge, in vibrant downtown Indianapolis, is the perfect martini bar, a place to unwind, listen to music, or spoil yourself and some friends in a private VIP lounge with elegant bottle service to your table. You and your party will get a taste of the best Indy has to offer there, as well as a wide range of signature Indianapolis music which includes reggae, hip-hop, mixes and more.
Chatterbox Jazz Club – A staple of the Mass Ave cultural district, Chatterbox Jazz Club has been around for 25 years. The club routinely hosts legends of Indianapolis jazz and virtuosos from around the world. Come cook with the greatest in Indianapolis jazz, including Cathy Morris and Frank Glover, at the Chatterbox Jazz Club.
Comedy Clubs in Indianapolis – Indianapolis comedy clubs prescribe the best medicine possible; all over Indy people are taking their daily dose of funny at any of these hilarious hot spots. Favorite comedy clubs in Indianapolis include Crackers Comedy Club, Comedy Sportz Arena, and Morty’s Comedy Joint.
The Jazz Kitchen is serving up salsa, and not the kind you eat! Latin Dance Party is one of the city’s spiciest dance nights, regardless of which language you speak. But do be advised: This will require getting off the couch and living life a little. The fun takes place every Thursday, as guests are treated to some of the best Latin music in Central Indiana. You say you don’t know how to Salsa? No problem.
Talbott Street Nightclub – In 2002, from humble bohemian roots, the Talbott Street Nightclub as it is today was born: rowdy, energetic, outrageous, and just plain fun. The focus of this Indianapolis bar is definitely dancing; a huge dance floor, lots of multi-colored lights, and thumping beats are commonplace here; the Talbott Street Nightclub hosts some of the best DJs in Indianapolis.
The Ugly Monkey – The Ugly Monkey in Indianapolis proves that you don’t have to be a beautiful primate to have a good time. The bar has won numerous awards from NUVO Newsweekly, including Best Bar for Singles, Best Karaoke Bar, and Best Drink Specials. A great place to dance the night away, the Ugly Monkey has three different areas to relax, have fun, and party with your friends in addition to a great food menu and lots of live music and events. It is one of several Indianapolis bars.
Upper Room Martini Bar – Indianapolis Monthly and NUVO Newsweekly both voted the Upper Room the “Best New Bar” when it first exploded on the Indianapolis nightlife scene, and it’s only gotten more popular since then. Great music, subdued lighting and non-intrusive service combine at the Upper Room Martini Bar to encourage the enjoyment of the simple things in life: an excellent martini, a fabulous cigar, and some perfect music.
Slippery Noodle Inn – With no fancy tiling on the floor, no delicate sconces in sight on the walls, and no 1000-thread tablecloths, there’s nothing to distract you from enjoying the music, food, booze, and good company at the Slippery Noodle Inn, Indiana’s oldest bar and the site of some of the best jazz and blues in Indianapolis.
TRU Nightclub – Three different bar areas allow patrons a different party experience every night: the Envy Martini Lounge is a refined conversational haven, Club Level gets you in the elemental spirit of sweaty dancing, and the VIP Mezzanine allows you to pass the evening in style. Cheap drink specials and an always energetic crowd make TRU Nightclub one of the hottest Indianapolis attractions, no matter what your party inclination is.

Children’s

Ben and Ari’s Fun Center – For a fun-filled day, Ben & Ari’s Fun Center is one of the premier hot spots for Indianapolis kids and family fun in Fishers, Indiana. With two designer golf courses and 2 lanes of mini pin bowling, as well as an arcade and cafe, Ben & Ari’s is a not-to-be-missed Fishers attraction voted a “Best of” in the Indy area. (Also see “Activities Centers for Kids“.)

Cultural Districts

Broad Ripple Village – Broad Ripple Village is one of the most active Indianapolis cultural districts, with a great assortment of art galleries, Indianapolis bars, and plenty of great spots to just sit back and pass the time. It’s the home of the Indianapolis Art Center, nature areas like Broad Ripple Park, specialty shops like the French Pharmacie, cool music bars like The Red Room, Broad Ripple Tavern, The Vogue, and The Casba, and much, much more.
Fountain Square – Fountain Square, the birthplace of Indianapolis theatre, is in the process of blossoming into its own, with new Indianapolis art galleries, Indianapolis shopping and unique businesses at every turn. Inside the historic Theatre Building, visitors will find duckpin bowling, dining and swing dancing, and outside there are several art galleries, such as the Alias Gallery, the Big Car Gallery, the Galerie Penumbra and the Domont Studio. Offbeat and just a little funky, this district’s slogan is “anything but square!”
See all Cultural District things to do.

Day Trips

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Auto Museum – The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum opened its doors in 1974 in Auburn, Indiana, and it’s now one the National Register of Historic Places. More than 100 cars are on display and many of them were made right around the Circle City, some were even built by Indianapolis businesses. Classic car lovers could get lost in this museum and escape for hours, traveling through automotive history.
Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campgrounds – Bean Blossom, Indiana is a historic bluegrass mecca in the Hoosier State, known as the unofficial bluegrass capital of the world. The campground is the site of the Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival, the longest continually bluegrass fest in the world. Every summer for more than 40 years, bluegrass greats and great bluegrass fans visit the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground in Bean Blossom.
Chateau Thomas Winery – Chateau Thomas Winery features a tasting room, wine bar, veranda area, gift shop and banquet hall. The Indiana winery‘s tasting room and wine bar are open to the public daily. This Plainfield attraction is perfect for a romantic evening, a gathering with friends or a relaxing afternoon full of wines to taste and Plainfield things to do. It is just one of several Indiana Wineries.
Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyards – Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards is an institution in the Hoosier State and continues to be one of the Midwest’s most-visited wineries. The Hubers are committed to growing not only the best quality of grapes for their customers, but also to growing the biggest variety. 18 different kinds of grapes are planted in the vineyards, allowing for a long line of unusual and tasty varieties that grace the wine list.

Fairs, Festivals, Celebrations & Expos

Indiana State Fair near downtown Indianapolis, Indiana

Indiana State Fairgrounds – The Indiana State Fairgrounds host 52 permanent buildings, plus race tracks, parking lots, and fields for the yearly midway, all of which occupy 238 acres of land. While the fairgrounds host a wide variety of events and exhibits throughout the year, its main function remains a hosting site for the Indiana State Fair.

Food & Dining

Easley Winery – This Indiana winery is open for tastings and tours seven days a week, and also participates in Indianapolis festivals and events throughout the Circle City. The small, family owned Indianapolis business is featured annually at the eagerly anticipated Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival, which takes place in beautiful Military Park in downtown Indianapolis.

Golf Courses

Brickyard Crossing – Designed by legendary golf course architect Pete Dye, Brickyard Crossing is one of the most famous and renowned public courses in the United States. Four of the course’s 18 holes are located inside the walls of the track. Where else do you get the chance to golf in a place where history is made every year? It is one of several Indianapolis Golf Courses.
Purgatory Golf Club – Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, Indiana has attained well deserved honors. Golf Week magazine chose it as the top course in the state of Indiana. It made the United States‘ top 100 in Golf Digest magazine’s Greatest Public Courses list, and ranked in the Top Fifty women’s golf courses in Golf for Women magazine on several occasions.

Historic

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Home – Stately and majestic, set off from the bustling city of present-day Indy by sprawling, manicured lawns and long-established gardens with trees towering above the third story, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Home has long been on the list of visitors’ favorite things to do in Indianapolis. The former home of U.S. President Benjamin Harrison is not just any old historic home; special events and guided tours bring history to life at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Home.
Cullbertson Mansion – Atop a small hill in New Albany, Indiana, not far from Indianapolis, sits one of the Hoosier state’s most bone-chilling attractions, known as Cullbertson Mansion. This historic house has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a place for the Cullbertson family’s servants and horse and buggy to reside. It’s now one of the most-visited Indiana Haunted Houses.
Downtown Danville, Indiana – Downtown Danville is chock full of historic landmarks, unique locally owned shops, and some really fun family oriented events. History buffs can take in sights at the Hendricks County Courthouse (erected in 1907) and the Hendricks County Museum, then grab a bite at the Mayberry Cafe, a 50′s era diner that catapults guests back to an era long gone. It is one of several Historic Downtowns Near Indianapolis.
Downtown Martinsville, Indiana – Downtown Martinsville is one of the most historic downtowns in the Midwest. Completed in 1859, Martinsville’s Morgan County Courthouse is one of a startling few ante bellum courthouses left in the United States. Martinsville is home to tons of other historic sites, like the Old Morgan County Jail, the Grassyfork Fisheries Office, the Goethe Link Observatory (currently operated by Indiana University), and the Martinsville Sanitarium, one of the last legacies of the town’s tourist past.
Historic Hannah House – Right here in Indianapolis sits one of the Hoosier state’s most ominous attractions, known as the Historic Hannah House. Built in 1858 by prominent public figure Alexander Hannah, this dark building is rich with tradition and shrouded in mystery, making it one of the most-visited haunted houses in Indiana. It is one of several Indianapolis Historic Homes.
Morris-Butler House Museum – The experience you’ll have visiting the Morris-Butler House Museum is one of storytelling and history. Take a walk through the formal parlor, private living quarters, and Victorian era kitchen and washroom. Marvel at the history of rare furnishings, stenciled ceilings, and elaborate wallpapers and plasterwork. Seize the opportunity to appreciate Victorian era sculptures, paintings, and lithographs from all over the world. Visit the Morris-Butler House Museum in Indianapolis.

Museums

Conner Prairie Living History Museum – Conner Prairie, named for Fishers’ original settler, is a living history museum that represents 19th century life. Complete with a pioneer village and period residents, Conner Prairie receives visitors from all over Central Indiana.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art – The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, founded in 1989, features a wide variety Western and Native American art and cultural exhibits. Originally the collection of Harrison Eiteljorg, this Indianapolis museum has since expanded to three massive galleries.
Freetown Village – Freetown Village brings to life African American culture during the end of the 19th Century. Just after the Civil War ended, thousands of black families were discovering freedom for the first time. At Freetown Village Inc. you and your family can see this piece of history illuminated by real people!
Indianapolis Children’s Museum – One of the foremost museums of its kind in the world, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum is a respected, family-oriented facility founded in 1925. There is no larger children’s museum, and this is a sought-after venue for displays, shows, Indianapolis events and age-specific activities aimed at pleasing every member of the family.
Indianapolis Museum of Art – The Indianapolis Museum of Art offers the best in Indianapolis art, Indianapolis culture, and just plain good entertainment to the Indianapolis community. This Indianapolis museum is proud to be one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States; it is the home of the Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, the Lilly House, and the Gardens at the IMA.
Indiana State Museum – The primary goal of this Indianapolis museum is to collect, preserve, and interpret for the public the cultural and natural history of the state of Indiana.
Indiana Transportation Museum – This remarkable facility contains several authentic examples of heavy locomotives, freight cars, passenger coaches and cabooses. The Indiana Transportation Museum, through an all-volunteer staff of dedicated railroad devotees, offers excursion train rides to the public on the former railroad line built for the Indianapolis and Peru Railroad Company.
Museum of Miniature Houses – The Museum of Miniature Houses & Other Collections is a small museum in Carmel, Indiana dedicated to the art of miniatures. With both continuing and special exhibits that include antique and modern dollhouses, miniature vignettes and box scenes, handcrafted miniature art, and miniature furniture, the CSI “miniature killer” has nothing on this museum’s displays.
Sullivan Munce Museum and Cultural Center – Founded in 1973, the Sullivan Munce Museum is a destination for participating in art, history in genealogy. The museum is home to exhibition galleries, a genealogy library, archives and meeting rooms for Zionsville community groups.

Music & Concert

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra – The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the biggest performing arts organization in the state of Indiana, is an asset to the citizens of Indianapolis with its year round concert schedule, wide array of performances, and community outreach programs. The orchestra performs over 200 performances for over 350,000 Indianapolis music lovers annually. It is one of several Indianapolis Musical Organizations.

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra – The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra consists of thirty-five professional musicians, all highly trained professionals who are chosen through an audition process to be members of the orchestra. Many of the musicians in the orchestra are professors in secondary education

Parks

Brown County State Park – Brown County State Park stretches on for 15,696 acres, making it the largest Indiana park by far. It features more than twenty miles of hiking trails that range from easy to rugged, and range from .5 miles to 3 miles in length. Parts of the trails even take visitors to the Knobstone Escarpment, an area known to be the most rugged region in the state.
Broad Ripple Park – Broad Ripple Park is the site of two sheltered picnic areas, a playground for young kids, a regulation baseball diamond and multi-use athletic field, a dog bark park and a convenient ramp for boat access into the White River.
Canal and White River State Park – White River State Park is the nation’s only urban state park and provides a wide variety of fun from its many attractions and entertainment options, including the White River Gardens, the Hilbert Conservatory, the Indianapolis Canal Walk, and the Indianapolis Zoo.
Eagle Creek Park – Eagle Creek Park is an urban park inside metropolitan Indianapolis, Indiana. It offers hiking, biking, boating and swimming, plus lovely wooded expanses throughout this largest of all the many parks in Indianapolis. Indeed, it is the sixth largest municipal park in the nation.
Fairbanks Art and Nature Park – The Fairbanks Art and Nature Park in Indianapolis consists of 100 acres of natural meadows, woods, wetlands and a large lake, located next to the famous Indianapolis Museum of Art. Followed on one border by the beautiful White River, this wonderful community treasure is being developed to be one of the country’s largest art parks and a center for Indianapolis arts.
Forest Park Aquatic Center – The Forest Park Aquatic Center in Noblesville, Indiana is a first-class facility with a heated, 10-lane Olympic sized pool and lots of amenities for Indianapolis kids. The pool is newly revamped, with a brand new lining and a new climbing wall. The pool also contains the “Wall of Water,” the new “Splash Pad,”, “Fast Freddie” (a great, twisty water slide Noblesville children adore), “Leapin’ Lizzie,” the Center’s bright pink frog slide, geysers and tons of room to lounge under the oversized umbrellas.
Fort Harrison State Park – Fort Harrison State Park was constructed in 1908 as a commissioned United States Army post named Fort Benjamin Harrison (sometimes affectionately known as “Fort Ben”). The park is now comprised of 1,700 acres of well cared for, meticulously regenerated parklands, water parks, preserves, trails, picnic areas, buildings, and special grounds, including the Fort Golf Course.
Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden – The tropical flowers, flowing waterfall and tranquil fish pond at the Garfield Park Conservatory will allow you to escape into a place of peace and introspection. The Sunken Garden outside allows visitors to stroll through a grassy, landscaped lawn filled with walkways and three fountains.
Greattimes Family Fun Park – Greatimes Family Fun Park is an amusement park that covers five acres and encompasses 22,000 feet of indoor, climate-controlled, multi level fun. It has bumper boats, arcades, go-karts, batting cages, miniature golf, food services, groups services, and over 5,000 feet of play area set aside for climbers, runners, sliders and all those small humans with infinite energy.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park – More than 15 miles of beautiful beaches and breathtaking sand dunes stretch across northwest Indiana along Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park. There really is something for everyone at the historical, educational and downright fun Indiana Dunes. It is one of several Indiana State Parks.
Indianapolis Cultural Trail – The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is a bike friendly, pedestrian friendly, Segway friendly, stroller friendly, almost anything friendly path that will eventually connect many of the Indianapolis cultural districts. The trail is a beautiful stretch of red brick, dotted with fountains, outdoor patios, and public Indianapolis art displays, all inviting citizens to enjoy the beautiful Indianapolis weather while taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of downtown Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Monon Trail – The Monon Trail in Indianapolis is the major artery of the Indy Greenways, which are quickly becoming famous. It is the very essence of the perfect urban greenway, a well-maintained and well-traveled trail big enough for four or five people to travel side-by-side.
Paul Ruster Park – Paul Ruster Park opened its arms to canine companions with the official opening of the Paul Ruster Bark Park in August of 2007. A completely fenced area where dogs can run free and play, the Paul Ruster Bark Park is the third Bark Park in Indianapolis. It is one of several Indianapolis Bark Parks.
Prophetstown (historic) State Park – This 300-acre area has two exciting attractions, the Wabash Valley farmstead and the Woodland Native American Village. The farm is a 1920s living-history display that features animals, a farmhouse and more. A cooking shelter, wigwams, a medicine lodge and other Shawnee artifacts can be seen at the Native American village.
Splash Island Family Water Park – Splash Island Family Waterpark is one of the main things to do in Plainfield, Indiana, especially during the summer months. Plainfield children love its twisting water slides, its deliciously terrifying vortexes, and the thrilling adventure of its lily pad hop; adults and parents love the cool touch of the clean water, the decadent relaxation of the lazy river, and most of all, the chance for their kids to be happy. It is one of several fun Indianapolis Area Water Parks.

Performing Arts Venues

Center for the Performing Arts This quintessential performing arts venue in North Indianapolis is brand new and open for business. Its Palladium is a 154,000 square foot concert hall, but there are also many other versatile public venues in this generous, splendid space. It is one of several Indianapolis music venues.
Clowes Memorial Hall – Built in 1963, Clowes Memorial Hall was conceived as a venue to house the vast breadth of Indianapolis performance art. This performance hall on the campus of Butler University is often the venue of choice for prestigious performing groups such as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Indianapolis Opera, as well as other professional companies.
Indianapolis Civic Theatre – The Indianapolis Civic Theatre is widely recognized among members of the Indianapolis performing arts community as one of the largest and longest-running community theaters in the United States. For almost a full century, the Indianapolis Civic Theatre has been supplying noble aspirations, generating smiles and pulling at the heart strings of Indianapolis kids and adults alike, onstage and off.
Irving Theatre – This Indianapolis theater first opened its doors way back in the waning days of 1913; it began as a rather large movie theater, originally showing silent films with technology that was state of the art at the time. By the 1970′s the Irving Theater had fallen from glory; after closing in the mid-90′s, the theater went through long renovation and fundraising stage before re-opening its doors as an Indianapolis music venue in 2006.
Old National Centre – The Old National Centre is one of the most historic and active Indianapolis performing arts venues. The Murat Shrine Temple, built in 1909, is now home to one of the most popular live music and Broadway production venues available in Indianapolis. Dubbed the Murat Centre until 2010, the building is now known as the Old National Centre and boasts gigantic towers, roofs made of copper, intricate brick patterns, stained glass windows and arched entryways and halls throughout.
The Vogue – The Vogue is a well-known dance club and venue that hosts musicians from all over the country. The famous singers and bands that have taken the stage cannot be listed in their entirety, but it should be noted that Bo Diddley, The White Stripes, Johnny Cash, The Dave Matthews Band, and Bob Weir and Mickey Hart (of The Grateful Dead) have walked through the back entrance of Indianapolis‘ premier nightclub.

Recurring Events

Indianapolis 500 Festival – The Indianapolis 500 Festival celebrates the cornerstone of Indianapolis sports, the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race (the Indy 500). The city produces a month-long Indianapolis festival–which includes the 500 Festival Parade, the 500 Festival Carb Day, the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, and more–every May that attracts half a million visitors each year from all over the world. It is one of sever

Shopping

Circle Centre Mall – Circle Centre Mall, conveniently located in downtown Indianapolis. The mall itself is glassed-in and gorgeous. An added bonus is that the Circle Centre Mall sprouts a lovely covered skywalk that connects it to several Indianapolis hotels and the rest of the downtown district of Indy. It is one of several Indianapolis Shopping Malls and Central Indiana Shopping Centers.
Edinburgh Premium Outlets – Edinburgh Premium Outlets in Edinburgh, Indiana is an outlet mall, a shopping center with a collection of retail stores that offer their own brands directly to the public, thereby eliminating the infamous middleman. This mall contains some 85 premium Indianapolis restaurants and shops, and continues to attract more tenants and visitors, year by year.
Fashion Mall at Keystone Crossing – Located at the intersection of Keystone Avenue and 85th Street in Indianapolis, the Fashion Mall at Keystone Crossing is an extremely popular shopping destination.The Fashion Mall has a reputation for being the cleanest and safest mall in Indiana. The upscale clothing stores there flourish in a meticulous and inviting environment.
Metropolis Shopping Center – Plainfield, Indiana is home to the sprawling outdoor Plainfield shopping center known as Metropolis Shopping Center. With a wide variety of specialty Plainfield businesses and a plethora of Plainfield restaurants sure to satisfy even the pickiest palate, it’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Sports

It wasn’t until March 28, 1984, that professional football made its arrival to Indianapolis, Indiana. Colts team owner Robert Irsay made the decision to take his Baltimore franchise and move it to the heart of the Midwest before his death, at which point they became the Indianapolis Colts.

Sports Venues

Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Bankers Life Fieldhouse is the home of the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever, Indianapolis’ NBA and WNBA teams. Conseco Fieldhouse is a venue for some of the many great things to do in Indianapolis, and its vintage architecture and storied past also make it one of the most interesting Indianapolis attractions. Ranked as the top NBA venue for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 by the Sports Business Journal and the best sporting arena for all four of the major sports leagues in 2006 by The Ultimate Sports Road Trip, Bankers Life Fieldhouse emerges as one of the finest of its kind.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway – The granddaddy of all Indiana race tracks , the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the site of the world famous Indy 500, the Brickyard 400, and countless other Indianapolis events. Opened in 1909, this massive Indianapolis attraction is also home to the Brickyard Crossing golf course and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, a must for any dedicated gearhead. It is one of several Indiana Race Tracks.
Lucas Oil Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium, in the center of downtown Indianapolis, is an enormous conglomeration of world-class stadium, viewing suites, and concert and convention space. With seating for 63,000 and a roof above it all that can be retracted to allow outdoor games, this is a fitting home for the Indianapolis Colts. This super-facility was recently opened in 2008, so everything is basically brand-new.
O’Reilly Raceway Park – The O’Reilly Raceway Park, formerly known as Indianapolis Raceway Park, has provided nearly 50 years of racing excitement for racing fans of Indianapolis and central Indiana. The 300 acre motorsport complex hosts a variety of racing events, including midget, drag, and road car racing, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, and a NASCAR Nationwide Series event.

Theatre

Indiana Repertory Theatre – The Indiana Repertory Theatre, since its founding in 1972, has been entertaining and enriching the lives of Indianapolis residents, students, and visitors with nine live productions annually. As a popular cultural institution known across the country, the IRT was designated as “Theatre Laureate”, or theatre of distinction and honor, by the 1991 Indiana General Assembly.
Royal Theater – The Royal Theater was the first building in Danville constructed expressly for movies. The theater first opened its doors in 1914 and is an shining beacon of luxury and class; its architecture is sophisticated, its history is rich, and it has come to be something of a symbol for Danville. It’s currently a music venue that hosts many Indianapolis bands, including Jennie DeVoe.
The Strand Theatre – Perhaps the most famous performing arts theatre in Shelbyville is the Strand Theatre, a historic building that has been part of downtown Shelbyville since 1916. This Shelbyville attraction plays host to a wide variety of Shelbyville events, including movies, Indianapolis music events, productions by the Shelby County Players, and book readings.