Things to Do in Indy During Gen Con Without a Ticket

Gen Con, known as "The Best Four Days in Gaming," will bring about 70,000 visitors to Indy this week! Whether you're a passionate gamer or someone who enjoys the lively atmosphere, there's plenty to experience in the Circle City, even if you don't have a Gen Con ticket. Here are some exciting things to do in Indy during Gen Con without needing a badge.

Catch an IMAX Showing of Deadpool

If you're a fan of superhero movies with a comedic twist, don't miss the IMAX showing of Deadpool. During Gen Con weekend, you can enjoy special discounts ($2 off with a badge) on two themed drinks featuring Deadpool’s favorite gin, Aviation. Try the "Lady Deadpool," a mix of gin and cranberry juice topped with blueberry and hibiscus Topo Chico, or the "Daddy Wolverine," made with gin and orange juice topped with tangerine and ginger Topo Chico. These drinks are available while supplies last.

Sip the Official Beer and Wine of Gen Con

Sun King Brewery, an Indy staple, has once again brewed a special beer for Gen Con. This year's brew is a cinnamon-flavored delight, perfectly crafted to capture the adventurous spirit of the convention. Even if you're not attending Gen Con, you can still savor this unique brew by visiting Sun King Brewery at the Gen Con Block Party on South Street. They will also have to-go four-packs and collectible cooler bags available while supplies last. Along with the official beer of Gen Con, you can also enjoy the official wine of Gen Con, Code Red Rose from Daniel's Vineyard, a full production winery and event venue in Indy.

Eat and Drink at Block Party

Speaking of Block Party, this is a free event that anyone can attend, no Gen Con ticket required! Located on South Street, you can enjoy cold beer, wine, iced coffees, burgers, pizza, food trucks, and more delicious eats all with shade and seating and cooling misters. Check out the official food truck schedule here.

Rock Out at the Primus and Coheed and Cambria Concert

For music lovers, the weekend of Gen Con offers a spectacular treat: a concert featuring the legendary bands Primus and Coheed and Cambria with special guest Too Many Zooz. The concert will be held at the TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park, offering an epic view of our city’s skyline. It’s still concert season in Indy, so enjoy good music in this incredible outdoor venue.

Roller Skating at Bicentennial Unity Plaza

Let’s roll! Glide through the heart of downtown at Bicentennial Unity Plaza’s Elevance Health Roller Rink. It's highly recommended to make reservations in advance, so be sure to purchase your tickets online before heading to the rink.

SPARK on the Circle

This free event takes place in the heart of downtown—Monument Circle. Enjoy this art-filled park where you’ll find comfortable places to sit in the shade, free games to play like ping pong and chess, a cafe serving food and drink, art experiences, and special offerings like live, local music. Visitors can enjoy SPARK on the Circle from 11 am until dusk each day.

Outdoor Live Music at HIFI and Back 9 Golf & Entertainment

If you’re looking for other outdoor live music venues, check out HI-FI Annex and the Back 9 Summer Concert Series.

HI-FI Annex, located in Fountain Square, will host two concerts during the weekend of Gen Con: Six Foot Blonde, a local band with R&B/Funk/Soul vibes, and Old 97’s, a rock and alt-country band.

Back 9 Golf & Entertainment is a local indoor/outdoor sporting and entertainment space where you can golf and listen to free music in their unique outdoor biergarten. They have live music every Friday and Saturday night, so if you’re looking to elevate your gaming skills in a different way, check out this unique attraction.