Top Events in Indianapolis

July burns up the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the NASCAR Xfinity series Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard,  the INDYCAR Gallagher Grand Prix, and the NASCAR Cup series Brickyard 400. Paint will be traded and bricks will be kissed during these events on the road course at the Racing Capital of the World.

For nearly three weeks each summer we turn our minds fully toward celebrating Indiana’s agricultural roots, meeting a variety of farm animals from the world’s largest hogs to baby chicks, hopping on daredevil rides, playing games to take home stuffed animals larger than we are, catching free concerts, and indulging in fair delicacies like pickle pizza, everything at the Dairy Bar, and deep fried ANYTHING.

IndyFringe’s mission is to support and encourage taking risks, being experimental, and deviating from the norm through the arts. Mass Ave comes alive for the almost two-week festival featuring comedy, drama, dance, magic, cabaret, musicals, and much more.

The Best Four Days in Gaming takes place every August inside the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The fun and games spills out to South Street for a giant block party complete with food trucks for three meals each day, a beer and wine garden, and nearby restaurants offering special dishes and drinks with the con’s theme in mind. Shop more than 500 vendors, demo games, hit the auction, bring your best cosplay, and take part in some of the 15,000 events offered.

Food & Wine named Indy one of “America’s Next Great Food Cities” in 2022 due to the diversity, deliciousness, and innovation in our food scene. Take advantage of this two-week foodie frenzy to see what the buzz is about while you stretch your dollar with specially curated discount menu deals.

Discover why this is called ‘Indiana’s Nicest Day’ when you visit Newfields to see work from more than 300 artists, multiple stages of entertainment, a large children’s area, and a selection of arts-related organizations. One of the largest single-day arts fairs in the US, the festival also includes a large beer garden featuring favorite Indiana craft brews.

A highlight of Labor Day weekend, the U.S. Nationals is the most prestigious drag race in the world. Buckle up for five days of high octane excitement at Lucas Oil Raceway. Fans can get up close and personal since every ticket is a pit pass. Talk to the drivers, get their autographs, shop vendors, then see the teams and mechanics in action.

Honoring a vast variety of cinema, Heartland awards storytellers who take a purposeful approach to filmmaking. The festival showcases more than 200 independent films for nearly two weeks via in-person and virtual screenings, red carpet premieres, and many more events and parties.

If you love the intricate, innovative shows marching bands create, you’ll want to be in Lucas Oil Stadium for this festival featuring almost 100 high school bands from nearly 20 states. The family-friendly competitions showcase talented musicians with complex choreography performing in the final showdown of their seasons. In addition, several college bands also perform in exhibitions.

One of the 15 largest marathons in the US, the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is also Indiana's largest, fastest marathon and ideal for everyone from first timers  to elite athletes. Start and finish at the Indiana State Capitol, then follow a course through landmarks and historical neighborhoods. Along with a half marathon, 5K, and kids fun run, race weekend is full of events for the entire family. The Monumental Health and Fitness Expo at the Indiana Convention Center kicks off the event with two days of talented expo speakers and vendors.

The spectacle of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument lit with nearly 5,000 lights is a delight for all ages. One of Indy’s beloved holiday traditions, the tree lighting ceremony falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving and includes many live performances to get rid of anyone’s grinchiness. The lights stay up into January, so bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and let that holiday spirit flow.

The Midwest loves its football and especially the Big Ten Conference. Indy hosts the biggest game of the season each year at Lucas Oil Stadium with the winners of the East and West Divisions facing off for the title. In addition, the Big Ten Fan Fest lets fans be a part of the game with fun, exhibits, and pep rallies inside the Indiana Convention Center, while the Tail Greater Party has food, drinks, live music, and the World Famous St. Elmo’s Shrimp Eating Contest featuring legends of Major League Eating including GOAT, Joey Chestnut.