Sports fanatics, foodies, outdoor adventurers, and families alike all have something to look forward to this summer in Indianapolis.
The Hoosier Capital continues to expand yearly with new things to see, eat, do, and explore. Whether you're an Indiana local or planning a visit, we've curated a list of events you don't want to miss out on this Summer of 2024.
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1. Cheer on Olympians during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials
With the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics quickly approaching, preparations are underway to find the country's best athletes.
Although a flight to France may not be within budget, Indianapolis will host the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials from June 15th to 23rd. This will be the first time ever the event has been hosted in a football stadium, allowing hundreds of thousands of fans the opportunity to watch the trials and join in on spirited activities throughout the event.
Two pools will replace the turf at Lucas Oil, and tickets for a single day or the entire event are available online. Opportunities to tour the venue, meet the athletes, swim in the pool, and volunteer are also available.
Other activities include live music, food vendors, beer gardens, and “Toyota Aqua Zone,” a free-to-the-public fan fest that will take place throughout the nine days of trials. Start your day with a selfie at a 66-foot replica of the Eifel Tower built only for this event, and end it by watching a light show at Monument Circle.
Additional information and ticket purchases are available here.
2. Be Amazed by the Talented Acrobatics of Cirque de Soleil
Explore the colorful ecosystem of the insect world in a completely different way with Cirque de Soleil as they bring “Ovo” to Gainbridge Fieldhouse from August 22nd to 25th. The show is suitable for all ages and will impress old and young viewers alike with dance, acrobats, flexibility, and much more over a 125-minute production.
Tickets are going quickly, so make sure to buy yours now before they’re all sold out.
3. Meet the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in an All-New Indianapolis Children's Museum Exhibit
Nickolodeans' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have come up from the sewers to participate in a brand new exhibit this summer at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Featuring teamwork, problem-solving activities, and games for children of all ages, your family won’t want to leave the turtle’s lair. The exhibit is open and will be available for entry and play through September 2nd.
Remember to stop by and see the dinosaurs during your visit. The crowd favorite “Dinosphere” offers five exhibits that take you back to Prehistoric times. You can learn about the massive Jurrasic creatures on land, discover the Mesozoic beasts of the ancient aquatic world, and even talk to real scientists about how they've made these discoveries!
For more information or to purchase your tickets, click here.
4. Step into the World of Salvidor Dalí at The Lume
Discover the life and legacy of the renowned Spanish artist Salvidor Dalí as you walk through interactive exhibits, three-dimensional paintings, and a surrealistic dreamscape for which Dalí was most known. The exhibit lives on the 4th floor of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and will be closing at the end of July, so make sure to schedule your visit soon.
Tickets for Newfields, which include the Lume exhibit, are available here.
5. Support Indy Ignite Volleyball
Sports fans will be delighted to hear that a new professional team is making their home in Fishers, Indiana, just 20 minutes north of Indianapolis. Indy Ignite will be joining the Pro Volleyball Federation to bring a whole season full of eventful games to the Railroad City.
Indianapolis will be the 10th city to join the professional volleyball league. Affordable ticket prices are available for 14 home games, making the eventful matches easily accessible and fun for the entire family. The official season starts in January 2025, but you can follow along with the adventure and all pre-season summer events on their official Instagram page right now!
To learn more about this new era of women’s sports and purchase your tickets, read more here.
6. Sample Your New Favorite Wine at "Uncork Me Indiana."
If you consider yourself an oenophile - Better known as a wine lover ;) - you won’t want to miss out on Indiana’s second official wine, cider, and mead festival, “Uncork Me Indiana.” The festival will feature more than 30 wineries available for sampling alongside food vendors, live music, and good vibes all over White River Park.
General admission, early entry, VIP, and designated driver tickets are available here. All attendees must be 21 or older, even if they won't be drinking.
Live in Indiana and love a nice glass of wine? Let us tell you why Shady Creek Winery should be your next favorite winery to visit!
7. Visit the Creatures of the Sea and the Forest at the Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum will debut two new colorful exhibits starting June 8th that will be available throughout the rest of the summer. “Good Night Forest” will take you on an adventure to safely learn about all the animals that come out after the sun sets in the woods.
Afterward, head back in time with “Ancient Seas,” where you can discover all the weird and unique water creatures and organisms that lived in Indiana during the Paleozoic Era, over 500 million years ago.
Both exhibits are included in museum admission fees. Visit here to purchase tickets or find additional information.
8. Bite into a "Taste of Indy"
Indiana’s largest food festival returns to the beautiful White River State Park for a day of culinary bliss, live music, street performers, and much more for the entire family to enjoy. Local food trucks, restaurants, caterers, and more will be available for additional purchase after you purchase your admission ticket.
Make sure to visit the 360-degree camera booth to document all the fun memories before stuffing yourself with yummy food and drink.
The event will take place on July 6th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Click here for a complete list of participating vendors and tickets.
Pro Tip: Bring blankets and pillows to lounge out on the grass. We use our Sleepkeeper to compress everything for easy carry throughout the day when you're ready to start walking around again!
9. Watch Your Favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Come to Life
Hot Wheels is coming to Gainbridge to bring all your favorite childhood toys to life for a "Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party" that will have the whole family out of their seats.
The live derby will feature all your favorite Hot Wheel monster trucks in a competition of strength and speed until one truck is crowned the winner. Expect laser light shows, free Hot Wheels giveaways, and lots of dancing! Tickets are available for three separate shows on July 20th and 21st here.
10. Sip New Craft Beers at the Indiana Microbrewers Festival
The Indiana Brewers Guild will bring back the annual Indiana Microbrewers Festival to White River State Park on July 20th from 2 to 6 p.m., with early admission available at 1 p.m.
Sample hundreds of local brew craft beers, ciders, and cocktails from Hoosier Breweries while enjoying live music and learning about the professional brewing industry in Indiana.
Tickets are available for sale here for both participants and designated drivers.
Which Indianapolis events do you want to catch most this summer? Let us know in the comments below, and share this article with a friend you want to take along with you!
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Sending love from Indiana,
Kaitlyn