Top Annual Events For Groups

Indianapolis knows how to put on events and some of the best in the nation take place right here in the Circle City. Take a look at some of the most group-friendly annual events in Indy.

Broad Ripple Art Fair

Cultural: Art/music
Date: May 18-19, 2013
Location: 67th St. and College Ave.
indplsartcenter.org

One of Indiana's finest art fairs, on the grounds of the renowned Indianapolis Art Center
A juried art fair with more than 225 artists of all genres from the United States and Canada
Live entertainment and local food featuring regional talent for all tastes

Indianapolis 500

Sports: IndyCar auto racing
Date: The Sunday prior to Memorial Day (May 26, 2013; May 25, 2014)
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
indianapolismotorspeedway.com

The Greatest Spectacle in Racing and largest single-day sporting event in the world
More than 300,000 fans experience the thrill of high tech IndyCars flying around the 2 ½ mile oval at 200+ miles per hour
Weekend events lead up to the race itself

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's "Symphony on the Prairie"

Cultural: Music
Dates: June-August
Location: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
indianapolissymphony.org

Majestic sounds of one of the world’s great orchestras resound over the prairie in a series of outdoor performances each summer
VIP tables and chairs available along with selection of food and beverages, or bring your own picnic
Concerts range from classical to pops featuring many special guest artists

Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

Cultural: Festival
Dates: July 15-21, 2013
Location: Indiana Convention Center and various venues
indianablackexpo.com

One of the largest celebrations in the country with thousands attending
Cultural Arts pavilion is filled with special exhibits, entertainment and programming
Top performers every year at the Music Heritage Festival
Family and children’s activities

Brickyard 400

Sports: NASCAR auto racing
Date: July 28, 2013
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Since 1994 when legendary Jeff Gordon (an Indiana native) won the inaugural Brickyard 400, NASCAR's good ole boys have raced on "the brickyard" for fame and glory
The days leading up to the race make it a "Super Weekend," with a Grand Am race on Friday and a NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday

Indiana State Fair

Cultural: Festival
Dates: August 2-18. 2013
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds
in.gov

One of the nation's largest summer fairs, spanning three weekends
Animals, special exhibits, midway rides and attractions, entertainment and daily surprises
A food lover's paradise, from Indiana pork and beef, to thick milkshakes from the Dairy Barn, to giant size corn dogs and other culinary adventures

Sports: International motorcycle racing
Dates: August 18, 2013; future dates are to be determined, most likely early to mid-August
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
indianapolismotorspeedway.com

The ultimate motorcycle race in America features the speed and daring of the world’s best motorcyclists on the challenging Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course
A weekend of activities lead up to this round of the MotoGP World Championship, now in its fifth year
Motorcycles on Meridian, Saturday prior to the race, brings thousands of bikers to downtown

Penrod Arts Fair

Cultural: Art/music/dance
Dates: September 7, 2013
Location: Indianapolis Museum of Art
penrod.org

Dubbed the "nicest day in Indiana," Penrod is a juried fair with more than 300 artists participating
Music and performances by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Opera, Dance Kaleidoscope and others
Multiple dining options from many of Indy's favorite restaurants

Circle City Classic

Sports: College football
Dates: October 4-5, 2013
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
circlecityclassic.com

One of the nation's largest "classic" football games, featuring teams from historically black colleges
Spectacular game is preceded by high-stepping parade, pep rally and battle of the bands
Celebration of history, competition, community and higher education

Circle of Lights and Holiday Events

Cultural: Festival
Dates: Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day
Location: Downtown Indianapolis
indydt.com

The holiday season starts for thousands on the Friday after Thanksgiving in Indianapolis with the lighting of "the world's largest Christmas tree" — the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Monument Circle