Downtown Indianapolis Heats Up in July

Bicycling along the White River in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2016, all rights reserved.

By Amanda Dorman
Downtown Indy, Inc.

Fourth of July weekend
Indy’s most popular fireworks show and festival – the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast – returns to the grounds of the Indiana War Memorial July 4. More than 20,000 people are expected to be Downtown on Veterans Memorial Plaza and American Legion Mall from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. The fireworks will launch from the Regions Bank Tower at 10 p.m. (North and Michigan streets will be closed throughout the day and New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Delaware streets surrounding the Regions Bank Tower will be closed 9:30 – 10:15 p.m. during the fireworks show.)

Crowds will gather for many music festivities including the Indiana Historical Society’s patriotic-themed Concerts on the Canal July 4 from 5 – 9:30 p.m. The two-day INDYpendance Day Concert for Cancer is back on Georgia Street July 2 & 3 from 2 – 10 p.m. with headliners Ludacris, Awolnation, Kongos and more. On July 1, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will perform a one-night only concert Star Spangled Symphony at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State and The Doo! are playing at the Rathskeller Biergarten July 4. The Indianapolis City Market hosts Party of the Plaza July 4 from 7 – 11 p.m. complete with corn hole, checkers, sidewalk chalk and a great view of the Downtown fireworks.

IBE Summer Celebration
The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration returns July 7 – 17. The 46th running of Summer Celebration includes business seminars, an employment fair, concerts and more. More than 80,000 attendees will take part in events at various locations Downtown, with most events taking place at the Indiana Convention Center. The FREE Music Heritage Festival takes place Friday, July 15 at American Legion. Music Heritage Festival II takes Place Saturday, July 16 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Downtown gets festive
There’s still time to enjoy some of Downtown Indy’s best summer festivals. Saturday, July 2 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., the Taste of Indy will present an assortment of Asian, Soul, Greek, Mediterranean, Cajun, Hispanic and American food on Monument Circle. Tickets are $6 in advance or FREE for kids 6 and younger.

The Indy Criterium Bicycle Festival, taking place Saturday, July 9 starting at 9 a.m., offers cyclists a unique opportunity to race the city streets that they would rarely do otherwise. Families and bicyclists will also enjoy many of the activities taking place throughout the day including food and beer vendors, music, expo area, free community rides, free Kids Zone activities, BMX stunt shows, kids and juniors bicycle races and more. This festival is FREE to attend.

Step into the West at the Eiteljorg Museum’s West Fest on July 23 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This festival is a family event featuring entertainers, animals, food and family fun. Tickets are included with museum admission.

On July 30 from 3 – 7 p.m., the Indiana Microbrewers Festival will showcase more than 100 breweries all in one location – Military Park. Tickets are $40 general admission, $60 for early bird entry and $10 designated driver.

Take in the sights and sounds of summer
Summer concerts are officially here and national and local artists alike will bring Downtown to life this summer. Two big names are coming Downtown this month. Coldplay performs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on July 20. Also at Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Twenty One Pilots on July 31.

Enjoy nine concerts at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park this month: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra July 1; “Weird Al” Yankovic July 7; Barenaked Ladies July 8; Sublime with Rome July 16; Peter Frampton & Gregg Allman July 20; WTTS Rock on the River with The Head and the Heart July 25; Bush and Chevelle July 26; Tedeschi Truck Band o July 27; and Halsey July 29.

The Indianapolis Zoo’s Zoolapalooza series continues for two more Friday nights: July 1 & 8. Another Zoo concert series – Animals and All That Jazz – kicks off July 7 and continues Thursday nights through Aug. 4.

Two big names are coming to the Cabaret: catch Rumer Willis July 22 &23 and John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey July 29.

Cheer the Fever, join the Tribe
Catch one (or more) of the 15 Indianapolis Indians home games at Victory Field this month. On July 4, enjoy two firework shows following the games (the Indians’ own firework show plus the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast). There are four chances to catch the Indiana Fever at home: July 1, 13, 15 & 19. The Indy Eleven play at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium July 9, 13 & 23.

Georgia Street action continues
Workout Wednesdays strengthened by Indiana University Health continue through the end of July on Georgia Street’s west block. Downtown Indy, Inc. partners with the YMCA to provide fun, all-levels hip hop classes weekly from noon – 12:45 p.m. New this year: Sunrise Yoga on the Canal in partnership with Invoke Studio takes place Wednesday mornings from 6 – 6:45 a.m. on the Vermont Street Plaza.

Downtown residents and workers are invited to wind down the week during Happy Hour Thursdays on Georgia Street. Every Thursday from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., enjoy music from RadioNow DJs, appetizers from the Severin Bar and domestic beers and craft brews. This event is free to attend, but everyone must be 21 or older.

Eat lunch alfresco on the Boardwalk and enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown during Food Truck Fridays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.downtownindy.org/ or call 317-237-2222.

4th of July Weekend in Downtown Indianapolis, 2016

AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2014, all rights reserved.

By Amanda Dorman
Downtown Indy, Inc.

Downtown is the place to be for the holiday weekend. There’s more than just a great fireworks show. Take advantage of fantastic food, festivals and music taking place Fourth of July weekend. Watch the Indianapolis Indians, listen to live music on the Canal, participate in a six-mile run/walk and more.

Friday, July 1
Judge Sarah Evans Barker will preside over the Naturalization Ceremony for new U.S. citizens at 10 a.m. at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Admission to the ceremony is FREE.

Sit back and enjoy live music at the Indianapolis Zoo from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. for Zoolapalooza concert series. Enjoy music from Dave & Rae, “Backyard BBQ” food stations, a full bar and kid’s activities or stroll around the Zoo (both the animals and rides are available until 7 p.m.). Concerts are included with regular Zoo admission and are free to Zoo members.

Watch a film outside in the Indianapolis Museum of Art amphitheater as part of their Summer Nights Film Series. Starting at dusk, the IMA will screen Remember the Titans. Moviegoers are encouraged to don their favorite team jersey or ’70s attire and compete for the best score in a combine challenge and play football trivia. Arrive early for interactive pre-show programming and to play Mini Golf. Tickets are $8 for members and $12 for public.

Howl at the Moon is hosting a Red, White & Brew Bash on July 1 – 4 starting at 7 p.m. each night. Expect games, prizes and drink specials, plus an America themed buffet on Sunday and Monday. Attendees wearing red, white and blue can attend for no cover charge.

At 8 p.m., the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will perform a one-night only concert at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park. Star Spangled Symphony will highlight patriotic favorites including America the Beautiful and God Bless America and conclude with a fireworks show. Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 day of; $10 for children 3 – 12.

Saturday, July 2
The 4th annual INDYpendence Day Concert for Cancer is a two-day music festival taking place July 2 – 3 from 2 – 10 p.m. each day on Pan Am Plaza. The event will feature several national music acts, food trucks and vendors. The Saturday lineup includes: Charlie Breeze, Sirius Blvck, Breakdown Kings, Audiodacity, Coastl, The Lost Kings, Mike Stud and Ludacris. General admission tickets are $20 in advance for Saturday’s event and $50 in advance for Sunday’s event. Two-day tickets general admission tickets and pit tickets are also available. This event benefits Riley Hospital for Children and St. Francis Patient Assist Fund.

Some of the city’s most unique restaurants come together for a one-day festival on the Monument Circle. Taste of Indy blends great food with live local music and family-friendly events. The festival takes places from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and includes Asian, Soul, Greek, Mediterranean, Cajun, Hispanic and American food. Tickets are $6 in advance; $8 day of; and FREE for kids six and under.

Flat12 Bierwerks is hosting Red, White & Brew Independence Day Celebration – a backyard-style party from noon – 8 p.m. complete with beer, live music from Big Foot Yancey, lawn games and an 18” Hoagie & Hops eating contest. Attendees can participate in a “Most American in America” contest: the most outrageous red, white and blue get-up, wins a prize. This event is 21+ and FREE to attend.

Sunday, July 3
The second day of the INDYpendence Day Concert for Cancer continues with an all-star lineup of Standout Story, Veseria, Brother O’ Brother, Moxxie, Kongos, Blue October & Awolnation.

Monday, July 4
Watch as Indy’s largest fireworks display lights up the skyline during the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast, shooting from the top of the Region’s Bank Tower at 10 p.m. The show will be synchronized to patriotic and popular music broadcasted on radio stations 97.1 HANK FM, Soft Rock B105.7, 93.1 WIBC and 1070 The Fan. Bring a blanket and grab your spot early to watch the fireworks at the Indiana War Memorial grounds. Kids can enjoy face painting, bounce houses, games and more beginning at 6:30 p.m. Donatos pizza, ice cream, soda and other snacks will be available for purchase.

Take a six-mile tour of some of the best sites and destinations in Downtown Indy during the Firecracker 6 Run/Walk. Wear patriotic colors and participate in the 6-mile run/walk or the 6k run/walk. This run starts at 8 a.m. at City Market and benefits Hoosiers Helping Heroes. Tickets are $30 – $35 in advance or $40 race day.

Runners and bikers can participate in the Circle City Biathlon at 7:30 a.m. The race starts at Tow Yard Brewing and consists of a 5k run followed by a 10-mile bike (or athletes can participate in just the 5k run). Following the 5K, participants get a free beer from Tow Yard Brewing to start the celebrations. Tickets are $55 for the full biathlon or $40 for the 5k.

Bring the family to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site for the Independence Day Social from 1 – 4 p.m. for antique games, entertainment and ice cream. Adults can take a tour of the first floor of the home complete with historic enactors and kids can participate in crafts. This event is free to attend.

Enjoy Latino and American food, music and entertainment, a kid’s area and open market and great views of the Downtown fireworks at 4th of July ¡Ole! at St. Mary Catholic Church from 3 – 11 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.

During a special edition of Indiana Historical Society’s Concerts on the Canal series, hear the Indianapolis Municipal Band from 5 – 6:15 p.m. and Tad Robinson from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Bring your own chair or blanket and sit on the grassy hill across the Canal for free or for an added cost reserve a table on the Terrace. After the concert, attendees can view the fireworks from the History Center parking lot or along the Canal Walk.

Embrace America’s favorite pastime at Victory Field. The Indianapolis Indians take on the Louisville Bats at 6:05 p.m. Fans are encouraged to stay after the game for two fireworks shows – the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast and the Indians’ own fireworks show. Indians players and coaches will wear a special Stars & Stripes jersey that will be auctioned off during the game. Tickets are $12 – $18 or $38 for the Cove.

Starting at 7 p.m., crowds will gather on Mass Ave for IndyFringe’s Fourth of July Picnic. Guests can sit at one long dining table and eat Jug’s fried chicken and biscuits while enjoying great views of Downtown’s fireworks display. Bring the family: kids can enjoy games, arts and crafts, strolling magicians and musicians. Tickets are $20; $12 for students; $15 for seniors; $5 for children 3 – 5; and $50 for a family of four. UPDATE 6/18/2016: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED BY THE CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS.

Celebrate the holiday while enjoying rooftop views! Fountain Square Theatre Building’s Rooftop 4th of July Celebration at 7 p.m. includes a four-course BBQ dinner from End of the Line Public House, drinks and duckpin bowling, plus a spectacular view of the Downtown fireworks. Must be 21+. Tickets are $75.

Bring the family to Party on the Plaza at the Indianapolis City Market from 7 – 11 p.m. Watch the Downtown fireworks from one of the best spots Downtown, while playing corn hole, lawn checkers, sidewalk chalk and more. Enjoy local food and drinks along with live music and free kid’s activities. Dogs are welcome! Bring your own chair or blanket (no outside food or drink allowed). Admission is $6 ($10 for two); $4 seniors; FREE kids 12 & younger.

Starting at 7 p.m., enjoy live music at the Rathskeller Biergarten. The Doo! performs from 7 – 11 p.m. Bonus: Biergarten offers a great view of the Downtown fireworks. This event is 21+ and there is a $5 cover charge.

For more information, call 317-237-2222.

National Train Show in Indianapolis @icclos, July 8-10, 2016

Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

By Andy Wilson, http://bohlsengroup.com/
On behalf of the event organizers

The world’s largest collection of model train exhibits, products and accessories pulls into downtown Indianapolis at the Indiana Convention Center (100 S. Capitol Ave.) on Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10, 2016.

Held in a different North American city each year, the 2016 Annual National Train Show will showcase all aspects of model railroading including the industry’s newest and most unique products and services from manufacturers and retailers across the U.S. and around the world.

Special Highlights and Features
Covering 180,000 sq. ft. of space, including 44,000 sq. ft. featuring extraordinary operating model train displays, the 2016 Annual National Train Show special features include:

• The Incredible Lego® MiniLand – A 2,500 sq. ft. area is dedicated to the creation of a dynamic, originally-designed display featuring operating model railroads, hundreds of train cars, various landscape settings and waterfalls, scale buildings, retractable bridges and more, all made entirely out of millions of Lego® pieces. Attendees will have the chance to “meet the modelers” and learn how to build their very own original display.

• Ask The Collectibles Appraiser – Have an old train set hidden away in the closet and wondering what it’s worth? Bring it to the show and find out from The Collectibles Expert. Free to all attendees.

• Children’s Play Area – 1,500 sq. ft. of fun including trains, games and more for children of all ages to enjoy during the show. The area is chaperoned at all times and is free of charge.

• Hands-On Demonstrations – Learn how to get started on your own model railroad empire and find out the latest techniques from well-known exhibitors and from pros at the Meet the Master Modeler booth.

Ticket Information – Great value for the whole family!
There are no advance ticket sales. Show tickets will be on sale ½ hour before the show opens each day at the Indiana Convention Center’s box office located in the Georgia Street lobby, on the Capitol Street side of the facility. The box office will close each day one hour before the show closes.

Pricing is as follows (subject to change):
• Children under age 6: Free
• Youth (ages 6-12): $7
• Teen (ages 13-17): $10
• Adult (ages 18-65): $14
• 2-day Adult (valid for one person only): $26
• Seniors (65+): $13

Dates and Times:
Friday, July 8, 2016: Noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 9, 2016: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, July 10, 2016: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information and a list of exhibitors, visithttp://nationaltrainshow.org/.

Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival, June 11-18, 2016

Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground, Bean Blossom, Indiana.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2009, all rights reserved.

By Aubrey Sitzman
Brown County CVB

On June 11-18, 2016, the Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival will celebrate a milestone—50 years of being the oldest, continuous running bluegrass festival in the world.

Taking place at the beautiful Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground in Brown County, this prime music event will feature eight straight days of some of the best in bluegrass.

With over 70 bands scheduled to perform, the Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival will showcase top name bluegrass musicians, as well as pay tribute to trailblazer and music legend, Bill Monroe.

To honor “the father of bluegrass” and his contribution to the music genre, Bill Monroe’s Music Park, home to the festival, also is receiving a state historical marker this June.

Known as the “Mecca of Bluegrass,” the 50th Annual Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival will include over ten hours of entertainment each day, with ongoing music from sun up to sun down. Not only will the festival feature performances by bluegrass greats, this family-friendly event also will include daily music and instrument workshops.

A stellar line up of performers are slated to take the music park’s three outdoor stages this year, including the Del McCoury Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Russell Moore and the IIIrd Tyme Out, Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press, Dailey and Vincent, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, Dry Branch Fire Squad, Blue Highway, and Larry Sparks and Lonesome Ramblers just to name a few! A complete schedule of performers is available online at http://www.billmonroemusicpark.com/.

Tickets for the festival range from $20 – $35 for daily passes, $75 in advance for three-day combo tickets (Thursday-Saturday) or $90 at the gate, and $165 in advance for all eight days or $230 at the gate.

Each ticket includes admission to the festival, its workshops, and to the Bill Monroe Hall of Fame & Country Star Museum and Uncle Pen’s cabin. Advance tickets may be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2405014.

Onsite cabins and camping are available as well. Be treated to some world-class entertainment, while enjoying Brown County’s natural beauty during an overnight stay at the one-of-a-kind Bill Monroe Campground. Call 800-414-4677 for campsite reservations.

Experience the Mecca of Bluegrass and help celebrate a milestone at the 50th Annual Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival. Get ready for eight days of blarin’ bluegrass and festival fun, June 11-18 in Brown County!

For more information on the festival, please visit http://www.billmonroemusicpark.com/ or call 800-414-4677.

Phoenix Theatre Brew-Ha-Ha, June 18, 2016

Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

By Olivia Hinkel
Phoenix Theatre

The Phoenix Theatre will hold its 21st annual craft beer festival, Brew-Ha-Ha, on Saturday, June 18, 2016, 3:00-7:00 PM. The event is open to individuals ages 21 and older.

Sample the region’s finest microbrews and craft beers, enjoy live music all afternoon long, and indulge in great food at Indy’s original beer sampling event.

Proceeds from Brew-Ha-Ha support the Phoenix Theatre. Corporate sponsors for this year’s event are The Doug Dilling Team at Unite Real Estate and Williams Creek Consulting.

THE EVENT
Brew-Ha-Ha provides an outdoor block party atmosphere in the 700 block of North Park Avenue between Massachusetts Avenue and East St. Clair Street in downtown Indianapolis’ historic Chatham Arch neighborhood, with the street traffic rerouted for the event. Live entertainment is provided all afternoon by local bands The Underhills, Jon Strahl Band, and Monkey Fightin’ Snakes. Brew-Ha-Ha is held rain or shine.

BEER AND FOOD
Brew-Ha-Ha attracts the area’s finest microbrewers and craft beer distributors each year. This year, dozens of breweries from all over Indiana have been confirmed, including some new to the festival. For a full list of the brewers in attendance, visit the “News and Events” page of http://phoenixtheatre.org/.

Participating food vendors this year include King David Dogs, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Punch Burger.

THE BANDS

The Underhills

Weaving together guitars, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and electric bass, The Underhills evoke the folk music traditions of Appalachia, while experimenting with motifs and grooves that draw influence from The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Bob Marley, D’Angelo, John Hartford, Bach, and Vivaldi. Inspired by the wooded hills of southern Indiana, this seven-piece outfit uses intricate string arrangements, rich vocal harmonies, and modern songwriting styles to create a sound that is uniquely their own.

Jon Strahl Band

Jon Strahl Band is an Indianapolis, IN based Blues, Rock, and Soul act, which over the past few years has built a grass roots following in the Central Indiana region. With the release of their first full-length album, The Ladder, and on the strength of their crowd-pleasing live shows, their reputation continues to grow in leaps and bounds. The band takes a no-frills approach to their music, focusing on musicianship and soulfulness to get their point across. Taking cues from the Chicago, Mississippi , and Texas Blues traditions, and the Soul influence of Stax Records and Muscle Shoals, they have blended the old-school and the modern to create a sound all their own.

Monkey Fightin’ Snakes

In 2009, Stupid Nasty Angry Knights of the Evil Science (S.N.A.K.E.S.) began their conquest to consume the world with obnoxious conformity. They infiltrated the music business, embedding clandestine messages in the ‘out-tune’ vocals and repetitive beats of popular music. Thus, Mankind’s Only Non-Knights of Evil Yuck (M.O.N.K.E.Y.) was formed to fight SNAKES at its core: with straightforward, in-your-face rock and roll. One six string, one four string, one kit and one voice combine to stamp out the evil yuck. Over the years, fighters have been lost in battle, but Totin’ Todd (six string) and Marauding Mike (four string) have managed to survive. This summer, they are joined by recent recruits Raucous Rachelle on vocals and Rambunctious Rod on the kit. To protect its Monkey fightin’ members from Snake harm, they have periodically been forced to operate under pseudonym. Nevertheless, for seven straight years, Monkey Fightin’ Snakes has bombarded Brew-Ha-Ha with its electric attack on obnoxious conformity.

TICKETS
Tickets for Brew-Ha-Ha are on sale now. Tickets are $30 per person if purchased before the day of the event and will be $40 on the day of the event.

VIP tickets are on sale now and are $50. VIP admission starts at 2:00 PM, an hour before regular admission. VIP tickets are only available before the day of the events and are limited in quantity. Tickets for Designated Drivers are $10.

Tickets are available online at http://phoenixtheatre.org/ or by calling the Box Office at 317-635-7529.