Things to do in Indianapolis, Aug. 4-10, 2014

Indiana State Fair as viewed from the top of the giant ferris wheel.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2013, all rights reserved.

15 Public Events in Indianapolis and Indiana
VERIFY ALL EVENT LISTINGS TO BE CERTAIN THEY WILL BE HELD AS SCHEDULED

1. FRI-SUN: Red Bull Indianapolis GP at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
2. THU-SAT: Drum Corps International World Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium
3. MON-SUN: 158th Indiana State Fair at the State Fairgrounds
4. SUN: Chicago and REO Speedwagon in Concert at Klipsch Music Center
5. MON-TUE, SAT-SUN: Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Anderson University
6. TUE: The Longest Dinner at the IndyFringe Theatre
7. FRI: Pitbull in Concert at the State Fair Coliseum
8. FRI-SAT: 7th Annual Motorcycles on Meridian in Downtown Indianapolis
9. SAT-SUN: ‘Cole!’ by Dance Kaleidoscope at The Center for the Performing Arts
10. TUE, FRI: Indiana Fever WNBA Basketball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
11. SAT: Lobsterpalooza at the Basile Opera Center
12. TUE: Community Tuesday at White River State Park
13. WED: Indy Eleven Pro Soccer at Michael Carroll Stadium at IUPUI
14. MON-TUE, THU-SUN: Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field
15. THU-SAT: ‘The Black Knight Archive’ at the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art

To see thousands of upcoming event listings and things to do in Indianapolis and Indiana, visit our main Web site at http://aroundindy.com/, or check out our mobile version while you are on the go at http://aroundindy.com/mobile. Thank you for making AroundIndy.com your #1 source for things to do around Indy!

It’s a Monumental Week in Indianapolis, Aug. 13-18

Gen Con at the Indiana Convention Center, Aug. 15-18.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

By Jennifer Hanson
Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
http://indydt.com/

A number of large-scale, one-of-a-kind events will take place Downtown Aug. 15-18, 2013, making this one of Downtown’s most exciting weekends all year. Gen Con returns to the Indiana Convention Center Thursday through Sunday, and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP track activity runs Friday through Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with practices beginning Friday and qualifications on Saturday. But the fun isn’t just limited to motorcycles and Gen Con; concerts, the IndyFringe Theatre Festival, and a variety of fun events will all be taking place. There are numerous opportunities for everyone to enjoy the great events being offered this Monumental Weekend. 

Downtown Parking and Traveling Tips:

There are traffic restrictions around some of these major Downtown events. View our Monumental Weekend Closures and Restrictions map at www.indydt.com/AugustMonumental.pdf and visit www.indydt.com/parking.cfm for parking help. Everyone can find parking, arrive at their destination on time and enjoy all the excitement if a few simple tips are followed.

Prepare:

• Plan your driving and walking route into and through Downtown ahead of time.
• Use interstates to travel to and leave Downtown.
• Enter Downtown from the side on which you plan to park.
• Allow plenty of extra travel time to Downtown.
• Be aware that travel through Downtown will be limited to streets away from the core area.
• Relax during peak exit times.
• Wear comfortable shoes, park once and enjoy the walk.
• Carpool or use IndyGo if possible.  Visit www.indygo.net for schedule.

Park:

• Parking meters are always FREE after 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday and all day Sunday. Otherwise, meter rates are $1.50/hour with a two-hour limit weekdays before 5 p.m. and four-hour limit weekdays after 5 p.m. and all day Saturday.  Meter hours are 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Downtown parking is abundant with more than 73,000 parking spaces.
• Select a couple of parking alternatives before you leave home.
• Plan to use a garage or lot. Most meters near the event sites are restricted during this time.
• Some parking facilities and lots may not be open to the public.
• Several garages offer 24-hour parking, providing more than 14,000 parking spaces.

MONUMENTAL EVENTS for week of August 12 – 18:

• The gamers are coming!  Aug. 15 – 18

Gen Con, the longest-running and highest-attended gaming convention in the world, returns Downtown Aug. 15 – 18 at the Indiana Convention Center (see photo above). Entering its 46th year, the convention will feature costume contests, a life size 10,000 square-foot True Dungeon, tournaments, guest appearances, exhibit hall booths, games, workshops, seminars, art shows, auctions and much more. This year Gen Con will also have an expanded Electronic Gaming Area and Family Fun Pavilion. Gamers and the general public alike can enjoy themselves on Georgia Street with food trucks, music and beer tapping on the eve of Gen Con, Aug. 14. Fans can then enjoy local food trucks and entertainment on the west block of Georgia Street each day for the remainder of the convention. Estimated attendance: 40,000. www.gencon.com

• Motorcycles on Meridian returns, Aug. 16 & 17
  • The leather-clad army of steel ponies returns to South Meridian Street, Georgia Street and Monument Circle Aug. 16 and 17 evenings. Everyone is welcome to experience the unique gathering, whether or not you have a motorcycle to bring. All kinds of bikes will be on site, from Harleys and Ducatis to sport bikes to motor scooters. This FREE event takes place 7 p.m. – midnight Aug. 16 and 4 p.m. – midnight Aug. 17. Estimated attendance: 10,000 bikes each night. www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/redbullindianapolisgp/eventinfo/35568-Around-the-City/

• Red Bull Indianapolis GP, Aug. 16 – 18

Many of the top MotoGP speed bike racers will compete in the Red Bull Indianapolis GP this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event will include three races at different competition levels: Moto3, Moto2 and the premier MotoGP field. The three races, which will take place Sunday, Aug. 18 starting with Moto3 at 11 a.m., have come to the Speedway annually since 2008. The MotoGP race will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday.  Practices begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16 and qualifications will start up at 12:35 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Tickets for practice and qualifying days are $20, and race day tickets range from $50 to $130.  Estimated attendance: 100,000. www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/redbullindianapolisgp/

• 64 companies; 8 venues; 384 performances! IndyFringe Festival, Aug. 15-25
  • One of the top performing arts offerings in the state, the ninth annual IndyFringe Festival kicks off Aug. 15 and runs through Aug. 25 with a wide variety of live shows at various performing arts venues along Mass Ave. Admission for each performance is $10 for adults, $8 for a student ticket or $5 for a child (12 and under). A one-time $5 backer button is also required. Enjoy street performers and FREE live music and performances at the outdoor tent! www.indyfringe.org

• Indians Home stand at Victory Field, Aug. 13-16
  • Your Triple A Indianapolis Indians minor league baseball powerhouse host a four-day home stand against the Columbus Clippers starting Wednesday, Aug. 13 – Friday, Aug. 16. Don’t miss out on special promotion days including Friday Night Fireworks!

• Downtown concerts
  • The Indianapolis Zoo will host Animals and All That Jazz from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, included with zoo admission.
  • After a fast day of practices at the track, head to The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park for Umphrey’s McGee with STS9 Friday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.
  • Easley Winery is hosting the free Groovin’ in the Garden series Saturday, Aug. 17 from 2 – 5 p.m.
  • Jimmy Eat World will perform Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. at Old National Centre.

• August in Indiana = Indiana State Fair
  • The Great Indiana State Fair is in full gear from now through Aug. 18 at the nearby Indiana State Fairgrounds. Big musical acts including Montgomery Gentry will perform on the Marsh Free Stage Thursday, Aug. 15. Admission is FREE with fair admission.  http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/

For more information, visit http://indydt.com/, or call 317-237-2222. This Week’s Upcoming Event Listings on AroundIndy.com: http://aroundindy.com/next7days.php.

Big Events in Downtown Indianapolis in August

Lucas Oil Stadium hosts the Guinness International Champions Cup soccer on Aug. 1. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2009, all rights reserved.

By Jennifer Hanson
Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
http://www.indydt.com/

Aug. 15 – 18 Monumental Weekend

Dozens of Downtown events Aug. 15 – 18 will keep Downtown bustling all weekend!  Motorcycles will take center stage with the Red Bull Indianapolis GP Aug. 16 – 18 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Practices begin Friday, Aug. 16 with qualifications taking place Saturday, Aug. 17 and race day Sunday, Aug. 18. As a part of the festive weekend, Motorcycles on Meridian will take over Monument Circle, South Meridian Street and Georgia Street Aug. 16 and 17. Bikes and more bikes will be on site, from stylish Harleys and Ducatis to sport bikes to motor scooters.

Gen Con, the longest-running and highest-attended gaming convention in the world, returns to the Indiana Convention Center Aug. 15 – 18.  The convention features tournaments, guest appearances, exhibit hall booths, games, workshops, seminars, art shows, auctions and costumes, of course!    IndyFringe Festival begins Aug. 15 and continues for 10 days at various Downtown theatres, especially throughout Mass Ave.  Kick off the busy weekend with the summertime favorite, Friday Block Party on Georgia Street presented by GenCon and Motorcycles on Meridian Aug. 16 and catch the Indians at Victory Field Aug. 13 – 16.

Experience great live music as Umphrey’s McGee with STS9 performs at The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park Aug. 16, or hear Jimmy Eat World at Old National Center Aug. 17. 

Get active!

August boasts many ways to get exercise, often while supporting important causes.

For the serious athletes, TRI INDY, sanctioned by USA Triathlon, will take place Aug. 4 along the canal in White River State Park. If biking is more your sport, take part in or watch the competitive Mass Ave Criterium Aug. 10.  Participate in the unique Double Road Race Aug. 11 starting at the NCAA Hall of Champions. Walk through White River State Park in the FARE Walk for Food Allergy Awareness Aug. 17. Take part in the 7^th Annual Running for World Water 5K Aug. 24 to support sustainable drinking worldwide at the National Institute for Fitness and Sport.

Delicious Downtown

Get ready to loosen your belt as Downtown offers up plenty of its finest food and drink during Devour Downtown Aug. 19 – Sept. 1.  Visit an array of Downtown restaurants, each offering distinct three-course dinner (and some lunch) menus at special prices.  Don’t miss Dig IN – A Taste of Indiana Aug. 25 at White River State Park, where you will have the chance to try dozens of samples of locally-produced food and drink prepared by world-class chefs.  Visit our website for more information on Downtown restaurants.

Get in tune with summer music

Some of the biggest names in music will perform at Downtown’s premier venues:

The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park

• Daughtry & 3 Doors Down Aug. 2
• The Black Crowes & Tedeschi Trucks Band Aug. 13
• Umphrey’s McGee with STS9 Aug. 16
• Carly Rae Jepsen & Hot Chelle Rae Aug. 30

Old National Centre

•             Steely Dan Aug. 3
•             House of Blues World Famous Gospel Brunch Aug. 4
•             The National Aug. 4
•             D-Pryde Aug. 5
•             Halestorm Aug. 6
•             Volto Aug. 9
•             Three Days Grace Aug. 10
•             An Evening with YES Aug. 12
•             Ones to Watch Presents: Redlight King & Icon For Hire Aug. 13
•             American Rag on Tour Presents Megan and Liz Aug. 15
•             Jimmy Eat World Aug. 17
•             Thao with the Get Down Stay Down Aug. 20
•             Turquoise Jeep Aug. 22
•             Serena Ryder Aug. 26
•             Rival Sons Aug. 27
•             Bat for Lashes Aug. 28
•             Adam Ant Aug. 30

Bankers Life Fieldhouse

• New Kids on the Block with 98º and Boyz II Men Aug. 4
• Bruno Mars “The Moonshine Jungle World Tour” Aug. 19

Celebrate art in August!

See some of Downtown’s most impressive local artwork during IDADA First Friday at various locations Downtown Aug. 2. Art galleries will be open throughout Mass Ave, Fountain Square and other districts. IndyFringe Festival runs Aug. 15 – 25, hosts more than 300 shows in 10 days at eight venues near Mass Ave, featuring dance, drama, comedy, music, magic and more.

Summer sports are heating up

Indy welcomes the Guinness International Champions Cup: Chelsea vs. Inter Milan. Lucas Oil Stadium is host Aug. 1 starting at 8 p.m. Prior to the soccer game, a tailgate party for ticket holders only will take place on Georgia Street beginning at 3 p.m. The Indianapolis Indians will host 15 home games at Victory Field throughout August: 1 – 5, 8 & 9, 13 – 16, 26 & 27 plus the beginning of their final home series Aug. 30 & 31.  Don’t miss special promotion days at Victory Field including Friday Night Fireworks, Monday Dollar Menu, Wednesday Business Day Games and more!  The Indiana Fever will play four home games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in August: Chicago Sky Aug. 3, Los Angeles Sparks Aug. 8, Atlanta Dream Aug. 10 & San Antonio Silver Stars Aug. 21. The Indianapolis Colts return to pre-season action against the Buffalo Bills Aug. 11!

Festivals and conventions continue

There is a unique array of festivals and conventions heading to Downtown Indianapolis.

Friday Block Parties on Georgia Street

                        Aug. 2, 8, 15, 23 and 30; Georgia Street

IMPD Community Day

            Aug. 8; Georgia Street

Indiana State Fair

            Aug. 2 – 18; Indiana State Fairgrounds

Drum Corps International World Championships

            Aug. 8 – 10; Indiana Convention Center

Gen Con

            Aug. 15 – 18; Indiana Convention Center

Women of Faith “Celebrate Conference”

            Aug. 23 – 24; Bankers Life Fieldhouse

August also means the return to classes for the fall semester in Downtown Indy at IUPUI and at other area colleges and universities such as Butler University, Marian University, and the University of Indianapolis.  Welcome back students!

Downtown has more than 73,000 convenient, affordable parking spaces, making it easy to get where you need to be.  To help plan your visit Downtown, click http://www.indydt.com; download the Indy Downtown app in the iPhone App Store or Google Play; follow us on Twitter @IndyDT. For more information about any of these events or IDI programs, please contact Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., at 317-237-2222.