Want to make the most out of a summer in Indy — but also want to keep it affordable? There are plenty of ways to have fun in the Circle City without spending a cent.
We’ve rounded up some free things that you and the family can add to your summer bucket lists.
Free First Thursdays
On the first Thursday of the month, you can visit Newfields for free (general admission). Bring your friends and family for a day of art making, live music, games, and Artful Conversations while you enjoy the Newfields campus. If the weather is nice, make sure to explore the outdoors too. Check out the July schedule.
Canal Nights
Join the Indiana State Museum on the Canal Walk outside of the museum from 5 to 7 p.m. for family-friendly outdoor activities + themed, hands-on experiments. Pro tip: you can still access the museum entrance on the Canal if you park in the garage — just walk through level one of the museum. Check the calendar for the different themes.
If you want this as your view, consider moving to the Holy Cross neighborhood.
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Photo by INDYtoday team
Visit an Indy park
Getting some fresh air is free. Visit at one of Indy’s 211 city parks, from Holliday Park, with its nature trails to Highland Park, with one of the most beautiful sunset views of the city. City Editor Nicole likes having ClusterTruck delivered to Highland Park for a summer picnic — if you’re willing to pay — or you can pack your own food.
Hit the trails
Walking, biking, or scooting down the Monon or Cultural trails is a great way to explore the city and get active. The trails can connect you to some of the best spots for local shopping and dining, like Mass Avenue, Fountain Square, and Broad Ripple.
Go on a mural scavenger hunt
If you’re up for a little local art experience, you’re sure to spot some larger-than-life murals created by Indy artists all over the city. Make it a challenge and see how many you can find, using our guide.
Events
Tuesday, June 27
Live Music Tuesdays at Circle Centre Mall | Tuesday, June 27-Tuesday, Dec. 26 | 5-7 p.m. | Circle Centre Mall Dining Pavilion, 49 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis | Free | Wind down with colleagues + grab a bite to eat after work or bring the whole family for a family-friendly evening of live local music.
Wednesday, June 28
IMPD Northwest District Community Day | Wednesday, June 28 | 4-7 p.m. | IMPD Northwest District, 4005 Office Plaza Blvd., Indianapolis | Free | Get to know your local officers + take part in free raffles, basketball tournaments, a bounce house, a reptile exhibit, and enjoy complimentary food.
Splash Island Wet Wednesday - Magic Night | Wednesday, June 28-Wednesday, July 26 | 7-10 p.m. | Plainfield | $6.25-$8 | Come out and enjoy themed evenings with music, popcorn, crafts, and much more this summer.
Thursday, June 29
Late Night Thursdays Special: Date Night | Thursday, June 29 | 6-8 p.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Museum admission | Bring a date and stay out late to enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
Saturday, July 1
INDYpendence 4K/8K | Saturday, July 1 | 7:30 a.m. | Brookside Park, 3500 Brookside Pkwy. S. Dr., Indianapolis | $20-$25 | Join the INDYpendence Day 4K and 8K run in Brookside Park to benefit the Englewood CDC Eviction Prevention Fund.
Barbie Pop-up Shop and Family Garage Sale | Saturday, July 1 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Westchester Estates, 2635 Westleigh Dr., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Shop the family garage sale + check out a doll pop-up shop with The Barbie Girls Project, featuring vintage and new Barbies and accessories.
Indy Eleven vs. San Diego Loyal SC | Saturday, July 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St., Indianapolis | $15-$75 | Will the Eleven bring home another W after beating Hartford Athletic 2-0 last Saturday?
The National Weather Service is working to assess damage in central Indiana caused by severe weather Sunday evening. Storms brought tornadoes and hail, leaving behind significant damage in Johnson County, south of Indy. Officials say the path of destruction is roughly three miles long. (WTHR)
Civic
Drink responsibly. Police departments across the state are cracking down on impaired driving around the Fourth of July holiday. From Friday, June 30 to Saturday, July 8, officers will be increasing patrols with the primary goal of preventing tragedies. Check out the Sober Ride Indiana program for discounted Uber or Lyft rides. (CBS4)
Coming Soon
“Unique approach to the tattoo studio.” That’s the motto behind Mehndi + Marked, a new shop offering Henna/Jagua, tattoos, and plants. It’s getting ready to open in Fountain Square (1339 Prospect St.) with a grand opening celebration scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5.
Closed
Popular meatball joint Mimi Blue Restaurant announced it’s closing its location at the Fashion Mall at Keystone after five years in business, due to challenges since the pandemic. You can still enjoy its comfort food at the Mass Avenue location.
Biz
Indy-based Eli Lilly and Co. is continuing to climb as a pharmaceutical powerhouse. The company has heavily invested in research + development and is trading at historic highs — reaching $460+ a share in the stock market. (IndyStar)
Award
Hendricks Commercial Properties, which transformed the former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant into the centerpiece of the Bottleworks District, won Indiana Landmarks’ 2023 Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration of the $300 million, 12-acre culinary, arts, and entertainment destination. Learn more about the award.
Shop
We’re excited to introduce, Trailblazing Love, the newest brand added to our online store (Six & Main). From camping to coastal adventures, this local business inspires couples to explore the world and nurture their relationships through outdoor-based activity boxes. Shop the perfect activity box now.
Travel
Wanna save 40-90% on flights? Sign up for Going — a free travel membership — and you can browse deals immediately (like a $300+ round tripto Barcelona).*
Eat
🍽️ Tuesdays are for tenderloin
Tenderloin Tuesdays return to Central Indiana
You can get this Indiana classic for $14 at Four Day Ray in Fishers and Yorktown. | Photo by Four Day Ray via Hamilton County Tourism
Are you a fan of Indiana’s official state sandwich? Get ready to work up an appetite because Tenderloin Tuesdays are returning to Hamilton County.
This summer promotion is back for its 14th year, where restaurants throughout the county will offer discounts on dishes featuring the breaded pork tenderloin each Tuesday from today, June 27 to Tuesday, July 25.
More than 35 local restaurants — including Four Day Ray, Dooley O’Toole’s, Sahm’s Restaurant, Syd’s, and West Fork Whiskey — will celebrate the Hoosier staple through this campaign.
To hop on the Tenderloin train, check out the website + enter your name and email for a link to the mobile passport. Save it to your smartphone and when visiting a participating restaurant, show the passport to a restaurant staff member to redeem the available discount.
Once you visit four spots on the passport, you can receive a commemorative t-shirt designed by local artists The Wilkinson Brothers, while supplies last.
Movie buffs will like this. In case you missed it — Living Room Theatres in the Bottleworks District announced it’s hosting Free Movie Sundays, where you can watch classic masterpieces and anniversary titles for free every Sunday afternoon. You can get your ticket in person at the box office.
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