Plus, our hot takes on what's in and out for summer.
 
07.11.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

83º | 60% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:26 a.m. |
Sunset 9:13 p.m. | Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
 

🎲 Game on, Indy

A gameplan guide to Gen Con
Gen Con attendees walk around Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis
Last year, the convention held a block party on Georgia Street. | Photo by Gen Con LLC
Gamers, grab your cloaks + ready your cosplay, because the best four days in gaming are less than a month away. Gen Con 2024 is Thursday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 4 at the Indianapolis Convention Center (ICC) and Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s what you need to know to make your time at Gen Con poggers (that’s gamer speak for exciting).

🧙‍♂️ What is Gen Con?

Gen Con was founded in 1967 by Dungeons and Dragons co-creator Gary Gygax. It’s the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America — as of the time of this writing, there are 22,659 events planned for this year’s con.

Gen Con made its move to the Circle City in 2003, where it has remained ever since. Last year, the convention drew 70,000+ people and generated nearly $75 million in local economic impact.

People gathered around a table at the convention

25th Century Games’ booth in the exhibition hall at Gen Con 2021. | Photo by @25thcenturygames

🔮 Convention highlights

Film Festival | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 7 p.m. | ICC | Short films made by gaming aficionados from across the world will be screening on-site throughout the day, with winners announced that evening.

38th Annual Costume Contest | Saturday, Aug. 3 | 4 p.m. | ICC, Main Stage in the 500 Ballroom | A costume parade will march through the halls followed by a contest — you can dress up as your favorite character or watch from the audience.

Exhibition Hall | Duration of convention | Various times | ICC | Thousands of gamemakers, publishers, and outfitters will show off their latest + greatest creations.

People gathered around a table at the convention

25th Century Games’ booth in the exhibition hall at Gen Con 2021.

|

Photo by @25thcenturygames

🧩 How to attend

  1. Get your badge. Badges get you into Gen Con + the primary attractions, like the auction and the exhibition hall.
  2. Get your tickets. Tickets will reserve your seat for a particular event in advance for a small fee.
  3. Check out the exhibit hall map. With so much happening, you’re going to want to plan in advance where you need to be at what time.
4 more can't-miss events
 
Events
Thursday, July 11
  • Zen + Zest: A Yoga + Cocktail Experience | Thursday, July 11 | 7-8 p.m. | 8th Day Distillery, 1125 E. Brookside Ave., Ste. D6, Indianapolis | $25 | Bring your own mat for a refreshing hour of yoga followed by a delicious cocktail or mocktail.
Friday, July 12
  • Natural History Book Club | Friday, July 12 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Learn about environmental issues through the words of nature authors.
  • Drum Circle | Friday, July 12 | 12-1 p.m. | SPARK on the Circle, 1 Monument Cir., Indianapolis | Free | Join Rob Funkhouser from Rhythm! Discovery for a drum circle on the Circle.
  • Adult Summer Camp | Friday, July 12 | 7-9 p.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $45 | Capture the fun of camp with activities like archery, stargazing, storytelling around a fire, and s’mores-inspired snacks + drinks.
Saturday, July 13
  • Black Art Market | Saturday, July 13 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Shop art of all mediums from 30+ local artists and take part in demonstrations and classes.
  • Inside The Mind of A Little Wizard | Saturday, July 13 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Theater at The Fort, 8910 Otis Dr., Indianapolis | $10-$15 | Take a breathtaking ride through the world of magic, designed to transfix spectators of all ages.
  • Speedway Paint Party – Summer Shades | Saturday, July 13 | 2:30-5:30 p.m. | Foyt Wine Collective Speedway, 1182 Main St., Speedway | $29-$39 | Savor drinks from Foyt Wine Vault, snack on delicious goodies, and socialize while you paint.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Biz

🥞 Rise and dine with Scramblers in Circle City
Scramblers_MULTI_JULY2024
After 30+ years, Scramblers has expanded across more than 10 cities (and ours could be next). | Photo provided by Scramblers
Ever thought about opening a restaurant but felt overwhelmed by the process? You’re not alone.

With 35+ years of experience, the leadership team at Scramblers has done the leg work to perfect a breakfast, lunch, and brunch restaurant model that stands out from the competition.

From site selection to opening aid + marketing services, Scramblers offers top-notch franchisee training and support every step of the way to help each location succeed. Read: Buying into an egg-cellent business has never been easier.
Ready to get crackin'?
News Notes
Biz
  • Sephora plans to build a new 750,000-sqft Midwest distribution center in the Avon Landings Commerce Park. It’s expected to open in summer 2025. Now that’s beautiful. (IBJ)
Traffic
  • INDOT wants your input on how it can improve the stretch of I-65 between Fletcher Place and I-465. It’s holding a public meeting at Frederick Douglass SUPER School 19 on Wednesday, July 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Learn more. (WTHR)
Transit
  • Purdue University announced it will launch a shuttle service for students + staff to commute between Indianapolis and West Lafayette. Buses will run six times a day during the week and twice a day on the weekend. Drop off and pick-up locations have not yet been finalized. (Mirror Indy/WISH)
Opening
  • FLVR Kitchen, a new restaurant project housing Naptown Tenders, Bytes Burger, and Incredisoul under one roof at 3827 N. Mitthoefer Rd., announced its grand opening will be on Friday, July 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. RSVP to attend and get 20% off your order.
Featured
  • Ascension St. Vincent Fishers Hospital has advanced to the final voting stage in Soliant Health’s “2024 Most Beautiful Hospitals in the USA” competition. If you agree, you can vote here — the winning hospital will receive a $5,000 donation. (WISH)
Sports
  • Here’s another Indy “what if": What if Joe Flacco has to be QB1 in place of Anthony Richardson? Here’s what Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks think about the upcoming Colts season.
Travel
  • Hey Indy: Are you ready for a vacay but don’t want to break the bank? We’ve got an idea. Just two and a half hours north, you’ll find a great summer getaway in Elkhart County. Pro tip: Get a free area guide – and start planning your next trip.*
    Eat
    Finance
    • If your last credit card bill sent a chill down your spine — even in this heat — it might be time for a balance transfer. The Ascent recommends these four cards with 0% APR for up to 18 months. (You could have almost two years to avoid interest charges.)*
    Health
    • “The clarity is insane.” That’s what we’re hearing (loud and clear) about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even in background noise. Join 350,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*
     
    Trending

    🔥 That’s hot

    INDYtoday’s summer ‘in’ and ‘out’ list
    INDYtoday: INDY_Indiana state fair sky chair ride_JUL24
    In: Getting a ride wristband at the State Fair. | Photo by INDYtoday team
    We already know you’re trendy. You read INDYtoday (duh), so you’ve always got the scoop on what’s happening in the Circle City. But what about what’s hot and what’s not?

    As summer heats up, we’re passing the mic to you. What are some Indy ins + outs for you this summer? We’ll go first:

    City Editor Shea’s in + out

    In: Checking the UV index before heading outside. Sunscreen is always a good idea, but according to the EPA, anything above a two really necessitates protection.
    Out: Sudden pothole appearances — my tires better be safe until winter.

    City Editor Nicole’s in + out

    In: Enjoying happy hour with friends. Check out 10+ deals around the 317.
    Out: Not using Pacers Bikeshare while traveling around downtown Indy.
    Asked

    What are your Indy summer ins + outs?
    Set the trend
    The Buy

    The Buy 7.11.24 (Affiliate)
    A really soft, breathable men’s performance t-shirt that Nordstrom just marked down. The Vuori shirt is great for everyday wear or working out.
    More worth The Buy
     
    The Wrap
     
    Shea Stapley.png

    Today’s edition by:
    Shea
    From the editor
    Another of my ins: Kayaking the White River. Out: Actually getting in the water.
    Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
    Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
    Advertise     ›
    Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More     ›
     
     

    Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

    Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

    Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

    P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

    ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY