June in Indy is about to be hot — parades, block parties, soul music, murals and maybe a little roller disco if you’re lucky.
Whatever you’re looking to celebrate, the Recorder’s got you covered. Here’s just a sample of some of the free and low-cost events celebrating Pride, Juneteenth and African American Music Month in Indianapolis.
Friday, June 6
First Friday: Pride & Joy — FREE
The ArtSpace at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St.
The Athenaeum is celebrating Pride month with a First Friday exhibition showcasing diverse works from LGBTQ+ Hoosier artists in the Christel DeHaan ArtSpace.
Juneteenth: How Much Farther? — FREE
Rapp Family Gallery, Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave.
Showcasing a group exhibition exploring Black heritage and the Diaspora, Indiana Landmarks’ First Friday — in partnership with InSight Art — features include works by Linda Evans, Dana Powell and more.
Saturday, June 7
“Under the Neon Lights” Skate Party — $15
Skateland, 3902 N. Glen Arm Road
Celebrate Hoosier author Arriel Vinson’s debut novel “Under the Neon Lights” with a roller Skating party with $15 admission covering skates and books for sale by LoudMouth Books.
Sunday, June 8
Trans Pride Fest — FREE; Registration required
10 East Arts Hub, 3137 E. 10th St.
Midwestern Trans Pride is teaming up with Boy’s Nite Indy and Indy Pride to present a free community-filled day for all ages, complete with live music, food, vendors, gender affirming cosmetic services, an open mic and drag show.
indypride.org/event/trans-pride-fest
“Luck Finds Love” — $18
The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
Written by Curtis Smith and directed by Dena Toler, “Luck Finds Love” is a story of resilience, romance and music, set against the backdrop of a thriving Black arts community.
Thursday, June 12
Strawberry Festival — $10
Christ Cathedral Church, 125 Monument Circle
Christ Church Cathedral’s biggest fundraiser, the 59th annual Indy Strawberry Festival, is returning to Monument Circle. Grab “The Works” with shortcake, strawberries and ice cream until supplies run out.
cccindy.org/strawberry-festival
Friday, June 13
Fridays at the Fort: Akili Ni Mali — FREE
Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8920 Otis Ave.
Fridays at the Fort kicks off this June with Art & Soul featured artist Akili Ni Mali. Throughout the summer, enjoy a line-up of free live music, a kids zone, food trucks, a beer tent and more at Arts for Lawrence.
artsforlawrence.org/fridaysatthefort
Bashiri Asad: The Everyday Soulsinger — $25-$55
The Cabaret, 924 N. Pennsylvania St.
Join Bashiri Asad, the Cabaret’s 2025 Artist in Residence, as he debuts his new show “The Everyday SoulSinger,” taking audiences on an intimate journey through soul, story and his latest album.
Saturday, 14
A Family Affair — FREE
Belmont Beach, 13000 N. White River Parkway Dr.
Join the Indianapolis Recorder as we celebrate 130 by reviving the historic “Recorder Picnic” alongside our partner Mirror Indy. This free community picnic is open to all ages, complete with a concert, food, games, giveaways, community resource vendors and more.
Indy Pride Celebration on the Circle — FREE
Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
Indy Pride is bringing the celebration to Monument Circle this year, with a free two-day event jam-packed with local art and food vendors, live music and drag performances and community connection.
Indy Pride Word of Mouth — $40-$60
American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indy Pride’s two-day music series aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride in a loud, proud and inclusive space, complete with a line-up of national music artists and drag performers and more
Wednesday, June 18
Art in the Garden Community Mural with Kierra Ready — FREE
Touba Gardens, 2258 North Bellefontaine St.
Join Art and Soul featured artist Kierra Ready for a two-day community mural project at Touba Gardens. Painters of all ages and skill levels are invited to help bring public art to life while exploring themes of nature, healing and unity.
freemindcreations.com/art-in-the-garden
Thursday, June 19
READ MORE: 11 can’t-miss Juneteenth 2025 celebrations in Indy
SleepyNap presents: Blue Bergamot – A Juneteenth Celebration — $27.47
Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St.
Led by Indy-based drummer Richard “Sleepy” Floyd, celebrate Juneteenth with a 10-piece Afrobeat ensemble paying homage to the musical likes of Fela Kuti and Manu Dibango.
Friday, June 20
Legacy Fest: The Block Party — FREE
Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
The 3rd annual Legacy Fest Block party invites the community to celebrate Black Music Month with free live performances, food trucks, vendors and more on historic Indiana Avenue.
Saturday, June 21
Bloombox Festival — FREE
Harrison Center 1505 N. Delaware St.
Returning for its 24th year, Bloombox Festival honors local artists and musicians who create and perform original live music and art.
8th Annual Indy Juneteenth Celebration — FREE
Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St.
This year, Indy Juneteenth is taking over the Indiana State Fairgrounds for it’s 8th annual celebration. The event kicks off at noon featuring live performances, food trucks, vendors, a kids zone, sip & paint and more.
Sunday, June 22
Legacy Reception & Book Chat: An Afternoon with A’Lelia Bundles — FREE
Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
Community members are invited to celebrate the third day of Legacy Fest with author A’Lelia Bundles. The event will include a book chat on legacy, entrepreneurship and family history in honor of the release of “Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance.”
Saturday, June 28
32nd Annual Indiana Market and Festival — $10-$20; free for members
Eiteljorg Museum, 5000 W. Washington St.
Complete with 150 Native artists, live music, dance, hands-on art activities and fry bread, the 32nd annual Indian Market and Festival returns for two days at the Eiteljorg.
eiteljorg.org/indian-market-and-festival/
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
