It’s July, and Indianapolis organizations are coming together for an array of festivals, live shows, and Independence Day activities all month long.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate America 250, watch Shakespeare in the park or indulge in National Ice Cream Month, Indianapolis has no shortage of summer fun for the whole family. The Recorder put together a list of a few free and low-cost things to do during the month of July.
Wednesday, July 1
6th Annual Black Photography Exhibit — FREE
Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
Presented by WE ARE Indy Arts, the Black Photography Exhibition honors Indianapolis’s contemporary artists in the Simon Reading Room through Aug. 1. The Opening reception takes place on July 7 at 5:30 p.m.
attend.indypl.org/event/16616513
Thursday, July 2
Star-Spangled Symphony — $12.96-$56.92
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road
The Indianapolis Symphony returns to Conner Prairie beginning at 8 p.m. to perform patriotic favorites in honor of America’s 250th anniversary alongside tenor Jim Cornelison and the Indianapolis Opera Chorus.
Friday, July 3
“The Colored Museum” — $18-$28
District Theatre Mainstage, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
Produced by the Indianapolis Black Theater Company and directed by Deborah Asante, “The Colored Museum” by George C. Wolfe is a theatrical experience designed to shatter stereotypes while celebrating identity and the many dimensions of Black life in America.
Saturday, July 4
Downtown Indy Fourth Fest — FREE
American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania St.
UA Local 440’s fourth annual Downtown Indy Fourth Fest returns beginning at 6 p.m., featuring food trucks, ice cream stands, a kids zone, live music and programming from Indiana Donor Network and Donate Life Indiana. The 20-minute firework show will begin at 10 p.m.
downtownindy.org/events/fourth-fest
Independence Day Social — FREE
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St.
The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is opening its doors to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in honor of Independence Day, featuring first-floor tours, hands-on crafts, yard games, balloon artists, music and treats for the whole family.
bhpsite.org/events/independence-day-social
Monday, July 6
Roots & Rhythms: A Tribute to Indiana Music Legacy — FREE
WildFyre Tap, 1106 Prospect St.
Indy-based artist George McFlyy presents a performance blending the sounds of Babyface, John Cougar Mellencamp, Michael Jackson and more. Doors open at 7 p.m.
317-441-3089
Saturday, July 11
BLACK: A Festival of Joy — FREE
Riverside Park, 2420 E. Riverside Drive
Celebrating Black joy for the fifth year in a row, Black: A Festival of Joy takes place from 3-9 p.m., and will include live music, DJs and other performances, interactive art, Black-owned vendors and food trucks alongside family-friendly programming, wellness spaces and community conversations.
Folklore Mexicano Festival 2026 — FREE
Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
The Indianapolis Public Library and Arte Mexicano en Indiana are partnering for a festival celebrating Mexican culture. From noon to 4 p.m., families can stop by to enjoy live music and performances, a food truck, mercado (shops) and information booths.
attend.indypl.org/event/16146596
Sunday, July 12
Art & Soul Sunday: D’yshe Mansfield — FREE
Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St.
D’yshe Mansfield, Indy-based singer and songwriter and 2026 Art & Soul Featured artist, will present an hour-long set at the Indianapolis Artsgarden beginning at 3 p.m. as part of July’s Art & Soul Sunday.
Wednesday, July 15
Symphony in the Parks: Garfield Park — FREE
Garfield Park MacAllister Amphitheater, 2345 Pagoda Drive
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is presenting a free concert for families to enjoy classical pieces from Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and theme songs from “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars.” The show begins at 5 p.m., but guests are encouraged to arrive for seating and bring picnic blankets and snacks.
Thursday, July 16
Conversations in Indiana’s African American History: Roberts Settlement — FREE
Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave.
Bryan Glover, vice president and board chair of Roberts Settlement, will join Indiana Landmarks for July’s “Conversations” series, which aims to deepen understanding of the African American experience in Indiana, past and present. The event begins at 6 p.m. both in person and via livestream.
Ice Cream Social on the Circle — $5
Monument Circle
The American Dairy Association Indiana is hosting an Ice Cream Social downtown in honor of National Ice Cream Month. Sundaes are only $5, and attendees will get the chance to meet a real cow, mascots and community All-Stars from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, July 17
IBE Summer Celebration: Music Heritage Festival — $20
IU Michael Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St.
Indiana Black Expo’s annual outdoor concert is back, beginning at 6 p.m., featuring a variety of R&B, funk, soul and modern artists such as KEM, King George, Midnight Star and Indiana native October London.
summercelebration.net/music-heritage-fesitval-outdoor-concert
“Footloose” — $15-25 (Recurring through July 26)
Hedback Theatre, 1847 N. Alabama St.
Footlite Musicals presents the stage adaptation of the heartfelt cult classic, which follows a young high school student who works to undo a small town’s strict dancing ban. The performance begins at 7 p.m. and is part of Footlite’s Young Artists production featuring actors ages 13-18.
Saturday, July 18
2nd annual Indy Lemon Drop Festival — $23.18
Military Park, 601 W. New York St.
Returning for a second year, the Indy Lemon Drop Festival invites Hoosiers to celebrate community and culture with various lemon drop stations, food trucks, live music, entertainment, games, and more. The festival takes place from 3-8 p.m. and is rain or shine.
Indy Dance Festival 2026 — $25 (Recurring through July 19)
Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road
Featuring performances by local and visiting artists — including Crossroads Dance Indy, the Indy Project, Dance Kaleidoscope, KC Phree, 31SVN Street Dance Academy and more— the 2026 Indy Dance Festival kicks off at 7 p.m. with even more performers at 6 p.m. on July 19.
indydancecouncil.org/indy-dance-festival
Mass Ave Summerfest — FREE
Mass Ave Cultural District, 646 Massachusetts Ave.
Beginning at 11 a.m., Hoosiers can enjoy a full day of local art, live music performances, food, local business vendors and community all down Mass Ave.
Thursday, July 23
“King Lear” — FREE (Recurring through Aug. 1)
Taggart Memorial Amphitheater, Riverside Park, 1856 Burdsal Parkway
The Indianapolis Shakespeare Company presents “King Lear” as its annual summer program at Riverside Park. Directed by Zack Neicich, the show begins at 8 p.m., and guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and a picnic to enjoy.
Friday, July 24
9th annual Indy Shorts International Film Festival — $13; $10 for members (Recurring through July 25)
The Amphitheater, Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road
Newfields invites the community to screen a curated selection of recent Oscar-recognized short films beginning at 7 p.m. as part of the Summer Nights Film Series.
Friday, July 31
Brian Simpson, Jackiem Joyner and Jessy J. — $35
The Tarkington, 1 Carter Green Carmel
Pianist Bryan Simpson, saxophonist Jackiem Joyner and smooth jazz and gospel singer Jessy J are coming together for an evening of seamless rhythm, improvisation and music beginning at 8 p.m.
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
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 has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
