Indiana Black Expo’s 54th Annual Summer Celebration returns July 10–20, transforming downtown Indianapolis into a culture, education and entertainment hub.
With dozens of events — many free and family-friendly — here’s how to experience the legacy:
Cultural Arts Pavilion — FREE
When: July 18–20 (Fri.–Sun.: noon to 7 p.m.)
Where: Indiana Convention Center (Rooms 140–144)Dive into vibrant exhibits like “Court Vision: The Art of Resilience and Excellence,” featuring 32 Midwest artists celebrating Black women’s impact. Enjoy live performances, interactive sneaker painting (first 100 free!) and talks with creators like Tania Michelle Wineglass.
Health & Wellness Sports Pavilion — FREE
When: July 18–20 (Fri.: noon–7 p.m.; Sat.–Sun.: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Where: Indiana Convention Center (Hall I)Join NBA All-Star Allan Houston’s “Father Knows Best Basketball Clinic” (Sat.–Sun., noon to 5 p.m.) for father-daughter bonding. Try line dancing, boxing demos and health screenings while snagging giveaways.
IBE Film Festival — FREE
When: July 12 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Where: IBE Headquarters (601 N. Shortridge Road)This festival, which premiered the documentary “Telling Our Story: A Month Is Not Enough,” amplifies Black voices in cinema with indie films and discussions.
39th Annual Indiana Health Fair — FREE
When: July 18–20 (noon to 7 p.m.)
Where: Indiana Convention Center (Halls D&E)Access over $4,000 in free health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, mental health resources), wellness education and “Seniors Night” on July 17 (4–8 p.m.).
Music Heritage Festival — $20+
When: July 18 (6–11:30 p.m.)
Where: IU Michael A. Carroll StadiumGroove to R&B legends: Keith Sweat, SWV, Cameo and Deniece Williams. Parking: $10. Gold/Platinum seats are available.
Fashion Show & Style Zone — FREE
When: July 19 (Fashion Show: 4 p.m.; Style Zone: noon–7 p.m.)
Where: Indiana Convention Center (Entertainment Stage, Hall F)See designs from Nikki Blaine Couture and BruceGlen, then shop pop-up boutiques. Hosted by “Fashion Bomb Daily” CEO Claire Sulmers.
Gospel Explosion — FREE
When: July 20 (3–7 p.m.)
Where: Indiana Convention Center (Hall F Stage)Close the celebration with Anthony Brown & group therAPy, plus powerhouse choirs like New Direction Church.
Plan Your Visit:
- Free Entry Zones are the Exhibition Hall (250+ vendors), the Performing Arts Academy (dance/acting workshops) and most conferences.
- Tickets & Details: summercelebration.net
- Community Support: Sponsored by Lilly, IU, Old National Bank and Cummins.
Enjoy the 2025 Indiana Black Expo!
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more Indiana Black Expo news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
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