July is here, with sunny days, soaring temperatures and plenty of things to do with the family. So, whether you are looking to barbecue in the park, watch fireworks, go swimming or enjoy some outdoor concerts, look no further! The Indianapolis Recorder put together a list of events and activities going on in and around Indianapolis in This Weekend in the Arts.
Unfortunately, we could not cover everything in one calendar. If there is an event or celebration we missed, feel free to let us know at newsroom@indyrecorder.com.
Friday, July 12
Adult Summer Camp
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.
7-9 p.m.
$45 for non-members
Complete with life-sized games, traditional camp activities and crafts, adults can enjoy an evening of summer camp nostalgia and fun. The camp also includes food, camp-inspired cocktails and stargazing to round out the night.
La India Yuridia
Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
8 p.m.
$84
Mexican comedic sensation La India Yuridia is coming to Indianapolis. The stand-up comedienne will take the stage at Old National Centre for one night during her “Porque Asi Soy” Tour.
Mass Ave Crit
Mass Ave Cultural Arts District, 400 Block of Massachusetts Avenue
4-9:30 p.m.
Free to watch; Registration varies
IU Health Momentum Indy will host the 5th stop of the annual American Criterium Cup with approximately 400 professional and amateur cyclists. The high energy race kicks off a weekend cycling festival taking place in Indy’s cultural district along Massachusetts Avenue.
Saturday, July 13
BLACK: A Festival of Joy
Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre, Riverside Park, 1856 Burdsal Pkwy
3-9 p.m.
Free
Returning for its third year in a row, the festival will include live music and performances from artists such as BJ The Chicago Kid and Austin Dean Ashford. Guests can spend the day with friends and family, shopping from locally owned, Black businesses and artists and enjoying some of the city’s best Black-owned food trucks.
Black Art Market
Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free
A celebration of Black art is coming to Newfields for a one-day event. The Black Art Market will feature 30 local artists across all mediums on display in addition to demonstrations, classes and food from Forked up Catering.
Groovin’ In The Garden: Reason and Rhyme
Easley Winery, 205 N. College Ave.
2-5 p.m.
Free
This week’s Groovin’ In The Garden hosts acoustic rock and pop group Reason and Rhyme. Guests are invited to enjoy the family-friend environment this summer with live music, wine flights, slushies and weekend wine specials. Bringing chairs and snacks is encouraged, and ClusterTruck will be onsite.
Water Lantern Festival
Military Park, 601 W. New York St.
6:30-1 0:30 p.m.
$28.33-$55.99
Featuring food trucks, live music and more, the annual Water Lantern Festival invites friends and families to design their own lanterns before launching them in the water together at sundown. Food trucks, vendors and live music will also be onsite for guests to enjoy.
Sunday, July 14
Indy VegFest
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.
1-5 p.m.
Free
Presented by Eskenazi Health, the one-day festival celebrating vegan cuisine will feature food samples, cooking demonstrations, live performances, a DJ, activities for kids and local nonprofit vendors in health and wellness, animal advocacy and environmental sustainability.
Summer Reading at Indy Reads
Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.
3-4 p.m.
Free
Every week this summer, kids of all ages are invited into Indy Reads to share their current reads with a staff member or volunteer for a chance to win prizes. Kids do not have to participate each week; however, those who do will get a $2 coupon for the used books in store.
Special Event: EJ Speaks
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W. Georgia St.
7 p.m.
$27
Having been featured on The Rickey Smiley morning show, The DL Hughley show and more, comedian EJ Speaks is known for writing hilarious everyday life sketches — including writing for award shows and having amassed a large social media following.
indianapolis.heliumcomedy.com/shows/248361
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees. For previous editions of This Weekend in the Arts, click here.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
