100 Black Men at Indiana Black Expo; (c) Soul Of America
Indianapolis Events
Events held in Indianapolis unless indicated otherwise.
January
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Celebration of the civil rights leader’s life; Indianapolis; http://www.king-raleigh.org/natlevent/body.cfm
Keep Dream Alive
A commemorative celebration featuring local artists singing songs of courage, community leaders sharing words of wisdom and dance ensembles presenting dances of praise in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy; Madame Walker Theatre Center; http://www.indy.org
February
Black History Month
Featuring song, dance, and drama; Legacy Theatre, Indiana State Museum; http://www.indy.org
Black History Month
Featuring educational activities and family entertainment; Children’s Museum of Indianapolis; http://www.indy.org
April
Follow the North Star
Become a fugitive slave on the Underground Railroad as part of this unusual emotional experience for participants; Conner Prarie, Fishers, IN; http://www.indy.org
Indianapolis International Film Festival
Various Indianapolis locations; http://www.indy.org
June
Indy Jazz Fest
Features local and national music artists; past performers include Kool & The Gang, Joshua Redman, Al Green, Cassandra Wilson, Hugh Masekela, Ray Charles, Take 6, Temptations; Military Park; http://www.indy.org
Juneteenth
Celebration of African American culture; Children’s Museum of Indianapolis; http://www.juneteenth.com
Indian Market
Midwest’s largest juried show and sale of authentic, hand-made Native American art and draws some of the country’s most-collected artist; Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art; http://www.eiteljorg.org
July
Indiana Black Expo
Annual event featuring music festival, consumer exhibits, employment fair, children’s activities and more; over 500,000 people participate in the event; Indiana Convention Center/RCA Dome; http://www.indianablackexpo.com
African Festival
Taste African foods, shop at the marketplace and see an African ethnic model show and live cultural performances featuring music, dance and drumming; Tab Recreation; http://www.indy.org
September
Rib America Festival
Annual festival featuring award-winning BBQ cooking teams from throughout the country; Military Park in Indy; http://www.ribamerica.com
Indiana Avenue Renaissance Festival
Showcases a variety of art forms from gospel, blues, jazz and R&B music to dance and literary arts; Madame Walker Theatre Center; http://www.indy.org
Indy Jazz Fest
Various Locations in Indy; http://www.indyjazzfest.net
October
Circle City Classic
Annual Black College Football event that attracts 150,000 guests and participants; featuring the Tennessee State vs. North Carolina A&T football game, battle of the bands, golf tournament, princess pageant, parade, college fair; Indianapolis; http://www.circlecityclassic.com
December
Kwanzaa Celebration
Begins 12/26; annual 7-day celebration of African American culture at various venues in Indy; https://soulofamerica.com/events/kwanzaa-celebrations/
