The month of August in Indianapolis is jam-packed with events ranging from festivals to football. Check out the Gen Con gaming convention, experience art and theatre at the Mass Avenue Fringe Festival, cheer the Colts to victory in preseason game action, or attend a women's health conference, a toy truck show, or a gun and knife show. Whatever your interests, you're sure to find something to do in Indianapolis.
Drum Corps International Championships
When: Aug. 6-8; times and events vary by date.
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
Phone: 317-262-8600
From individual and ensemble competition to the World Championship Finals, these drum corps are professional marching bands whose shows are truly a spectacle to behold.
The 2009 Indiana State Fair
When: Aug. 7-23; hours and activities vary daily.
Where:Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis
Phone: 317-927-7500
Admission: $8 at the gate; ages 5 and under free
Now in its 153rd year, the Indiana State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the nation, with a wide variety of events and activities from rides and carnival games to concerts, exhibitions, animals, and of course, foods you won’t find anywhere else. Chocolate-covered bacon, anyone?
Visual Fringe 2009
When: Aug. 7-30
Where: Between the 400 and 800 blocks of Mass Avenue, Indianapolis
Phone: 317-522-8009
Both established and undiscovered artists display their work in cafes, theaters, and vacant spaces along Mass Avenue that have been converted into stunning art galleries for this event.
Cumberland Arts Festival
When:Aug. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Along Saturn Street from the Cumberland Town Hall to the Cumberland First Baptist Church
Phone: 317-844-7759
Admission: Free
The inaugural running of this arts and crafts festival includes live music, dance, hands-on art education, and more.
Taste of Downtown Street Festival
When: Aug. 8, 4-10 p.m.
Where: Easley Winery, 205 N. College Ave., Indianapolis
Phone: 317-636-4516
Admission: Free
Featuring live music and entertainment, the best local restaurants have to offer, and more.
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band
When: Aug. 11, 8 p.m.
Where: Wireless Music Center, 12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville 46060
Phone: 317-239-5151
Admission: $36.50 and $136.50 Tickets available online
Gen Con: The Best Four Days in Gaming
When: Aug. 13-16
Where: Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
Phone: 206-957-3814
Admission: $28 to $78 for 1- to 4-day passes
Check out the newest games and play your heart out with fellow gaming enthusiasts.
Indianapolis Colts Preseason Football Game
When: Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
Phone: 317-297-7000
Admission: $44 and up; call 317-297-7000 or email ticketoperations@colts.nfl.net for more info
The Colts take on the Minnesota Vikings in NFL preseason action.
Indianapolis Colts Preseason Football Game
When: Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
Phone: 317-297-7000
Admission: $44 and up; call 317-297-7000 or email ticketoperations@colts.nfl.net for more info
It’s the Colts versus the Philadelphia Eagles in preseason game play.
Annual Toy Truck 'n' Construction Show
When: Aug. 21-23
Where: Adam’s Mark Airport Hotel, 2544 Executive Dr., Indianapolis
Phone: 800-533-8293
Visit with companies like Die-Cast promotions, SpecCast, and First Gear. Many dealers with a wide variety of truck and construction models, new and old, will be in attendance, along with Precision Model Distributors’ RC room. Auction Saturday.
Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival
When: Aug. 21-30
Where: Six stages between the 400 and 800 blocks of Mass Avenue, Indianapolis
Phone: 317-822-4386
Admission: $3 festival badge good for all 10 days plus $10 per show at the door ($5 under age 12) Note: Some festival events are free.
Fifty-three performing groups will put on a total of 270 shows at six stages along Mass Ave. for 10 days of theatrical entertainment.
Indy 1500 Gun and Knife Show
When: Aug 28-30
Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis
Phone: 405-340-1333
One of the largest gun and knife shows east of the Mississippi.
Speaking of Women’s Health Conference
When: Aug. 28
Where: Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
Phone: 317-614-0504
Admission: $40
Presented by St. Vincent health, the conference features keynote speakers, breakout topics and health screenings especially tailored to the needs of women.
Feast of Lanterns
When: Aug. 29, noon-11 p.m.
Where: Spades Park, 1800 Nowland Ave., Indianapolis
Phone: 317-633-7300
Admission: Free
The festival features music, art, kids’ activities, and lantern-making opportunities, prior to the Lantern Lighting Ceremony and parade at dusk. Candle-lit chandeliers, trees decorated with votives, and hundreds of paper lanterns turn the park into a nighttime wonderland.