September marks the beginning of fall, a season filled with fun things to do in Indianapolis. Following are a few highlights of this month's events and activities in Indianapolis.
1st Annual Indiana Glass Artists Invitational Exhibition
When: Sept. 1-30; Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun noon-6 p.m.
Where: Indianapolis Artsgarden, above the intersection of Illinois and Washington streets downtown (accessible from Circle Centre Mall), Indianapolis 46204
Phone: 317-624-2565
Admission: Free
View the work of 13 professional Indiana glass artists, including hot blown glass, hot sculpted glass, cold-worked glass, cast glass, slumped glass and flame-worked glass.
55th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
When: Sept. 2-7; times and events vary daily
Where: O’Reilly Raceway Park, 10267 East U.S. Highway 136 (3 miles west of Clermont), Indianapolis 46234
Phone: 317-291-4090
Admission: General adult admission $35 Friday, $46 Saturday, $49 Sunday and Monday; ages 12 and under free
A big week for racing fans, the Nationals represent the world’s biggest and most prestigious drag-racing event.
14th Annual Rib America Festival
When: Fri-Mon, Sept. 4-7; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri-Sun, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon
Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St. (corner of New York and West streets), Indianapolis 46202
Admission: Free before 5 p.m. Fri and 1 p.m. Sat-Mon; general admission is $5 at all other times for ages 12 and up
Go for the ribs, the featured bands, or the festival atmosphere, but don’t go with the expectation of sticking to your diet – Ribfest is the ultimate calorie splurge. The featured food item, of course, is ribs, but pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, corn dogs, and bratwurst are also available, along with the usual go-withs -- baked beans, cole slaw, fries, roasted sweet corn, onion blossoms -- and even desserts. Several bands will take the Bud Light Music Stage, with this year’s highlights being Night Ranger (9 p.m. Friday), Billy Squier (9 p.m. Saturday), and Puddle of Mudd (9 p.m. Sunday).
German-American Klub Oktoberfest
When: Sept. 4-6 and Sept. 11-12; 4-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
Where: 1209 E. 38th St., Indianapolis 46205
Phone: 317-927-7500
Admission: $3, plus $3 parking fee
Enjoy traditional German fare like bratwurst and sauerkraut, a German beer and wine garden, live German bands and dancers, carnival rides and games. Train transportation will be available between the Fishers Train Station and the fairgrounds.
The World Series of Market Chefs’ Challenges
When: Wed, Sept. 9, 11 a.m.
Where: Indianapolis Farmers Market at City Market, 222 E. Market St., Indianapolis 46204
Phone: 317-634-9266
Admission: Free
In the spirit of Iron Chef and TV Food Network’s Chopped, local chefs will square off to see who can create the best cuisine while incorporating a “secret ingredient” into their dishes. Each chef will be given $20 and 20 minutes to shop the market for ingredients.
X-Fest 2009
When: Sat, Sept. 12, 4 p.m.
Where: Verizon Wireless Music Center, 12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville 46060
Admission: $18.50 to $59; tickets available at LiveNation.com.
X-Fest is an annual music festival featuring hard rock, alternative rock, industrical rock, heavy metal, and grunge bands. This year’s bands will include Alice in Chains, Hollywood Undead, Hurt, Red, Sick Puppies, Framing Hanley, Cavo, and Cage the Elephant.
Indianapolis Colts vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars
When: Sept. 13, 1 p.m.
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis 46225
Phone: 317-262-8600
Admission: Prices vary; tickets available online through
The Indianapolis Colts kick off regular season play with a home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ricochet with special guest KJ Testin
When: Fri, Sept. 18; doors open at 6 p.m., show begins at 8:30 p.m.
Where: 8 Seconds Saloon, 111 N. Lynhurst, Indianapolis 46224
Phone: 317-486-1569
Admission: $15 reserved; $10 general admission. Note: Free tickets may be obtained by contacting KJ via her MySpace page
Country music favorite Ricochet brings its show back to Indy. Opening the show will be up-and-coming local singer, KJ Testin.