Fourth of July festivals and celebrations for all ages and interests will take place in Indianapolis and the surrounding communities throughout the holiday weekend. Celebrate July 4th, 2009, in Indy with style!
- The Indianapolis Indians will play the Louisville Bats at Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland, at 6 p.m. July 4. The first 10,000 fans will receive an American flag courtesy of Flagstar Bank. Game attendees are invited to stick around after the game for a fireworks show from centerfield, and then keep their seats for a great view of the downtown Indianapolis Freedom Blast fireworks display. Tickets are $9-13 for adults and $8-12 for ages 14 and under.
- The Propylaeum at 1410 N. Delaware St. will host its annual July 4 Brunch at 10:30 a.m. followed by patriotic games, music and activities. Adults, $20; ages 12 and under, $15. Reservations required; call 317-638-7881. The Propylaeum is a three-story Victorian mansion located in Indy’s Old Northside neighborhood.
- Canal Family Fest will take place from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on the Indianapolis Downtown Canal Walk, and will feature free family activities prior to the downtown fireworks display.
- The Indiana Historical Society’s Independence Day Bash from 4:30-9:45 p.m. will feature the Indianapolis Municipal Band performing patriotic tunes and marches at 5 p.m. followed by the Impalas at 7:30 p.m. at Fitness Park, American College of Sports Medicine, 401 W. Michigan St. Reserved seating for tables for 8 on the grass and in the shade costs $40 for nonmembers and $35 for members. Half-tables can be reserved for $30 nonmembers, $25 members. Call 317-232-1882.
- Symphony on the Prairie: Yankee Doodle Symphony will take place on July 2-4 at 8 p.m. at Conner Prairie,13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, featuring patriotic pops and a salute to veterans. Each night’s concert will conclude with a fireworks display. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for picnicking and pre-concert entertainment. Tickets may be purchased at Marsh grocery stores.
- Conner Prairie’s Glorious Fourth, taking place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July3-5, will feature family activities in each historic area, from decorating Prairietown and marching with the militia to joining in a historic baseball game, eating homemade ice cream, and waving the flag to some patriotic tunes. Admission: Adults, $12; Seniors 65 and over, $11; ages 2-12, $8, under age 2 free. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers.
- The Rathskeller Restaurant will serve a patriotic buffet including fried chicken, pasta salad, baked beans, watermelon, ice cream, and brownies, in the Kellersaal Ballroom at the Athenaeum Building, 401 E. Michigan St., from 5:30-7 p.m., and Jay Fox and his Bavarian Showtime Band will play patriotic and dance music from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Uncle Sam will be there with balloons for the kids. Tickets: In advance, $20 adults, $10 ages 12 and under; at the door, $25 adults, $15 ages 12 and under. From 7-11 p.m., the 21-and-over crowd can enjoy the musical stylings of Zanna Doo for a $5 cover charge. The venue offers great views of the downtown fireworks. Call 317-636-0396 for more information on these events.
- The President Benjamin Harrison Home at 1230 N. Delaware St. will host its 34th Annual Ice Cream Social July 4 from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The celebration will include a visit by Silly Safaris, a fire truck, a juggler, a caricaturist, a magician, croquet and Victorian lawn games, a scavenger hunt for kids, and a re-enactment of the speech Pres. Harrison gave from the home July 4, 1888, accepting his nomination for the presidency. The cost is $10 for adults, $4 for students, and free for ages 4 and under. Phone 317-631-1888.
