Iconic Indianapolis Foods

As spring moves into summer and we enjoy the gift of more daylight, the change of seasons presents an excellent opportunity to participate in several dynamic events and activities with your friends and family. Preview the following summer 2021 events in the central Indiana area.

Note: We verified this list of events and activities to the best of our ability as of the date of publication. We encourage you to check with the attraction, festival, and event organizers for up-to-date information about the status of these events. Please use personal discretion and follow the Indiana State Department of Health for COVID-19 related updates.

B&O Bicycle Tour Sponsored by Hendricks Regional Health

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Enjoy some fresh air and a fun time raising funds for the B&O Trail in Hendricks County. Participants can select from among four routes ranging from 11 to 65 miles. All routes contain clear paint markings on the road, and a map will be available for all participants to follow.

The route follows the B&O Trail across the beautiful White Lick Creek bridge. Riders who select the longer routes will proceed onto county roads where they'll be treated to the scenes of Hendricks County farm country, as well as McCloud Park, the town of North Salem, and the town of Roachdale. Participants will find multiple rest stops with snacks, drinks, and restrooms available.

The event takes place on June 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Williams Park, 940 S. Locust Lane, Brownsburg

Telephone: 317-979-2467

Chatham Brew Fest

Returning to the Chatham Arch Neighborhood Association, the Chatham Brew Fest offers a relaxed, enjoyable day for the greater Indianapolis community. Discover the offerings of some of the best breweries in the Midwest. Meet the brewers behind the extraordinary beer creations.

Mark your calendars for the Chatham Brew Fest on Saturday, June 19, from 2 to 7 p.m.

Location: 700 block of Park Avenue, between Massachusetts Avenue and St. Clair Street in the historic Chatham Arch district of downtown Indianapolis

Greenfield Strawberry Festival

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The sweetest festival of the summer is only a short drive away in Greenfield. Get your fill of freshly prepared strawberry shortcake topped with ice cream or whipped topping. The event occurs in the parking lot across the street from Bradley United Methodist Church in beautiful downtown Greenfield from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 11.

Location: 210 National Road, Greenfield

Telephone: 317-649-0890

Holy Rosary Catholic Church Italian Street Festival

"Some people say Italians have three loves in life: God, families, and good food ... and not always in that order! The difficulty comes in finding all three things in the same place ... that is, unless you're in Indianapolis." Organizers of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Italian Street Festival stand by their statement and invite individuals and families to join in the fun of this celebrated summer tradition.

Held this year on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13 and 14, from 5 to 11 p.m., the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Italian Street Festival features delicious Italian foods such as spaghetti, grilled Italian sausage, fried ravioli, tortellini, and homemade cannoli. Choose from among a selection of beer offerings that include AMA Bionda (Italian beer) and Zwickel (Bavarian-style lager), along with wines ranging from a Serena Sweet Red to a white Bricco Riella Moscato. 

Live bands and amusement rides provide entertainment for adults and children. Admission and parking for the festival are free.

Location: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 520 Stevens St., Indianapolis
Telephone: 317-636-4478

Indiana State Fair

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Dedicated to recognizing the resiliency of the Hoosier Spirit, the Indiana State Fair returns in 2021 with a dynamic fair experience for all attendees. Held from July 30 through Aug. 22, the fair will be dedicated to celebrating all things Indiana. This year, the fair will add a weekend to the front end of the schedule and will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays each week. 

"We know this year's State Fair may look a little different, and we are prepared for that," said Indiana State Fair Commission Executive Director Cindy Hoye in a news release. "By adding an additional weekend, it allows us to spread fair attendance across a new weekend. This event matters to our state and our fairgoers; it's an important part of annual Hoosier family traditions."

Fair organizers have ensured that fair favorites such as carnival rides, wacky fair food, 4-H competitions, free entertainment, and more will be available for families to enjoy.

Attendees of the Indiana State Fair will discover 4-H youth demonstrations, interactive agriculture education programs, premier facilities, and time to connect with friends and neighbors. The Indiana State Fair has been an annual event for generations of Hoosiers since 1852.

Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis

Telephone: 317-927-7500

Marion County Fair

Celebrating its 91st year, the Marion County Fair's 2021 theme "Straight Outta Quarantine" recognizes the return of this signature summertime event in Indianapolis. This family-friendly event will delight attendees with plenty of free activities, attractions, and entertainment. 

While the gradual urbanization of Marion County has contributed to a decrease in the number of animal exhibitions at the Marion County Fair, fair organizers take pride in offering a dynamic midway experience. North American Midway Entertainment, the world's largest traveling outdoor amusement park, provides the rides, games, and attractions that make the Marion County Fair's midway a can't-miss experience. 

Don't miss the special features, events, and performers that will appear at this year's fair. A full 2021 special features schedule will appear on the Marion County Fair's website.

Parking for the fair is free. Admission is $5 per person with the option to purchase a daily wristband for $25. Active military members and children 5 and younger are free.

The Marion County Fair runs from June 25 to July 4. Hours are Monday through Friday, 5 to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.

Location: Marion County Fairgrounds, 7300 E. Troy Ave., Indianapolis

Telephone: 317-353-2444

We at Tom Wood Ford love to celebrate the food, people, events, and activities of Indiana. We hope that the above list of events helps you plan your summer fun. What did you think about our selection of events? Did we miss one of your favorites? Write to us and let us know so that we can add your contributions to this article.