Top 8 things to do in Indy this weekend: July 13-15
1. 24th Running of the Indiana Derby
Indiana Grand Racing and Casino in Shelbyville will host the 24th Running of the Indiana Derby this Saturday featuring six stakes races and purses in excess of $1.1 Million.
Before race day, enjoy A Knight in Arms on Friday. This wonderful Indiana Derby charity event features a complimentary cocktail hour with free beer, wine and spirits, a delicious Hoosier specialty dinner, a silent auction and a live performance by Lemon Wheel at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Helping Hands for Freedom, Veterans Assistance Foundation, Wish for Our Heroes and Wreaths Across America. (Tickets – $30 donation – call 317-421-0000)
The first post on Saturday is at 5:30 p.m. and admission is FREE. You must be 18 years old to place a bet. “Where Legends are Born & Traditions are Made.”
2. Weekly Music Round-Up
We have a ton of great acts in town this weekend that will please just about anyone. Here’s a short list of the biggest performers, location and time.
FRI
Foreigner with Whitesnake – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – 7 PM
The Beach Boys – Conner Prairie – 8 PM
Panic! At the Disco (Pray for the Wicked Tour) – Bankers Life Fieldhouse – 7 PM
SAT
Janelle Monáe (Dirty Computer Tour) – Old National Centre – 7:30 PM
Miranda Lambert – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – 7 PM
The Beach Boys – Conner Prairie – 8 PM
Dirty Heads – White River State Park – 6:30 PM
3. 48th Annual Indiana Black Expo, Inc. Summer Celebration
The Summer Celebration returns to Indianapolis for 10 days, beginning on the 12th and running through the 22nd. There are plenty of events and activities available for all ages including a Black Film Festival, Celebrity Basketball Game, Gospel Showcase, Heritage Music Festival with free concerts on Fridays and Saturdays, a Real Talk Teen Forum, Fashion Show, Corporate Luncheon and much more. Hours, activities, and venues vary daily. FULL SCHEDULE
4. Indy Criterium Bicycle Festival
Head down to Monument Circle this Saturday for the annual Bicycle Festival! The Indy Criterium is more than just a cycling race. It is a celebration of “all things biking” in our community. Over the years, the race has grown in both size and popularity among racers across the Midwest. Since 2013, the event has attracted over 500 racers and thousands of spectators, fans and volunteers. Here is a FULL SCHEDULE of events, including a celebrity race, bike tours, animal shows and of course, all of the races.
5. 29th Annual Ice Cream Social
July is National Ice Cream Month and what better way to celebrate than with a scoop or two with hundreds of friends and neighbors down on Monument Circle. This year’s ice cream social will feature live cows, music, face painting, a photo booth, and celebrity ice cream scoopers! A minimum donation of $3 is suggested and all proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana.
6. 20th Annual Pet Carnival
Head down to Beech Grove this Saturday for the 20th Annual Pet Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This FREE event includes the Runamuk Disc Dogs, Pacers Fan Van, best dressed pet contest, kid zone, hotdogs, popcorn & lemonade, face painting, caricatures, photo booth and pet psychic. In addition to all of that, don’t miss out on the Pie Eating Contest and The Dachshund 500! MORE INFO
7. Christmas in July Half-Marathon and 5K
If you’re already looking forward to Christmas, here’s an event for you. Even though it will not look or feel much like December, join many other festive runners this July in downtown Indianapolis starting at the White River Park for the annual Christmas in July Half-Marathon and 5k! Hit the streets of Indianapolis for a super-fun and festive course with the start and finish at the White River State Park and a free pint of beer to 21 and older participants, thanks to our sponsors. Both the Half Marathon and 5K are planned to start at 7:00am. REGISTER HERE
8. World Cup Final Watch Party at Union Jack Pub
After a month of competition, it all comes down to this. One match to win the World Cup as France takes on Croatia. Join the six supporters groups that call Union Jack home for the best watch party in the city! All ages are allowed inside and there will be a party in the back lot will open to people 21+ with a giant screen for viewing! Along with the match, they will have a halftime raffle sponsored by Away Days! Get there early as seats will likely fill quickly.