27 Things to Do in Indianapolis This Week · July 16–19, 2026

Music & Nightlife

John Mellencamp Greatest Hits Show

Indiana's own John Mellencamp and his band play a greatest hits show at Ruoff Music Center.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 · Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville

STRANGELOVE – The Depeche Mode Experience

The premier Depeche Mode tribute act STRANGELOVE delivers an electrifying synthpop experience at HI-FI Annex with support from deadfoot.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 7:00 PM · HI-FI Annex, Indianapolis

Naptown Trombone Collective JJ Johnson Tribute

The Naptown Trombone Collective pays tribute to Indianapolis jazz legend J.J. Johnson in an intimate evening at the city's top jazz club.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 · The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N College Avenue

Black Stone Cherry with Three Wheel Horse

Southern rock icons Black Stone Cherry bring their full live show to The Vogue in Broad Ripple.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 · The Vogue, Indianapolis

Sarah McLachlan - Better Broken Tour

Iconic singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan brings her Better Broken Tour to Indy's premier outdoor amphitheater on the White River.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 7:30 PM · Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park

Festivals & Special Events

Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration Music Heritage Festival

Celebrate Black culture with classic funk, smooth R&B, and Southern Soul featuring Kem, King George, October London, and the legendary Midnight Star Band, with tickets starting at $20.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 · Indianapolis

Post. Festival 2026

Post. Festival takes over HI-FI for a one-night live music celebration showcasing diverse indie and alternative acts.

Thursday, July 23, 2026 · HI-FI, 1043 Virginia Ave

Women Entrepreneurs Celebration – Indy Networking x We Brunch Indy

An evening celebrating women entrepreneurs featuring community, meaningful connections, and local women-owned businesses hosted by Indy Networking and We Brunch Indy.

Thursday, July 23, 2026 · Indianapolis

Gen Con 2026

The world's premier tabletop gaming convention returns to the Indiana Convention Center with four days of gaming, cosplay, panels, and community.

Thursday, July 30, 2026 · Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

Date Night

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer

An enchanting candlelit live performance celebrating the cinematic scores of Hans Zimmer.

Friday, July 17, 2026 6:30 PM · Indianapolis

Speed Dating and Matchmaking for Singles Ages 25–45

A curated speed dating and matchmaking event for Indianapolis singles ages 25–45 at The AMP at 16 Tech.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 6:00 PM · The AMP at 16 Tech, Indianapolis

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band

Grammy-winning drummer Brian Blade and his acclaimed Fellowship Band perform at one of Downbeat Magazine's top 100 jazz clubs in the world.

Friday, July 24, 2026 · The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N College Avenue

Free Events

Lovebroadripple Third Thursday - Summer in the Village

On the Run Indy, MAD Broad Ripple, and Fleet Feet Indy host a community walk, ruck, or run followed by a cookout social sponsored by Altra Running at Broad Ripple Park.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 6:30 PM · Broad Ripple Park, Indianapolis

BFF Indy July Events

BFF Indy hosts multiple July community events for women seeking real friendships in Indianapolis, including coffee connects, splash pad meetups, and book club.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 · Various locations, Indianapolis

Movement and Meditation for Collective Liberation

Indy Community Yoga's free weekly practice at 100 Acres in Newfields includes qigong and silent meditation by Funky Bones.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 9:30 AM · Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres, Newfields

Indy Social Run Club

Free Monday run club meets at Athletic Annex in Nora Plaza for 3 miles on the Monon Trail — all paces welcome.

Monday, July 20, 2026 6:00 PM · Athletic Annex, Nora Plaza

Monday Night Meditation Practice

Indianapolis Zen Center hosts a free weekly Monday night meditation practice, available in-person and hybrid.

Monday, July 20, 2026 7:00 PM · Indianapolis Zen Center

Food & Drink

SoundBites: A Mid-Week Pop-Up at the Walker

A lively mid-week pop-up food and drink event at the historic Madam Walker Legacy Center every Wednesday.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 11:00 AM · Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Avenue

Stick & Hack Broad Ripple Opening

Broad Ripple's new sports playground Stick & Hack lets you compete in golf and darts by the hour with drinks — no entry fee.

Friday, July 17, 2026 · 4560 Ocean St., Broad Ripple

Indianapolis Burger Week

Indy's beloved Burger Week returns with $8–$9 special burgers at some of the city's best restaurants — download the Indy app to track your picks.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 · Various restaurants, Indianapolis

Arts & Culture

Summer Stock Stage: Newsies

Butler's Summer Stock Stage performs the hit musical Newsies at the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 7:00 PM · Butler Arts & Events Center, Indianapolis

FLAVA FRESH 23!

A vibrant art and culture exhibition at the Eiteljorg Museum running through early August.

Friday, July 17, 2026 · Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.

Writers Night @ Indy Reads

Pen to Paper hosts a casual writers meetup at Indy Reads bookstore for scribes of all levels.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 4:30 PM · Indy Reads

Outdoors & Active

3 RUN 7 Saturday Run Club

Indy's welcoming Saturday run club meets outside Provider Cafe with pace groups from 7:30 to 11:30+ per mile — all faces welcome.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 9:00 AM · Provider Indy

Belmont Beach Free Yoga with The RNB Yogi

Free morning yoga led by Jasmine (The RNB Yogi) blending gentle movement with an R&B soundtrack on the shore at Belmont Beach.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 11:00 AM · Belmont Beach, Indianapolis

Sports

Indy Indians Game with Margaritaville Theme Night

Catch the Indy Indians at Victory Field during a Margaritaville-themed game night — a perfect summer date night at the ballpark.

Friday, July 17, 2026 · Victory Field, Downtown Indianapolis

2026 Brickyard 400 – Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

NASCAR's iconic Brickyard 400 takes place at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Saturday, July 25, 2026 2:00 PM · Indianapolis Motor Speedway