Summer 2009 Festivals and Events in Indianapolis

Ah, summer time in Indianapolis! With heat and humidity to rival many tropical climes and an electric downtown atmosphere fostered by revitalization efforts in recent years, Indy has largely shed its historically "cowtown" roots to become a veritable Midwestern hotbed of summer festivals and activities. Whether you're hungry for avant garde cultural celebrations or the more traditional atmosphere of the State Fair, Indianapolis can scratch your itch over the next few months. Here are some good bets for building summer memories in the Hoosier capital this year.

Event: USA Swimming National Championships and World Championship Trials

Location: Indiana University Natatorium

Dates: July 7-11, 2009

Hours: Check web site for exact hours

Web Site: https://www.iunat.iupui.edu/Register/products/?pcid=cd5debb6-d101-40fb-a8fd-56b1b2489265

Cost: $10-55

Overview:

True to its roots, Indianapolis is once again home to the Swimming National Championships, where the best swimmers in the world will also compete for a place in the World Championship.

Event: Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

Location: Downtown, multiple venues

Dates: July 9-19, 2009

Hours/Cost: Check web site for details

Web Site :

http://visitindy.com/indianapolis/web/jsp/whattodo/detail.jsp?c=12946431:detail&p=1&x=1222976062073

Overview:

Indiana Black Expo is the oldest and largest African-American cultural celebration in the nation. Chock full of arts, activities for all ages, health screenings, and more, the Summer Celebration will draw thousands of visitors to the downtown area for 11 days of excitement

Event: Brickyard 400

Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Dates: July 26, 2009

Hours: Noon- ?

Web Site: http://www.allstate400atthebrickyard.com/

Cost: $40-$150 per seat ticket

Overview:

One of the premier events on the NASCAR circuit every year, the Brickyard 400 combines the excitement of stock car racing with the tradition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This one is a must for any race fan.

Event: U.S. Senior Open Golf Championships

Location: Crooked Stick Golf Club, Carmel, IN

Dates: July 27-August 2, 2009

Hours: Daily at 8AM

Web Site: http://www.2009ussenioropen.com/

Cost: $15-200 (see web site for specifics)

Overview:

Long known as a hub of amateur athletics, Indianapolis is striving to expand its sphere of influence further into the professional world, as evidenced by the city's recent landing of the 2012 Super Bowl. The U.S. Senior Open further bolsters Indy's professional profile, allowing hometown fans the chance to see some of golf's legends in action at beautiful Crooked Stick in the upscale suburb of Carmel.

Event: Indiana State Fair

Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds

Dates: August 7-23, 2009

Hours: 6AM-Midnight

Web Site: http:// www.indianastatefair.com

Cost: Check web site for ticket information

Overview:

The Indiana State Fair consistently delivers the goods as the summer festival for Hoosiers each year. Boasting an eclectic (Oak Ridge Boys, Kelly Clarkson, Journey) group of musical acts, the Fair's entertainment lineup is a highlight for many, but the real heart of the beast is, of course, the focus on agriculture. This is Indiana, after all, and you can while away the hours sampling goods from dairy farms, perusing prize-winning livestock displays, or learning about the latest in farming technology. There really is something here for everyone, and this year's expanded schedule gives you more time to take it all in.

Event: Gen Con Gaming Convention

Location: Indiana Convention Center

Dates: August 13-16, 2009

Hours: See web site for details

Web Site: http://www.gencon.com/2009/indy/default.aspx

Cost: $38-500

Overview:

Gen Con in Indianapolis is the oldest and largest gaming convention of its type anywhere in the world. Attendees can completely immerse themselves in the world of gaming, and rub elbows with the big wigs of the industry. There are also plenty of opportunities to play new games and rekindle old acquaintances.