Tour the world in Downtown Indianapolis

Take an international tour without leaving Downtown Indianapolis this September!  Heritage pride and ethnic roots run deep in the heart of Indianapolis.  Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the world right here in Downtown Indianapolis as ethnic diversity is celebrated.  Ethnic festivals are abundant providing fun, authentic food and entertainment for residents and visitors alike.

Start the month with the 14th Annual Rib America Festival held Sept. 4 – 7 at Military Park.  Entertainment includes Billy Squier, Night Ranger, Puddle of Mudd, Morris Day & The Time, Candlebox, Loverboy, The Elms & many more.  Enjoy ribs, barbecue and other famous dishes from some of the best grills across the U.S.  www.ribamerica.com

The Penrod Arts Fair is Saturday, Sept. 12 on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.  This is the largest single day art fair in the entire U.S. Enjoy and view works from more than 300 artists along with six stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related non profit organizations, an extensive children's area and plenty of food and beverage.   www.penrod.org

Don’t miss the FREE Chinese American Festival Sept. 12 at Military Park.  The event features Chinese culture and tradition which cannot be experience anywhere else. Come out and experience ethnic performances, authentic Chinese and Asian food, exotic arts and the dramatic Chinese medicine. The festival will honor the Chinese Moon Festival, celebrating harvest, love and family reunion with respect to the Chinese values.

Be Irish for a weekend! The 14th Annual Indianapolis Irish Fest is held in Military Park Sept. 18 -20.  Indy Irish Fest offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family including live Irish music and plenty ‘o food, and that’s just the beginning.  Come early and stay all day.  From a 5K run and walk, bounce houses and activities for the kids to toast contests, Indianapolis Irish dancers and more… there’s something to keep your Irish eyes smiling.   www.indyirishfest.com

Head to the American Legion Mall for the FREE 29th Fiesta Indianapolis Sept. 19.  Don’t miss Indy's premier Latino celebration.  Fiesta Indianapolis celebrates, educates and shares the Latino culture through art, music, dance, food and cultural activities.  New this year is the FiestaTour McDonald's Music Experience featuring Latin Grammy Award memorabilia.  www.laplaza-indy.org/

The month ends with a weeklong celebration of jazz at the Indy Jazz Fest Sept. 21 – 27 throughout Indy, ending with a huge concert Sept. 26 & 27 at White River State Park.  Performers include Branford Marsalis, Frank Glover and Kilho, Steve Allee Big Band,
Gregg Bacon and countless others.  www.indyjazzfest.net/

Head over to The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art WestFest Sept. 26.  Listen to western music from family trio Sons of the San Joaquin, rope cattle, go on a stagecoach ride and enjoy other fun activities from the Wild West! www.eiteljorg.org

Squeeze one more festival in this fall at the Athenaeum Oct. 10.  Check out The Original and Fabulous Germanfest, the first event of its kind in Indianapolis, celebrating all things German… Think food, drink, live entertainment, cultural displays, children’s activities, crafts and more!  www.athenaeumfoundation.com/events.cfm?eventid=9