Tour the world in Downtown 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 15th Annual Rib America Festival held Sept. 3 - 6 at Military Park.  Entertainment includes Brett Michaels, Ted Nugent, Collective Soul, Blue Oyster Cult, Candlebox, Foghat, L.A. Guns, Seven Mary Three & 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. 11 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 nonprofit organizations, an extensive children's area and plenty of food and beverages.   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.  www.iacaonline.org/

Have an ear for classical music? The International Violin Competition of Indianapolis will take place Sept. 10 - 26. This 17-day festival will feature talented violinists from around the world. Every four years, music lovers from all parts of the globe focus their attention on "The Indianapolis" - now regarded as one of the most respected music competitions in the world.  For more information on the eighth Quadrennial Competition, visit www.violin.org/.

Be Irish for a weekend! The 15th Annual Indianapolis Irish Fest is held in Military Park Sept. 17 -19.  Irish Fest offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family including live Irish music (Off Kilter, Skelpin, Hogeye Navvy & more) 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 30th Fiesta Indianapolis Sept. 18.  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.   www.laplaza-indy.org/

Squeeze one more festival in this fall at the Athenaeum Oct. 9.  Check out the second annual Original and Fabulous GermanFest, celebrating all things German… Think food, drink, live entertainment, cultural displays, children’s activities, crafts and more!  http://www.indygermanfestival.com/

Enjoy the diverse array of cultural activities offered in Downtown Indianapolis!