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What better way to try new things than a festival? Ethnic festivals are abundant providing fun, authentic food and entertainment for residents and visitors alike. Sample cultures right here in Downtown Indianapolis as a less expensive alternative to flying all over the world!
Journey from field to table at the second annual Dig-IN, a unique one-day festival that unites Hoosier farmers, chefs and consumers. Celebrate Indiana agriculture Aug. 28 at White River State Park with educational discussion panels, live music, cooking demonstrations, urban gardening exhibits, local chef Q & A sessions, wine and beer tastings and much more. digindiana.org/
Start off September with the 16th Annual Rib America Festival held Sept. 2 - 5 at Military Park. Entertainment includes The Doobie Brothers, KC and the Sunshine Band, Jenny DeVoe, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, REO Speedwagon and Everclear. Enjoy ribs, barbecue and other famous dishes from some of the best grills across the U.S. ribamerica.com
Take part in “Indiana’s Nicest Day” at the Penrod Arts Fair Saturday, Sept. 10 on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This is the nation’s largest single-day art fair. 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 beverages. penrod.org
Don’t miss the FREE Chinese American Festival Sept. 10 at Military Park. The event features Chinese culture and tradition which cannot be experienced anywhere else. Come out and experience ethnic performances and lessons, authentic Chinese and Asian food and exotic arts. The festival will honor the Chinese Moon Festival, celebrating harvest, love and family reunion with respect to the Chinese values. www.indianapolischinesefestival.com
Be Irish for a weekend! The 16th Annual Indianapolis Irish Fest is held in Military Park Sept. 16 - 18. Irish Fest offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family including live Irish music (The Elders, Celtic Spring, The Kells) 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 sheep herding, Sunday Celtic Mass and Indianapolis Irish dancers. There’s bound to something to keep your Irish eyes smiling. indyirishfest.com
Head to the American Legion Mall for the FREE 31st Fiesta Indianapolis Sept. 17. 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. laplaza-indy.org/
Dust off your lederhosen and dirndl and head to the third annual Original and Fabulous GermanFest at the Athenaeum Oct. 8. Celebrate all things German… think dancing, bier, music, food, dog races, cultural displays, children’s activities, crafts and more! indygermanfestival.com/
Catch a rare glimpse of inspired films you can’t see anywhere else and meet the filmmakers who made them at the ten-day Heartland Film Festival Oct. 13 – 22. The festival features independent, international films from around the world – plus a variety of special events for film enthusiasts of all ages. trulymovingpictures.org/heartland-film-festival/
If you like what you see and love what you taste, take your cultural experience one step further and head to one of Downtown’s many ethnic restaurants!
- If it’s Mexican food you crave, Adobo Grill is the place for you. Guacamole prepared tableside, tacos, enchiladas and many other gourmet entrees take you south of the border! Finish your meal with authentic churros! adobogrill.com
- Claddagh Irish Pub and O’Reilly’s Irish Pub serve up Irish classics like fish & chips, shepherd’s pie and bangers & mash! Friendly atmospheres will keep you coming back for more! claddaghirishpubs.com and oreillysirishbar.com
- Greek Islands restaurant brings the best of the Mediterranean to the table! Enjoy traditional homemade avgolemono soup or saganaki to start! greekislandsrestaurant.com
- Since 1933, Iaria’s Italian Restaurant has been serving homemade Italian food to anyone craving secret-recipe spaghetti sauce and pasta. Enjoy Italian classics at this Indianapolis staple! iariasrestaurant.com
- Saffron Café is Downtown’s only Moroccan café! Sample northwest African fare without needing a passport.
- The Rathskeller at the Athenaeum is Downtown’s only German restaurant serving up delicious portions of the Motherland’s finest! Visit the biergarten for live music, beer and pub food! rathskeller.com
If it’s learning and making a difference that you’re looking for, volunteer at The International Center in Downtown Indianapolis. Help introduce expatriates to the customs and protocol of America! Or go to the The International Center if you’re planning a trip to visit another country. icenterindy.org/ |
