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Four Can't-Miss Events This Summer in Indianapolis, IN

Summer Events in Indianapolis, IN
Spending summer outdoors gives Indianapolis residents a ticket to some of the coolest community events this time of year. But what exactly is there to look forward to in Indy this summer? Festivals, fairs, and conventions — that's what! Here are four upcoming events you don't want to miss.
  1. National Bank of Indianapolis Summer Nights Film Series

The National Bank of Indianapolis Summer Nights Film Series is an event to unite movie lovers everywhere. Held from July 26-29 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields amphitheater, guests will be rewarded with screenings of Oscar-nominated shorts the whole family can enjoy. Tickets are $12, though members save $4 on admission, and children ages 5 and under enter for free. Be sure to order your tickets in advance to secure a spot! Food and beverages can be purchased on site, and all films start around 9:30 p.m. However, to get first dibs on the best seats in the house, early birds are welcome to arrive when the doors open at 7 p.m.
  1. Gen Con 2018

Are you ready for the largest gaming convention in North America? Gen Con 2018 isn't just something for gamers, though; it appeals to kids and adults of all ages. Here you'll find food trucks and a beer garden as well as events like a film festival, costume contest, art show, and author and artist hangouts. Plus, 500 game companies will be in attendance, debuting of hundreds of new titles. You'll also spot tables and booths that are set up throughout, encouraging gamers to put their skills to the test with the latest board games, card games, and video games. If interested, Gen Con 2018 will be held at the Indiana Convention Center from Aug. 2–5.
  1. Indiana State Fair

This circus-themed event will be held Aug. 3–19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. You can expect plenty of amusement park rides and games, a diverse lineup of food trucks and stalls, and live entertainment. The latter includes acts such as country star Hunter Hayes, '90s sibling trio Hanson, and '80s heartthrob Rick Springfield. Bringing the whole family along? Tickets for the Indiana State Fair are just $8 in advance with children ages 5 and under enter for free. Or grab a four-ticket Family Pack for $30 and save a few bucks. Don't forget to snag your Midway wristbands either; they're available for a $10 discount until Aug. 5, give you access to all the rides at the fair, and are a must for the kiddos.
  1. First Friday Food Truck Festival

This festival features 30 food trucks offering everything from Greek and Mediterranean dishes to tasty baked goods and a lineup that changes from month to month. Family games and prizes are aplenty, and on the Sam Ash Stage, entertainment is provided by music students. Performances range from crafty originals to impressive covers. All events at the First Friday Food Truck Festival will take place at the Old National Centre parking lot on Friday, Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the gate, but children ages 5 and under (and leashed dogs) enter for free. Need plans for the summer? These top Indianapolis events will get your summer started right. Image via Pixabay
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4 Fun Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN

With hundreds of exciting events and festivals on the calendar, it can be difficult to narrow down your list of summer activities. We've made it easy for you with this guide to our picks for the best things to do in Indianap o lis, IN, this season. 4 Fun Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN 1. Greenbriar Community Center Summer Festival Enjoy the nice weather with your neighbors at this fun summer festival. You'll find food, a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, and even a mechanical bull ride. Stay cool by playing splash volleyball or running through the sprinklers in the splash zone. The event is free to enter, and for a $5 donation, you can see an exclusive world premiere of the new comedy Daddy Daughter Trip with Rob Schneider. more Greenbriar Community Center is located at 1259 West 8th Street in Indianapolis. The event is from 1 to 3 p.m., with movie showtimes at 1, 3, and 5 p.m. 2. Bloombox Festival Once known as the Independent Music and Art Festival, this event is celebrating its 22nd year in downtown Indianapolis. Bloombox is an all-day, free festival where you can hear live music from 10 local bands and see original work from local artists. You can even shop for handmade clothes, jewelry, beauty products, posters, and much more at the event's INDIEana Handicraft Exchange. Bloombox Festival will take place on Saturday, June 17 from noon to 8 p.m. It's held at the Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 North Delaware Street in Indianapolis. 3. Sunrise Yoga on the Canal Start your morning with a relaxing stretch and a gentle workout at Sunrise Yoga on the Canal. This free class is open to all skill levels, and it's hosted by The Hot Room Yoga and the Indianapolis Culture Trail. If you plan to attend, make sure you register in advance at The Hot Room's website. Yoga on the Canal occurs every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. through September. Bring your own yoga mat and meet the group at the Admiral Spruance Basin, 410 West 10th Street at the end of the Downtown Canal in Indianapolis. 4. Indianapolis City Market Experience some of the best local produce and fresh food available in the city at this weekly outdoor market. Indianapolis City Market was established in 1821 and features more than 30 different vendors. The City Market is located at 222 East Market Street in Indianapolis. The outdoor market takes place every Wednesday from May through October, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. City driving is a snap with the Jeep Renegade, a sleek yet rugged compact crossover. Check it out in person today at Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Indianapolis.

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3 Great Winter Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN

Winter in Indiana can be a magical time, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and indoor fun. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we'll explore three of the best winter activities that you can drive to near Indianapolis, IN. 3 Great Winter Activities You Can Drive to Near Indianapolis, IN Skiing and Snowboarding at Perfect North Slopes Located at 19074 Perfect Place Ln, Lawrenceburg, Perfect North Slopes is a premier winter destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The ski resort boasts a full-service ski and snowboard rental shop, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own equipment. more When you arrive at Perfect North Slopes, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who can help you get started with your skiing or snowboarding adventure. If you're new to the sport, they offer group and private lessons to get you up to speed. For more experienced skiers and snowboarders, there are plenty of challenging runs to keep you entertained. Ice Skating at the Indiana State Fairgrounds If you're looking for a fun and family-friendly winter activity, ice skating at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is a great option. Located just a short drive from downtown Indianapolis at 1202 E 38th St, the fairgrounds offer a 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink that's open to the public from November through January. The rink is open seven days a week, and it's a great place to enjoy a winter day with friends and family. In addition to ice skating, the fairgrounds offer a variety of other fun activities, such as a holiday light show, a Christmas market, and a winter wonderland complete with a snow tubing hill. Sledding at Fort Harrison State Park If you're looking for a fun and free winter activity, sledding at Fort Harrison State Park is a great option. Located at 5753 Glenn Rd, the park offers some of the best sledding hills in the area, with plenty of space to enjoy the snow and the beautiful winter scenery. When you arrive at the park, you'll find plenty of parking and easy access to the sledding hills. There are slopes of varying sizes and steepness. You can bring your own sled or rent one from a nearby sporting goods store. While you're at Fort Harrison State Park, be sure to take advantage of the other fun activities that the park has to offer. You can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the park's trails or simply enjoy a winter hike or nature walk. There are also plenty of picnic areas and shelters where you can warm up and enjoy a snack or a cup of hot cocoa. Grab your warmest coat, pack the car, and hit the road to explore the winter wonderland that Indiana has to offer! When you bring your friends or family to these places with you, you're going to want to make sure they can all ride comfortably. So make sure you're driving a roomy car like the new Jeep Compass Latitude. Check one out at Tom O'Brien CJDR – Indianapolis today!

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3 Great Spots for Birdwatching You Can Drive to From Indianapolis, IN

A popular activity among Americans of all ages, birdwatching is a fantastic way to take a break from the routine and relax in nature after a busy week. If you are searching for new destinations to discover in your 2022 Jeep Gladiator, here are three fantastic spots you can reach in less than two hours from downtown Indianapolis, IN. Fill up your tank, don't forget your camera, and hit the road! 3 Great Spots for Birdwatching You Can Drive to From Indianapolis, IN 1. Yellowwood State Forest Home to over 180 different species of birds, Yellowwood State Forest is one of the most popular destinations among birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from Indianapolis. Established by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, this public recreation area covers a territory of over 23,000 acres and features several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. more Some of the bird species you can find while exploring this sprawling nature reserve include wood thrush, blue-winged warbler, common yellowthroat, chestnut-sided warbler, wild turkey, broad-winged hawk, yellow-billed cuckoo, and indigo bunting. Yellowwood State Forest is located about 50 miles south of the Indianapolis city center and can be reached in a little over one hour via route IN-135. 2. Morgan-Monroe State Forest Another beautiful nature reserve featuring thick forests and over 100 bird species, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is located a little under 40 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis, making it an easy day trip destination that can be reached in less than one hour via route IN-37. This public recreation area was established in 1939 and offers not only excellent opportunities for birding and wildlife watching but also picnic shelters and several miles of hiking and biking trails. Spanning an area of about 24,000 acres, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and provides habitat to large populations of red-bellied woodpecker, chimney swift, Acadian flycatcher, eastern-wood pewee, American crow, hooded warbler, northern cardinal, mourning dove, and downy woodpecker. This public recreation area features a large family campground for those wanting to stay overnight. 3. Fort Harrison State Park Located just 12 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis, Fort Harrison State Park is a wonderful destination to spend a day checking out some beautiful bird specimens without driving too far from the city. Established in 1996, this nature reserve spans about 1,700 acres and welcomes almost 900,000 visitors each year. Some of the bird species you can find here include the common yellowthroat, cerulean warbler, Kentucky warbler, and yellow-breasted chat. Are you thinking of buying a new or used vehicle to take your friends and family on memorable adventures in Indiana and beyond? If the answer is yes, don't think twice and visit us today at Tom O'Brien CJDR – Indianapolis! Check out our latest models, ask one of our agents about our custom financing plans, and take home your favorite car.