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Mark your calendar: Carmel arts, events, festivities and fun

Carmel Arts & Design District

The city of Carmel has been voted the best place to live in the U.S. many times, and looking at its roster of upcoming events, it’s easy to see why Carmel’s citizens love living here. There is so much to do—from holiday celebrations to cultural events in Carmel’s Arts & Design District to attractions that make Carmel unique and appealing (how many cities this size offer a European-style Christkindlmarkt complete with ice skating?). We’ve curated a selection of events here, but there is always something going on in Carmel! Check VisitHamiltonCounty.com for a complete list. 

Year-round

IU Health North Hospital Gallery Walk
Second Saturday of each month, 5-9 p.m., Main St. and Range Line Rd.

Enjoy the fine art, merchant activities, entertainment, culture and shopping of the Carmel Arts and Design District every Second Saturday in 2019! Details >>

Meet Me on Main                                                                                                                                     January 12, 2018 - December 14, 2019 (Second Saturday of every month), 5-9 p.m., Carmel Arts & Design District, Main Street and Range Line Road. 

Family-friendly fun! Live music, face painting, caricatures, and hands-on art projects for the public. Galleries and local businesses will keep their doors open late. Sign up for gift card giveaways! Free. Details >>

March

Carmel Winter Farmers Market     
Every Saturday through March 30, 2019, 9 a.m. - noon, 510 3rd Avenue SW.  Free. Details>>

Visiting Authors Series presents: Mister Owita’s Garden     
Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 –7:30 p.m, Carmel Clay Public Library, 55 4th Ave. SE.

Hear the author talk about his book. Ask questions and participate in the discussion. Free.

SAVOR Hamilton County     
Monday, March 11 – Sunday, March 24 at participating Carmel and northside restaurants. Enjoy special pricing on popular lunch and dinner items. Details >>  

St Patty's Day2nd Annual Shamrock the District Tent Party     
Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 17, 1 – 9 p.m.,
Muldoon’s, 111 W. Main Street.

Free admission. Since everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, have some fun with adult friends and adult beverages. Live music. Green beer!

9th Annual Carmel Marathon
Saturday, March 30, 8 a.m. at the Palladium, 355 City Center Dr.

All events begin at 8 a.m. and include a 5K, 8K, half marathon and full marathon. Start/finish lines are located in front of the Palladium. Details >>

April

Friday Night Community Dance Party     
Friday evenings through April from 7 - 10 p.m. at the Carmel Ballroom Dance Studio, 111 Medical Drive, Carmel.

$15 p/p for lesson and party. Drop ins welcome.  Details >>

Annual Attic Sale     
Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections, 111 E. Main Street

Pre-register to sell items. Browse for free. Details >> 

8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt    
Saturday, April 20, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Lawn at Clay Terrace, 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd.

Easter Egg HuntChildren ages 0-10 gather the morning before the Easter Holiday to collect the bounty of the season, eggs filled with candy and toys spread across the stretch of the Clay Terrace Lawn. Surprises are in store for a few lucky kids who pick up eggs stuffed with prizes.  Details >>

Traditional English Easter Sunday Buffet                                                      
Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 30 N Rangeline Road 

Hosted by Tina's Traditional Old English Tea Room & Tavern. Enjoy a traditional English Easter Sunday buffet. Offering a selection of savory and sweet pastries such as quiche, pork pies, sausage rolls, scones with clotted cream and seasonal jams. Reservations taken day of. Tickets from $20-38.  Details>>

Cheese & Wine Pairing                                                                                                                 Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Sugar Creek Winery, 1111 W Main St.

Learn how to pair a variety of wines and cheeses with Sugar Creek Winery owner, David and Chef Susan. Details>>

Disney’s NEWSIES   
Friday, April 26 – May 11, every Thursday – Sunday, 7 - 9:30 p.m. Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Center Green.

Students, $25 - $48 adult. Enjoy this hit Broadway musical! Details >> 

May

Farmers marketCarmel Farmers Market
Saturdays, May-September, 8 – 11 a.m., 5 Center Green (lawn of the Palladium)

Featuring 64 vendors, the Carmel Farmers Market is one of the largest farmers markets in Indiana. Shop for fresh produce, eggs and meats, as well as a variety of prepared foods, while enjoying live music. Details >>

The Music of ABBA 
Thursday May 2, 7:30 p.m. , The Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green.

Tickets from $75. Details >> 

Rock the Junction Craft Beer & Music Festival                                                                                  Saturday May 11, 2019, 1-5 p.m., Grand Junction Park & Plaza (Jersey St and Union St) in Westfield

Come drink and dance at the kickoff event for the $25 million develpment of the Grand Junction Park & Plaza. General Admission includes unlimited beer samples and access to live music and entertainment. Food available for purchase from local vendors. $35 for GA. Details>>

Nameless Catering Tasting                                                                                                           Wednesday, May 22, 6 - 8 p.m., BASH 1235 Keystone Way S Carmel

If you're a bride or groom who wants a great meal at your wedding but wants to save some money for the honeymoon, this event is for you! Come and try food from local vendors, get free quotes and drink complimentary beer & wine while browsing menus and selections for your big day. Details>>

Late Night on Main   
Friday, May 24, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. , Carmel Arts & Design District, Main Street and Range Line Road.

Come early for dinner and meet up with friends for live music and dancing in the street. Many shops, galleries and restaurants will be open late. Details >> 

Memorial Day Ceremony     
Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Plaza, 3rd Ave. SW

Carmel's American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts perform a flag-raising ceremony and join the mayor, other dignitaries and keynote speaker, Tom Gorup, Director of Security Operations for Rook Security and U.S. Army veteran. Details >>

June

MicrophoneSummer Family Concert Series at the Gazebo
Wednesday evenings, June - September, 1 Civic Square

Enjoy an eclectic array of musical entertainers all summer long on Carmel Civic Square! Families are encouraged to bring picnic suppers and enjoy the outdoor music. Watch for details >>

Learn to Fish     
Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.,  Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Department, 2700 W. 116th St.

Kids of all ages welcome. $20, pre-registration required. Details >> 

Lil MermaidDisney’s The Little Mermaid     
Wednesday, June 5 – Sunday, June 30, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Road.  

Matinee and evening performances, $45 and up.  Details >> 

Carmel EggFest                                                                                       Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Carmel Farmers Market, 5 Center Green

This culinary event hosted by O'Malia's Living brings together some of the best local chefs who prepare BBQ dishes on site. Live entertainment provided. Free to attend. Details>> 

Hamilton County Artists’ Association Kids Art Camp 
Monday, June 17 – Thursday, June 20, 9 - 11 a.m. morning class. 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. afternoon class; at the Birdie Gallery of HCAA, 195 South 5th Street.

Bring out the inner artist in your child through experiential learning in various media. $45 per child, per session. Pre-registration required. Details >> 

Cool Creek Summer Concert Series
Friday evenings in June beginning June 14, 7 - 9:15 p.m., Cool Creek Park, 2000 E. 151st Street.

$5 per person; kids 12 and under, free.  Details >>

Pottery Fusion Active Adventures Camp     
Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28, 1 – 4 p.m., The Art Lab, 31 East Main St.

Create awesome works of art with clay and glass, polymer and paper clay. Every child will have a chance to use the pottery wheel. $195 per participant. Preregistration required. Details >> 

July

flagsCarmelFest
Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4, at Carmel Civic Square

Celebrate the 4th of July at CarmelFest, the highlight of the summer in Carmel. Come out for family fun—including a parade, live entertainment, food vendors and a spectacular fireworks display. Details >>

fireworks2Star-Spangled Symphony on the Prairie     
Wednesday, July 3 – Friday, July 5 at dusk, Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road.

The tradition continues with Kroger’s Symphony on  the Prairie celebrating America's birthday. Come early with a picnic basket and a blanket. Tickets online in advance or day of show.  Details >> 

9th Annual Summer Concert Series 
July 11 - August 1, 7 - 9 p.m., 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd. 

Jam to some of Indiana's favorite local bands and relax with friends and family on the lawn of Clay Terrace. From Classic to Blue Grass, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Free.  Details >>

Cool Creek Summer Concert Series   
Friday evenings in July beginning July 12, 7 - 9:15 p.m., Cool Creek Park, 2000 E. 151st Street

$5 per person; kids 12 and under, free.  Details >>

Friday Night Community Dance Party     
Friday July 12, 7 - 10 p.m., Carmel Ballroom Dance Studio, 111 Medical Drive, Carmel.

$15 p/p for lesson and party. Drop-ins welcome. Details>>

Carmel Farmers Market     
Every Saturdays in September, 8 –11 a.m. 5 Center Green (lawn of the Palladium)

Featuring 64 vendors, the Carmel Farmers Market is one of the largest farmers markets in Indiana. Shop for fresh produce, eggs and meats, as well as a variety of prepared foods, while enjoying live music. Details >>

Mud Day     
Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Cyntheanne Park, 12383 Cyntheanne Road.

Kids love the messiest day of the year when 20 tons of soil and 50,000 gallons of water create a giant mud pit at Cyntheanne Park. Rain or shine, come in your oldest clothes and wash off at stations at the park before you leave. Parental supervision, please. Free. Details>>

Harry Potter Camp                                                                                                                                Monday July 15 - Friday July 19, 1 - 4 p.m., 31 E Main St #300

Inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, camp attendees will enter as muggles and leave as Hogwarts wizards! Featuring magical arts & crafts such as: unicorn and Hippogriff portraits, personalized wands, owls and more! 7-12. $175 per participant. Details>>

August

Monon Mixers 
Thursday, August 1, 8–10 p.m., Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Department, 1235 Central Park Dr. E.

$10, 21 years and up. Enjoy an adults-only night of fun at The Waterpark after hours. Relax in the lazy river and impress your friends by surfing the wave on the FlowRider. Alcohol is available for purchase. Pre-registration required. Details >> 

Carmel Farmers Market
Saturdays, through September, 8 – 11 a.m., 5 Center Green (lawn of the Palladium)

Featuring 64 vendors, the Carmel Farmers Market is one of the largest farmers markets in Indiana. Shop for fresh produce, eggs and meats, as well as a variety of prepared foods, while enjoying live music. Details >>

Music on the Monon   
Saturday, August 3, 6 – 9 p.m., Carmel Arts & Design District, Main Street and Rangeline Road. 

Last concert of the summer. Free. Details >> 

Friday Night Community Dance Party     
Friday, August 9, 7 - 10 p.m. at the Carmel Ballroom Dance Studio, 111 Medical Drive.

$15 p/p for lesson and party. Drop-ins welcome.  Details>> 

4th Annual PiYo & Pints   
Thursday, August 15, August 22 and August 29, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Inner You, Clay Terrance, 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd, #165. 

What could be a better ladies' night out than a great core workout (PiYo is a combination of yoga and Pilates) on a free PiYo mat? Stay for a pint after class in the Village Green. Details>>  

ArtomobiliaAutomobilia
Saturday, August 24, at Main St. and Rangeline Rd.

Experience car design as art in the Carmel Arts & Design District. Automobiles from all eras line the streets while nearby galleries exhibit art with an auto theme. Watch for details >>

September

Hairspray, the musical

Hairspray                                                                                           September 1 – October 6, 6 – 10 p.m., Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Rd.

It’s 1962 and Tracy Turnblad is all about dancing to the beat to win over her heartthrob. Toe tapping, finger-snapping fun! Tickets $45 and up. Advance sale recommended. Details >>

2019 Summer Family Concert Series at the Gazebo
Wednesdays in September, 7 – 9 p.m. at Carmel Gazebo, Civic Square.

Free and family friendly!  Watch for details >>

Carmel Porchfest
Sunday, September 15, 1-5:30 p.m., at Main St. and Rangeline Rd.

Porchfest features a variety of musical acts—ranging from acoustic to electric, solo to ensemble, from a wide variety of musical genres. True to its name, each act performs live from a neighborhood porch! Free admission. Watch for details >>

Floyd Factor: Pink Floyd Tribute   
Sunday, September 1, Concert begins at sunset.

Symphony on the Prairie, Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road. Advance tickets at Kroger and online. Details>> 

Oktoberfest
Friday, September 20, 6 - 10 p.m., Carmel Palladium

Enjoy food, entertainment and fall fun with the Palladium and the Center Green serving as a scenic background. Family-friendly and free admission. Watch for details >> 

Downton Abbey Movie Release Tea                                                                                           

Friday, September 20, 1:30 p.m - Sunday, September 22, 3:30 p.m., Tina's Traditional Old English Tea Room & Tavern, 30 N Rangeline Road

Come celebrate the famous show-turned-movie, Downton Abbey with a champagne high tea at Tina's Traditional Old English Tea Room & Tavern. Tickets are $45. Details>>

Carmel Arts & Design DistrictCarmel International Arts Festival
Saturday and Sunday, September 28-29, Main St. and Rangeline Rd.

The Carmel International Arts Festival features more than 130 juried artists from around the world. Dance performances and concerts (including ART ROCKS! on Saturday evening) are also part of the festivities, while kids will enjoy a variety of hands-on activities. Watch for details >>

October

Carmel Farmers Winter Market
Every Saturday, October 19 – through the end of the year, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (with exceptions of the last two Saturdays in December), The Wire Factory, 510 3rd Avenue SW

Buy seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meats, cheeses, eggs and prepared foods directly from the producers themselves! Details >> 

Little Shop of Horrors
Thursday, October 10 – Sunday, November 17, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Rd.

Matinee and evenings available. $45 and up. Pre-sale tickets at beefandboards.com. The perfect Halloween tale of an insatiable plant that loves people just a little too much. Details >> 

7th Annual Boo ‘n Brew   
Saturday, October 26, 2 – 6 p.m., Clay Terrace, 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd, #165 

Free treats and prizes for best costumes for the kids. Local craft beers and food for adults. Families stroll up and down the mall collecting goodies from retailers and sampling treats from restaurants. Details>> 

November

Veterans Day flagsVeterans Day Ceremony
Monday, November 11, 12 p.m., Tarkington Theater at The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green

Carmel’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony pays tribute to and thanks those who served our country so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today. Free and open to the public. Watch for details >>

Gingerbread cookies at ChristkindlmarktChristkindlemarkt
Holiday at Center Green, Saturday, November 16 - Sunday, December 22, 2019,  10 Center Green

Experience the charm of a long-standing European tradition in the heart of Carmel. Shop for one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts, enjoy German-inspired food and drink, and slip on some ice skates for some winter holiday fun! Details >> 

The Ice at Center Green
Saturday, November 16 through early March, 2020, 10 Center Green 

Enjoy ice skating on Carmel’s new rink with the elegant Palladium as your backdrop. Details >> 

Carmel Clay Historical Society Holiday Home TourCarmelHomeTour
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 - 30, Carmel Arts & Design District

Tour historic and modern homes decorated for the holiday season in and around the Carmel Arts & Design District. Friday VIP tours will include a reception following the home tour with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Details >>

What's your favorite Carmel event, or which one do you want to check out for the first time this year? We'd love to hear in the comments below!

Learn more about living in Carmel >>


Indianapolis Realtor Kristie SmithAbout the Author
Kristie Smith
Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.


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