We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but summer will be over before we know it. (Sorry!) Be sure to round out the summer of 2019 with some of the season’s hottest events and festivals, including the Indiana State Fair, IndyFringe Festival, Gen Con, Devour Indy, and Indy Comic-Con. (Check out the other fun things in our list of August events below, too.) You’ll be glad you did.

June 7 - Aug. 30: Summer Nights Film Series

The National Bank of Indianapolis presents the Summer Nights Film Series, and it's as romantic as it sounds. On an enormous screen, movies are projected for the audience's delight. Feel free to lay back on a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy classic movies. Concessions are available, and feel free to bring your own picnic if you like! Check out this year's schedule! Details >> 

Aug. 1 - 4: Gen Con

Truly the best four days in gaming, right here in Indy! Gen Con is the largest consumer hobby, fantasy, science fiction, and adventure game convention in North America. With 500 exhibiting game companies, award-winning authors and artists, vibrant costumes, family entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, and hundreds of exciting new games, there’s something for everyone. Details >> 

Aug. 2: Hello from the Magic Tavern

Held at the Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University, “Hello from the Magic Tavern” is an improvised narrative podcast. It documents the life of fictional character Arnie, who has fallen through a magical portal behind a Burger King in Chicago and into the mysterious and magical land of Foon. The show is framed as a casual podcast, in which Arnie interviews strange creatures he encounters in the land of Foon. Details>>

Aug. 2 - 18: Indiana State Fair

The animals, the food, the rides, the concerts! There’s so much to see and do at the Indiana State Fair. Check out the State Fair's new exhibit: "Heros in the Heartland," where local heros showcase their real-world super-hero qualities. Returning for 2019, the Indiana State Fair introduces a single-ring, world-class circus, showcasing a variety of famous performers, including daredevil Bello Nock, Arabian horses and muscle men! Details >> 

Aug. 3: Zionsville Street Dance

Dance the night away at the Zionsville Street Dance, Zionsville's largest party of the year. This family-friendly event features live music, local restaurants, food trucks, beer garden, kids' area and much more! $13 for presale, $18 at the door! Details >>

Aug. 3: Harry Potter Day

The Indianapolis Art Center transforms itself into the wizarding world of Harry Potter for a special day of Harry Potter-themed crafts, festivities, and more! Dress up to participate in the costume contest, scavenge for treasure in the Forbidden Forest, glug down a vial of Polyjuice potion, all in service of keeping the fantasy world of Hogwarts alive! All houses (Slytherin included) are very welcome. Make sure to register for the special “Make It Take It” offerings. Details>>

Aug. 3: Indianapolis Water Lantern Festival

This unique water lantern festival will be held in downtown Indy. Enjoy an exciting day complete with music, food vendors, yard pong and corn hole. As day turns to dusk, sit by fire pits while writing messages to send off in your water lanterns. As night falls, be prepared to send off your message with hundreds of other lanterns, and enjoy the beautiful sight of lights floating across the water. Buy your tickets now! Details>>

Aug. 3: 24th Annual Brew HaHa

This year the annual craft beer festival will be celebrated at White River State Park. This party will take place from 4-9 p.m., and will include entertainment from local comics and bands, great food from vendors, and of course, 3 oz. pours of Indy’s amazing craft beer. Buy your tickets now! Details>>

Aug. 4: Colts Training Camp Fan Appreciation Day

Get ready for another Indianapolis Colts football season with a visit to the team’s training camp in Westfield during Fan Appreciation Day. Local nonprofits and players’ causes will be highlighted and celebrated! Details >>

Aug. 10: Drum Corps International World Championship Finals

A week-long competition of the very best in the world of marching music culminates on Saturday, Aug. 10 with the crowning of the marching band champion. Watch at Lucas Oil Stadium as brass musicians, percussionists and dance performers compete at the highest levels of musical and performance excellence. Details >>

Aug. 8 - 11: Broad Ripple Carnival

Celebrate Broad Ripple Village and Broad Ripple Park with a four-day festival featuring carnival rides and games, food and drink, a craft beer garden, live entertainment and community booths. A history exhibit will be displayed, and Saturday’s highlight includes an artisan and vintage market. Free admission. Details >>

Aug. 10: Indy Quest Urban Adventure

Like TV’s “The Amazing Race”? Then you’ll love Indy Quest! Grab your friends, relatives or coworkers and trek, ride and paddle through the city streets, creeks and neighborhoods of Indianapolis. Along the way, you will encounter a number of unique and demanding obstacles and tests that will challenge your physical and mental skills. Details >>

Aug. 10: Zionsville Creekfest

What started as a cleanup of Eagle Creek has become a full-blown annual festival celebrating Eagle Creek and our precious water resources. Register to help with the cleanup and come out for other fun activities, including a creek stomp for kids, kayak demonstrations, the Department of Natural Resources’ casting station, live music and much more! Details >>

Aug. 15 - 25: IndyFringe Festival

One of Indy’s biggest theater events returns to Mass Ave and the surrounding area for 10 days in mid-August. IndyFringe showcases traditional and nontraditional theatre, dance, music, improvisation and a wide range of other performance and visual arts, performed and created by local, national and international artists. Details >> 

Aug. 19 - Sept. 1: Devour Indy

Devour Indy happens only twice a year, so you won’t want to miss out on this summertime opportunity to experience amazing three-course, value-priced menus at restaurants throughout the city! Details >>

Aug. 23 - 25: Indianapolis Greekfest

Taking place on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Carmel, the family-friendly Indianapolis Greekfest celebrates the Greek Orthodox faith and Hellenic culture with authentic Greek foods, traditional dancing and live music. Details >> 

Aug. 24: Colts 5K Walk/Run

This isn’t your typical 5K. Participants start off outside of Lucas Oil Stadium, and then experience the thrill of NFL football by finishing at the 50-yard line inside the stadium! In addition to an exclusive Colts 5K T-shirt and commemorative medal, all participants will receive a Colts preseason game ticket! Details >> 

Aug. 24: Artomobilia

Experience car design as art in the Carmel Arts & Design District. More than 400 enthusiast and collector automobiles line the streets while nearby galleries exhibit art with an auto theme. Details >>

Aug. 30 - Aug. 31: Fishers Blues Fest

Bring your picnic, blankets and friends to this special Labor Day weekend event in Fishers! Local and national blues artists will provide the entertainment for this end-of-summer relaxing affair. Beer will be available from Four Day Ray, and multiple food vendors will be on hand to feed the hungry masses. Details>>

Aug. 30 - Sept.1: Indiana Comic-Con

Experience comic book culture with thousands of fans from around the state and region. Meet creators, actors, and experts, and mingle with fellow fans. This year's special guests include Kate Beckinsale,  Ron Perlman, Creed Bratton, and more! Details >>

What is your can't-miss event this August? Share in the comments below!

About 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.