Indianapolis-Area July 4th Fireworks, Parades, More: 2018 Guide

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Fireworks, bbq's, music, and plenty of red, white and blue sights are right around the corner when Fourth of July festivities take over the Indianapolis area. As July 4 falls on a Wednesday this year, there will be plenty of fun that day and the weekend before, June 29 through July 1.

Downtown Indy, Inc. has provided Patch with plenty of festive, Fourth of July event details:

Friday, June 29:

Zoolapalooza: The concert series features live music at the Indianapolis Zoo from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy music from Groove Essential, “Americana” food stations, a full bar and kid’s activities. Stroll around the Zoo (both the animals and rides are available until 7 p.m.) Concerts are included with regular Zoo admission.

Summer Nights Film Series: Watch a film outside at Newfields’ amphitheater as part of the series. Starting at dusk, the classic mystery movie, A Shot in the Dark, will play on the big screen. Bring the whole family and a picnic for a unique summer experience. Tickets are $12; $8 for members.

Indiana Fever: Indy's WNBA team will play Phoenix Mercury at 7 p.m. at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. New this season, kids 14 and under eat free every Friday and Saturday. The first 1,000 kids receive a hot dog, chips, drink and a chance to shoot a free throw after the game. Tickets start at $13.

Saturday, June 30:

Taste of Indy: The annual event blends the city’s most unique restaurants with an exhibition of the city’s best live local music, with events and activities for the entire family on Monument Circle. The festival takes places from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and includes Asian, Soul, Greek, Mediterranean, Cajun, Hispanic and American food. Tickets are $8; free for kids 6 and younger.

Wag n’ Walk: Celebrate Independence Day with friends, family and lots of wags. Head to NIFS June 30 from 9:30 a.m. to noon for a walk starting at 10:30 a.m. $18 registration includes a dog bandana and swag or $15 for participant only. Enter your dog for several contests including red, white & blue costume. All proceeds benefit Paws & Think, Inc. Dogs will also be on site for adoption.

Hoagies & Hops Hoagie-eating contest: Happening on Monument Circle, satisfy your hunger while helping Hoosier Vets. The winner of the contest will win a free 18-inch sandwich every month for one year. Every participant gets a shirt.

Sunday, July 1

Indiana Fever: Celebrate the Sunday before Independence Day by supporting Indy's WNBA team against Atlanta Dream at 5 p.m. at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Wednesday, July 4:

IPL Downtown Freedom Fest: Indy’s largest fireworks display will light up the skyline as they're shot from the top of the Region’s Bank Tower at 10 p.m. The show will be synchronized to patriotic and popular music broadcasted on radio stations 97.1 HANK FM, Soft Rock B105.7 or 93.1 WIBC. Bring a blanket and grab your spot early to watch the fireworks at the Indiana War Memorial grounds. Enjoy live entertainment from the Indianapolis Colts Stage starting at 6:30 p.m., family fun in the Royal Pin Leisure Centers Kids Area or support local businesses in the Indiana Originals Marketplace.

Indianapolis Indians: The team takes on Louisville July 4 and 5 at Victory Field, with special promotions for fans. Fans are encouraged to stay after the game July 4 for two fireworks shows - the IPL Downtown Freedom Fest and the Indians' own fireworks show. The first 14,200 fans will receive rally towels. Tickets start at $11 or $40 for the Cove.

Firecracker 6 Run/Walk: Wear patriotic colors and participate in the 6-mile run/walk or the 6k run/walk - a six-mile tour of some of downtown's best sites and destinations. This run starts at 8 a.m.at City Market and benefits Team RWB. Tickets are $30 to $35 in advance or $40 race day.

Under the Sails: Free live music at the Eiteljorg Museum; Hear Heartstone Crossing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and check out the Reel West and other unique exhibits from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with free admission.

4th of July ¡Ole!: Enjoy Latino and American food, music and entertainment, a kid’s area and open market and great views of the Downtown fireworks at at St. Mary Catholic Church from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.

Rooftop 4th of July Celebration: Celebrate the holiday while enjoying rooftop views at Fountain Square Theatre Building at 7 p.m. The event includes dinner, drinks and duckpin bowling, plus a spectacular view of the Downtown fireworks. Must be 21 or older. Tickets are $80.

Party on the Plaza: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Indianapolis City Market. Watch the fireworks from one of the best spots Downtown while playing corn hole, lawn checkers, sidewalk chalk and more. Enjoy local food and drinks along with live music and free kids’ activities. Dogs are welcome. Bring your own chair or blanket, but no outside food or drink is allowed. Admission is $6 or $10 for two; $4 seniors; Free kids 12 and younger.

Enjoy live music at the Rathskeller Biergarten: The Doo! performs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a $5 cover charge, and a bonus as the Biergarten offers a great view of the Downtown fireworks.

Indy Eleven take on the Ottawa Fury FC: 7 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium. Head outside after the game to catch the fireworks.

10-year anniversary celebration: 4 p.m. at Sun King Brewery. The event will feature live performances from Durand Jones & the Indications and others. Guests will enjoy a pristine view of the fireworks, live music, food trucks, games, giveaways plus free hot dogs for the first 500 guests from Tyner Pond Farms. Tickets are $15 or $40 for a 4-pack. Kids 10 and under are free.

The 4th of July Block Party: 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Metazoa Brewing Company. The event will feature Yacht Rock Schooner, Audiodacity, Dave and Rae Band, David Evans & Caroline Grace and many more. Fans will enjoy specialty beer tappings throughout the day, food, a pet-friendly atmosphere and a pristine view of the Downtown Indy fireworks show. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 that day.

Other local Fourth of July events:

Fishers:

Fishers will celebrate the patriotic holiday with the inaugural Spark!Fishers event on Saturday, June 30.

After years of Fourth of July celebrations during Fishers Freedom Festival, City officials say Spark!Fishers offers a fresh twist on the favorite local summer tradition.

According to the event website, the weekend kicks off with the AMP After Dark Road Show on Friday, June 29 featuring Sugar Ray and special guest Ryan Ahlwardt. Tickets can be purchased online.

Spark!Fishers Schedule of Events for June 30:

• 8 a.m. – Fishers Farmers' Market & 5k Walk/Run
• 11 a.m. – Opening Ceremony & Street Fair Opens
• 7 p.m. – Parade*
• 10 p.m. – Fireworks*
• *Fireworks and Parade rain makeup date is Sunday, July 1.

Don't miss out on the Spark!Fishers Show - The Pettybreakers - on July 3 as part of the 2018 Summer Concert Series at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.

RELATED:

• Indianapolis July 4th Fireworks, Parades and More: 2018 Guide
  
• Love The Fishers Area? Become A 'Patch Mayor'
• Fishers 2018 Summer Concert Series Underway

Carmel:

The city's annual CarmelFest takes place Tues. July 3 from 3 pm-10 pm & Wed., July 4 from noon to 10 p.m.

Noblesville:

The Noblesville Fireworks Festival will take place on the grounds of Noblesville High School (18111 Cumberland Road) Wed., July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be several activities for people of all ages, according to the event page. The grand finale of the day will be the fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Know of other events in the area or hosting your own? Post them on the Patch Calendar!

Image via Patch