Each and every year, we find ourselves counting down to some of our favorite food events like Devour Indy and the Indiana State Fair. But there are often dinner series, community events and even new festivals that may fly under the radar at both small and larger scale. We’ve partnered with Visit Indy to help you discover where to be and when as we we give you the lowdown on some of the top can’t miss local food events:
Indiana State Fair
After being cancelled in 2020, the Indiana State Fair returns Friday, July 30 with the theme “Celebrating the Hoosier Spirit.” This year’s fair will be closed to the public Mondays and Tuesdays and run through Sunday, August 22. Attendees can expect all their favorites like roasted corn & turkey legs in addition to many new items.
Indy Seltzer Fest
The hard seltzer trend has taken the world by storm over the last few years with brands like Truly and White Claw. Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis will host Indy’s Seltzer Fest on Saturday, July 31 – showcasing 75 local and national seltzers. Attendees receive 10 tastings plus two seltzers at the bar and open fowling with the $35 price of admission.
Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indy-seltzer-fest-tickets-154227230799?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Italian Street Festival
The Italian Street Festival dates back nearly 100 years when Holy Rosary Church decided to open food stands & rides along the street and offer entertainment in order to attract larger crowds. Nowadays the two day festival (August 13-14) is a city staple attracting thousands each year and requiring over 200 volunteers. All food is in-house and several beers & wines are offered.
Admission is free but tickets must be purchased on-site for food and drinks.
Culinary Crossroads Supper Club
The Paramount School of Excellence will a host a monthly dinner series featuring some of Indy’s top chefs including Jon Brooks, Steven Oakley and Abbi Merriss starting on Sunday, August 15. The series which is scheduled through September 2022 will direct funds from sales to the participating chefs as well as a new Ivy Tech culinary scholarship.
For a full list of the schedule and chefs or to purchase a ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/culinary-crossroads-supper-club-hosted-by-paramount-schools-of-excellence-tickets-163411039819?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&fbclid=IwAR1A7Z6m298r9VbCRF6ZEDEPZegHu3-0rH3uFtzxPK88PYDtwfiV8e3VtJg
SausageFest
If you’ve driven through the Butler Tarkington neighborhood in the last month, you’ve more than likely seen signs for Saint Thomas Aquinas Church’s annual Sausage Fest. The two day festival returns August 20-21 featuring a variety of vendors including sausage from L.E. Kincaid and Sons meat market and beer from Sun King. Attendees can also expect a wine garden, games and a lineup of live music.
Devour Indy
Devour Indy returns the two weeks following the Indiana State Fair, August 23 – September 5, as always with more than 100 participating restaurants city-wide offering three-course, value-priced menus. Restaurants offer a variety of lunch and dinner deals, as well as carryout. Participating restaurants and their respective menus will drop in the near future.
Indy Strawberry Festival
Christ Church Cathedral’s Strawberry Festival returns to Monument Circle on Thursday, September 2, produced by the women’s ministry. The annual celebration & fundraiser is made possible by more than 300 volunteers and features strawberry shortcake topped with ice cream. Each year more than $60,000 is raised with over 95% of all funds going directly to grants in support organizations Indianapolis and around the world!
St George Festival
The pandemic put it on pause last year, but St George Festival is returning this year, September 17-19, bigger and better than ever. Each year St George Orthodox Christian Church throws the event to celebrate Middle Eastern food and culture. Offsite Parking is $5 at Journey Lutheran Ministries and free shuttle buses will run continuously.
Indy Chicken & Beer Festival
We’ve teamed up with our favorite local restaurants, chefs, and brewers for a one-day festival on September 25 at the Pavilion at Pan Am that is sure to be remembered! Chicken and Beer are among the most beloved items in the world and deserve the highest celebration! Expect great music, good food, a hot wing eating contest, and fun activities for you and your crew.
Tickets are now available: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-chicken-beer-festival-indianapolis-tickets-150796944721?aff=ebdssbdestsearch