Calling all dads! June 21 is Father’s Day, but why limit it to just one day? Downtown is packed with events, festivals, sports and lots of family fun. Here are ways to make sure dad gets the special attention he deserves.
Kevin Hart: June 19, 8 p.m.
What do the “Scary Movie” franchises, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “The Little Fockers” and “Grudge Match” have in common? One thing: Kevin Hart. Hart is coming to Bankers Life Fieldhouse June 19 for his What Now? Tour. Kick off your Father’s Day weekend with tickets to see this comedian and actor, and I’m certain he will be crying tears of laughter.
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart will be visiting Bankers Life Fieldhouse for his What Now? Tour to kick off your Father’s Day weekend.
Heroes for the House Run: June 20, 8:30 a.m.
Bring active dads Downtown for a 5K run/walk on Saturday, June 20 at 8:30 a.m. The Heroes for the House Run begins at the NCAA Hall of Champions and winds through the Downtown Canal. Stay after and enjoy post-race pizza and cookies. Proceeds from the run help provide families with the financial support they need in order for their children to stay at Ronald McDonald House at little or no cost. Help support a cause and get active with dad!
Get active with dad at the Heroes for the Run 5K and the families at the Ronald McDonald House.
Brew-Ha-Ha: June 20, 3 – 7 p.m.
Dads, you are in luck. One of the city’s best beer fests is back for its twentieth year and it just so happens to fall on your weekend. Enjoy craft beer from over 50 local breweries in this outdoor block party on the 700 block of North Park Avenue between Mass Ave and East St. Clair Street. Tickets cost $30 in advance, $35 day of, $50 for VIP and $10 for designated drivers.
Enjoy local craft beer with friends and family at Brew-Ha-Ha June 20.
Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics: June 20, 7 p.m.
When you’ve finished your beer, head over to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to catch the Indiana Fever as they take on the Washington Mystics. Throw on your favorite Fever gear, grab a bag of popcorn and join the entire family for tipoff at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $21 for a great time cheering on your WNBA team.
Cultural Fests
Celebrate with different cultural festivals around Downtown including Asian Fest and Familia Fest. White River State Park will host Asian Fest June 20 for a free, family friendly event with sights, sounds and tastes of different Asian cultures. Bring the family along and experience entertaining performances, Asian cuisine and so much more. Still in the festival spirit? Enjoy Latin food, music, a beer garden and fun for the whole family at Military Park June 21 for Familia Fest. ¡Espero ver todos los padres allí! I hope to see all fathers there!
Asian Fest is one cultural festival that has fun performances and delicious food for the entire family June 20.
The Way to a Man’s Heart: Food
Treat dad by allowing him to step away from the grill on his special day. Georgia Reese’s hosts a full brunch buffet every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring fried chicken, creole shrimp cocktail, blackened or fried catfish, omelets and more. Brunch is accompanied by local gospel and jazz artists for a southern style Father’s Day. Still hungry? Take dad to Weber Grill for steaks, ribs or fish. Other favorite food options: bring dad to Scotty’s Brewhouse for their famous Shewman Burger, the Colts Grille to get him back into the football spirit or the Rathskeller for delicious German food and German beer. Food is the way to a man’s heart and what better way to celebrate with a delicious Father’s Day meal?
Car Exhibits
One word that screams dad: cars. Indianapolis has two different car exhibits that are ideal to spend the day with dad. The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Dream Cars exhibit showcases the evolution of automobiles dating back to the 1930s. And for the kids at heart? The Children’s Museum’s exhibit Hot Wheels: Race to Win is perfect to see the behind-the-scenes world of the most famous toy cars.
The Dream Cars exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art features unique scale model cars.
For the Music Lovers
Bring dad to the Indianapolis Zoo not just for the animals and gorgeous backdrop, but also to enjoy great live music, rides and delicious food with Zoolapalooza. The Zoo kicks off its Friday night summer concert series on Father’s Day weekend. Enjoy live tunes from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Easley Winery also offers free concerts every Saturday from 2 – 5 p.m. as part of their Groovin’ in the Garden concert series. Catch rock/blues group 3:1 Band on Saturday, June 20. Bonus: The winery will also let you have food delivered from a favorite restaurant.
Dance the night away at the Indianapolis Zoo’s summer concert series Zoolapalooza for its opening night.
Monumental Yoga: June 21, noon
Do Downward Dog with dad! The 3rd annual Monumental Yoga takes place Sunday, June 21 at noon on Monument Circle. Arrive early for pre-festival activities including a yoga village with vendors and food artisans, acro yoga and hooping demos and free guided meditation. Celebrate Father’s Day with this ancient practice at the city’s largest yoga event!
Monumental Yoga will take place June 21 at noon and is the perfect way to get fit with dad.
More Gifts for Dad
Still can’t find the perfect gift? The Indianapolis Colts are offering a personalized visit from their mascot Blue that includes confetti, candy, two free rounds of golf and a card to surprise dad. Visit the Colts website and submit a request for this $150 gift for a Father’s Day he will remember forever. Another option: visit Windsor Jewelry just north of Circle Centre Mall for that special gift for dad. Gift him with a watch from brands like Jorg Gray, Movado and Tissot. Whether it is for the weekends or for the workplace, dad will have a nice watch to complete his look.
Gift the football-loving dad with a visit from the Indianapolis Colts mascot Blue.
Blog by Mary Wessel, communications and marketing intern
