Things to do in Indianapolis

81 activities, venues and outings in Indianapolis, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 81.

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Beech Grove Bowl
Go bowling anytime at the 24-hour bowling alley. Located about 10 minutes south of downtown Indy. Pick up a plate of cheese-sticks and a couple of beers and bowl your brains out anytime. It's also located in a small burb south of downtown Indy that has a very "small town" feel. Very local. Games are cheap.
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Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
For over 30 years B&B has been providing Equity Broadway performances. Buffet dinner with cocktails is served during performances. Seasons range from classic Rodgers and Hammerstein shows to modern hits. All ages.
$32.50–52.50
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Brickyard Crossing
Shares space with the Indy Motor Speedway; four holes are inside the oval.
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Broad Ripple Park
Broad Ripple park was established in 1946 as an amusement park on the White River. The park features a family center, swimming pool, playground, fitness trail, baseball diamond, tennis courts and boating. They have a great dog park, which does require a pass and proof of recent dog vaccinations. Everyday tons of dogs and their owners play in a well kept, fenced area. It can get very muddy when rainy or snowy. It's within walking distance of Broad Ripple Village. Activities are free, dog pass rates vary.
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Buffer Park Golf Course
IndyGolf.com users rated this as their favorite nine-hole course in 2001. A well-maintained 3,411 yards from the Championship Tees.
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Chatterbox
A local favorite and one of the oldest bars in town. It's a Mass Ave. staple that has walls graffitied by visitors and the bathrooms as well. Bring a marker. Drinks are really strong and they have a small wine menu with good choices and beers too. Live jazz is the thing here. The teeny tiny bar features a teeny tiny stage that caters to Indy's finest real jazz. This is the place to hear good simple old school jazz at its finest. Smoke free early in the evening, and outdoor seating which is the best in town. Check the website for wine tastings and special events. Great place to mix with the locals—artists, journalists, musicians all call it home. Grab some Jamaican Patties while you're there. 21+.
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Check out a basketball game at Hinkle Fieldhouse
Butler University. Butler's Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the NCAA, and this arena is full of history. The facility is heavily connected with the 1986 movie Hoosiers—the real-life high school team whose story provided the basis for the movie won the 1954 Indiana state championship at this very site, and major parts of the movie were filmed here. Even without the Hoosiers connection, Hinkle is one of college sports' most legendary venues.
$5–20
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Circle City Sound
Performances held every Monday evening at 7PM at Scottish Rite Cathedral (650 N Meridian St) and throughout the city. Indy's only barbershop performance group.
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Civic Theatre
This is Indy's largest professionally managed theater, which started in 1914. From comedies to drama, they host it all. Their performance of The Crucible deeply moved viewers. $24–32. All ages.
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Crooked Stick Golf Club
Has hosted the 2009 U.S. Senior Open, 2005 Solheim Cup, 1993 US Women's Open and 1991 PGA Championship. Designed by Pete Dye.
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Dance Kaleidoscope
Performances take place inside the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Indy's contemporary dance troupe. Performances feature Martha Graham classics to director David Hochoy's own creations such as "Magical Mystery Tour" which features the music of the Beatles. $15–34.
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Drag race your car at Lucas Oil Raceway
Yes, that's right. You can drag race your car for a nominal fee and signing a waiver; don't forget your helmet. Drag race against fellow Hoosiers and get a time-card after each drag. This world-famous quarter-mile drag strip is home to the NHRA US Nationals, and the oval hosts the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Gander Outdoors Truck Series. Public dragging happens once a week during the Spring-Fall. It's cheap/free to watch. All ages, but 18+ to drag.
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Eagle Creek Park
On the west side of Indy, this huge park boasts many amenities, including a nature center, fitness course, fishing areas, and bird sanctuary. Fill your day with sailing, bird watching, fishing, rowing, hiking, swimming, ziplining. Only 10 minutes from downtown. Admission: $7/car for non-Marion county Residents.
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Emerson Theater
Indy's largest and oldest all-ages venue that caters to young punks and metal heads on the weekends. Many "older" punk rockers in town got their start here, seeing bands such as the Misfits, Sloppy Seconds, Cannibal Corpse, Babes In Toyland and many others play.
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Garfield Park
) Oldest park in Indianapolis, established in 1881. Features include the Conservatory and Sunken Gardens, an arts center, MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts, swimming pool and aquatic center, picnic shelters, pagoda, tennis courts, softball diamond, numerous trails, horse shoe courts, playgrounds, sledding hill and countless other park activities. Free for most activities. Free parking.
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Get involved with improv theater Comedy Sportz
A hilarious way to spend an evening. Comedy Sportz takes ideas thrown up from the audience and throws them into wacky and weird skits. They have all ages and 17+ performances. Drinks and snacks are served.
$14 adults, $12 students & seniors, $6 kids 5–11, under 4 free.
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Go duckpin bowling
At Action & Atomic Bowl. Duckpin bowling is basically bowling with small balls and small wooden pins. A lot of fun for all ages and located in this entirely retro building is an extra perk. Neon lights, milkshakes, jukeboxes, beer and wine, sodas and pizza, poodle skirts and all, this is the real deal. The interior hasn't changed since the 1930s.
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Holliday Park
One of the oldest and coolest parks in town. Planted right on the White River with swamps, ponds, wildflower gardens, birdwatching sanctuaries, a renovated nature center, sculpture garden, and countless wildlife and plant life. In the warm months parents take their kids to play on the best playground in the city, and locals picnic, lay out, read and host family gatherings at the extensive parkland. A great place to wade and collect rocks too. 95 acres of trails and woodland, a must see.
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Indiana Fever
A member of the WNBA, the Fever plays from June–September, and tickets were quite a bit cheaper than their NBA counterparts before the 2024 arrival of college basketball icon Caitlin Clark. In Clark's first season, the Fever set new WNBA single-season records for average and total attendance, and even outdrew the Pacers. The team, which shares ownership with the Pacers, also plays in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
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Indiana Pacers
NBA member, the Pacers can be seen live at their home court November–April.
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Indiana Repertory Theatre
Some of the nation's finest actors perform in this architectural masterpiece of a theater. Two theaters provide different types of performances, and their famous version of A Christmas Carol is a classic. Be sure to check out their Shakespeare performances. Dress up in your Sunday best and see a matinee to save some bucks. Cocktails are served. All ages.
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Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
Performs at Clowes Hall Sunday and Mondays Sep-May. They are orchestra in residence at Clowes Hall which garnishes them plenty of experience and status. Four centuries of music are covered.
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Indianapolis Colts
The NFL's Indianapolis Colts football season runs from August–January. The Colts play home games at Lucas Oil Stadium, a retractable-roof stadium that opened in 2008, which hosts many other sporting events, competitions, and concert events throughout the year.
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway
It is Indy's pride and joy sporting landmark. Several motor races take place here, most notably the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and Indycar Grand Prix. Check out the museum, or a race depending on your visit. Ticket prices aren't cheap to the main affairs, but just attending one of the many practices or qualifications during the racing season (May–Sep) is well worth the experience. A must-see when visiting Indy, for race lovers or not.
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Indianapolis Opera
Performances held at Clowes Hall - 4600 Sunset Ave and at the Basile Opera Center (formerly a Greek Orthodox church)- 4011 North Pennsylvania Street. Indy's only opera troupe. Featuring the finest singers from the region and international fame.
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Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Indy's internationally acclaimed symphony has a regular season plus a great holiday extravaganza during the Christmas season, and special guests are frequent.
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Indianapolis Tennis Center
IU Indy Campus. Play tennis on one of 24 indoor and outdoor courts. Private lessons available. This is where they host the RCA Championships every year.
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Indy Eleven
Indy's professional representative in the world's game plays in the second-level USL Championship. The Eleven have now returned to Michael Carroll Stadium on the IU Indy campus after a couple of years at Lucas Oil Stadium. The team sought to build a new stadium in Greenwood, but has now set its sights on the downtown area.
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Indy Fuel
The Indy Fuel are a minor league ice hockey team in the Midwest Division of the ECHL's Western Conference. They are affiliated with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. The Fuel had long played at Corteva Coliseum on the state fairgrounds, but moved to a new arena in the northside suburb of Fishers in 2024.
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Kuaba Gallery
Kuaba promotes modern African art. A portion of every sale goes to a non-for-profit that helps African orphans.
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Melody Inn
One of the oldest bars in town has become the haven for punk rock and underground music in the city. Built in 1933, the bar features local relics in the decor, a back VIP lounge, the best jukebox in town and a friendly staff and group of regulars. Punk, indie, acid jazz, folk, rockabilly, techno, goth is the main beat here. They also have retro video games and pool. Drinks are cheap and hard, and the beer selection is unique and good sized. The house specialty is Pabst Blue Ribbon, and specials are usually $1.25 for a can. It is a great dive bar. $2–6. 21+.
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Mind Tripping Show: A Comedy with a Psychological Twist
An intimate theatrical performance of illusion, psychology, surprises, and mysteries starring Christian & Katalina the #1 Husband and Wife Comedy Mind Reading Act. The show is a roller coaster ride for your mind, a fun psychological thriller that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Friday & Saturday nights.
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Murphy Art Center
23 artists have galleries at this Fountain Square studio building. First Friday includes an open house. Some of Indy's most bright shining stars have galleries here, and it's a great place to buy affordable great art.
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Naptown Roller Derby
formerly Naptown Roller Girls
Games take place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Blue Ribbon Pavilion. Watch cute girls take and give a beatin' on rollerskates with Indiana's first Women's Flat Track Roller Derby Association team. Thousands of people crowd into the pavilion each month to watch the Tornado Sirens battle it out against the nation's best teams. This is a serious game—major injuries take place. And yes, nothing like watching cute girls get into it on skates. A great friendly event for all types of sports or not-so-sports people alike.
$10–15
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Noblesville Boom
The G League affiliate of the Pacers, playing November–March, with tickets quite a bit cheaper than those for the Pacers (or even the Fever). The team was originally the Fort Wayne Mad Ants until moving into Gainbridge Fieldhouse after the 2022–23 season as the Indiana Mad Ants. The team starts play in its new digs in the northeast suburb of Noblesville in 2025–26.
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Picnic at James Whitcomb Riley's grave
Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a sunset at one of Indy's highest points with one of Indy's most beloved authors, located on the grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery.
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Play croquet at President Benjamin Harrison's home
A charity event hosted in June. Compete against amateurs and pros, celebrating Victorian heritage and enjoy lunch as well.
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Play disc golf at Brookside Park
Dr. Disc golf is a fun and challenging outdoor sport unlike any other.
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Radio Radio
Owned and operated by Tufty of the Zero Boys and located in the heart of Fountain Square, Radio Radio is one of the nicest and cleanest venues for music in town. The cool bar, leopard carpeting and bathroom doors came from the once downtown Indy Planet Hollywood. Good beers on tap. Past performers include: Ben Lee, Big Sandy, Cat Power, The Cruxshadows, Deke Dickerson, The Frogs, Silkworm, Wesley Willis, Jets To Brazil, Los Lonely Boys, Neko Case, Pansy Division, VHS or Beta and countless others. They also have monthly film nights and hosts Rockabilly Rebel Weekend every year. Smoke-free 21+ venue.
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Rent a paddle boat on the canal
Rent a paddle boat and roam the lengthy water of the White River canal system. Explore tunnels and fountains, see fine outdoor art and people watch as you paddle around at your whimsy. Be sure to enjoy a popsicle at the ice cream stand after your trek.

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Indianapolis (CC BY-SA 4.0).