First-time Indy Chicken & Beer Festival getting big response, organizers say
A first-time downtown Indianapolis food festival featuring some of the city’s best-known restaurants and brewers is already nearly a sellout, organizers said this week.
Events
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Concert, event organizers tighten entry rules as COVID cases increase
Local arts organizations and event promoters are using strategies such as vaccination requirements, mask mandates and capacity restrictions to help preserve their ability to hold in-person events.
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Indiana State Fair sees slump in attendance despite adding extra day
This year’s fair, which closed Sunday, was extended to 18 days, but saw its second-worst attendance figure since 2007.
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Carmel Christkindlmarkt to make measured return after last year’s cancellation
The last time the German-themed Christmas market was held in 2019, it drew more than 300,000 visitors. Event organizers aren’t sure if lingering concerns about COVID-19 will hurt attendance or if there will be a strong return.
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Regions Tower nixed as downtown fireworks launch site after 50 years
Emmis Communications Inc., which has produced the July 4 fireworks show for more than a decade, said it was handing off responsibility for the annual event to civic organization Downtown Indy Inc.
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Articles
CEO: ‘There’s a groundswell of support’ for candy expo to return to Indy
Indianapolis this week welcomed the Sweets & Snacks Expo at the Indiana Convention Center—its first major trade show since March 2020. John Downs, chief of the organization that organizes the event, said he’d like to see it return to Indianapolis in the future.
July 4 downtown fireworks show returning after 2020 cancellation
The annual fireworks show has new organizers and a different launch site. The 36-story Regions Tower had been the launch site since the 1970s, but can no longer be used.
Food Fridays to begin this week on Monument Circle
In a push to bring more revenue to Indianapolis restaurants as they recover from the pandemic, Downtown Indy Inc. is introducing a new event on Monument Circle.
County health department doubles outdoor event capacity limit
The new, higher cap won’t change the attendance limits at the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, according to Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine.
Governor: Indianapolis ‘still reeling’ from FedEx shooting
Gov. Eric Holcomb, former Vice President Mike Pence and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett were among those who spoke Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in a ceremony to remember the eight people killed in a mass shooting at a FedEx warehouse.
FedEx shooting victims to be remembered at Lucas Oil Stadium
The free event is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and is open to the public. A full program and list of speakers have not been confirmed, but interfaith leaders and lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels have been invited, event organizers said.
Zionsville Chamber aims to position town as boutique bridal destination
The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first “Get Married in Zionsville” bridal show, featuring more than 40 local florists, musicians, bakeries and other vendors on April 17.
Watch ‘The Rebound: Indy’s bounce back,’ a mini-documentary about the pandemic and the city’s hospitality industry
IBJ reporter Mickey Shuey, who has been covering the Indianapolis hospitality industry from the start of the pandemic the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, interviewed dozens of people in an effort to piece together how the city is working to emerge from the pandemic.
Dale Neuburger: A peak behind the sports event curtain
Revelation: Not all sports events are problem-free, irrespective of the athlete or spectator perspective.
Fishers bringing back summer festival with concerts, fireworks
Events will include a concert series at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, a farmer’s market, 5K walk/run, car and art show, street fair, parade and fireworks.
Interest heating up for NCAA hoops tourney tickets, but matchups will determine demand
Tickets for many of the early game have sold out, although there are still seats available for games at Lucas Oil Stadium, where capacity is the largest. For other venues, tickets on some of the bigger resale web sites were being advertised for more than $250. Most were less.
Performance Racing Industry to hold in-person trade show again in 2021
A typical PRI Show brings upwards of 67,000 people to Indianapolis and generates an economic impact of $65 million, making it one of the city’s largest annual events.
NCAA tournament will be no party for event venues
Other than a few facilities that will be COVID testing sites, team lounges or overflow areas, most event spaces that usually glean revenue from tournament gatherings could be left out in the cold.
PopCon Indy planning to return this summer as in-person event
The multi-genre popular culture convention is slated for July 9-11 at the Indiana Convention Center with a full lineup, organizers announced Tuesday.
2020 finally ending, but New Year’s revelries muted by virus
This New Year’s Eve is being celebrated like no other, with pandemic restrictions limiting crowds and many people bidding farewell to a year they’d prefer to forget.
Undaunted by COVID, city tourism pros pack events into early 2021
Officials are hopeful new virus cases won’t ruin plans to host two dozen events in the first quarter of 2021—including efforts to bring the full NCAA men’s basketball tournament here.
Economist: Indiana might benefit as pandemic pushes people to flee big cities
Jeff Korzenik, chief investment strategist at Fifth Third Bank, said Thursday that homeowners and businesses have become more interested in locating in suburbs and mid-sized cities—a trend that could benefit the Indianapolis area.
City bicentennial celebrations ramp up despite pandemic
The city of Indianapolis is turning 200 and, although the pandemic has altered some plans, celebrations are underway and residents have plenty of opportunities to engage.
Indiana Convention Center still hosting some events despite pandemic
The pandemic hasn’t stopped all hospitality business in Indianapolis. Nearly 40,000 people have visited downtown since the beginning of July for events at the Indiana Convention Center or at major hotels.