Spring in Indianapolis brings longer days, blooming flowers, and an action-packed calendar of festivals and events for families, outdoor lovers, and culture enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to explore nature, celebrate local traditions, or experience high-energy entertainment, Indy has something for everyone. From the sweet scents of maple syrup festivals to the roaring action of Monster Jam to the pageantry of the AES 500 Festival Parade, this season is full of exciting activities for all ages.
To help you plan, we’ve gathered the best events happening in and around Indianapolis. Mark your calendars and get ready for a season filled with music, food, art, and adventure!
Springtime Fun in Indy
March Festivals & Events
Maple Syrup Days
McCloud Nature Park, Hendricks County
March 1 & 8
Trek to McCloud Nature Park for this free, educational festival celebrating the park’s sugar maple trees and the sweet syrup they produce. Families can learn how maple syrup was made historically and how it’s made today, even trying their hands at tapping a maple tree. Enjoy storytelling about Native American syrup-making around the fire and watch modern sap boiling demonstrations in the Sugar Shack.
Music for All National Festival
Various Locations
March 13 – 15
This prestigious music festival showcases outstanding middle school and high school bands, orchestras, jazz, and percussion ensembles from across the country. Over three days, these select youth ensembles perform concerts in Indianapolis venues such as Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University. Families can drop in to hear some of the finest young musicians in America play everything from concert band pieces to jazz charts. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy live music excellence—a celebration of music education featuring performances throughout the day.
Find the complete schedule here.
Indianapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Tent Party
Downtown Indianapolis
March 14
This beloved Irish-themed celebration has become a long-standing tradition for family and friends in Indianapolis. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade fills downtown with Irish floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and Irish dancers, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere. This free event welcomes all spectators to line the streets and take in the parade’s energy.
Before and after the parade, enjoy the Tent Party on North Street, featuring live Irish music, food trucks, a beer garden, and kids’ activities inside a heated tent. Whether rain or shine, this all-ages festival brings the lively spirit of the Emerald Isle to the heart of Indy with entertainment, culture, and Irish pride.
Indiana Comic Convention
Indiana Convention Center
March 14 – 16
A family-friendly pop culture festival and the largest comic and pop culture convention in Indiana. Fans of all ages can meet celebrity guests, including actors, voice actors, and comic artists, browse a vast vendor hall filled with comics, toys, and artwork, and enjoy panel discussions and cosplay contests.
Cosplay is a major highlight, with attendees dressing up as their favorite characters and participating in cosplay meetups and competitions. The weekend also features gaming, anime, and geek culture programming, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a comic book fan, a gaming enthusiast, or just looking for an exciting weekend, Indiana Comic Convention is the place to be for immersive entertainment. Kids 10 and under are free with adult admission!
Indiana Flower & Patio Show
Indiana State Fairgrounds
March 15 – 23
This annual home and garden festival features lavish showcase gardens designed by top landscapers, plus hundreds of exhibitors offering home improvement and outdoor living products. Attendees can stroll through stunning floral displays, attend expert presentations (including appearances by HGTV personalities), and shop for gardening, patio, and décor ideas.
Monster Jam Indianapolis
Lucas Oil Stadium
March 15 – 16
Get ready for high-octane action as Monster Jam roars into Indianapolis! This adrenaline-fueled motorsports event showcases world-class drivers piloting massive, 12,000-pound monster trucks in thrilling freestyle, racing, and skills competitions. Fans can watch legendary trucks like Grave Digger, Max-D, and El Toro Loco soar through the air and crush cars. Arrive early for the Monster Jam Pit Party, where you can meet drivers, see the trucks up close, and get autographs before the main event.
Brickworld Indy – LEGO Fan Exposition
Indiana State Fairgrounds
March 15 – 16
Bring the entire family for an afternoon of fun at Brickworld Indy, featuring more than 65,000 square feet of LEGO creations built by local LEGO enthusiasts! Explore incredible displays of cities, fantasy worlds, Star Wars models, and more—all made entirely from LEGO bricks. Attendees can also enjoy interactive activities, including a LEGO and DUPLO play brick area, a graffiti wall, and scavenger hunts. Fans can buy LEGO sets, mini-figures, and accessories from various vendors. Kids 3 and under are free!
xZOOberance Spring Festival
Indianapolis Zoo
March 20 – April 20
What could be better than a spring break-time festival at the zoo filled with warm-weather fun and activities after a long winter? Running Thursdays through Sundays for four weeks, xZOOberance features 20 days of family-friendly excitement under the Bicentennial Pavilion.
Kids can dance to a DJ, interact with “living art” characters, create spring crafts, and enjoy animal demonstrations among vibrant spring flowers. The zoo promises a buzzing atmosphere filled with music, dancing, and animal encounters. All festivities are included with zoo admission (free for members), making it a perfect spring family outing to shake off the winter blues.
66th Annual World of Wheels
Indiana State Fairgrounds
March 28 – March 30
The 66th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, presented by Ray Skillman, returns to the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center! Car enthusiasts can see customs, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles, and lowriders on display as they compete for top honors and awards in the Summit Racing Equipment Show Car Series.
Don’t miss the special guest appearance from MegaMorph, the transforming robot car! Fans can also get their photo taken with the Barbie Cadillac, making this a fun event for both car lovers and families alike. Admission is $21 for adults, $7 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under free
April Festivals & Events
4th Annual Indianapolis-Carmel Children’s Festival & Camp Expo
1 Civic Square, Carmel
April 26 (1 – 3 pm)
This family-friendly spring festival offers a fun-filled afternoon packed with interactive games, live entertainment, and summer camp resources. Kids can enjoy a bounce park, mini golf, carnival games, a petting zoo, balloon artists, and a meet-and-greet with Bluey & Bingo. Parents can explore local camp options, classes, and shopping resources. With free treats and engaging activities for all ages, this is a must-visit event for families in the Indianapolis-Carmel area.
Whitestown Viking Fest
Anson Acres Park, Whitestown
April 25 – 27
Step back in time with Viking encampments, combat demonstrations, artisan vendors, and stage entertainment. Kids can test their might in fun competitions for all ages. Admission is $7 with advanced purchase tickets and kids 2 and under free
Welcome to Fairyville
Downtown Noblesville
April 17 – 20
A whimsical arts and nature festival featuring a Fairy Trail of miniature fairy houses, a Fairy House contest, fairy-themed crafts, and a Fairyville Parade with costumed fairies welcomes you to Fairyville.
Indy Film Fest
Various venues throughout Indianapolis
April 23 – 27
A ten-day celebration of independent films from Indiana and around the world. Attendees can expect indie features, documentaries, and shorts. Check out the schedule & ticket info!
Franklin Vintage Fest – Spring Edition
Downtown Franklin
April 26
This open-air vintage and antique market transforms downtown Franklin into a treasure hunter’s paradise, featuring 100+ vendors selling antiques, retro goods, handmade crafts, and vintage clothing. The Johnson County courthouse square comes alive with shopping, sidewalk sales, live music, and food trucks, creating a lively small-town festival atmosphere. A perfect day out for collectors, shoppers, and families looking for unique finds and nostalgic charm.
Southern Indiana Renaissance Faire
Seymour
April 26 – May 25
Step into a fairy tale world at the Southern Indiana Renaissance Faire, where knights, pirates, Vikings, faeries, and royalty bring history and fantasy to life. Visitors can explore a lively medieval village, enjoy Renaissance entertainment, feast on themed food and drinks, and shop at the artisan market. Whether you wish to meet the Queen, be knighted by the King, or revel in the festive atmosphere, this event offers a magical experience for all ages. Tickets and information can be found here: Events & Tickets 2025 – Southern Indiana Renaissance Faire
May Festivals & Events
Zionsville Brick Street Market
Zionsville
May 3
Celebrating 40 years, this beloved annual arts, crafts, and food fair transforms Zionsville’s charming brick-paved Main Street into a bustling marketplace. Featuring 150+ juried vendors from across the Midwest, shoppers can find handmade artwork, jewelry, décor, clothing, and more while enjoying live music, delicious festival food, and local Village shops. This family-friendly, free event is a perfect way to celebrate spring and support artisan makers.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Japanese Gardens at Carmel City Hall, Civic Square
May 4 (1 – 4 pm)
Celebrate the beauty of spring and Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Carmel. This family-friendly event offers a chance to explore the newly updated Carmel Japanese Garden, enjoy traditional Japanese performances, sample authentic cuisine, and take photos with cosplay participants. With cultural activities and entertainment for all ages, this festival provides a unique opportunity to experience the traditions of Japan right in the heart of Carmel.
500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run
Monument Circle
May 10 (11 am – 3 pm)
Indiana’s largest FREE outdoor festival for kids, the 500 Festival Kids’ Day, transforms downtown Indy into a giant interactive carnival, featuring games, bounce houses, crafts, live performances, and educational displays. Kids can meet Indy sports mascots, cheerleaders, and 500 Festival Princesses while enjoying music, dance, and drum workshops.
In the afternoon, kids ages 3–10 can participate in the Rookie Run, a non-competitive fun run where every child gets a race bib and finisher’s medal, just like the Mini-Marathon runners. This high-energy, family-friendly event is a perfect mix of active fun and hands-on learning.
OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair
Indianapolis Art Center
May 17 – 18 (10 am – 5 pm)
This juried arts & crafts festival showcases 150+ artists from across the nation, offering handmade paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, and more in one of Indy’s trendiest neighborhoods. A major fundraiser for the Indianapolis Art Center, the event also features live music on multiple stages (curated by Indy Jazz Fest), food vendors, and local craft beer.
Families can enjoy interactive art activities and demonstrations, making it a fun and creative experience for all ages. With its vibrant outdoor setting and lively atmosphere, the Broad Ripple Art Fair is the perfect way to kick off summer with art, music, and community fun.
Indiana Peony Festival
Downtown Noblesville
May 17
This bloom-filled celebration has turned Noblesville into a premier destination for peony lovers, with gardens planted throughout businesses, parks, and public spaces. Each year, the festival expands with new varieties, offering a beautiful experience for visitors from near and far.
To enhance the experience, the Peony Passport, created in partnership with SMC Corporation of America, helps attendees navigate the peony trail, discover different varieties, and track their progress. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply love flowers, this festival is a must-visit for peony lovers.
Earth Day Indiana Festival
Garfield Park
May 21 (11 am – 5 pm)
The Earth Day Indiana Festival is the state’s largest environmental festival, promoting sustainability and green living through hands-on activities, eco-education, and family-friendly fun. With over 110 exhibitors and vendors, visitors can learn about recycling, conservation, clean energy, and outdoor recreation, while kids enjoy eco-crafts, wildlife exhibits, and interactive displays like climbing into recycling trucks or exploring solar demos. The festival at Garfield Park also features live music, food trucks, and a beer garden, creating a lively atmosphere where attendees can celebrate Earth Day values while enjoying a free, educational, and entertaining community event.
AES 500 Festival Parade
Downtown Indianapolis
May 24th (Kickoff at 11:45 am, Parade at 1 pm)
A grand tradition since 1957, the AES 500 Festival Parade is a spectacular celebration of the Indy 500, second only to the race itself in May festivities. The streets of downtown Indianapolis come alive with elaborate floats, giant balloons, celebrity appearances, and performances by high school and college marching bands from across the country.
The 33 Indy 500 drivers serve as honored guests, waving to the crowd from parade cars as hundreds of thousands of spectators line the route. With free curbside viewing and reserved ticket seating available, this patriotic and high-energy event is a must-see for racing fans and families alike, kicking off Indy 500 weekend with pageantry and Hoosier pride.
Strawberries on the Square
Downtown Franklin
May 24
Strawberries on the Square is a beloved small-town festival in downtown Franklin, celebrating the start of strawberry season with homemade strawberry shortcakes, piled high with fresh berries, ice cream, and whipped cream. This day-long event features live entertainment, local food vendors, and a classic car cruise-in by evening, creating a fun and festive atmosphere on the Johnson County courthouse square. With free admission and plenty of family-friendly activities, this Hoosier tradition is the perfect way to welcome summer with great food and community fun.
Zoopolis 500
Indianapolis Zoo
May 24 (1o am – 12:30 pm)
A quirky and beloved race week tradition, the Zoopolis 500 puts a slow-and-steady twist on the Indy 500, featuring the Indianapolis Zoo’s radiated tortoises in a head-to-head race toward a platter of fruit at the finish line. The event kicks off with a parade lap, where the tortoises are introduced alongside 500 Festival princesses and the Dairy Association’s mascot cow. Leading up to race time, families can enjoy music, kids’ activities, and meet-and-greets with the tortoise care team. Now in its 45+ year, this zany, family-friendly event proves that sometimes, slow and steady really does win the race!
St. Simon Festival
Saint Simon the Apostle Catholic Church
May 29 – 31 (5 – 9 pm)
The St. Simon Festival is a beloved annual event that serves as the ultimate kickoff to summer. Families can enjoy live music, delicious festival food, and a variety of carnival games and rides for all ages. Admission is included with the purchase of $10 in food and drink tickets, making it a fun and affordable community celebration to start the summer season.
With so many incredible events happening across the city, spring is the perfect time to step outside, explore local culture, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you’re strolling through a vibrant art fair, cheering on a tortoise race, or experiencing the thrill of a Viking battle, there’s no shortage of entertainment.
So grab your calendar, pick your favorite events, and enjoy all that Indy has to offer this season. No matter your interest, there’s something for everyone—so get out there and make the most of springtime in the Circle City!
Have you been to any of these spring festivals in Indianapolis? Share your comments and pictures with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
