Things to Do in Fountain Square, United States of America

Fountain Square is a charming suburb located in the southern part of Indianapolis, Indiana, known for its historic theater district and vibrant community atmosphere. The area gets its name from the iconic Fountain Square Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s venue that serves as the cultural heart of the neighborhood. This eclectic district has transformed from a working-class immigrant community into a trendy arts and entertainment destination while maintaining its authentic, unpretentious character. Today, Fountain Square offers visitors a unique blend of vintage charm and modern creativity, featuring an array of local restaurants, craft breweries, vintage shops, and live music venues. The neighborhood's walkable streets are lined with colorful murals, quirky boutiques, and converted warehouses that now house artist studios and creative businesses. Its proximity to downtown Indianapolis makes it an ideal base for exploring both the local cultural scene and the broader attractions of Indiana's capital city.

Top Things to Do in Fountain Square

Fountain Square Theatre Experience

Attend a performance at the historic Fountain Square Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s venue that hosts live music, comedy shows, and community events. The theater's intimate setting and excellent acoustics make every show feel personal and engaging. The venue also features a vintage duckpin bowling alley in the basement, adding to its unique charm.

Booking Tip: Tickets typically range from $15-40 depending on the act. Book directly through the theater's website for best selection, and arrive early to explore the basement bowling alley. Weekend shows sell out quickly, so book at least a week in advance.

Craft Brewery Hopping

Explore Fountain Square's thriving craft beer scene with visits to local breweries like Fountain Square Brewing and nearby establishments. Each brewery offers unique locally-crafted beers and often features food trucks or kitchen partnerships. The area's compact size makes brewery hopping on foot both easy and enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Most breweries offer free tastings or flights for $8-15. Visit during happy hour (typically 3-6 PM) for discounted pints. Many breweries host special events on weekends, so check their social media for live music or food pairings.

Vintage Shopping and Antique Hunting

Browse through numerous vintage shops, antique stores, and consignment boutiques that line Virginia Avenue and surrounding streets. From mid-century furniture to retro clothing and unique collectibles, the area offers treasure hunters plenty of opportunities to find one-of-a-kind items. Many shops feature local artisan goods alongside vintage finds.

Booking Tip: Most shops are open Tuesday-Sunday with extended weekend hours. Prices vary widely, but expect to spend $10-100+ for quality vintage pieces. First Friday events often feature shop discounts and extended hours.

Street Art and Mural Walking Tour

Take a self-guided walking tour to discover Fountain Square's impressive collection of street art and murals that decorate building walls throughout the neighborhood. The artwork reflects the area's creative spirit and often incorporates local history and cultural themes. New pieces are regularly added, making each visit a fresh experience.

Booking Tip: This is a free activity best enjoyed during daylight hours for photography. Download a street art map from local tourism websites or ask at local businesses for current mural locations. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Local Dining and Food Scene Exploration

Experience Fountain Square's diverse culinary landscape, from authentic ethnic eateries to innovative farm-to-table restaurants. The area is known for its casual, neighborhood feel where local chefs experiment with creative menus. Food trucks and pop-up vendors often appear during weekend events and festivals.

Booking Tip: Most restaurants don't require reservations, but popular spots may have waits on weekends. Lunch prices range $8-15, dinner $15-30. Check social media for daily specials and food truck schedules during events.

Getting There

Fountain Square is easily accessible from downtown Indianapolis, located just 2 miles southeast of the city center. Visitors flying into Indianapolis International Airport can take a taxi or rideshare service (about 20-25 minutes, $25-35) or rent a car for more flexibility. If driving from other cities, take I-65 or I-70 to downtown Indianapolis, then follow Shelby Street or Virginia Avenue south to reach the neighborhood. The area is also accessible via IndyGo bus routes, with several lines connecting Fountain Square to downtown and other Indianapolis neighborhoods.

Getting Around

Fountain Square is highly walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops concentrated within a few blocks along Virginia Avenue and Shelby Street. The compact neighborhood layout makes exploring on foot the preferred method for most visitors. For longer distances or trips to other Indianapolis attractions, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and affordable. IndyGo bus service connects the area to downtown and other neighborhoods, with day passes available for $4. Street parking is generally free and abundant, though weekend evenings during events may require some searching for spots.

Where to Stay

Downtown Indianapolis

Fountain Square proper

Fletcher Place

Garfield Park area

Holy Cross neighborhood

Bates-Hendricks

Food & Dining

Fountain Square's dining scene reflects its diverse, artistic character with an impressive array of local restaurants, food trucks, and casual eateries. The neighborhood is particularly known for its authentic ethnic cuisine, including excellent Mexican, Asian, and Middle Eastern options, alongside innovative American bistros and gastropubs. Many establishments focus on locally-sourced ingredients and creative menu concepts, often housed in converted historic buildings that add to the dining atmosphere. The area also features several craft breweries with food programs, coffee roasters, and dessert shops. Most restaurants maintain a casual, welcoming vibe that encourages lingering and conversation, making dining here as much about the community experience as the food itself.

When to Visit

Fountain Square is enjoyable year-round, but the best time to visit is late spring through early fall (May through October) when the weather is ideal for walking around the neighborhood and outdoor events are frequent. Summer months bring numerous street festivals, outdoor concerts, and art fairs that showcase the area's creative community. Fall offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while winter can be quite cold but creates a cozy atmosphere in the local bars and restaurants. First Friday events occur monthly and are particularly popular, featuring extended shop hours, special events, and increased foot traffic that creates a festive neighborhood atmosphere.

Insider Tips

Visit during First Friday monthly events for the most vibrant atmosphere with extended shop hours, special performances, and community gatherings

Park on residential side streets rather than Virginia Avenue to avoid weekend crowds and find free parking more easily

Follow local businesses on social media to stay updated on pop-up events, food truck schedules, and special performances that aren't widely advertised

Things to Do in Fountain Square