Things to Do in Indianapolis in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Indianapolis
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect festival season - Indiana State Fair runs entire month with 200+ food vendors, concerts, and local competitions drawing 900,000+ visitors
- Peak outdoor concert season at venues like Ruoff Music Center, White River State Park amphitheater, and dozens of smaller stages throughout downtown
- Swimming season at Eagle Creek Park beach, Geist Reservoir, and 20+ municipal pools - locals escape heat at these spots daily from 11am-7pm
- Farmers market peak season - 15+ markets operating including Saturday morning Downtown Market with 80+ vendors selling Indiana corn, tomatoes, and peaches at lowest prices of year
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms 65% of days between 2pm-6pm can disrupt outdoor plans - storms typically last 45-90 minutes with heavy rain
- Heat index regularly exceeds 38°C (100°F) making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable for visitors not acclimated to Midwest humidity
- Peak tourism pricing for accommodations - downtown hotels average 40% higher than shoulder seasons due to convention traffic and State Fair visitors
Best Activities in August
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Track Tours
August offers behind-the-scenes track access during quieter periods between major races. Morning tours (9am-11am) avoid peak heat while providing track walks and garage access. The museum's air-conditioned environment makes it perfect for hot afternoon refuge while learning about racing history.
White River State Park Cultural District Walking
Early morning (7am-10am) or evening (6pm-8pm) walking tours of the 250-acre park connecting Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, and NCAA Hall of Champions. August evenings feature outdoor concerts and food truck gatherings that locals attend weekly.
Mass Ave Arts District Food and Gallery Tours
August brings First Friday gallery walks (6pm-9pm) when temperatures cool and 25+ galleries open late with wine, local craft beer, and artist demonstrations. The covered Cultural Trail connects venues, providing shade and air-conditioned stops.
Indiana State Fair Experience
Running entire month of August, this is Indiana's largest cultural event with 200+ food vendors, agricultural competitions, grandstand concerts, and midway rides. Locals attend multiple times using season passes, focusing on different themed days throughout the month.
Canal Walk and Downtown Waterway Tours
The 3-mile (4.8 km) Canal Walk provides shaded paths and paddle boat rentals perfect for August heat relief. Early morning joggers and evening strollers make this a social experience, with waterside cafes offering misting systems during peak heat hours.
Fountain Square Neighborhood Evening Scene
This authentic local district comes alive after 5pm in August when heat subsides. Local music venues, vintage shops, and the famous duckpin bowling at Fountain Square Theatre Building draw young professionals and artists for evening entertainment.
August Events & Festivals
Indiana State Fair
The state's premier agricultural and cultural celebration featuring pig racing, butter cow displays, live music on 5 stages, and 200+ food vendors serving everything from corn dogs to deep-fried Oreos. Over 900,000 attend annually with different themed days throughout the month.
Penrod Arts Fair
One of the nation's oldest outdoor arts fairs held on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Features 300+ artists, live jazz music, and gourmet food vendors. Locals consider this the cultural highlight of late summer.