Check out Indiana History Center, Athenaeum and Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Downtown indy fourth fest: Downtown will be abuzz with activity – as usual – on the Fourth of July, when about 25,000 people are expected to converge for Downtown Indy’s Fourth Fest, an event that concludes with the traditional fireworks display.
For the third year, the event will feature a street festival along with the 20-minute fireworks show. The festival begins at 6 p.m. Friday with food trucks, ice cream stands beverages, and a Kids Zone on St Clair Street and the American Legion Mall.
Downtown Indy, Inc.’s festival stage on North Street will feature live musical performances in addition to pre-event interviews and programming from Indiana Donor Network and Donate Life Indiana. Living Proof – an eight-piece pop, R&B, dance band – is set to headline alongside Pavel & Direct Contact, drawing from Latin-jazz and salsa influences, for the second consecutive year.
Fireworks begin just after 10 p.m. and the launch site remains at the 500 N. Meridian building with optimal viewing areas on the Indiana War Memorial grounds and American Legion Mall. Fireworks will be synced to popular patriotic and themed music aired on local Radio One radio stations.
Fourth Fest is presented by UA Local 440.
AT THE INDIANA HISTORY CENTER: Admission to the History Center is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Fourth of July. On that day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can explore hands-on crafts, interactive activities and games in Eli Lilly Hall and the W. Brooks and Wanda Y. Fortune History Lab. Create colorful firework paintings, make tissue paper sparklers and reflect on your hopes for the future – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
While you’re here, visistors can view the Indiana Historical Society’s traveling exhibit, Who is a Hoosier? Discover how Indiana’s communities have evolved through immigration and cultural contributions over time. Through maps, infographics and personal stories, this exhibit invites visitors to explore the question: What does it mean to be a Hoosier?
AT THE ATHENAEUM: Sammy Obeid – comedian, writer and host of Netflix’s 100 Humans – will perform his comedy in the Basile Theatre on Wednesday, July 2. Known for blending clever observations with a nerdy charm, Sammy’s comedy has been featured on Conan, America’s Got Talent, and Last Comic Standing.
For tickets: https://athenaeumindy.org/our-event/comedian-sammy-obeid.
AT THE BENJAMIN HARRISON PRESIDENTIAL SITE: The Old Northside venue is involved in two events this week celebrating the American system of self-government:
* On Thursday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site will host its annual Independence Day Social. Guests can enjoy free first-floor tours of the Presidential Site, then cool off with some ice cream from LiftOff Creamery ($3), grab lunch from a the Coney Lady ($), popcorn from Market Square Popcorn ($), and enjoy a variety of family friendly activities including live music from the White River Jazz Band, balloon artists, crafts and meet some furry friends from the Indianapolis Animal Care Services. Tickets are complimentary but required. Register at https://benjaminharrisonpresidentialsi.ticketspice.com/2025-independence-day-social.
Enjoy the afternoon learning about America’s Hoosier president, Benjamin Harrison, who (fun fact) began the tradition of asking Americans to hang flags outside schools and public buildings. President Harrison said, “If we would strengthen our country, we must cultivate a love of it in our own hearts and in the hearts of our children and neighbors; and this love for civil institutions, for a land, for a flag – if they are worthy and great and have a glorious history – is widened and deepened by a fuller knowledge of them.”
* On Wednesday, July 3, from 10 to 11 a.m., nearly 100 people will become American citizens at a Naturalization Ceremony in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. The ceremony will be held at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. Judge Sarah Evans Barker will preside in courtroom 216. Other dignitaries and speakers will contribute to the program, which will include remarks from a descendent of Benjamin Harrison.
