Festivals around Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Vegetarian Society will host its 12th annual Indy Veg Fest Saturday Aug. 25, at the Harrison Center for the Arts.
“We want to keep making the event bigger and bigger and show Indianapolis that there are vegetarian and vegan options,” said IVS Founder and Organizer Jessica Suhle.
The festival has increased in size over the years, but reached its highest attendance last year, according to Suhle, when it moved to the Harrison Center for the Arts.
“Harrison Center is really kind to us,” Suhle said. “The gymnasium is really perfect for what we want to do with the vendors.”
Indy Fringe Theatre located at St. Claire Street and College Ave, at the edge of Mass. Ave. in Indianapolis. Photo by Victoria Jenkins.
The vendors will include Earth House Collective, Chef Megan, Killer Tofu and Broad Ripple Brewpub, all of which will be giving free samples of their food. This year all of the food will be vegan, meaning that it will be made with absolutely no animal products, including dairy or eggs.
“We wanted to mix it up so that people could try different [culinary] areas,” she said.
Suhle said that many people consider giving up meat once a week or even once a day, making Veg Fest a perfect way for omnivores to find tasty options and teach people about vegetarianism.
“We’re always trying to reach a broader audience with everything we do,” Suhle said.
Besides food, the festival also will have live music and raffle. According to Indyveg.com, Indy Veg Fest is an annual fundraiser for IVS, but its main purpose is to promote meat-free dining throughout Indianapolis.
“I think that this shows that you can really go places and eat real food,” Suhle said. “And it’s delicious.”
Festivals:
Indy Veg Fest
August 25, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The Harrison Center for the Arts.
What’s there: Food, info, raffles, live music.
Cost: $15 at the door, $12 in advance via website
Indy Fringe Festival
When: August 17-26, various times.
Where: Seven different venues along Massachusetts Ave.
What’s there: Over 300 theatrical productions by local and national thespians in only 10 days. All revenue from ticket sales goes to the performers. Check Indyfringe.com for a full schedule.
Cost: $10 per adult.
Oktoberfest
When: September 6-9, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Where: German Park. 8600 S. Meridian St.
What’s there: German food and music, vendors, and cultural demonstrations.
Cost: $5 per adult.
17th Annual Indy Irish Fest
When: September 13-16, times vary from day to day.
Where: Military Park, corner of N. West St. and W. New York St.
What’s there: Performances by Celtic dancers and musicians, Irish wares, cultural demonstrations, and food by Irish pubs and restaurants.
Cost: $15 per adult, but early-bird deals can get you in for $5 on Thursday and Friday or for three non-perishable food items on Sunday morning. Check out Indyirishfest.com for details.
Slovenian Festival
When: September 2 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Slovenian National Home Picnic Grounds at 1340 Yates Lane, Avon, IN
What’s there: Slovenian language classes, a memorial mass for veterans, traditional foods, polka music and children’s games
Cost: $5 admission per adult. Kids 16 and under are free.
