Cited from indystar.com
Fourth of July is a celebration of democracy through parades, picnics, baseball games, concerts and fireworks shows. But also giving us a big sense of freedom is a three-day weekend.
For those who aren’t stuck wearing “Kiss the Cook” aprons and wielding tongs, there’s plenty to do and see around the metro area, from a patriotic roller-derby bout to an old-fashioned ice cream social. Here is a melting pot of 15 options:
1. Scars and Stripes Forever
Nothing says “Happy Birthday, America” like the red, white and bruised Circle City Socialites. The roller-derby team will battle the Bleeding Heartland Code Blue Assassins from Bloomington. Stay in your seat for the halftime show by Naptown Skate Nation, and be sure to hit up the after-party at Claude and Annie’s.
» Details: 5 p.m. (doors open) Saturday, The Forum at Fishers, 9022 E. 126th St., Fishers. $12; www.circlecitysocialites.com.
2. Canal Family Fest
Used to be, the only chance you’d get to put your feet up while enjoying this annual event was if you rented a paddle boat or gondola. Now, you can take a break on the patio at the new Left Bank Café, a small restaurant with a Parisian flair. Canal Family Fest features live music and activities hosted by the Indiana State and Eiteljorg museums, and the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.
» Details: 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Downtown Canal. Free. For special activities, visit www.indianamuseum.org, www.eitel jorg.org or www.indianahistory.org.
3. Conner Prairie’s Glorious Fourth
How did American pioneers celebrate their independence from King George and England? Head out to Conner Prairie to meet Lady Liberty, join the White River Militia, and partake in a patriotic feast and some down-home barn dancing.
» Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers. $8 to $13, with special discounts for military; (317) 776-6000 or www.connerprairie .com.
4. Indianapolis Speedrome
Fast cars and freedom. That’s how we want to spend our Fourth of July weekend . . . wait, didn’t Rascal Flatts just have a hit song about that? Cheer on stocks, late models, Roadrunners and Hornets, and enjoy fireworks just before Figure 8 racing caps off the evening.
» Details: 4 p.m. Saturday, (gates open), 9:20 p.m. (fireworks), Indianapolis Speedrome, 802 S. Kitley Ave. Racing is also scheduled Friday night. $10 to $20 (children 5 and younger free); (317) 353-8206 or www.speedrome.com.
5. Fountain Square Theatre Building Rooftop Garden
For an adults-only view of Downtown fireworks, this is possibly the best seat in the city. On top of that, you get a great meal from shelBi street caFe & Bistro and duckpin bowling. Ages 21 and older.
» Details: 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday, 1105 Prospect St. $70; (317) 686-6010, ext. 2, or www.fountainsquareindy.com.
