Okay, we know that the biggest highlight in town this weekend (and next weekend, as well) is the Indiana State Fair. If you’re interested in our coverage of the State Fair, feel free to check out our 2014 State Fair post for details on how to save money on your admission.
Our list of cheap and/or FREE weekend ideas, however, explores options for when you’re not at the State Fair. When you’re not checking out the cow barn and chowing down on deep-fried Snickers, here are five other ideas for your fun weekend:
Greenwood Community Band Festival – Don’t forget your lawn chair for this inaugural Greenwood Community Band Festival. Bands from all over the state of Indiana are coming into town to play in the Greenwood Amphitheater. Hundreds of talented musicians will keep the music playing all day long on Saturday, August 9. The opening ceremony kicks off at 10:00 a.m., with a Mass Band ending the show by playing “Stars and Stripes Forever” at 6:30 p.m. Between the festive music and the food vendors, you’ll have a great time with your friends and family. Watching all the shows is FREE.
Air Race Fly-in – If you’re a fan of planes and supporting good causes, you won’t want to miss the 8th annual open house and fly-in at the Indy Exec Airport (located at 11329 East State Road 32 in Zionsville). From 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, you can look forward to seeing a display of T-6 Texan Rides. Kids will love the candy drop, the bounce houses, the magic, and the face paint. Best of all, this whole day of flying, food, and fun benefits Down Syndrome Indiana.
Drumline Battle on Georgia Street – If percussion is your thing, it doesn’t get much better than 30 drumlines battling for the DLB Championship on Georgia Street downtown. DCI corps, high schools, and independent groups will be battling it out to the beat in a double elimination-style tournament. Alumni over the age of 21 can also enjoy a beer tent in the area. The Drumline Battle begins with a bang at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9.
IndyProv Sketchy Comedy at Latitude 39 – Latitude 39 is essentially paying you to come enjoy an awesome show by Indy’s only Emmy-nominated Improvisational Comedy Troupe. IndyProv is performing live on Saturday, August 9, and you can email Bill@IndyProv.com to RSVP for FREE admission. Latitude 39 will throw in a $10 arcade gift card, sweetening the evening even more. The doors open at 8:00 p.m., with the show starting at 9:00 p.m.
Nintendo Tour – Kids (or kids at heart) will enjoy the Play Nintendo Tour from Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10 at Castleton Square Mall. This fun family experience allows you the chance to get your hands on the Nintendo 2Ds and the latest games from beloved franchises like Mario, Kirby, Donkey Kong, and more. You can pose for pictures with your favorite Nintendo characters or compete for eternal video gaming glory in the Mario Kart Tournament. Games scheduled for this tour include Kirby Triple Deluxe, Yoshi’s New Island, Pokemon X and Pokemon Y, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Super Mario 3DLand, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3d, and Mario Kart 7.
And for our bonus event (also known as #6, but that’s not a catchy headline), stroll the sidewalk sales in the 56th and Illinois neighborhood August 8 and 9 for savings up to 75% off from participating merchants. Who are these folks? The Flying Cupcake, Illinois St. Food Emporium, Be the Boutique, Charles Mayer & Co., Eckert & Ross Fine Art, G Thrapp Jewelers, Kids Ink, Safeway, The Secret Ingredient, Oh Yumm! Bistro, and Kincaid and Sons. On Saturday, they’re throwing in strolling entertainment and a circus performance between noon and 4 pm. It’s basically a block of deals you don’t want to miss.