As winter fades, the White Riverway awakens with blooming landscapes, wildlife sightings, and exciting events that make spring one of the best times to explore this vibrant riverfront. Whether you’re looking for paddling adventures, guided nature walks, riverside festivals, or live music under the stars, the season offers something for everyone.
BONUS! Earn real-world prizes like park stickers, tshirts, and on-water experiences by visiting any of the parks, attractions, and activities of the White Riverway through our free digital White Riverway Rewards Pass.
Springtime Nature & Outdoor Activities
Wildflower Walks & Spring Hikes
Where: White River Greenway (Riverside Park through Downtown), Southwestway Park, Blatchley Nature Study Club (Noblesville), Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
Why Go: The riverbanks bloom with bluebells, spring beauties, and trout lilies. Guided wildflower walks at Holliday Park in April help visitors identify seasonal blooms.
Birdwatching Along the River
Why Go: Spring brings great blue herons, bald eagles, and songbirds back to the river. Free guided bird walks are held throughout April and May at Holliday Park, and there are also opportunities for families to learn birding and even a Friday Campfire discussion on spring migration!
Paddle the White River
Where: White River Canoe Company (Noblesville) & Frank’s Paddlesports Livery (Indianapolis)
Why Go: Spring’s warmer temps and higher water levels make kayaking and canoeing ideal. Special ‘Paddle & Picnic’ (April 20 & May 18) and ‘Full Moon Paddle’ (May 24) events are highlights. And remember, always wear a life jacket and know the river in front of you!
Bonus: Check out our paddling activity page for complete info on getting out on the river!
Ride the rails over the River!
Where: Nickel Plate Express at Forest Park in Noblesville
Why Go: Enjoy the White River Family Cruise, a short rail bike over the tranquil White River and into the heart of Downtown Noblesville.
Festivals & Cultural Events in the Riverway
Fairyville (April 23-26)
Where: Noblesville Creates
Why Go: Explore the magic of Fairyville, including a trail of fairy houses along the Noblesville Riverwalk.
Spring Blooms (March 20 – May 11)
Where: Newfields
Why Go: Central Indiana’s signature spring festival showcases more than 60,000 flowering daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips emerging in the historic gardens at Newfields
Everwise Amphitheater Spring Concerts (April – May)
Where: White River State Park
Why Go: Outdoor concert season returns with top performances. Upcoming shows include Ivan Cornejo (May 1), Warren Zeiders (May 10), Zach Top (May 16), Peach Pit (May 26), Wallows (May 28), and Jon Pardi (May 30).
xZOOberance Spring Festival (March 20 – April 20)
Where: Indianapolis Zoo
Why Go: A month-long festival featuring live music, art, and baby animal encounters. Don’t miss the Colorful Kite Showcase on April 6.
Volunteer to Improve the River’s Health
White River Cleanup Days (Fall Creek on April 12 and White River on April 26 and May 10)
Where: Various locations along the White River near downtown Indianapolis
Why Go: Help protect the river by joining the cleanup efforts of Friends of the White River. Volunteers often spot turtles, herons, and otters while working. The Fall Creek cleanup on April 12 and the White River one on April 26 are land-based cleanup while the White River May 10 cleanup is a canoe-based one. Sign up on Friends’ website.
Citizen Science Water Sampling Event (April 13 and May 18)
Where: Conner Prairie and Oliver’s Woods
Why Go: Join the White River Alliance team for a citizen science event to test and track White River water quality. Registration is required and you’ll need to do a quick pre-training before participating!
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Waterway Cleanups (April 5, 15, 17, and 19)
Where: White River tributaries including Little Eagle Creek and Pleasant Run
Why Go: Little Eagle Creek and Pleasant Run wind their way through neighborhoods to the White River. Join Keep Indianapolis Beautiful for a series of waterway cleanups to beautify these places and keep trash from making it’s way to the river. Check out our events calendar and use the filters to select the “Volunteer & Service” category to find all the events with links to register!
Make the Most of Spring Along the White Riverway!
From paddling adventures and wildflower hikes to riverside festivals and live concerts, spring is the perfect time to explore the parks of the White Riverway. Mark your calendar for these must-see events and celebrate the season in one of Indiana’s most beautiful riverfront destinations.
New events are added all the time, and for a full list of events visit our comprehensive calendar!
