Summer is here, bringing warm weather and sunny days to the White Riverway. The season is full of events and opportunities to explore everything Indianapolis and Hamilton County have to offer.
Learning All Summer Long
Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained and engaged in learning this summer? The White Riverway provides countless opportunities for kids of all ages to continue learning about the world around them while away from classrooms. Full of natural wildlife and native plants, the riverway offers many opportunities for connecting with nature and culture of central Indiana.
- Free Fishing Days (June 6–7) allow residents to fish in public waters along the White River without a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps — a low-cost way to learn at any age.
- Strawtown Koteewi Park connects visitors with local wildlife and cultural history. The Taylor Center of Natural History highlights archaeological discoveries in the area, and the park features stables with pony rides, trails, an archery center with rentable equipment, and free tours of the Strawtown Enclosure, a Native American village, throughout the summer.
Hitting the Waters
Cool off and beat the heat this summer by hitting the waters of the White Riverway! Many of the parks along the riverway have boat ramps for your water adventures, as well as safe banks for fishing.
- Frank’s Paddlesports Livery offers canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, plus experiences and instruction for first-timers. Their “Boats and Brews” event, in collaboration with Guggman Haus Brewing, lets you paddle alongside a complimentary 4-pack of local IPAs. All boaters must be 21+ to purchase; minors welcome with an adult.
- Belmont Beach, a riverside park rooted in the history of Haughville and the Near Westside, offers waterfront access for fishing and views of the downtown skyline. On June 13, the park hosts a free community movie night screening Jumanji.
Free and Affordable
There are tons of affordable ways to enjoy the White Riverway this summer. Many of the parks and trails along the river are free to visit and offer amenities such as playgrounds and picnic areas.
The free White Riverway Adventure Pass makes exploring even more rewarding:
- Sign up for free at DiscoverWhiteRiver.com
- Earn points by visiting parks and attractions along the riverway
- Redeem points for prizes like stickers and other goodies
- The more parks you visit, the more you earn — make it a summer challenge!
There’s even more to explore in the area for a low cost:
- Newfields First Thursdays — on the first Thursday of every month, visit the museum and grounds with flexible, pay-what-you-can general admission.
- Noblesville Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings at Federal Hill Commons, featuring local homemade goods. HATCH Fest (June 20) celebrates Hamilton County arts, technology, craft, and heritage with artisans, local nonprofits, and businesses.
Unwind in the Evening
Hot summer days turn into relaxing summer nights, and there are plenty of opportunities to unwind and enjoy life under the stars this summer.
- Flix and Floats at Forest Park in Noblesville features poolside screenings of Zootopia 2, The Parent Trap, and Wonder, and many more.
- Newfields’ Summer Nights Film Series screens classics and family favorites — including Indy Shorts selections — on select Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Tickets sell out quickly, so buy early.
- Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park hosts The Fray, Death Cab for Cutie, and Young the Giant this summer.
- Rock the Ruins, held at Holliday Park and Broad Ripple Park, features bluegrass, jazz, and rock.
- Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie features the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performing tributes to Harry Potter, Star Wars, Disney, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Billy Joel.
- Concerts at the Commonsat Federal Hill Commons in Noblesville brings national and regional acts all summer — completely free.
- Twilight Rail Rides along the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad in Noblesville offer a 7-mile round-trip rail bike ride for families (harnesses available for toddlers), with a campfire and s’mores at the turnaround.
Take Part in Your Community
This summer is a great time to learn more about the community around you and the many cultures that make up the Indianapolis area. The city is full of upcoming events and festivals to meet your neighbors and learn more about other cultures in the city.
- The Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival (June 27–28, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) features over 100 American Indian, First Nations, and Alaska Native artists with works for sale, plus performances including Turtle Island: From the Creation Story of the Haudenosaunee.
- Indy Pride events run throughout June. On June 5, the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus performs a free outdoor concert at Riverside Park. June 7 is the Community Cookout + Bat N’ Rouge. The Indy Gay Market at the Indy Pride Festival in White River Park offers a free artisan market featuring local LGBTQIA+ vendors.
- Juneteenth Jubilee (June 20, 5–8 p.m.) celebrates Juneteenth at Conner Prairie with free admission. In collaboration with Fishers High School’s Future Black Leaders and the Fishers Arts Council, the evening features food trucks, Black-owned vendors, live music, and an exclusive live-podcast recording — free and open to the public.
Start Your Summer Along the White River!
Plan your perfect summer day along the White River at DiscoverWhiteRiver.com.
Share your moments by tagging us @INWhiteRiver—whether you’re kayaking near Noblesville, biking near the river, or watching a concert in Indy, we would love to see your riverway story!
