June Kicks Off Summer Fun In The Circle City Of Indianapolis, By Melody Schubert and Leroy Worley

Stroll the streets of Downtown Indianapolis and you' re greeted with almost 9,500 summer flowers in a colorful summer mix of blue, yellow and pink. Recognized as having one of the cleanest Downtown’s in the U.S., the Circle City embraces nature and is committed to protecting our environment.

Concerts and Performances In Indy

Travel down the Canal in White River State Park and check out Concerts on the Canal featuring the IUPUI Faculty Jazz Combo, the IUPUI Jazz orchestra and other acts, which will also be playing throughout June. Then there's the Biergarten at The Rathskellar has a great lineup for June including Tennessee Walker, Carbon Leaf and Polka Boy. Nearby is Conseco Fieldhouse that welcomes the Hillsong United “Aftermath” Tour in mid June, and the Monkees’ Reunion is at the Old National Centre later in the month June.

From concerts to performances, Indy has a diverse mix of entertainment for everyone to enjoy this season. Visit the Phoenix Theatre to enjoy their rendition of Avenue Q, a Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical that begins in June. Make a trip to the Cabaret at the Columbia Club for Divine Divas of Jazz and Brenda Williams: This Is It!

Dinosaurs, Arts, and More To Enjoy

At the Indianapolis Museum of Art you'll discover a new exhibit called Venetian Views: American Works on Paper. This is also the place to catch a movie at the IMA’s Summer Night Series, which is featuring Mommie Dearest, Blue Hawaii, The Sandlot, and The Wiz in June. Families will enjoy the library’s Summer Showtime series that will feature favorites like How to Train Your Dragon, Megamind, Ramona and Beezus and The Karate Kid.

Of course, you'll find many options for dining at Indy restaurants, including over 75 sidewalk cafes. Some of these restaurants include Bazbeaux, Claddagh Irish Pub, Harry & Izzy’s, Saffron Café, Scotty’s Brewhouse, T.G.I. Friday’s and Weber Grill Restaurant.

June is a busy month for the Fever that play at Conseco Fieldhouse throughout the month, which is also where you'll find the Pacers in action. If you'd like to discover more about the history of women’s baseball in Indiana visit the Indiana State Library’s presentation of A League of Their Own: Women’s Baseball in Indiana.

At the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site you can join the Alice in Wonderland themed day. During this event you can sign up for the Wicket World of Croquet, and lunch at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

Baseball fans can catch the Indians at one of several home games in June. A FREE Indians parking shuttle is available on Wednesday Business Day games from Lucas Oil Stadium to Victory Field and back. Just enter the Lucas Oil Stadium parking lot through Gate 1, off Missouri Street, where parking is $5 per car. The shuttle will run continuously from 90 minutes before first pitch until 30 minutes after the game and is available for every Indians weekday day game.

Save some time to enjoy one of the many festivals taking place in June that include:

• The Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Festival in Military Park

• The Christ Church Cathedral Women’s Strawberry Festival on Monument Circle

• The Italian Street Festival

• The Indy Pride Parade & Festival at the American Legion Mall

• Independent Music + Art Festival at the Harrison Center for the Arts

• The Talbot Street Art Fair

• Let’s Meet PBS Kids in the Park in American Legion Mall

• The Phoenix Theatre Brew-Ha-Ha

• The annual Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market at White River State Park

These are just the start of the festive events taking place in Downtown Indianapolis!

Plan Your Indiana Getaway

Getting around to these events, sports venues, and restaurants is easy. Just visit Indianapolis Downtown Inc. at www.indydt.com or the Indianapolis Convention and Visitor's Bureau's website at www.visitindy.com,, where you'll find event schedules, maps, and can explore more events and attractions to enjoy on your trip!