EVENTS

19 Labor Day weekend events, festivals and parties around Indianapolis

Chris Sims
IndyStar

Labor Day weekend is a time for cookouts, family fun and relaxing before summer comes to an end.

If staying home and grilling isn't what you want to do with your Labor Day weekend, there is plenty of fun to be had, from movies and music to festivals and drag racing.

Here are 19 Labor Day weekend events taking place around the Indianapolis area:

NHRA Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals

The National Hot Rod Association's premier drag racing event at Lucas Oil Raceway called "The Big Go" finalizes the 10-driver fields for the six-race countdown to the championship.

When: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 28-Sept. 2.

Address: 10267 E. U.S. 136, Brownsburg.

Admission: Ranges from $17-$230. Preferred parking ranges from $35-$120. Camping is $125.

Top Fuel driver Doug Kalitta hangs onto his car as his engine blows during his first run of the day during the NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway on Monday, Sept. 3, 2018.

Star Wars Trilogy at the Historic Athenaeum

Watch Star Wars Episodes 4-6 at the Basile Theatre at the Historic Athenaeum. Star Wars-themed beverages and food items will be available for purchase while you watch "A New Hope," "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" on three consecutive nights. Members of the 501st Legion will be in costume for pictures.

When: 7-10 p.m. Aug. 29-31.

Address: 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis.

Admission: Ranges from $15-$40.

Carmel Firkin Fest

Only 225 tickets are available for this second annual event at Union Brewing Co. that is uniquely cask-ale only. Participants, who must be ages 21 or older, will receive unlimited beer samples. No two firkins are the same, so each beer is a true one-of-a-kind tasting.

When: 6:30-10 p.m. Aug. 30.

Address: 622 S. Rangeline Road, Suite Q, Carmel.

Admission: Ranges from $40-$55.

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Fishers Blues Fest

The two-day event features multiple blues bands at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Beer will be for sale from Four Day Ray Brewing and Mashcraft Fishers. Food vendors include Kona Ice of Indy, 5280 Bistro, Dem Kentucky Boys BBQ, A Taste of Home, Gigi's Indianapolis and Mountain Flower Concessionaires Kettle Corn. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. each night.

When: 7-11 p.m. Aug. 30-31.

Address: 6 Municipal Dr., Fishers.

Admission: Free.

Indiana Comic Con

The event geared toward comic book fans offers celebrity meet-and-greets, an arcade, vendors, celebrity Q&As, comic creator panels, a cosplay parade and more.

When: 10 a.m. to midnight Aug. 30-31 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 1.

Address: 100 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis.

Admission: Ranges from $30-$60. Ages 12 and younger are free.

Kabrewin

The fifth annual music festival at River Bend Campground runs three days with multiple bands performing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and campfire jams lasting into the wee hours. Click here to reserve a canoe or kayak for Sunday's river float.

When: 3 p.m. Aug. 30 through 11 a.m. Sept. 2.

Address: 21695 Ind. 37, Noblesville.

Admission: Ranges from $15-$160 with options for just the festival or an inclusive camping experience. Ages 13 and under free with paid adult.

A long weekend with Harry Potter

Head to the Indiana State Museum IMAX for four nights of Harry Potter movies. See one movie nightly over four days, including "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2."

When: 4-7 p.m. Aug. 30-Sept. 2.

Address: 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

Admission: Ranges from $10-$12.

Brushes & Bundles Beauty Expo

Enjoy beauty education, vendors and free gifts at the Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel. VIP is for ages 21 and older and offers hot hors d'oeuvres and unlimited cocktails from 12:30-2:30 p.m. 

When: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 31.

Address: 11925 N. Meridian St., Carmel.

Admission: General admission is free with a Love Shower donation; VIP is $25.

Indy LaborFest 2019

This three-block festival had more than 20,000 people in attendance in 2018. Visit the kids zone for family fun, including a big slide, bounce houses, games and a zip line. Enter the cornhole tournament, listen to music and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors.

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 31.

Address: Georgia Street, Indianapolis.

Admission: Free.

BC Market Block Party!

The Black Circle Brewing Co. event showcases neighborhood small businesses, vendors and taprooms. Family activities begin around 10 a.m. with music from Mr. Daniel & the Rainbows, a bounce castle, food vendors and more. Adults can enjoy beer booths, art vendors, apparel vendors, a tarot booth and more. The 21-and-older party starts at 7 p.m. featuring the Mean Girls Drag Show and Lisa Frank and The Trapper Keepers '90s Unplugged show.

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 31.

Address: 2201 E. 46th St., Indianapolis.

Admission: Ages 21 and older are $20. Ages 20 and younger are free.

Wine with Alpacas

Montrose Farms hosts the wine-tasting event with Harmony Winery. Enjoy a glass of wine, vegan appetizers and an meet-and-greet with the alpacas.

When: 1-5 p.m. Aug. 31.

Address: 3750 N. Co. Ro. 950 E., Brownsburg.

Admission: Ages 21 and older are $20.

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Wizards Unite Fan Festival

White River State Park plays home to the festival connecting Harry Potter fans worldwide through the Wizards Unite game. Contain the Calamity with fellow Statute of Secrecy Task Force members, unlock rewards, discover new encounters, find never-before-seen oddities and take photos with iconic elements of the game. Ticket holders can enjoy one day of the festival. Two hours of early access are also available. 

When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 1.

Address: 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

Admission: Ranges from $30-$40.

North Salem Old Fashion Days

The three-day festival offers live entertainment, carnival rides, craft and commercial booths and food vendors. The schedule of events includes Perillo's Pizza Eating Contest, parade, pet parade, horse pull, pie contest, car show, truck pull, bed race, kiddie tractor pull contests and more.

When: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 31, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 1 and 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 2.

Address: Intersection of Ind. 75 and Ind. 236, North Salem.

Admission: Free.

North Salem Old Fashion Days offers a car show, tractor pulls, a pet parade and more for the whole family during Labor Day weekend.

2019 Mayor's International Futsal Cup

Watch over 32 teams represent their nation during a three-day span in the nation's largest adult futsal tournament. Brazil was crowned champion in 2018.

When: 9 a.m. Aug. 31 through 3 p.m. Sept. 2.

Address: 201 N. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis.

Admission: Free.

Mallow Run Anniversary Festival

The 14th annual festival allows patrons to enjoy live music, try Mallow Run wines and ciders and eat from some of Indy’s best food trucks.

When: Noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 31 and noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 1-2.

Address: 6964 Whiteland Road, Bargersville.

Admission: Free.

Conner Prairie Apple Store Opening Day

Get your first taste of fall with caramel apples, cider slushies, apple and pumpkin donuts and salted chocolate and caramel apples. 

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 1.

Address: 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers.

Admission: Free.

Red Bridge Park Car Show

The 28th annual event features classic and vintage cars, a craft fair, music and food at Red Bridge Park.

When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 2.

Address: 697 W. Jackson St., Cicero.

Admission: Free.

Labor Day Extravaganza at Clay Terrace

The event offers vintage, artisanal and antique vendors. Enjoy live music, food trucks and beer vendors.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 2.

Address: 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel.

Admission: $5 per person.

Labor Day Street Fair

The Jazz Kitchen plays host to the 23rd annual outdoor event with a DJ and live jazz music for ages 21 and older. Food and drinks are available for purchase from The Jazz Kitchen and Yats. Doors open at 1 p.m.

When: 2:30-8 p.m. Sept. 2.

Address: 5377 N. College Ave., Indianapolis.

Admission: Free.

Chris Sims is a digital producer at IndyStar. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.