Indiana Black Expo’s 54th Annual Summer Celebration returns July 10-20, transforming downtown Indianapolis into a culture, education and entertainment hub.
With dozens of events — many free and family-friendly — here’s how to experience the legacy.
Plan your visit
Free entry zones are the Exhibition Hall (250+ vendors), the Performing Arts Academy (dance/acting workshops) and most conferences.
Tickets and details: summercelebration.net
Community support: Sponsored by Lilly, IU, Old National Bank and Cummins
Cultural Arts Pavilion
🗓️ Noon to 7 p.m. July 18-20
📍 Indiana Convention Center, rooms 140-144
🎟️ Free
Dive into vibrant exhibits like “Court Vision: The Art of Resilience and Excellence,” featuring 32 Midwest artists celebrating Black women’s impact. Enjoy live performances, interactive sneaker painting (first 100 free!) and talks with creators like Tania Michelle Wineglass.
Health & Wellness Sports Pavilion
🗓️ Noon-7 p.m. July 18; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 19-20
📍 Indiana Convention Center, Hall I
🎟️ Free
Join NBA All-Star Allan Houston’s “Father Knows Best Basketball Clinic” (Sat.–Sun., noon to 5 p.m.) for father-daughter bonding. Try line dancing, boxing demos and health screenings while snagging giveaways.
IBE Film Festival
🗓️ 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12
📍 IBE Headquarters, 601 N. Shortridge Road
🎟️ Free
This festival, which premiered the documentary “Telling Our Story: A Month Is Not Enough,” amplifies Black voices in cinema with indie films and discussions.
39th Annual Indiana Health Fair
🗓️ Seniors: 4-8 p.m. July 17
🗓️ Everyone else: Noon-7 p.m. July 18-20
📍 Indiana Convention Center, Halls D&E
🎟️ Free
Access over $4,000 in free health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, mental health resources), wellness education.
Music Heritage Festival
🗓️ 6-11:30 p.m. July 18
📍 IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium
🎟️ Admission: $20+; Parking: $10
Groove to R&B legends: Keith Sweat, SWV, Cameo and Deniece Williams. Gold and platinum seats are available.
Fashion Show & Style Zone
🗓️ Fashion Show: 4 p.m. July 19; Style Zone: noon–7 p.m. July 19
📍 Indiana Convention Center, Entertainment Stage, Hall F
🎟️ Free
See designs from Nikki Blaine Couture and BruceGlen, then shop pop-up boutiques. Hosted by “Fashion Bomb Daily” CEO Claire Sulmers.
Gospel Explosion
🗓️ 3-7 p.m. July 20
📍 Indiana Convention Center, Hall F Stage
🎟️ Free
Close the celebration with Anthony Brown & group therAPy, plus powerhouse choirs like New Direction Church.
This article was written by Indianapolis Recorder reporter Noral Parham.