Indy’s largest hip-hop festival, Chreece, kicks off at noon Saturday, Aug. 24, with national acts Curren$y and Dem Franchize Boyz headlining.
They will be joined by over 70 other artists, including Kittii Red, Luke Mara, Mr. Kinetik, and The Brothers Footman at seven venues throughout Fountain Square, including Fountain Square Plaza, White Rabbit Cabaret and Square Cat Vinyl.
Here’s what you need to know for the big day.
Getting there
It will not be an average day at Fountain Square. There will be street closures and limited parking.
Know which streets will be closed that day: Virginia Avenue, Shelby Street, Woodlawn Avenue and St. Patrick Street will all be closed for traffic and parking.
Plan to carpool with friends or ask someone to drop you off. You can also use Indy’s bikeshare program.
Here are some tips for riding the bus from from IndyGo staff member and Mirror Indy documenter Kayla Bledsoe:
- Plan your ride using Google Maps. Toggle to the bus icon to see which Red Line station is closest to you, which bus you need (Southbound: University or Northbound: 66th), and what time the bus will be departing.
- Pay for your ride using MyKey. For a $4 day pass, you can use the mobile app or purchase a card at any Red Line station. Here are some tips on how to ride the bus.
- Get to the Red Line station 5 minutes prior to the expected bus departure, and scan or tap your MyKey card with the green validators located at each station.
- Find IndyGo at Chreece! Cool off on a new Purple Line bus at the cooling station on Woodlawn, near Wildeye Lounge.
The Red Line runs every 15 minutes on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Here’s how to ride the Red Line.
Tickets, stage schedules and free experiences
Chreece tickets are still available, and they range from $20 (plus fees) for general admission to $90 (plus fees) for a VIP experience that includes a Chreece swag bag and a welcome cocktail (for attendees over 21 with a valid ID).
Some Chreece concerts and activities are free.
The Grapevine Vendor Village, on Virginia and Woodlawn avenues, the Fountain Square Plaza stage, and music and art activations at World Famous Hot Boys and Cargo Streetwear Boutique will all be free.
You can find the schedule for each stage here.
If you or someone in your group is underage…
Almost every venue is all-ages except White Rabbit Cabaret, which is 21+. Additionally, Rokh will have large-scale games and activities for children at Fountain Square Plaza and at the Grapevine Vendor Village.
There’s more than one after party.
After-party tickets start at $10. Events will take place from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Atomic Bowl, 1105 Prospect St. and at Upland FSQ Brewery, 1201 Prospect St.
Meet the people that make the magic happen
Chreece organizer Jay Brookens shared his guide to enjoying the festival with Mirror Indy. In it: sets you can’t miss, epic rap battles and a new DJ Battle Royale honoring the late DJ Indiana Jones.
Listen to our interview with Chreece director, Jane Sun Kim to learn the story behind the name “Chreece,” and what festival organizers are doing to attract new talent and diverse audiences.
Curious about what a day in the life of festival founder Sean “Oreo” Jones is like? He’s known for his project with experimental hip-hop trio 81355 (bless) and his solo work, but did you know he also reads Toni Morrison and has a three-legged cat named Xander?
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