Grab your spouse, your bestie, your kids or your crew and get ready to head out the door: “Indiana’s Nicest Day” is almost here!
We’re talking about 2022’s Penrod Arts Fair, of course.
One of the largest annual cultural events in the state, the 55th Annual Penrod Arts Fair is a one-day celebration of nature, artistry and community.Hundreds of local artisans will be there showcasing their talents, as will live entertainers. And, like any great celebration, you’ll find tons of food and fun. Whether you love to be surrounded by creativity or you just want to find something unique to do with your weekend, we’ve got all the details you need.
Where Is It? When Is It?
The Penrod Arts Fair will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Newfields Campus right outside the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The address (if you need it for your GPS) is 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis.
If you want a truly immersive and special experience, go the night before to the ninth annual The Merchants Bank of Indiana Evening with Penrod® at Newfields Presented by Scannell Properties, Valeo Financial Advisors, Tito’s Homemade Vodka, Lit Up by TWG Development. This exclusive preview of the Fair includes food, drinks and an “art drop” that will give you an advanced opportunity to buy art from some of the nation’s finest artists.
How Much Are Tickets?
General admission tickets are $15 per person.
Admission is free to kids 10 years of age and under, which makes this a much more affordable venture for families. Pets are not permitted although trained service dogs (not emotional support animals) are allowed.
Tickets for Evening with Penrod® are restricted to those 21 years of age and over. The cost is $150 per person.
Money raised from the tickets will go to the Penrod Society so that it can continue to offer its support to the arts and artists.
What’s Going to Be There?
We literally can’t list everyone and everything there is to see at the Penrod Arts Fair, because the event is hosting over 300 different artists and has a massive entertainment lineup.
Four different stages with entertainers and musicians curated by the Penrod Society and the Indy Jazz Fest are set up around the event with a rotating array of talent. The BKD Dance Stage, for example, will feature performances by Dance Kaleidoscope and the Indianapolis Ballet. Meanwhile, you can check out the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Circle City Sound on the Symphony Stage.
Artists from all over the area will be on hand to showcase their unique talents and wares. You’ll find handcrafted musical instruments, glass and wood sculpture, original jewelry, prints, ceramics, textiles, photography, mixed media pieces, acrylics, oils and watercolors — and we’re probably leaving a dozen other mediums off the list.
Want to talk about the food? There are plenty of places nearby to eat (and a beer garden), but you probably won’t be hungry once you see what’s waiting inside the Fair itself. Bazbeaux Pizza, Wild Boar BBQ, Circle City Kombucha and more are waiting to tempt you. You can even grab a glass of wine or a mug of beer while you’re there.
What about the kids? Visit the F.C. Tucker Children’s Area for crafts, music and fun! (Remember, admission is free to kids 10 years of age and under!)
Where Can You Park?
Because of its location, parking for the Penrod Arts Fair is pretty easy:
- Free parking, with a shuttle service that will transport you back and forth, can be found at the State Fair South Lot Parking (1201 E. 38th St.) and at the Light of the World Church (4646 N. Michigan Rd.).
- Disability parking, for those with placards or plates, is free on a first-come, first-served basis on the Newfields campus (use the entrance at 1300 W. 38th St.).
- Paid parking, which is limited, is $30 per vehicle. Use the main entrance at 1300 W. 38th St. if this is your preference.
Use your bike to go everywhere? There’s parking for you, too! A free bike corral is located at the Pony Truss Bridge (Red Bridge) just off the Central Canal Towpath.
What Are the Safety Precautions?
Masks are not required to attend the fair but they are required if you want to use the shuttle service to and from the free parking area. Large bags will be searched prior to entry by security.
More Information
For additional information or the latest updates, please visit the Penrod Arts Fair website or review their frequently asked questions.
Remember: This day only comes once a year — so don’t miss it!
