Events

Mass Ave Summerfest 2026 - Saturday, July 18

Live Music Performances throughout the Day

Artist, Maker and Culinary Arts Market with up to 40 local vendors

2025 Mass Ave Indy Merchant Sidewalk Sale

The sidewalk sale offers one-of-a-kind items from Mass Ave businesses: art, fashion, vintage goods, and more. that shoppers won’t find in big-box stores.

Mass Ave Summerfest - Saturday, July 18

July 18, 2026
11:00 am
646 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Join us on Saturday, July 18 for a full day of art, music, food, community and fun in the heart of the Mass Ave Cultural District! FREE to the public!

Mass Ave Summerfest is one of Indianapolis’s most vibrant celebrations, bringing together art, music, food, and community in the Massachusetts Avenue Cultural Arts District. Each year, the festival transforms the avenue into a dynamic, walkable experience filled with energy, creativity, and local pride.

Visitors can explore a diverse lineup of live music, shop from talented regional artists and makers, and sample a wide range of food and drink from beloved local restaurants and vendors. From interactive art experiences and family-friendly activities to street performances and a mile-long sidewalk sale where Mass Ave’s unique boutiques and retailers extend onto the street with special deals, Summerfest offers something for everyone.

More than just a festival, Summerfest is a celebration of the district’s unique character—supporting local businesses, amplifying artists, and creating meaningful connections within the community. Whether you’re discovering Mass Ave for the first time or returning as a longtime fan, Summerfest invites you to experience the best of Indianapolis’s creative spirit in one unforgettable day.

How to get involved:

Tell us you are coming! http://evt.to/esuuuggmw
Volunteer to help! https://givebutter.com/mass-ave-volunteer-summerfest
Sponsor! Align your organization with a high-visibility arts and culture event on Mass Ave: https://givebutter.com/summerfest-2026-test-o0ji3u
Signup for an Artist or Maker Booth Spot (current merchant members get a discount): https://givebutter.com/mass-ave-summerfest-booth-bskrii
Sign your pup up for the Paws on Parade: this is a chance for your pet to take a turn on the stage, showing off their style: http://evt.to/esuuuuuaw
Garage Art Gallery: Have a one-of-a-kind piece tucked away in your attic, garage, or basement? Bring it into the spotlight and let us hang it on the Gallery Wall at Summerfest. Attendees can “purchase” their favorite piece as a donation benefiting the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District. Learn more: http://evt.to/esuuuoiiw

More information about the lineup here:

https://massaveindy.org/events/mass-ave-summerfest-2026/

https://next.massaveindy.org/

Mass Ave NEXT Vision Plan

January 1, 2027

The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District, in partnership with the Indianapolis Foundation, has launched Mass Ave Next, a comprehensive planning initiative to chart the next chapter for one of Indianapolis’ most celebrated cultural corridors.

Emerging Principles

A destination
We envision a vibrant, thriving, connected, and inclusive Mass Ave Cultural Arts District supported by an engaged community of neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural venues. This vision celebrates the authenticity of our history, heritage, and environment while supporting those who live, work, play, perform, create, and invest in our unique district. What does creating a destination mean to you?

Connectivity
Future Mass Ave is a seamless network where transportation is intuitive and human-scaled. By prioritizing walkability, high-quality infrastructure, and strong transit links, we bridge the gap between adjacent neighborhoods and the corridor. Connectivity here means that moving through the district is as enjoyable and safe as the destination itself. What does connectivity mean to you?

Quality of life
A high quality of life on Mass Ave is defined by a healthy, balanced village environment. We envision a district that offers diverse housing options, accessible green spaces, and essential daily amenities within a short walk. It is a place where the physical environment actively supports the well-being and happiness of every resident. When you hear “quality of life”, what kinds of improvements do you imagine?

Welcoming
At its heart, Mass Ave is a neighborhood that belongs to everyone. Being welcoming means celebrating the mosaic of experiences, personalities, and stories along the Ave. From accessible streetscapes to affordable economic spaces, we ensure that every person, regardless of their background or ability, sees themselves reflected in the future of the corridor. What does a welcoming district mean for you?

Economic empowerment
We envision a resilient local economy where the benefits of development are shared broadly among residents and existing businesses. By fostering an ecosystem of supportive policies, accessible resources, and meaningful partnerships, we ensure that growth strengthens the community. The future of Mass Ave is one where residents and local business owners have genuine opportunities to participate in and benefit from the neighborhood’s continued evolution. What would economic empowerment mean to you?

Arts and culture
Mass Ave’s streetscape is an outdoor room where the city’s creative soul is on full display and its cultural economy comes to life. Through intentional public realm improvements, we shape a district where art, performance, and gathering spaces are not just amenities but economic anchors driving foot traffic and supporting local businesses. Streets, plazas, and flexible public spaces become stages, galleries, and marketplaces where creativity and commerce fuel one another. What does a district that prioritizes art and culture mean for you?

Help us answer these questions. Get involved: https://next.massaveindy.org/

Business Member Monthly Meeting

Every Second Tuesday of the Month

Mass Ave Merchants Association (MAMA)
AGENDA
See member email for the specific monthly agenda
Subscribe to the Business Meeting Calendar

Questions or suggestions for Agenda Items, contact:
Mass Ave Indy Membership Chair: Archie Franklin
membershipchair@massaveindy.org

Not a member? > Join here

Coordinate with the Mass Ave Events Committee

The Mass Ave Events Committe will help get the word out about your event, and can coordinate with you so your event is successful. Contact events@massaveindy.org for more information.