When you’re living on a college budget, you may not think about watching world-class musicians, attending one-of-a-kind workshops, or marveling at award-winning art. But thanks to the endless free things to do in Indy, college students here can elevate their experience and never run out of new activities to try!

Before I get too amped about the free things I love in Indianapolis, I have to start with a confession. Though I grew up in Zionsville, I never really got to know the area until I interned in Fountain Square this past summer. 

This internship encouraged me to venture beyond Indy’s northside and learn all about the arts, culture, and opportunity Indianapolis has to offer. What I found didn’t disappoint! Our city’s blend of rich history, infinite creativity, and alluring beauty makes for a vibrant cultural landscape that you’ll never stop exploring.

And of course—our signature Hoosier hospitality is truly unmatched. In Indy, there’s a connection to be made around every corner. With amazing people, cool places, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, the Indy experience is something truly breathtaking—and you never have to spend a cent!

1. Listen to Sweet Music on Art & Soul Sundays

On Sunday afternoons, you can stop by the Indianapolis Artsgarden to celebrate Black culture through beautiful music! Art & Soul Sundays began as an annual celebration of Black History Month. Now, thanks to its long standing success, Art & Soul is a year-round tradition—and it’s totally free!

For one hour each Sunday, legendary Black musicians perform at the Indianapolis Artsgarden—a unique glass building suspended over Illinois and Washington Street in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.

This seven-story building features glass walls and high-vaulted ceilings, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city as you listen to the local tunes. The Artsgarden is also home to other free events throughout the year, so be sure to stay up to date with all they have to offer!

2. Climb Funky Bones at the Fairbanks Art & Nature Park

One of the most iconic Indy landmarks is the Funky Bones sculpture located within the Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields. Made of 20 fiberglass benches, each piece is shaped like a bone segment and together they form a massive cartoonish skeleton on the park lawn.

Funky Bones became world-famous after it was featured in the critically acclaimed book, The Fault in Our Stars. Written by Indy-based author John Green, the book became a New York Times Best Seller and even earned a feature film adaptation. And fun fact: the Funky Bones artwork was actually curated by Green’s wife, Sarah!

I recommend enjoying a picnic by the bones like Hazel and Augustus do in the movie. Then, you can recreate famous moments from the film or curate the perfect action-shot as you hop between the Funky Bones!

3. Join a Community with We Walk Indy

If you’re looking to get active, make new friends, and explore the Indy region, then We Walk Indy is the perfect group for you! We Walk Indy is a weekly walking club that meets to stroll through the city together.

Each walk begins at a different location throughout the region, allowing participants to explore Indy without ever having to walk alone. Their walks are leisurely and inclusive of all ages and activity-levels. So, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a casual stroller, you are always welcome!

We Walk Indy also frequently collabs with local businesses or restaurants, so you may even be invited to try local bites or free samples after the group’s morning romp. Be sure to check out We Walk Indy’s social media to get the details on their next event!

4. Sightsee at the Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse

As a born-and-raised Butler fan I may be biased, but I truly think Hinkle Fieldhouse is the best place to see a game in Indy! This legendary arena is the home of Butler basketball and a century of Indianapolis history.

Now, this must-see monument offers free behind-the-scenes tours of its facilities every Saturday morning. I highly recommend visiting Hinkle and watching Hoosiers—the best sports movie of all time—before you go. You might recognize some familiar sights, where they filmed the movie’s dramatic championship game!

And if your visit leaves you itching for live sports, Butler University also offers free admission to its lacrosse, tennis, baseball, and softball games. So, you can cheer Indy athletes on all year round!

5. Soak Up the Sounds and Smells of the Fishers Farmers Market

Every Saturday from May to September, the Fishers Farmers Market sprawls across the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater! This market is one of the biggest and best in the Indy region, hosting more than 60 local vendors.

But even if you don’t have the budget for local goods, their market has so much to enjoy, you can fully join in the fun without needing to buy a thing!

Start by breaking a sweat at a free workout class before the market begins! Then, you can listen to lively local musicians as you meander through the market, enjoying the aroma of newly baked breads and fresh-cut flowers.

The Fishers Farmers Market is also one of the best dog-friendly markets in the area, so you may even get to pet some cute pups (if you ask nicely of course!) There’s nothing like rolling out a picnic blanket on the green and taking in the beautiful sight of a community coming together!

6. Snap a Selfie with Every Sculpture on the Big 4 Trail

As a Zionsville native, I’ve been walking the Big 4 Trail for as long as I can remember. But in recent years, I’ve seen this simple trail transform into a showcase of public art and breathtaking greenery, as it slices through the entirety of Boone County—and beyond.

The trail currently spans 21.5 miles. But when its extension is complete, it will be nearly twice as long! With the perfect mix of shade and sunlight, I believe traipsing through the trail is the perfect way to spend the day.

Along your way, you’ll definitely want to snap a selfie with the walking man sculptures and make your mark on the community chalkboards. I recommend ending your day at Mulberry Fields, where you can skate, play pickleball, or simply enjoy the beautiful sunset views from atop Mulberry Hill.

7. Engage Your Mind at the Eiteljorg Museum 

I first visited the Eiteljorg Museum for a field trip when I was growing up, and I’ve been an Eiteljorg enthusiast ever since. Luckily, admission to the Eiteljorg is free for students at Indiana colleges, universities, and trade schools (and only $12 for out-of-state students!)

The Eiteljorg showcases art, culture, and history from Indigenous peoples of North America as well as Western art spanning more than two centuries. The museum has two permanent exhibits of Native and Western art, including one of the best contemporary Native art collections of its kind.

The museum also features a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year, so you’ll never run out of new things to see and learn at the Eiteljorg!

8. Curate Your Own Photoshoot in Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple is a unique Indy neighborhood known for trendy thrift stores, quality coffee, and vibrant nightlife. But it’s also tons of fun to just explore!

Broad Ripple’s renowned public art makes it the perfect place to curate your own creative experience. My friends and I love taking a “Bripp Trip” to get inspired by the community’s artistic energy.

For the best flicks, check out the murals in Flower Alley, step inside the Twisted House sculpture, or admire the Grasping Turtle. And of course, you have to get a picture posed in front of the iconic Angel Wings! While you’re there, be sure to window shop Broad Ripple’s unique boutiques and thrift stores to witness the latest in art and fashion.

9. Hike through Morgan-Monroe State Forest

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life, then Morgan-Monroe State Forest is the place for you! Encompassing more than 24,000 acres, this forest offers some of the best hiking in Indiana with no admission fee needed.

Low Gap and Three Lakes trails are some of my favorites. And in the fall, the views are even more enchanting with a collage of beautiful leaves covering the landscape. Morgan-Monroe State Forest also has fishing holes and campgrounds, so you can easily turn your day trip into a weekend escapade knowing there’s plenty of nature to enjoy!

10. Watch Movies at Midtown Plaza 

One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon is to visit Midtown Plaza in Carmel. Nestled between Carmel’s renowned Arts & Design District and the City Center, this interactive plaza has outdoor games, seating, movies, and more!

Midtown Plaza amenities are free and open to the public, including ping-pong and billiards tables, bocce ball courts, and corn-hole boards. My friends and I love visiting the plaza on Sunday mornings to play cards, stroll down Monon Boulevard, and cheer for the Indianapolis Colts on the plaza’s big screen!

And if you happen to have some dollars to spare, grab a scoop of Black Raspberry Chip down the street at Graeter’s! Trust me, you won’t regret it!

11. Embark on a Literary Scavenger Hunt with Bookmark Indy

Whether you’re an avid reader, a history buff, or anywhere in between,  you’ll definitely want to check out Bookmark Indy! This one-of-a-kind website hosts an interactive map of places around Indy that have ties to famous authors, from Kurt Vonnegut to John Green.

Like a literary scavenger hunt, participants can follow the map to each location and learn about the history behind various novels and landmarks. This exploration takes you all across Indianapolis, revealing the life and legacy of Indy’s most prolific authors!

12. Create New Connections at Creative Mornings

Creative Mornings Indianapolis is undoubtedly the best way to begin your Friday. This event combines networking with snacking on pastries and sipping your morning cup of joe. It’s a no-brainer!

After indulging in breakfast treats and creating new connections, an invited speaker gives a TED-style talk centered around a monthly theme. These topics are typically geared towards creatives, but their events are open to everyone from entrepreneurs to engineers alike!

Creative Mornings’ location changes every month, so be sure to check out their social pages to learn where you’ll find their next event!

13. Pick Up Pickleball at Freedom Park

If you’re like me, then you might have recently decided to pick up a paddle and try the sport that’s sweeping the nation—pickleball! Hopefully you’re not too much like me, because I’m not very good.

But I won’t let my lack of ability stop me from joining the pickleball craze, and neither should you. That’s why one of my favorite new spots is the Freedom Park Pickleball Courts!

Whether you’re a newbie like me or a pickleball pro, you won’t regret challenging your friends to a match or two at Freedom Park. This state-of-the-art facility boasts 16 pickleball courts making it the largest pickleball complex in Johnson County. No reservation is needed to play, but you do need to supply your own equipment.

I borrow my paddle from a friend. But for less than ten dollars, you can purchase a pickleball set online and always be prepared for your next match!

14. Celebrate Indy Art Every First Friday

The first weekend of every month is a reason to celebrate here in Indy! Since 2004, First Friday events have brought the city together, showcasing Indy’s vibrant art community through free galleries, exhibits, and performances.

Make sure to hit hotspots like Circle City Industrial Complex, The Murphy Arts Center, and The Athenaeum to goggle at galleries and take in some tunes. And if you love the outdoors, you can enjoy your art al fresco at the Tube Factory Artspace.

Every First Friday features new art and activities, and you never have to spend a cent to show up and support our community’s creatives!

15. Marvel at the Signature Salute Light Show

The Signature Salute is a must-see event in Indianapolis. This five-minute long tribute to Hoosier veterans lights up the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, projecting dazzling images onto the buildings surrounding Monument Circle.

Brilliant beams of red, white, and blue soar across the sky, perfectly coordinated to an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra score that will give you goosebumps. Then, four of the brightest beams illuminate Lady Victory atop the monument in a grand finale!

The show plays three times a night throughout all 365 days of the year. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch other projection shows to commemorate holidays and special events!

Discover even more affordable activities in Indy!

As you can see, I’ve had a blast discovering free things to do in Indy this summer! This city’s energy is infectious, and its creativity knows no end. I’ve loved every second I’ve spent here, and I am so proud to call Indy my home.

On my quest to discover free things to do in Indy, I also found many affordable things to do that are worth an honorable mention. These activities do have a small cost, but they are absolutely worth every penny.

My affordable honorable mentions include touring the City Market Catacombs, taking fitness classes at the Bicentennial Unity Plaza, and cheering on the Indianapolis Indians from the lawn. And you can’t beat listening to live music at the Hi-Fi Annex—I’ve discovered so many of my favorite new artists there!

So, whether you’re new to Indy or you’ve lived here all your life, I encourage you to step out into the community and discover what makes Indy, Indy! Once you get out there, you’ll never stop finding new people and places to love. And in this city, cost is no obstacle to having a good time!