The beginning of each year brings a renewed sense of optimism, a chance to reflect, and a long list of potential New Year’s Resolutions. But here in Indianapolis, our resolution is clear! We’re going to make 2024 a truly legendary year—with an unbeatable lineup of concerts, conventions, and sporting events coming to town. 

This year is hardly the first time that Indiana has stood in the spotlight. Indianapolis is one of the best host cities in the country, known as the Racing Capital of the World and the #1 Convention City in America. Millions of people travel our crossroads each year, and we look forward to welcoming a new wave of visitors as our city takes center stage in the coming months. 

Fortunately, Indiana’s centralized location makes it easy for tourists and travelers to drive to these world-class events. Nearly 75% of the U.S. population lives within just a day’s drive of Indianapolis, which is perfect for a casual weekend getaway. But if you want to avoid a road trip, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is proud to be the first to welcome you with our renowned Hoosier Hospitality.

Travel with ease at the Best Airport in North America. 

As a member of the IND team, I see firsthand how the Indianapolis International Airport works to make every flying experience as smooth and seamless as possible. We seek to connect Hoosiers to places and people around the world, and that means working closely with our customers to identify where people are traveling—for business and leisure alike. 

If we see an opportunity for a new nonstop route, we partner with the airlines to try and make it happen. Our staff makes an effort to incorporate local art, culture, and cuisine throughout the airport terminal. And most importantly, we offer travelers the same convenient travel experience that’s made our airport the #1 Airport in North America for more than 10 years in a row. 

With connections to every major U.S. hub across ten different airlines, there are plenty of ways to get you, your friends, and your loved ones to Indianapolis. Currently, the Indianapolis International Airport serves 47 nonstop destinations, reaching from the West Coast to the East Coast and from Canada to Mexico. In March, Delta Air Lines will also launch nonstop flights to Salt Lake City, while Frontier Airlines will begin service to Dallas-Fort Worth and Philadelphia in April and May respectively.

Each month, I get to compile the recent numbers for IND, and I’m excited to say that 2023 was a record-breaking year for the Indianapolis International Airport! Nearly 9.8 million passengers passed through IND’s front door as they took off to destinations around the globe before arriving “Back Home Again” in Indiana. But our work doesn’t stop there. With so many events around the corner, we look forward to rolling out the red carpet and making 2024 a year to remember. 

Things to Do at the Indianapolis International Airport

At the IND airport, our team has a tremendous amount of pride in the community we serve. That’s why we’re committed to showcasing Hoosier artists, restaurants, businesses, and culture during every major event.  

Starting right as you enter through the departure doors, you’ll see a suspended art sculpture called Blue Skies—the first permanent installation since the terminal opened more than 15 years ago. The artwork was designed by Herron School of Art + Design graduate Brenna McCarty in honor of The International Center’s 50th anniversary. Now, it hangs above the escalators to Baggage Claim, evoking the sense of motion and connectivity found in airports. 

Take a turn past Blue Skies, and you will find a variety of local art showcases with rotating exhibits from the Indy Arts Council. These artworks lead the way to Civic Plaza, a lively culinary and retail space where visitors can relax before heading through security. In the Plaza, you can shop for souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, or try the all-new Circle City Beer Garden, featuring local craft breweries that travelers wanted to see represented in the airport. 

After you pass through the TSA Checkpoint, you can dine at Harry & Izzy’s—a famous fine-dining favorite named one of the best airport restaurants in the world. A stroll through Concourse A will reveal a dedicated art gallery currently presenting works from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse “Art of the Game” collection. And, while you’re there, you can’t miss taking a photo of the historic IndyCars on display in the terminal! 

Big Events Coming to Indy in 2024

February 16–18: NBA All-Star Weekend

Indianapolis will be the center of the basketball universe for three straight days, as the NBA brings the iconic All-Star Game to Indy. Superstars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Pacers’ very own Tyrese Haliburton will hit the court for the NBA’s premier basketball showcase. Meanwhile, local Hoosiers and visiting fans alike can join the festivities throughout the weekend, including everything from concerts and exhibition games to the spectacle of All-Star Saturday Night.  

If you fly into town for the weekend, don’t miss the stunning art and All-Star themed installations throughout the airport, as we get ready to welcome thousands of all-star fans and celebrities. You may have already seen the regulation-size basketball court decal in the middle of the Indianapolis International Airport making the rounds on social media. But in addition to that show-stopping photo opp, the IND terminal is completely decked out with NBA All-Star graphics, artworks, live music (curated by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Rodney Stepp!), and even a giant hand-painted basketball from the Hoosier Historia program. 

As the saying goes: In 49 states, it’s just basketball. But this is Indiana—and nobody does basketball better than Hoosiers!

April 8: Total Solar Eclipse

This year, Indianapolis lies in the path of totality for a Total Solar Eclipse, plunging our city into darkness for three full minutes. This rare astrological phenomenon is projected to attract over a million visitors to Indiana, as people travel for the perfect view of the moon eclipsing the sun. I still remember the last eclipse on this scale, which happened during my first day of college on August 21, 2017. It’s been nearly seven years since that day—and the next total solar eclipse won’t happen until 2044! 

Fortunately, many local schools have already canceled classes on April 8, so students won’t miss out on this special event. Some of Indy’s most iconic tourist destinations have even opened their facilities for eclipse viewers, including a NASA-sponsored event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! And at the airport, our partner Sun Country Airlines is offering round-trip tickets down to Indianapolis for the day of the eclipse! Where will you be watching from?

May 26: 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500

Here in Indiana, the Month of May is synonymous with the Greatest Spectacle in Racing: the legendary Indianapolis 500! This annual IndyCar race is the largest single-day sporting event in the world, attracting race fans and world travelers from all across the globe.

Every Memorial Day weekend, nearly 400,000 people fill the stands of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway shoulder-to-shoulder to witness the world’s best drivers race at blistering speeds of 230 MPH. I always tell people that the Indy 500 is something you have to experience at least once in your life. But I suspect one trip to the track will have you coming back again year after year. I hope to see you out there, turkey leg in hand!

June 15–23: 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming 

With the 2024 Olympics on the horizon, the Road to Paris runs through Indianapolis! This summer, the home of the Indianapolis Colts will play host to a different kind of blue, as the U.S. Olympic Team Trials take over Lucas Oil Stadium. For the first time ever, the U.S. Swimming Trials will be held in a football stadium, making history by building multiple Olympic-sized pools right on the Colts home field. 

The U.S. Olympic Team Trials is the most prestigious swimming event in the United States, where more than 1,500 Olympic hopefuls compete to see their dreams come true. Featuring nine straight days of exciting activities and high-stakes meets, this event is your chance to see some of the world’s best swimmers in action—right here in Indiana. 

July 17–August 10: Three Major Conventions

Indianapolis is widely considered one of the best convention cities in the country, and we feel proud to welcome every event with the same Hoosier Hospitality. In fact, within just three weeks, the Indiana Convention Center is scheduled to host three major conventions: the National Eucharistic Congress, Drum Corps International, and the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America, Gen Con.

The National Eucharistic Congress will bring together 100,000 members of the Catholic faith for a meaningful religious gathering, while Drum Corps International will welcome nearly 30,000 students and spectators for their annual World Championships. And, of course, Gen Con has become a beloved Hoosier tradition, where crowds of up to 75,000 people flock to Indianapolis for the Best Four Days in Gaming. Whatever the event, our team at the airport strives to make everyone feel welcome—even setting up gaming tables so Gen Con fans can continue the fun while they wait for their flight! 

November 1–3: Taylor Swift Eras Tour

You’ve heard the music, seen the movie, and closely followed the press coverage of Taylor Swift and her Super Bowl romance. But now, you can see Taylor Swift perform LIVE at Lucas Oil Stadium! The Eras Tour is coming to Indianapolis with back-to-back performances three nights in a row, giving Swifties three chances to catch this epic tour in person. 

Tickets for all three concerts have already sold out, and local hotels are becoming more booked by the minute. So, make sure you make your travel plans early! City officials are expecting an economic impact of over $70 million per show—and a whole lot of glitter.

Indy makes every event a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Each day, I take some time to stop and look out the giant windows in Civic Plaza here at the airport. From there, you can see the hustle and bustle of our operations: baggage carts humming along, engines firing up, planes roaring down runways, and arriving right on time. 

For millions of travelers, this activity and excitement is their first impression of Indianapolis, and that’s why we work so hard to make every moment memorable. Whether you’re dining at local restaurants, admiring Hoosier artists, or walking across a life-size basketball court, the Indianapolis International Airport is committed to representing the vibrant culture that makes Indiana feel like home. 

But in 2024, the action won’t be limited to the tarmac! The entire Indianapolis community is gearing up to create a city-wide spectacle for these events. So, keep an eye out for more information as Indianapolis unveils what’s in store for this legendary year. And should you find yourself in Indy, know that we’re happy to have you!