The capital city and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana is Indianapolis. Indianapolis has a varied economy, contributing health care, advanced fields of education, and finance. It is the 13th largest city in the United States and the 29th biggest metropolitan area in the United States.
Historically, Indianapolis has focused itself around industry, particularly manufacturing, but that has changed a lot over time. Today, tourism is the vital part of the economy of Indianapolis, with the city being host to various sporting events and conventions. Indianapolis is known as one of the best downtowns in the United States citing nearly 300 restaurants, more than 35 hotels, movie theaters, museums, sports venues, art galleries and parks.
Every year in May, Indianapolis has held a festival parade which is part of the 500 Festival and a month of events including a mini marathon. The race starts on Washington Street just off Monument Circle, goes to the brickyard, and ends on New York Street back downtown. The Mini has been sold out every year, with well over 35,000 runners participating.
Indianapolis is also home to the Indiana State Fair as well as the Heartland Film Festival, the Indianapolis International Film Festival, the Indianapolis Theater Fringe Festival, the Indianapolis Alternative Media Festival, and the Midwest Music Summit. The Indianapolis Italian Street Festival is held at Holy Rosary Church during the month of June, just south of downtown.
One of the largest ethnic and cultural heritage festivals in Indianapolis is the Summer Celebration held by Indiana Black Expo. It is an event that lasts for ten days highlighting the contributions of African-Americans to the U.S. society and culture and provides educational, networking opportunities to the over 300,000 participants from around the country and entertainment. Indy’s International Festival is held annually in November at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Local ethnic groups, vendors and performers are featured alongside national and international performers.
Since 2006, in the months of March and October, a great chance for local and national designers is provided by Midwest Fashion Week. This event has grown to become a premier event in Indianapolis.
The city is home to the world’s largest children’s museum and plenty of other fun spots for family bonding. With 12 permanent galleries, 1.3 million visitors annually and nearly 1 million square feet, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s largest.
Another family attraction is Indianapolis Zoo, from a dolphin in-water program to a shark touch tank, from racing cheetahs to painting with elephants, a jewel for families.
The Circle City Classic is one of America’s top historical African-American college football games. This annual football game, held during the first weekend of October, is the showcase event of an entire weekend. The weekend is a celebration of educational achievement and cultural excellence while showing the spirit, energy and tradition of America’s historical African colleges and universities.
The city has an arts community that includes many fairs celebrating a wide variety of arts and crafts. They include Talbot Street Art Fair, the Broad Ripple Art Fair, Carmel Arts Festival, the Penrod Art Fair, Indian Market and Festival.
Indianapolis offers many music tastes; the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Indy Jazz Fest, and the DCI World Championships are all held in Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has hosted an annual outdoor summer concert series at Conner Prairie called Marsh Symphony on the Prairiesi.nce 1982, featuring a variety of musical styles.
Places To Visit 