10 Fun Father's Day Picks in Indy
It’s nearly that time again: the time when Dad gets to be treated like a king. Whether it’s wisdom-filled advice or his never-ending love regardless of what you’ve done (or do), Father’s Day is that holiday serving as a catalyst to show your appreciation. Now, instead of just buying a card for your Pops and giving him a hug, make this year more memorable by treating the guy to some of these activities happening throughout Father’s Day weekend:
Food & Drink
Happy Hour on Georgia Street (pictured, left)
For the jazzy dad who likes to be outside
Located on the Boardwalk, you and your dad can enjoy cocktails, wine, or beer from Harry & Izzy’s and Severin Bar at the Omni Severin Hotel while local jazz artists provide musical entertainment. One Indy group set to lend those good vibrations live: Laney Wilson Trio. June 13, 5–7 p.m. Boardwalk Bar, Georgia Street downtown, 317-237-2206, Free admission. www.georgiastreetindy.com
Jazz on the Avenue
For that jazzy dad who digs a buffet
The Madame Walker Theatre Center will be hosting Jazz on the Avenue by having local and national jazz artists play in its Casino Ballroom. Lonnie Lester will be on of the local talents you and your father can listen to while you chow down on a soul food–inspired buffet. June 13, 6 p.m. Madame Walker Theatre Center, 617 Indiana Ave., 317-236-2099. Tickets $10. walkertheatre.com
Groovin’ in the Garden
For those oenophile fathers among us
Easley Winery will host an outdoor music series featuring local folk-rock and rock artists while you and your father enjoy food and wine selections. Easley has wine specials during the event. Bonus: The winery will also let you have food delivered from a favorite restaurant if you prefer something other than the fare on hand. June 14, 2–5 p.m. Easley Winery, 205 N. College Ave., 317-636-4516, Entry $5. easleywinery.com/groovin
The Ball & Biscuit (pictured, right)
For the father who likes Sazerac—or should
Send your dad back in time with this pre–Prohibition Era speakeasy-style bar. B&B is the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy a plethora of cocktails in a stylish, dimly lit roost. Named after a microphone, which it proudly displays, B&B stands out from the rest of Mass Ave’s bars and pubs. If you aren’t sure what to get, ask the bartenders to surprise you. They’ll mix a delicious cocktail that even your dad didn’t know existed. Daily, 4 p.m.–3 a.m. The Ball & Biscuit, 331 Massachusetts Ave., 317-636-0539. ballandbiscuit.com
North End BBQ & Moonshine (pictured, below)
For the dad who fancies himself a finger-lickin’ foodie
If your dad is looking to have some BBQ in his life, North End BBQ & Moonshine is the place to go. Drawing inspiration from the true masters of BBQ in places like Kansas City, Memphis, and the Carolinas, North End seeks to place Indy on that same sauce-slathered map. Treat your dad to some St. Louis–style ribs and invite him to wash them down with a glass of moonshine punch. Daily, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. North End BBQ & Moonshine, 1250 E. 86th St., 317-614-7427. facebook.com/thenorthendbbq
Activities
Indianapolis Museum of Art
For the art-loving father
Take dad and the family to see the IMA’s latest exhibit, Face to Face: The Neo-Impressionist Portrait, 1886-1904. Thirty oil paintings and 20 drawings are on display throughout the exhibit, featuring works from artists like Paul Signac, Maximilien Luce, Vincent van Gogh, and Théo van Rysselberghe. (You know, guys older than dad!) June 13. Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Rd., 317-923-1331. Tickets $12 adults, $6 children 7–17, free for children 5 and younger, imamuseum.org
Indianapolis Indians (pictured, left)
For the sporty dad
The home team will play a series against the Durham Bulls at Victory Field throughout Father’s Day weekend. Treat your dad to a family-friendly event and watch one of America’s most recognizable pasttimes. Victory Field, consistently rated atop the heap of the nation’s minor-league baseball stadiums, has multiple seating packages and a range of ballpark foods to devour. Plus, beer. Be sure to take a glove and try to catch a lasting memory. June 11–14. Victory Field, 501 W Maryland St., 317-269-3542. Tickets $10–$35, indyindians.com
Father’s Day Tool Run
For the fitness-loving father
Looping through White River State Park, the Father’s Day Tool Run is a 5K run/1-mile walk. (Pick your pound-the-ground “poison.”) You and your dad can test each other’s fitness and try to get the best overall father-child team time to win a prize. Many goodies, a Tool Run Father’s Day shirt and more, are included for participants. June 14, 9 a.m. White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St. Entry $25 individual, $45 father-child, cross-roads-events.com
NASA’s Destination Station
For that science-nerd dad (you know they’re out there)
Located at the Indiana State Museum, NASA’s Destination Station is a multimedia exhibit that tells the story of the International Space Station and its creation through hands-on activities and visual components. This feature reveals all that went into building the ISS and what experiments are and have been run since it became operational in 1998. Families will get to see what life is like as an astronaut and can take photos of Earth from cameras mounted on the ISS. Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., 317-232-1637. Tickets $10 adults, $5.50 children. https://www.indianamuseum.org/
The Cultural Trail (pictured, right)
For the father who’s up for anything and relishes planned spontaneity
Using Indianapolis’s new bikeshare program, you and your dad can bike The Cultural Trail and take in downtown sights. Ride the route to see Michael Kuschnir’s Looking Through Windows sculpture or participate in a scavenger hunt. You can also ride the entirety of the 8-mile path to a variety of Indy’s cultural hot spots, stopping off spontaneously for food and drink in a neighborhood new to you. The Cultural Trail, 202 East Market St., 317-454-8525, Entry $8, indyculturaltrail.org
