INDIANAPOLIS — One of the biggest cultural events of the summer in downtown Indianapolis returns June 28-29: the 33rd annual Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival. More than 100 American Indian, First Nations and Alaskan Native artists will show and sell their compelling art during the weekend, including jewelry, pottery, beadwork, paintings, carvings and sculptures. It’s an opportunity for the public to meet and shop from the artists, who have booths inside the Eiteljorg Museum and under tents on the beautiful grounds of the museum.
Exciting changes to this year’s Indian Market & Festival include additional Native food and beverage vendors with delicious offerings, and high-energy performances by acclaimed intertribal dance troupe, Indigenous Enterprise.
Indigenous Enterprise, whose intertribal members include championship powwow dancers, perform dances of their specific tribe or nation, then come together in group segments with hip-hop styles also mixed in. Amy Bruton Bluemel (Chickasaw Nation), a storyteller, stomp dancer, artist and educator, will captivate audiences with interactive performances that celebrate and honor Chickasaw history, language and tradition. Darren Thompson (Anishinaabe), will perform on flute. His mesmerizing performances blend cultural storytelling with breathtaking sound, creating an experience that is both soulful and unforgettable.
The festival’s Native-owned food and beverage vendors showcase various options, including ever-popular frybread. Activities and art demonstrations for all ages take place on the museum’s front lawn and in its studios.
Indian Market & Festival is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Purchase discount tickets in advance at Eiteljorg.org/IndianMarketandFestival. Presale discount tickets for adults are $20 per day or $30 for a two-day pass, and $10 for youth ages 5-17. Children ages 4 and under are free. Tickets also can be purchased at the gate. Included in event admission is access to all of the Eiteljorg Museum’s current exhibitions. The festival is rain-or-shine, and parking is free in the White River State Park underground garage while spaces last.
