INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The wait is over! The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration kicks off Friday!
About 88,000 people are expected for the 20-day event, organizers say.
The annual celebration of Black excellence in arts, entertainment, culture, an community begins Friday evening with an Ecumenical Service.
Other highlights include the IBE Film Festival, a Cultural Pavilion, a multi-day business conference, a health fair, the Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Concert on July 18 and the annual All-White Affair on July 19.
Here’s a look at some of this year’s main events:
Friday, July 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Ecumenical Service
New Direction Church, 5330 E. 38th St., Indianapolis
Join Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. and Pastor Tolan Morgan for an ecumenical service featuring Sherri Garrison and the Citywide Choir. This free event kicks off at 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 12 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | IBE Film Festival
Indiana Black Expo, Bldg. 3, 601 N. Shortridge Rd., Indianapolis
The 2025 Indiana Black Expo Film Festival, “Beyond the Frame: Black Voices Amplified,” is a celebration of African-American cinema in Indiana. This year’s film festival will be held at the Indiana Black Expo headquarters. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Monday, July 14 – Tuesday, July 15 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | IBE Business Conference
Indiana Convention Center, Halls D&E, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
This annual conference offers insight from executives and business owners as well as workshops for small business owners on topics such as preparation strategies for commercial loans and existing and upcoming opportunities in Indianapolis.
Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20 | 12 – 7 p.m. | 39th Annual Indiana Health Fair
Indiana Convention Center, Halls D&E, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
Head to the Indiana Convention Center and receive more than $4,000 worth of free health screenings, education, and information.
Friday, July 18 | 6 – 11:30 p.m. | Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Concert
IU Michael A. Carroll stadium at IU Indianapolis
Word up! Join thousands of other music lovers for performances by Cameo, SWV, Keith Sweat, Deniece Williams, and Christopher Williams. Tickets start at $20 and VIP options are available. Parking is $10. Know before you go: summercelebration.net/outdoor-concert.
Saturday, July 19 | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. | All-White Affair
Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom, 200 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
Join actor and producer Larenz Tate for a concert featuring multi-platinum recording artist and producer “Da Brat” and, to keep the party moving, it’s the world-famous Kid Capri!
General admission is $75, with VIP options available.
Click here for a guide to 2025 IBE Summer Celebration events.
