Carmel, IN Things to Do
Carmel, IN, has several festivals year round and museums and hang outs for families.
Entertainment and Events
One of the biggest attractions in Carmel is the Center for Performing Arts on City Center Drive. The multimillion dollar center has three stages for local theater, music and dance performances. The Carmel Community Players also puts on productions at the Carmel Community Playhouse at Clay Terrace.
Live music is easy to find in the area. Beyond the Carmel Bars and several music venues in nearby Indianapolis, Carmel hosts a myriad of festivals and events for local bands to strut their stuff. A concert series takes the stage at The Gazebo every summer as jazz and bluegrass music echoes throughout Civic Square. Even more renown is the Rock the District festival that showcases well-known musicians in the Art District.
Carmel knows how to celebrate. Holiday on the Square welcomes the Christmas spirit on Saturday before Thanksgiving each year in Civic Square. Also on Civic Square is the the 4th of July’s CarmelFest, filled with fireworks, music, food vendors and a parade. Be sure to visit the festivals in the Arts and Design District, too.
Family-Friendly Fun
The Carmel Clay Historical Society gives insight on the Carmel’s past, from its original settlement as Bethlehem to today. Check out exhibits of this transformation at the Monon Depot Museum.
Beyond the Monon Museum, there are a handful of museums for the family. Kids will be delighted at the Museum of Miniatures, which holds more than 600 miniatures ranging from room boxes, doll houses and individually painted trinkets. For an artistic adventure, head over to the Children’s Art Gallery for monthly exhibits. To tickle your funny bone and satiate your sweet tooth, check out the INDYPROV troupe and extensive chocolate shop at the Second Story Playhouse.
Check out Carmel’s don’t-miss attraction.