Carmel, Indiana, has been described as one of the nicest cities to live in the U.S. The highly walkable streets lead to a vibrant downtown area where small-town charm pair perfectly with big-city amenities. Those who custom-build on a Carmel lot love the close access to shops, restaurants and entertainment.
The northwest Indianapolis suburb also keeps things lively with a score of festivals and events. Many weekends are filled with get-togethers featuring art, wine and family-friendly entertainment. From big Independence Day blowouts to informal gatherings, each event is designed as a celebration of the community, making Carmel a desirable place to live.
So, what exactly are the best events in Carmel? Here are just the top five:
1.) CarmelFest
For over 30 years, CarmelFest has become one of Indianapolis’ largest Independence Day celebrations. The festival is packed with festival food, live entertainment and plenty of family-fun rides and games. Then in true 4th of July fashion, CarmelFest is topped off with a firework display that can only be described as patriotically epic.
CarmelFest brings about 55,000 visitors to the area, so many Carmel residents in biking or walking distance to downtown don’t have to worry about finding a parking space. Instead, they just get a group of friends together and head downtown to enjoy the festivities. After the fireworks, everyone then retreats back to the house to enjoy a nightcap on the porch or custom-built outdoor area.
2.) International Arts Celebration
What could be better than walking into downtown, pursuing beautiful art pieces, grabbing a quick bite from a local vendor and then staying for some free live entertainment? Every year the Carmel International Arts Festival seems to have more and more to do, and all in a family-friendly environment. Definitely check out the ART ROCKS!, the largest street party of the year.
3.) Carmel PorchFest
One day in September, various Carmel streets come alive with music. That’s because bands of all sizes and genres congregate for front porch concerts during Carmel PorchFest. Visitors stroll down 1st and 2nd Avenues and can sample a variety of music, from acoustic folk bands to full brass ensembles. Each intimate performance is free and family-friendly, and all are from the yards and porches of Carmel homes.
4.) Christkindlmarkt
Starting in November and lasting until Christmas, Carmel transforms the Center Green to an open-air market. Inspired by German tradition, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Market features shopping, crafts, an ice skating rink, activities, and plenty of food and music. They even have a 33-foot German-built Glühwein Pyramid. The best part of building in downtown Carmel is when the Christkindlmarkt starts to seem a bit chilly, you can just slip home to wrap all your gifts in front of the fireplace.
5.) Festival of Ice
New to Carmel is the Festival of Ice which showcases professional ice carvers at the Center Green. Anchored by a fast-paced carve-off competition, the festival also features a chili cook-off, an ice bar, and other more family-friendly activities. The Festival of Ice is a wonderful addition to the Carmel event scene, but just as important, it shows that those who live in downtown Carmel never have far to go for a great time. Even communities such as Sunrise on the Monon and Jackson’s Grant are great walking distance to these attractions.
Every Weekend Has Something Great Going On
It seems that every weekend there’s a smaller event like the Summer Concert Series, Farmers Market, Artomobilia or Meet Me On Main going on in Carmel. And with a custom-build on a Carmel lot, you can enjoy these events downtown, then walk or bike home for dinner. Just contact Adam Streitmatter, your Old Town Design Group new home consultant, at 317.750.8265 and we’ll get started you started with a custom build on your Carmel lot.