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Epicurean Indy offers a trip around the food world without leaving the city

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 11:07 GMT by WISH-TV
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Indy Food Fest 2024: A Culinary Celebration That Brings the Whole City Together

The city of Indianapolis is once again set to taste its way into the spotlight with the annual Indy Food Fest, slated for June 28‑30, 2024. The three‑day event, held at the iconic Indianapolis Convention Center and the adjacent Riverfront Park, promises to be a vibrant showcase of the city’s diverse culinary scene, from farm‑to‑table bistros to street‑style food trucks, all under one roof and in one bustling outdoor plaza.

A Quick Overview

The 2024 edition of the festival has attracted more than 80 participating vendors, ranging from beloved local restaurants to up‑and‑coming chefs who have been building a reputation in the city’s culinary circles. In addition to savory dishes, the lineup also includes a wide array of sweets and drinks, with several of the city’s most popular breweries and distilleries offering exclusive tastings. A highlight of the event will be the “Chef’s Challenge,” a friendly competition in which three top Indy chefs will create signature dishes in a live kitchen studio, with the public voting for their favorites.

Beyond the food itself, the festival will feature live music, cooking demonstrations, and a number of community‑focused activities. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales is earmarked for local food‑bank initiatives, underscoring the event’s commitment to both celebrating culinary creativity and giving back to the community.

Dates, Hours, and Ticketing

The festival is open to the public during all three days, with daytime hours running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each day will begin with a “Breakfast Bonanza” featuring pancakes, coffee, and a selection of breakfast tacos. In the evenings, the event transforms into a “Dinner & Drinks” showcase, complete with a rotating selection of live performers and a “Late‑Night Snack” stall that keeps the crowds satisfied after the sun goes down.

Tickets are sold through the festival’s official website (www.indyfoodfest.com) and can be purchased in advance or at the gate. The website provides an interactive map of the venue, a detailed vendor list, and a schedule of special events—including the cooking contest, live music lineup, and the “Kids’ Kitchen” where children can learn to whisk, chop, and taste in a safe, hands‑on environment.

Featured Vendors & Signature Foods

The festival’s food vendors include many staples that Indianapolis food lovers have come to know and love. For example:

• Mason’s Market – Known for its wood‑smoked ribs and homemade apple pie, Mason’s Market is set to host a live demonstration of its slow‑roast technique.
• The Green Bowl – A vegan‑centric spot that offers grain bowls, vegan tacos, and a rotating seasonal salad. Their “Mango‑Chili Tofu” has earned rave reviews across the city.
• Taco Tijuana – A food‑truck favorite, Taco Tijuana will serve up a fresh menu of handmade tortillas, spicy salsas, and house‑made guacamole.
• Crafted Barrel – An Indianapolis distillery, offering a unique tasting experience that pairs small‑batch spirits with bite‑sized appetizers.

In addition to these well‑known brands, the festival features dozens of newer ventures, each bringing a distinct flavor to the lineup. A few of the newest entries include Brew & Bite (a craft beer‑paired cheese bar), Saffron & Spice (an Indian fusion pop‑up), and Pasta & Friends (a collaborative effort between two local Italian restaurants).

Chef’s Challenge & Cooking Demonstrations

A major draw for food enthusiasts will be the Chef’s Challenge, where three highly‑regarded Indy chefs—one a veteran of the Michelin‑starred “Café 5,” another a celebrated pastry chef from the newly opened “Spoon & Fork,” and a third an emerging restaurateur known for his farm‑to‑table approach—will each design a dish that showcases their signature style. The chefs will cook live in a studio setting, and attendees will be able to sample the dishes before voting for their favorite. This event adds a competitive edge to the festival while providing an intimate look into the creative processes behind some of Indianapolis’s most acclaimed cuisine.

Simultaneously, the festival hosts a series of cooking demonstrations where chefs will walk through techniques such as sauce making, pastry basics, and modern plating. These sessions are interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and, in some cases, try their hand at the techniques under the chefs’ guidance.

Music, Entertainment & Family Fun

The festival’s entertainment lineup complements the culinary experience. Local bands and solo performers will fill the open‑air stages from midday through dusk, providing a lively backdrop to the event. For families, the “Kids’ Kitchen” will offer short, hands‑on cooking workshops where children can learn to whisk, dice, and even taste a few bite‑size morsels. A dedicated children’s play area will also keep younger attendees entertained while their parents enjoy the food and drinks.

Community Impact and Volunteer Opportunities

Indy Food Fest is more than just a feast; it’s a community event that emphasizes collaboration and local pride. A portion of ticket sales goes directly to the Indianapolis Food Bank, ensuring that the festival’s generosity extends to those in need. The festival also relies on a robust volunteer network—over 200 volunteers are expected to assist with everything from vendor setup to crowd management. Those interested in volunteering can sign up through the festival’s website, where they’ll receive more information about shifts, training sessions, and the perks of being part of the team.

Planning Your Visit

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a fun way to spend a weekend in Indianapolis, Indy Food Fest 2024 offers something for everyone. With a robust lineup of food vendors, live cooking contests, live music, and family‑friendly activities, the event is poised to be a highlight of the city’s summer calendar.

Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure yours early through the official festival site. For more details on the festival schedule, a full list of vendors, or to check out the festival’s social media channels for real‑time updates, head over to www.indyfoodfest.com.

In Summary

The Indy Food Fest 2024 encapsulates the spirit of Indianapolis: a city that values its culinary diversity, embraces community engagement, and celebrates the art of cooking in an accessible, inclusive setting. From the aroma of grilled meats wafting through the air to the lively hum of music and the chatter of delighted food lovers, the festival promises a memorable culinary adventure for all ages. Get ready to taste, learn, and enjoy a festival that truly puts the “indie” back in Indy’s foodie scene.