Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration back for its 54th year

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration is back in downtown Indianapolis for its 54th year! 

The annual celebration prides itself on being one of the largest African American cultural events in the country. 

The celebration starts Thursday, July 10 and runs through Sunday, July 20.

All proceeds from the celebration help support IBE’s year-round initiatives, including its education conference, Black business training institute, scholarship fund, performing arts academy, community learning hub and more.

Annual Ecumenical Service / New Direction Church – East Campus, 5330 E. 38th St., Indianapolis

• Cost: Free
• Time: 7 p.m.
• About: The annual Ecumenical Service brings together the community for a night of inspiration, unity and spiritual empowerment. This year’s speaker is Pastor Tolan Morgan, and the host pastor is Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. The service will also feature Sherri Garrison.

IBE Film Festival / Indiana Black Expo, 601 N. Shortridge Road., Building 3, Indianapolis 

• Cost: Free
• Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.)
• About: This year’s film festival, titled “Beyond The Frame: Black Voices Amplified,” is a celebration of Black cinema in Indiana. 

Business Conference / Indiana Convention Center

• Cost: Free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• Time: July 14 from 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m. and July 15 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 
• About: This conference offers opportunities for Black, Brown, women, veteran and disabled business owners. In previous years, executives and business owners hosting the sessions shared insights on doing business with public, private and international companies.
• Register for the conference online here. 

IBE Youth Entrepreneur Series / Indiana Convention Center, Room 236-238

• Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• About: The IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series (YES) is designed for current middle and high school students who want to be entrepreneurs. The workshops will introduce students to the basic concepts, activities and skills they need to launch, lead and grow a successful business. The students will develop a business plan that they will then present to a panel of judges with the winners getting $500 (first place), $250 (second place) and $100 (third place). 
• Register for YES online here. 

IBE Education Conference / Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom

• Cost: $45
• Time: 7:00 a.m. check-in and continental breakfast; 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
  
• About: IBE hosts one of the nation’s largest educational conference’s in Indiana. The conference focuses on academic excellence and advancing teaching practices. The keynote speakers are Brandon P. Fleming (Veritas Schools Founder) and Dr. Shaun Woodly (Teach Hustle Inspire).
• Registration is required and you can do so online here. 

Cultural Arts Pavilion / Indiana Convention Center

• Cost: Free
• Time: Noon-7 p.m.
• About: This year’s theme for the Cultural Arts Pavilion is “Court Vision: The Art of Resilience and Excellence.” The pavilion will feature a special art exhibition celebrating the power of women and girls. Artwork from Faith Blackwell, India Cruse-Griffin, Cierra Johnson, Tania Michelle Wineglass and Amira Alquraishy will be on display—as well as a group show with more than 30 additional artists. 

Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon / Indiana Convention Center

• Cost: $750 for one table
• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• About: The luncheon will honor people who have made significant contributions to the community. The 2025 award recipients are Deniece Williams (Living Legend Award), Alfre Woodard (Lifetime Achievement Award), Wendell Pierce (Screen Image Award) and Chiney Ogwumike (Excellence in Media Award). 
• You can purchase your table online here. 

Music Heritage Festival, IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium

• Cost: $20 – GA and Bleacher / $75 – Gold Seating / $100 – Platinum Seating / $125 – VIP Seating 
• Parking: $10
• Time: 6-11:30 p.m. 
• About: The Music Heritage Festival will feature performances by legendary artists Keith Sweat, SWV, Cameo, Deniece Williams and Christopher Williams. 

Indiana Health Fair, Indiana Convention Center, Halls D and E

• Cost: Free
• Time: July 18-19 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and July 20 from 12-7 p.m. 
• About: The goal of the Indiana Health Fair is to increase awareness of chronic diseases – such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and cancer – and teach people how to prevent them. 

Exhibition Hall, Indiana Convention Center

• Time: July 18 and 20 from 12-7 p.m. and July 19 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 
• About: The Exhibition Hall will feature over 300 merchandise and food vendors. 

All White Affair / Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom

• Cost: $25 early bird discount while supplies last / $75 GA / $1,000 reserved table of 10 with bottle service available.
• Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
• About: The All-White Affair will be hosted by actor and producer Larenz Tate, include a performance by Da Brat and feature DJ Kid Capri. 

Midwest Invitational Boxing Show / Indiana Convention Center, Hall C

• Cost: Free
• Time: Noon-3 p.m. 
• About: The boxing showcase is a dual competition between top amateur boxers from teams across Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Texas and Tennessee. The competition will bring boxers from all weight classes.

Jacob Latimore / Indiana Convention Center, Entertainment Stage, Hall F

• Cost: Free
• Time: 3-4 p.m.
• About: Actor and R&B artist Jacob Latimore will perform his music, including songs off his latest album “JL.”

Fashion Show / Indiana Convention Center, Entertainment Stage, Hall F

• Cost: Free
• Time: 4-5:30 p.m. 
• About: Hosted by The Fabulous Mr. Patrick, this year’s fashion show will feature designs by Elan Furs, Nikki Blaine Couture, Luvlotss High Fashion, Creo by Keca and more. Additionally, the show will feature appearances from BruceGlen and the Platinum League.

Man Made Improv / Indiana Convention Center, Entertainment Stage, Hall F

• Cost: Free
• Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
• About: Hosted by J. Bland Made Man, this all-ages variety show features unscripted improv games, comedy sketches, interactive crowd participation and music from DJ Boogie Bang.

Gospel Explosion / Indiana Convention Center, Entertainment Stage, Hall F

• Cost: Free
• Time: 3-7 p.m. 
• About: IBE is starting and ending their celebration with praise! The gospel explosion will feature choirs singing gospel music ranging from traditional hymns to contemporary praise. 

For more information about IBE’s Summer Celebration, or for the full list of events, click here.