Largest single-day arts fair in the country features over 1,000 visual and performing artists for ‘Indiana’s Nicest Day’
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 5, 2025) – Known as “Indiana’s Nicest Day,” The Penrod Society’s 58th Annual CBIZ Penrod Arts Fair and 12th Annual Merchants Bank Evening with Penrod Presented by VALEO Financial Advisors are back this September at Newfields on Sept. 5-6. The Penrod Arts Fair is the largest single-day arts fair in the country and marks Penrod’s longest-standing event.
This year’s fair features over 1,000 visual and performing artists from across the country, five stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related nonprofit organizations, an extensive children’s area, and local food and beverages for all to enjoy from Indianapolis staples such as Bazbeaux Pizza, Indi Taco, Market Square Popcorn Company, Nicey Treat, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Slapfish, Tinker Coffee Co., and more.
Attendees of Evening with Penrod, held the night before the fair, will have the exclusive first opportunity to purchase art from more than 100 artists who will be featured at the Penrod Arts Fair. This gala-style preview event offers a wide assortment of local food from Rootstock Hospitality, a myriad of bespoke beverage options, unique live art experiences, and a series of musical performances. An “art drop” service will also be available for convenient pickup of purchased art before leaving the event. Each Evening with Penrod ticket includes admission to the fair the following day.
“Penrod was built on the belief that our events can uplift the central Indiana community through the arts, and we’re looking forward to furthering our mission with another year of the arts fair and Evening with Penrod,” said Ryan Stephens, Chair of the 2025 Penrod Arts Fair. “Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorship support Penrod’s grant program, and proceeds from art purchases go directly to artists, fueling artists’ ability to continue creating meaningful art.”
Evening with Penrod is a 21-and-over event from 6-11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 (Evening with Penrod tickets available here). The Penrod Arts Fair is open to all ages and takes place 9 a.m.-5 p.m. the following day, Sept. 6 (Art Fair tickets available here). Children ages 10 and under attend free. Both events are held in the gardens of Newfields (4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis). On fair day, paid parking onsite at Newfields is subject to availability upon arrival. Penrod also offers a free shuttle service between the Lafayette Square Mall parking lot and Light of the World Church.
From the success of last year’s events, Penrod awarded more than $300,000 to 85 organizations in central Indiana, including a permanent art display at a hospital, instruments for a public charter school’s music program, a small theater production, and more.
The Penrod Arts Fair has become a long-standing Indianapolis tradition since 1967, growing into the largest single-day arts fair in the nation, hosting over 20,000 patrons each year. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.penrod.org.
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About Penrod
Penrod is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Indianapolis with a mission to support arts and cultural initiatives and organizations in central Indiana. Penrod is led by members of The Penrod Society, a fellowship of professionals who dedicate time to uplifting the community through art. The organization is well-known for its signature event, The Penrod Arts Fair, the largest single-day art fair in the country. For more information on Penrod’s events and philanthropic initiatives, visit www.penrod.org.
