Fountain Square Music Festival

Fountain Square Music Festival, or FSMF, is Indy's best attempt at creating a music festival. For some reason, Indy falls short on the spectrum of hosting large-size music festivals. That being said, FSMF knows what they're doing. The badges are professional, the branding and marketing is top-notch, and the acts make it all even better. The stages and light shows are incredible and perfectly laid out so that you aren't walking forever away. It's all enclosed so it's a nice festival layout. This year (2017) it felt like a big Indy reunion of nearly all acts that have been to Indy / the Hi-Fi in the last few years. Nothing to complain about because the Hi-Fi brings in some of the next-best musicians and talent you'll find in the Circle City. My one suggestion for next year would be to have some sort of discount for festival goers to Fountain Square restaurants. Show your badge and you get 10% off your meal. I think a lot more people would eat if they had an offer similar to this. With all of that in mind, this is one of the best music festivals you'll experience in Indy (this and Virginia Ave Folk Fest; both of which are in Fountain Square neighborhood). Can't wait for next year!

If I'm being honest, FSMF isn't really my scene. Despite that, I can recognize that it's a solid local music festival for those that it caters to (20 somethings, hipster/artsy/eclectic). A real diverse mix of folks attend. Expect skateboarders, breakdancers, wacky costumes, graffiti artists - that kind of vibe. FMSF used to be on 4th of July weekend but moved up earlier in the calendar to target a music-centric population instead of patriotic partygoers. I think it worked in their favor that it was a beautiful spring weekend. A day pass is $37 ($50 for VIP), but I don't think you have to pay if you just want to stroll around Fountain Square while it's happening - only if you want to see a show (which there are lots of). Pros:-Free parking is easy to find in Fountain Square-So many great local places to eat and drink in Fountain Square! Check 'em out!-50% of all net proceeds benefit Musical Family Tree and Girls Rock Inc. - yay for supporting nonprofits!Note that you must be 21 to buy a pass and attend any shows.

What better way to spend an Independence Day than with friends, family and great music? I was surprised by several friends congratulation notifications that I won 2 tickets to this event that I'd already planned on attending. With family in town, we were seeking something that would provide entertainment for all ages. FSMF seemed to have us covered. After checking in with a friend who was already there, we were told there was no food or drinks for the kids, so we packed a cooler and picnic basket and headed out. Parking was easy, the same free lot that I always scope out. We made it over in time to see Kansas Bible Company representing local with each donned in a United States of Indiana shirt. The sound guy made it very uncomfortable to be under the tent to watch the show and pushed many away from the stage with the ear piercing volume that could have been easily managed. No I'm NOT too old - but it was too loud. A friend loaned the grandparents some chairs and we made our way through the crowds to say hello to all. There was a nice selection of local brews from New Day Meadery, Upland and Fountain Square Brewing Company. I saw some little ones running around with face paint, but they had packed up before we got there. The photo booth was a nice all ages addition to the event. Despite the overcast weather, the temps were perfect and the band line up kept the crowd happy. The kids had a blast splashing in the water out front and my teen found an amazing vintage swimsuit at Lux & Ivy who were set up next to United States of Indiana, who sold out of most of their merchandise. I'm sure the FSMF tees would have also sold out if they had been sold.I finally got to see Modoc, a band Elvis Mires has been raving about for ages, and was blown away. Needless to say, they have several new fans in my home. We left before the last band, thanking all responsible for a wonderful day. With this being their inaugural event, I hope the upcoming years may bring some of Ft. Square's best bites such as La Rev (tacos please) or B's Po Boys, or a little Red Lion fish & chips basket, if nothing else some local food trucks. Great job - thank you for a fun Fourth! Yet another reason to be proud to live in Indianapolis.

If you missed it this year then make plans to go next year. This is a great venue with a wide variety of bands and people. Don't think this is a Saturday only event. It ran for 4 days starting on Wednesday. I went on three of the days and found myself entertained by local music and local beverages. Thanks Fountain Square Brewing and New Day Craft!

Really cool set up, very intimate feel at every stage. For the price, this was one of the coolest concerts I've seen yet..... as long as you really like the lineup, which we did.