Fountain Square Music Festival

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 4^th 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.

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!

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.