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Symposium 2026

Things To Do

Indianapolis Convention Center, October 8-10, 2026

The Symposium will take place at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana—located in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of Monument Circle, the Central Canal, and White River State Park. The space offers attendees the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and experience some of the city’s most iconic downtown attractions.

Downtown Highlights & Outdoor Spaces

​​White River State Park – A 250-acre urban park in the heart of downtown featuring museums, trails, attractions, green space, concerts, and scenic waterfront areas.

​​Central Canal / Canal Walk – One of downtown’s most popular walking areas for biking, paddle boats, kayaking, gondola rides, and skyline views.

​​Indianapolis Cultural Trail – A 10-mile urban trail connecting downtown attractions, parks, and neighborhoods including Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and Indiana Avenue.

​​Military Park – Historic green space within White River State Park used for festivals, recreation, and events.

American Legion Mall – Monument-lined civic plaza connecting several important memorials and historic buildings downtown.

​​Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park & Landmark for Peace Memorial – Historic civil rights landmark commemorating Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 speech following the assassination of Dr. King.

Museum & Cultural Attractions

​​Indianapolis Zoo – Major zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, and family attraction located in White River State Park.

​​Indiana State Museum – Indiana’s flagship museum for natural history, science, culture, and rotating exhibits.

​​Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art – Nationally recognized museum featuring Native American and Western American art.

​​Center for Black Literature & Culture – Cultural and educational center within the Central Library focused on African American literature, archives, history, and art.

​​Indiana Historical Society – Downtown history museum with exhibits focused on Indiana and Indianapolis history.

​​Indiana War Memorial Museum – Large memorial complex and museum honoring U.S. military service.

​​Madam Walker Legacy Center – Historic theater and former headquarters of Madam C.J. Walker’s business empire on Indiana Avenue.

​​Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art) – Expansive art museum campus with gardens, outdoor art, and seasonal exhibits.

​​Crispus Attucks Museum – Museum honoring African American history, education, athletics, and civil rights in Indianapolis.

​​Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum – Historic racing museum celebrating the Indy 500 and Indianapolis’ motorsports heritage.

Monuments & Historic Landmarks

​​Monument Circle – The symbolic center of Indianapolis surrounded by restaurants, hotels, shops, and historic architecture.

​​Soldiers and Sailors Monument – Indianapolis’ most recognizable landmark with panoramic city views from the observation level.

​​Indiana War Memorial – One of the nation’s largest war memorials outside Washington, DC.

​​Indiana State Capitol – Historic government building anchoring downtown’s civic district.

​​Indiana Avenue Jazz Murals – Public art celebrating legendary Indianapolis jazz musicians, poets, and Black cultural leaders including Wes Montgomery and Freddie Hubbard.

​​Talking Wall – Public art installation along the Cultural Trail highlighting African American history and leaders in Indianapolis.

​​Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site – Historic home of the 23rd U.S. president located just north of downtown.

Neighborhoods & Entertainment Districts

​​Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave Arts District) – One of Indy’s top destinations for restaurants, nightlife, theaters, galleries, coffee shops, and boutiques.

​​Bottleworks District – Trendy entertainment district featuring restaurants, nightlife, duckpin bowling, boutique lodging, cinema, and The Garage Food Hall.

​​Fountain Square – Artsy neighborhood known for live music venues, rooftops, vintage shops, murals, and duckpin bowling.

​​Indiana Avenue – Historic jazz and cultural district central to Indianapolis’ Black history, business, arts, and music heritage, including the Madam Walker Legacy Center and public art honoring legendary Indianapolis jazz musicians.

​​Georgia Street & the Wholesale District – Downtown entertainment areas near the convention center with restaurants, nightlife, and sports venues.

Sports & Live Entertainment

​​Lucas Oil Stadium – Home of the Indianapolis Colts and major national sporting events.

​​Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Home arena of the Indiana Pacers and a major concert venue.

​​Victory Field – Home of the Indianapolis Indians and widely considered one of the best minor league baseball parks in the country.

​​Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – Outdoor concert venue inside White River State Park.

​​Indiana Repertory Theatre – Premier regional theater offering professional productions year-round.

​​Hilbert Circle Theatre – Historic home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Food & Dining

​​The Garage Food Hall – Popular downtown food hall with local restaurants and gathering spaces in the Bottleworks District.

​​St. Elmo Steak House – Legendary Indianapolis steakhouse famous for its shrimp cocktail.

​​City Market – Historic downtown public market with food vendors and local businesses.

​​Rooftops around Monument Circle, Mass Ave, and Bottleworks – Popular spots for skyline views, cocktails, and nightlife.

Shopping

​​Mass Ave boutiques and galleries – Independent shops, local retailers, art galleries, and specialty stores throughout the arts district.

​​Circle Centre Mall – Downtown shopping and entertainment complex connected to the convention district.