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Indy VegFest is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, run completely by volunteers; therefore all of your money will contribute directly to the operating expenses associated with our events throughout the year.

We are committed to keeping admission to Indy VegFest free of charge, as our mission is to educate the public about the compassionate, environmental, and health facets of a vegan lifestyle. In addition to a large annual event, we have year-round educational activities planned, such as free plant-based cooking classes led by Indy-area chefs. There is a great deal of work to be done, and we are excited for what the future will bring!

Is Indy VegFest an outdoor or indoor event?

We understand that most large festivals, including vegfests, are outdoors. Outdoor events are, of course, subject to weather conditions; e.g. rain, heat, wind, lightning/thunder, etc. With this in mind, we are glad to share that with the exception of food trucks and day-of-event promotion, Indy VegFest is an all-indoor event, hosted in the shelter and comfort of Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Where can I find a map of the event venue?

This year's map is available for download here. The map denotes both vendor and room locations, and also contains two lists for all vendors; one sorted by booth number, and a second sorted by business or organization name. We recommend that you save the map to your smartphone prior to the event, for easy reference on event day.

Where can I find the schedule of events?

This year's schedule is available for download here. We recommend that you save the schedule to your smartphone prior to the event, for easy reference on event day.

What should my expectations be for the day of the event?

Your event day experience will vary based on your time of attendance. Your expectations for a given timeframe should be approximately as follows.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Early Access tickets required; available here: You will be able to easily park on-site, enter Gainbridge Fieldhouse with minimal wait-time, receive a free goodie bag with giveaways and coupons, and enjoy the full selection of food and merchandise with minimal lines and crowds. If you want the very best Indy VegFest experience - and are willing to pay extra for it - 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Early Access is the best option for you.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm General Admission: The best on-site parking spots are filling up quickly; you may have to wait in line for a while to park. (Carpooling, ride-sharing, and public transportation is strongly encouraged!) Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait in line inside the pavilion to enter the event space; if you want to enter at 2:00 pm, please plan on arriving as early beforehand as long as you are willing to wait to enter. Once inside, expect large crowds and long lines for popular vendors; a few will sell out towards the end of this timeframe. If you want the exciting atmosphere of a large, free event with a big crowd - while still enjoying a great selection of food and merchandise - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm General Admission is the best option for you.

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm General Admission: On-site parking is still available; you may have to search for a while for a close spot. (Carpooling, ride-sharing, and public transportation is strongly encouraged!) There may be a line to enter the building towards the beginning of this timeframe. Once inside, the crowds and lines should be smaller, though some vendors will have reduced or NO options available. If you want to mostly avoid lines and crowds, with free admission - with the expectation that some food and merchandise will NOT be available - 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm General Admission is the best option for you.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

There is paid parking available at the Virginia Avenue parking garage attached to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Also, FREE street parking is available on Sundays - this parking may be limited since there are multiple events in downtown Indianapolis during the weekend of our event. Carpooling and ride-sharing is strongly encouraged!

For public transportation, the IndyGo Downtown Services Center / Julia Carson Transit Center (the central hub for all IndyGo routes) is a short walk from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Plan your IndyGo trip here.

Do I have to bring a ticket to the event?

You do not need a ticket to attend General Admission from 2 pm to 6 pm. The event is FREE and open to the public.

Early Access from 1 pm to 2pm does require a paid digital ticket for admission.

I want to bring my family to Early Access admission. How many tickets am I required to buy?

Children age 5 and under are FREE with adult supervision; no paid ticket is required. All other attendees are required to purchase a ticket for Early Access admission.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements for the event?

All ages are welcomed! Gainbridge Fieldhouse / Levy Restaurants will be serving alcoholic beverages at bars located on the event floor and concourse areas, which will require ID for service.

What payment options are accepted at the event?

Gainbridge Fieldhouse / Levy Restaurants are cashless payment. All beverages purchased from the bars located on the event floor and concourse areas require payment via credit card or mobile wallet.

All other Indy VegFest vendors may accept cash, credit card, and/or mobile wallet at their individual preference.

What should I bring into the event?

We recommend bringing a small reusable tote for shopping, and a reusable water bottle that can be filled with tap water at any of the drinking fountains throughout the building. Additionally, attendees that wish to attend a yoga class may bring their own mat (a limited number of mats will also be provided).

Am I allowed to bring my camera to the event?

Yes! We encourage all guests to take pictures and short videos via non-professional grade camera and smartphone, and share your Indy VegFest experience with family and friends on social media.

What should I leave at home?

Indy VegFest cannot accommodate companion animals, but service animals are welcomed. No outside food or drinks are permitted, with the exception of reusable water bottles.

Like all other events at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, attendees must pass through security screening procedures to enter the arena. Please review the full list of prohibited items here.

Is the venue handicap/wheelchair accessible?

Yes! Gainbridge Fieldhouse has handicap parking located near the front door entrance in the Virginia Avenue parking garage, is wheelchair accessible, and has elevators. Full details on building accessibility are available here.

Will there be a place to breastfeed and change diapers?

Yes! Gainbridge Fieldhouse provides a private Mothers Room, located on the concourse in Section 2 near the entry pavilion, that can be used for breastfeeding and changing diapers. Additionally, there are family restrooms located throughout the building.

What is the policy on smoking and vaping at Indy VegFest?

In accordance with Indianapolis law, smoking and vaping is not permitted inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, or within 8 feet of any entrances. Indy VegFest strives to promote and uphold a culture of health and wellness at our events; therefore, smoking and vaping are not permitted at all on the grounds of Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the event hours. Thank you for respecting this policy.

What is the environmental impact of the the event?

Indy VegFest is committed to sustainability and protecting the environment. Although our event utilizes many reusable and recyclable materials, we recognize that hosting a large festival event generates a significant amount of waste. We are proud to partner with Gainbridge Fieldhouse's Waste to Energy program, which converts non-recyclable waste into energy that helps power the city of Indianapolis. More information on this and other sustainability initiatives is available here.

Frequently asked questions