Penrod Arts Fair, Evening with Penrod returns to Newfields

Largest single-day arts fair in the country features more than 350 artists for ‘Indiana’s Nicest Day’

Known as “Indiana’s Nicest Day,” The Penrod Society’s 57th Annual CBIZ Somerset Penrod Arts Fair and 11th Annual Merchants Bank Evening with Penrod Presented by VALEO Financial Advisors are back at Newfields on Sept. 6 and 7.

The Penrod Arts Fair is the largest single-day arts fair in the country, and marks The Penrod Society’s most significant event and fundraiser.

This year’s art fair features more than 350 artists from across the country, hundreds of performers across five stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related nonprofit organizations, and an extensive children’s area. With expanded culinary experiences this year, attendees can enjoy a variety of food and beverages from dozens of local vendors while exploring art and culture of all kinds.

On the night prior to the fair at Evening with Penrod, attendees get an exclusive preview and first opportunity to purchase art from more than 100 artists who will be featured at the Penrod Arts Fair. The gala-style event will also feature a wide assortment of local food and beverages, unique live art experiences, a designated VIP area, fireworks, and a series of musical performances on the grounds of Newfields. Each Evening with Penrod ticket also includes admission to the fair the following day.

“Each year, the Penrod Society looks forward to this event as we have an incredible opportunity to support and showcase some of the most talented, creative artists from across the nation,” said John Roach, Chair of the 2024 Penrod Arts Fair. “Every dollar raised goes to support dozens of Indiana arts-related nonprofits so they can share the power of the arts and continue making an impact on their communities. Without the support from CBIZ Somerset, other donors and volunteers, and attendees, that wouldn’t be possible.”

Evening with Penrod is a 21 and over event from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6 (Tickets are available here). The Penrod Arts Fair is open to all ages and takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the following day, Saturday, Sept. 7 (Tickets are available here). Both events are held in the gardens of Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis. Tickets to Evening with Penrod also include admission to the Penrod Arts Fair.

The Penrod Society is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting a broad array of arts, cultural and educational activities and institutions throughout central Indiana. Its core mission is to provide philanthropic service to the community, specifically underrepresented and underserved arts communities within central Indiana.

The success of last year’s events resulted in meaningful grants to approximately 78 central Indiana organizations totaling nearly $150,000. More than half of the grants awarded to organizations in 2023 went to those that serve diverse populations or individuals at or below the poverty line.

The Penrod Arts Fair has become a long-standing Indianapolis tradition, growing from a one-day event in 1967 to the largest single-day arts fair in the nation, hosting over 10,000 patrons each year. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit penrod.org.

About the Penrod Society
The Penrod Society is an Indianapolis-based, all-volunteer, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to support arts, cultural, and educational activities and institutions in Indiana. The Society supports artists, students, arts organizations, and various other not-for-profit organizations whose missions and programming include arts, cultural, and educational activities. At its core, the Society is a fellowship of professionals who work together for the betterment of Indiana. For more information, visit penrod.org.