Growing Places Indy
Calling all food lovers! Growing Places Indy is proud to introduce the Indy Night Market, a festival-style event series that features local artists, creatives, food entrepreneurs, farmers, and chefs who contribute to the growth of a more equitable food system in Indianapolis.
The first Indy Night Market will kick off Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the Pan Am Plaza from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. To commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. on Juneteenth, the Indy Night Market will highlight African American cuisine and culture through local Black artists, chefs, entrepreneurs, farmers, and restaurants. Some Black vendors we have secured so far include Jumbo Jive Turkey Leg and Sip & ShareWines. Interested chefs, restaurants, and food entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit www.IndyNightMarket.org to sign up for updates to learn more about the vendor application process.
Growing Places Indy partnered with the Be Nimble Foundation to launch a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $15,000, thanks to the donations of 101 patrons. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is providing a matching $15,000 grant through its CreatINg Places program, whose aim is to help generate public involvement in the selection of creative improvements within their own communities.
The Indy Night Market provides an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, creating a catalyst for community engagement, new job opportunities, and economic growth. This festival-style event hopes to encourage a stronger representation of different cultures and the global food scene in Indianapolis.
By creating a night market, Indy residents will get the unique opportunity to celebrate the diverse food scene in Indianapolis while contributing to the city’s food system and community well-being. With a food festival event series, community members will better understand the importance of accessing affordable fresh, local foods while appreciating historical scenes in Indianapolis.
The Indy Night Market strives to encourage Indiana visitors and residents to explore the historic areas of the city through a three-part series experience, all taking place at different locations around Indianapolis. The second series will take place in August, and the third in November of this year.
Growing Places Indy is partnering with the Be Nimble Foundation, who are on a mission to enhance and create an equitable food system in the Indy community and foster local entrepreneurship. The Indy Night Market hopes to inspire Indianapolis residents to invest in the local food ecosystem and create a stronger and inclusive community.
Growing Places Indy is a nonprofit that empowers individuals to cultivate personal, family, and community wellness through urban agriculture, access to fresh local food, and mind-body education. For more information about Growing Places Indy, please visit www.growingplacesindy.com, or visit them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
