Indy Arts Council and WNBA All-Star 2025 Unveil “Red Hot Summer” Arts & Culture Activations

The countdown to AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 is heating up in more ways than one. The Indy Arts Council and WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee have announced a dynamic lineup of free, public arts and culture activations that will take over downtown Indianapolis July 18-19. Branded under the vibrant theme “Red Hot Summer,” the city-wide celebration will fuse the excitement of women’s basketball with Indy’s rich artistic landscape—creating a high-energy, family-friendly environment for locals and visitors alike.

“We're using the excitement and energy surrounding All-Star to showcase Indy's creativity in blending basketball with arts and culture,” said Mel Raines, WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee founding chair and Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO. “From the fan-favorite sidewalk galleries to musical performances and history tours, we're excited to invite everyone to celebrate girls and women in sports and the arts.”

Judith B. Thomas, President & CEO of Indy Arts Council, echoed the sentiment. “This effort supports our mission to champion arts and culture by connecting the community to the arts, while creating paid opportunities for artists.”

Street Art, Murals, and Public Installations

Downtown Indianapolis will transform into a vibrant canvas, with large-scale murals, sidewalk galleries, and interactive sculptures popping up across the city.

• Tamika Catchings Mural (Mass Ave): A 15-year installation by Nate Baranowski will honor Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings, assisted by local artist Brooke McGee.

• Indianapolis Artsgarden Murals: Artists Phyllicia Carr and Amiah Mims bring the "Red Hot Summer" theme to life with two colorful murals visible from Washington Street beginning July 11.

• Sidewalk Galleries: Victory Series: Downtown storefronts will showcase murals and poetry by top local female artists like Shaunt’e Lewis and Ashley Nora.

• 3D Chalk Art: Baranowski will also create an immersive chalk illusion, inviting the public to step into the artwork (location TBA).

• “W” Sculptures: Four “W” installations designed by local artists will serve as creative photo ops on Georgia Street, Monument Circle, and Bicentennial Unity Plaza.

Live Performances and Music

A full schedule of live music and dance will fill downtown with rhythm and energy.

• Indy Dance Council will host dance jams, silent discos, salsa parties, and more across two downtown stages from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

• Musical Family Tree will present local musicians and DJs curated by Deckademics at key downtown locations including the All-Star Stage and Starbucks Patio.

SPARK on the Circle: Art Market & Family Zone

The popular pop-up park on Monument Circle will offer face painting, postcard-making, live DJs, and an All-Star Market spotlighting women artists and vendors. With shaded seating, lawn games, and refreshments, SPARK is an ideal hangout for all ages.

• Dates: July 18 (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and July 19 (9 a.m.–8 p.m.)

Chreece Presents: The Glow Up Lounge

Hip-hop festival creators Chreece are curating an immersive “Glow Up Lounge” on Monument Circle featuring:

• Sneaker customization

• Nail art and face gems

• Custom apparel

• Juice bar and curated music

• Free to attend with food and drink available for purchase

• Dates: July 18 (12–6 p.m.) and July 19 (10 a.m.–7 p.m.)

Walking Tours: Public Art & Untold Stories

Explore Indianapolis on foot through themed walking tours hosted by local organizations:

• Rokh Design Studio Public Art Tours: Small-group guided tours of public artworks (RSVP required; max 12 guests).

• Through2Eyes with Sampson Levingston: Discover the intersection of basketball, art, and history through his compelling “walk and talk” experiences (max 25 guests).

Indiana Black Expo: Summer Celebration #AllStarEdition

Running July 18–20 at the Indiana Convention Center, Indiana Black Expo will present:

• Cultural Arts Pavilion: An exhibition themed “Court Vision: The Art of Resilience and Excellence” featuring over 30 visual artists including Faith Blackwell and India Cruse-Griffin.

• Art Speaks Café: A hub of live spoken word, music, panel discussions, and daily community painting sessions. Sneakerheads can check out the “Sole Stars – Customize Your Kicks” bar.

Supporting Creative Partners and Sponsors

The robust lineup is produced in collaboration with creative partners like Big Car Collaborative, Chreece, Downtown Indy, Inc., Indy Dance Council, Indiana Black Expo, KODA, Musical Family Tree, Rokh Design Studio, and Through2Eyes.

Funding and support come from the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee, The Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Samerian Foundation, and the Capital Improvement Board of Managers of Marion County.

Full schedules, times, and RSVP information will be released in the coming weeks. For updates and more information, visit indyarts.org/all-star-2025 and summercelebration.net.

Artwork Photo: Sidewalk Galleries - Celebration by Israel Solomon / Photo by Jennifer Wilson