How Indiana's Nicest Day supports Hoosier creators year round
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Art lovers pack Newfields during the 2025 Penrod Arts Fair. Photo: Courtesy of Penrod
For nearly six decades, thousands of Hoosiers have flocked to Newfields in September for the annual Penrod Arts Fair.
Why it matters: The impact of "Indiana's Nicest Day" stretches well beyond the artists, music and food visitors will find Saturday during the 59th edition.
How it works: Proceeds from Penrod's events are pumped back into Central Indiana's arts ecosystem — helping fund everything from children's therapy to public sculptures — at a time when arts organizations are facing growing demand for financial support.
- Organized by the all-volunteer philanthropic organization The Penrod Society, the Penrod Arts Fair is one of the biggest single-day arts fair in the U.S., and organizers expect more than 20,000 people to attend.
By the numbers: Penrod awarded $315,000 to more than 90 Indiana arts organizations in 2026.
- Last year, grant applications increased 30% and the amount requested increased by 60%.
- Since its founding in 1967, Penrod has distributed more than $5.5 million.
What they're saying: 2026 Penrod Arts Fair chair Tom Askey told Axios that as arts programming faces cuts at the state and federal levels, Penrod is prioritizing partnerships that can fill the gaps.
- He pointed to grants that helped Tindley Accelerated Schools purchase instruments for students and supported Riley Children's Health's art therapy program as examples of that larger reach.
- "It is really important to well-being and mental health, especially in adolescent and underserved communities," he said. "You can inspire the next major artist in the world with just a few dollars that go a long way."
The latest: Organizers are putting extra emphasis this year on making the sprawling fair an experience from the moment visitors arrive.
- DJs at the entrances will bring energy to the gates. The entertainment also includes a New Orleans-style second line procession through the fair and morning bagpipers.
- Inside, attendees can explore more than 350 artists representing roughly 20 mediums, while hundreds of performing artists rotate across five stages.
- Penrod's children's area includes art activities, puppet and magic shows, music and rhythm activities and performances by local dance groups.
- Askey's advice for first-timers? Take it slow. "Don't be overwhelmed by the volume of things. Just take a step back and embrace it," he told Axios.
Flashback: The Penrod Society was founded in 1967 and pays homage to Penrod Schofield, a literary character created by Indianapolis novelist Booth Tarkington.
- Originally called the Arts Fair at Oldfields, the inaugural fair in 1967 cost $2 to attend and had free beer.
What's next: Penrod is thinking bigger about what local support for the arts can look like.
- Penrod is expanding beyond its traditional annual grants with a Legacy Fund for larger, longer-term investments in public art and neighborhood projects.
- The fund has surpassed $1 million, and its first allocation included more than $100,000 for public art.
Askey said the goal is to complement the organization's smaller annual grants with bigger investments that can make a lasting mark on the region.
If you go: The art fair runs from 9am-5pm Saturday.