Indiana State Museum offering free admission and festivities on Aug. 22
INDIANAPOLIS – Visitors can immerse themselves in the culture and tradition of Mexico during the Polkas Norteñas Fest (Northern Polka Festival), taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Indiana State Museum.
Presented by Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos in collaboration with the Indiana State Museum, this free, daylong event will highlight Mexican music genres influenced by polka, including Corridos, Tejano, Norteño and Redova, along with dynamic dance performances, authentic flavors, an arts and crafts fair and family-friendly activities. The museum system’s free admission days are supported by the Lacy Foundation. Polka Nortenas Fest is also supported by the Indy Arts Council and the City of Indianapolis.
Dance troupes and musicians will come together from across the Midwest to highlight the signature sounds, colorful costumes and artistic rhythms of Mexican heritage. Visitors can enjoy performances scheduled throughout the day by Polka Bob, La Extravagancia Norteña, Indy Folklore Academy, Ballet Folklorico “El Ferrocarril” Latino Dance Group, Grupo Folklorico Macehuani, Indy Polkamotion and Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos.
While visitors take in the performances, they can also savor delicious Mexican street food favorites like tacos, quesadilla and elotes (Mexican street corn). The festival will also feature around 30 booths showcasing local vendors and community organizations, offering attendees a chance to explore handmade items and connect with area businesses and resource providers.
Beyond the festivities, visitors can discover all three floors of museum galleries, including the multilingual experiences I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit and Cats & Dogs The Exhibition supported by Subaru of Indiana Automotive. Families can also enjoy special activities to learn about animal adaptations, geodes, Ice Age creatures and more.
Polkas Norteñas Fest is free and open to the public. Visitors can go to IndianaMuseum.org to find more information.
About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a museum system with 12 one-of-a-kind locations across the state that ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections. The museum, located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, serves as a central hub offering immersive experiences for visitors of every age and interest — from art and architecture, to history and culture, to science and nature. The historic sites stretch north to the shores of Sylvan Lake, south to the banks of the Ohio River and many places in between. Learn more at IndianaMuseum.org.
