Whether you’re planning a day in the park, a night at the symphony, an afternoon at the museum, or an outing to one of Carmel’s premier golf courses, a visit to a festival, or time at the pool - you’ll find it all in Carmel.
Arts & Culture
The city is home to artistic performances and cultural offerings of all types – a symphony orchestra for music lovers, live theater performances for children and adults, museums of many kinds and art galleries – that work together to enhance the quality of life for the entire community.
Carmel City Center’s state-of-the-art Regional Performing Arts Center will open in 2011 and includes The Palladium concert hall and multiple theaters. The Feinstein Foundation for the Education and Preservation of the Great American Songbook will be headquartered at the center.
Outdoor Recreation
Wide-open spaces make Carmel’s outdoor recreation facilities a destination, with 14 parks and greenways for residents and visitors to enjoy. In addition, the area boasts fitness centers, gymnasiums, indoor aquatics and outdoor aqua parks for active enjoyment.
The Monon Trail, the crown jewel of Hamilton County’s trail system, runs right through downtown Carmel. On any given day you’ll find the paved trail teeming with cyclists, joggers and walkers - in groups or alone - with kids on bicycle and adults in running shoes.
Festivals & Fun
One of the city’s most popular events is the Carmel Farmers Market. Fresh produce, baked goods and more from local vendors populate the market and live music adds to the atmosphere on summer Saturday mornings. The Gazebo at Carmel Civic Square comes alive on Wednesday nights each summer for the Family Concert Series, where concertgoers bring picnics and spread their blankets on the lawn to enjoy outdoor music.
Carmelfest celebrates Independence Day with a parade, entertainment, food vendors and a fantastic display of fireworks to cap off the excitement of Fourth of July. The International Arts Festival, held in the Arts & Design District each September, features a juried art exhibit of artists from around the world, along with concerts, dance performances and family-friendly activities. Holiday on the Square kicks off the holiday season in December with Santa and his elves, live reindeer and the lighting ceremony on Civic Square.