Indiana is a Midwestern state known as the 'Crossroads of America,' celebrated for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indiana Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan, a vibrant craft brewing scene, and rich Native American and Civil War history. From the urban energy of Indianapolis to the rolling hills of Brown County and the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan shoreline, Indiana offers surprising variety for travelers.
Indianapolis has Indiana's most vibrant nightlife, centered in three main areas: Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave) for craft cocktail bars and gastropubs, Broad Ripple Village for a lively bar-hopping strip, and Fountain Square for indie music venues. Indiana has a thriving craft brewing scene with 200+ breweries statewide. Fort Wayne and Bloomington also have active bar scenes driven by universities and young professional populations.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Sun King Brewing — Fountain Square
Known for: Indiana's largest craft brewery; flagship Sunlight Cream Ale is the must-try
1021 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co.
Known for: Craft beer taproom with great food; popular with Broad Ripple bar-hopping crowd
1021 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Flat 12 Bierwerks
Known for: Award-winning Belgian-influenced craft beers; beloved for seasonal and experimental brews
414 Dorman St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
The Jazz Kitchen
Known for: Indianapolis's premier jazz venue; live jazz nightly with an excellent cocktail menu and Creole food
5377 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Known for: Large downtown brewery with house-brewed ales; popular after Pacers and Colts games
10 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
The Vogue
Cover: $10–20 USD depending on performer
Hours: Fri–Sat 9pm–3am; hours vary by event
Revel
Cover: $10–25 USD
Hours: Fri–Sat 9pm–3am
The Mousetrap
Cover: $5–10 USD on live music nights
Hours: Mon–Sat 11am–3am; Sun noon–midnight
The Patio
Cover: None most nights; $5–15 USD for ticketed events
Hours: Daily 4pm–3am
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.