Summer Events at Conner Prairie- Summer is in full swing and Conner Prairie has got lots on the books for your family’s enjoyment! Some of the events we’ve added to our list this year are the Kiln Burn, Curiosity Fair, Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk, Glorious Fourth, Basic Pottery and Hawkins Funeral. We’ve been to all but the Kiln Burn and Hawkins Funeral but love them so much we go every year. What events spark your fancy for your family’s summer fun at Conner Prairie?

Summer Events at Conner Prairie

JUNE

HISTORY ON TAP

6:30–10 p.m. June 1
Ages 21 and older
$55 premium, $40 general, $15 designated driver
Conner Prairie’s young professionals group, the Horizon Council, invites
you to an evening of craft beer featuring tastings from more than 25 local
craft brewers. Mingle with friends as you explore 1836 Prairietown and
sample historical beers brewed on site. Learn about craft brewing through
demonstrations and meet with craft beer experts. Take in the view from
above with a flight on the 1859 Balloon Voyage (additional fee, weather
dependent). Tickets include food vouchers, complimentary tastings from the
participating brewers and a commemorative glass. Purchase tickets online at
connerprairie.org.

PRAIRIE PURSUITS: FUN IN THE FORGE

9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. June 2 SOLD OUT! Contact Guest Services for other
available dates.
$95 non-member, $90 member
Ages 14 and older
Be a blacksmith for a day. Learn to heat metal in a coal forge and shape it on
an anvil. You will have the opportunity to complete several simple projects
such as barbeque skewers, a flint and steel firestarter (with instructions on
how to use it) and a dinner bell. All tools and materials will be provided.
Reservations are required. Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling
317-776-6000.

PRAIRIE TYKES: TIME FOR TOOLS

9:30–11 a.m. June 7, 8
$12 child, $11 member
Ages 3–6; children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Younger
siblings are welcome. Ages 2 and older require a ticket.
Meet the carpenter in 1836 Prairietown and see what tools he uses. Make a
special gift for Dad. Reservations are required. Register online at
connerprairie.org or by calling 317-776-6000.

BARKER BROTHERS’ KILN BURN

10 a.m.–5 p.m. June 9
Free with general admission
The Barker Brothers have a kiln load of wares ready to fire. Come find out
how a white hot fire and some table salt put the “finish” on their pottery.

CURIOSITY FAIR

10 a.m.–5 p.m. June 9, 10
Free with general admission
Kids and kids at heart are invited to play, create and investigate the
mysteries of the world around them! Watch a BMX stunt show, experience
an earthquake, meet unique animals, check out an explosive chemistry show,
explore architecture, discover how to predict weather and more. Through a
series of activities, presentations and hands-on demonstrations, the whole
family will be encouraged to ask questions, share knowledge and ignite the
urge to discover.

PRAIRIE TOTS: PATRIOTIC PARTY

9:30–10:15 a.m., 11–11:45 a.m. June 15
$6 youth, $5 member
Age 2; children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge.
Make a red, white and blue craft and celebrate the birthday of the USA.
Reservations are required. Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling
317-776-6000.

EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL PLANT WALK

9:00–10:30 a.m. June 16
Ages 8 and older
$10 non-member, $7 member
Join community herbalist and forager Greg Monzel on a trek along the White
River, hunting for indigenous edible and medicinal plants. The Carmel native
will share his vast knowledge of cultural and historically significant plants,
including tips on identification during this informative 90-minute walk along
the edge of our prairie. Space for this unique experience is limited to 20. Due
to content and conditions, ages 8 and older only. Reservations are required.
Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling 317-776-6000.

PRAIRIE PURSUITS: BASIC KNIFEMAKING

8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. June 16, 17
$235 non-member, $225 member
Ages 16 and older
Crafting your own knife is a satisfying challenge. We’ll upcycle used steel into
hand-forged and finished knives. Learn about proper forging, heat treating
and handle construction. Some basic tools and materials are required.
Reservations are required. Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling
317-776-6000.

FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND

10 a.m.–5 p.m. June 16, 17
Free with general admission
We’ll have unique experiences for every dad to choose from as we celebrate
their day! Fire a Civil War-era rifle in Civil War Journey, connect with nature
and explore the Nature Walk, throw a tomahawk and learn wilderness
skills in Lenape Indian Camp and discover historical cooking and brewing
techniques from the residents of Prairietown. Some events are timed or have
an additional fee. Visit connerprairie.org for details.

STRANGE BREW

11 a.m.–1 p.m. June 16, 17
Free with general admission
Early 19th century folks drank beer daily—even children!
But with no grocery stores around to sell you a 6-pack
and the nearest distillery 20 miles away in Indianapolis,
where did people get their beer? Most made it at home,
often from unexpected ingredients. Stop by to see the
making of small beers from the 1800s, and have a sample! (Samples for ages
21 and older only.)

PRAIRIE TYKES: PATRIOTIC PARTY

9:30–11 a.m. June 21, 22
$12 child, $11 member
Ages 3–6; children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Younger
siblings are welcome. Ages 2 and older require a ticket.
Play patriotic games, make a festive hat and have a red white and blue snack.
Reservations are required. Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling
317-776-6000.

JULY

GLORIOUS FOURTH

10 a.m.–5 p.m. July 4
Free with general admission
Celebrate the Glorious Fourth with the citizens of Prairietown. Help to
decorate with bunting, compete in a Strongest Farmhand contest, test your
knowledge with a history quiz at the Schoolhouse, enjoy a patriotic
presentation in the Prairietown Grove and muster with the local White River
Guard militia. At the end of the day, gather at the Golden Eagle to join in
lemonade and toasts to the Republic’s birthday!

CONNER PRAIRIE MEMBERS NIGHT
AT SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

6 p.m. July 6
See connerprairie.org for ticket prices.
Join us for a Conner Prairie Members Night at Symphony on the Prairie!
Members can purchase Symphony on the Prairie tickets for Beethoven’s
Seventh Symphony at a discounted rate through Conner Prairie and enjoy
viewing the concert in an exclusive reserved area. Dinner will be provided
upon event check-in, courtesy of Donatos Pizza. Reservations are required.
Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling 317-776-6000.

PRAIRIE TYKES: HOW BIG IS A PIG

9:30–11 a.m. July 12, 13
$12 child, $11 member
Ages 3–6; children must be accompanied by
an adult at no charge. Younger siblings are
welcome. Ages 2 and older require a ticket.
Visit the Conner Prairie pigs. Sing pig songs
and make a pig puppet. Reservations are
required. Register online at connerprairie.org
or by calling 317-776-6000.

MORE LIGHT: DOUGLASS RETURNS

7 p.m. July 12, 15, 19, 22
3 p.m. July 14, 21
See connerprairie.org for ticket prices.
Following a successful premiere in 2017,
Asante Children’s Theatre and Conner Prairie
will reprise More Light: Douglass Returns.
This full-length play by Celeste Williams was
inspired by the historic return to Indiana by
Frederick Douglass in 1880. He was cheered at
a political rally in Noblesville after being nearly
killed by a mob in Pendleton in 1838. The play connects to the local history of
the Roberts Settlement, the first mixed-race settlement in Hamilton County.
This return of More Light also coincides with Frederick Douglass’ bicentennial
celebration year. Purchase tickets online at connerprairie.org.

PRAIRIE PURSUITS: BASIC POTTERY

6–7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 17–August 21
Ages 14 and older
$165 non-member, $155 member
This class will cover all aspects of wheel thrown
pottery and glazing techniques. You’ll have access
to your own wheel and equipment while receiving
individual instruction from our master potters. It’s
a perfect class for beginners and more advanced
students. All clay and other materials are included
in the class fee. Please bring your own towel for
cleanup and an optional apron to wear if you like. Reservations are required.
Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling 317-776-6000.

PRAIRIE TOTS: SUMMERTIME FUN

9:30–10:15 a.m., 11–11:45 a.m. July 20
$6 youth, $5 member
Age 2; children must be accompanied by an
adult at no charge.
Celebrate the arrival of summer with bubbles
and games. Reservations are required.
Register online at connerprairie.org or by
calling 317-776-6000.

FRANKEN-SPIRATION-STEIN WRITE-IN

11:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m. July 21, 22
Ages 7 and older. Children under the age of 16 must be
accompanied by an adult.
Free with general admission
First come, first served. Limit 20 participants.
Just over 200 years ago, Mary Shelley took up a challenge to write an original
ghost story. Two years later, Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus was
published. In honor of this literary anniversary, Conner Prairie is hosting a
spooky story write-in. We will provide up to 20 authors with a quiet place
to write, some creepy prompts, a few writing games and an opportunity
for feedback. Afterward we’ll head out to Prairietown to join a Frankenstein
discussion with the 1836 literary society.
Write your best spooky short story and it might go down in Halloween
history! The top authors of the day will have their stories shared in a special
presentation during our annual Headless Horseman event in October, as well
as receive 2 free passes to the venue for that evening.
Visit connerprairie.org for details.

PRAIRIE TYKES: SUMMERTIME FUN

9:30–11 a.m. July 26, 27
$12 child, $11 member
Ages 3–6; children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Younger
siblings are welcome. Ages 2 and older require a ticket.
Celebrate summer with a variety of fun activities—bubbles, obstacle course,
water play, story and crafts. Reservations are required. Register online at
connerprairie.org or by calling 317-776-6000.

AUGUST

FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION DAY

10 a.m.–5 p.m. August 4
First responders have played a vital role throughout history. Conner Prairie
is honoring those who protect and serve our community by offering free
daytime general admission to all active fire, police and safety personnel and
50% off the general admission price for immediate family members. A valid
first responder ID is required upon check-in. See connerprairie.org for details.

PRAIRIE TYKES: GABBY GOATS

9:30–11 a.m. August 9, 10
$12 child, $11 member
Ages 3–6; children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Younger
siblings are welcome. Ages 2 and older require a ticket.
See if you can find the “Three Billy Goats Gruff.” Hear their story and make a
craft. Reservations are required. Register online at connerprairie.org or by
calling 317-776-6000.

HAWKINS FUNERAL

10 a.m.–5 p.m. August 11, 12
Funeral ceremony begins at 2 p.m.
Free with general admission
It is not only happy events that bring together a community. Join the citizens
of Prairietown as they help the Hawkins family grieve the loss of wife and
mother Lydia and celebrate her life. Learn how people viewed death and
mourned in 19th century America.

PRAIRIE TOTS: TEDDY BEAR PICNIC

9:30–10:15 a.m., 11–11:45 a.m. August 17
$6 youth, $5 member
Age 2; children must be accompanied by an adult
at no charge.
Bring your Teddy Bear and head outside to enjoy
the sun and play games. Reservations are required.
Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling
317-776-6000.

PRAIRIE TYKES: TEDDY BEAR PICNIC

9:30–11 a.m. August 23, 24
$12 child, $11 member
Ages 3–6; children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Younger
siblings are welcome. Ages 2 and older require a ticket.
Bring your favorite stuffed animal and join our picnic in the park.
Reservations are required. Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling
317-776-6000.

PRAIRIETOWN CATTLE AUCTION

10 a.m.–5 p.m. August 25
Cattle auction begins at 3 p.m.
Free with general admission
Come learn about the cattle of Prairietown as townspeople get ready to
put their prized cattle up for auction. Help with grooming as the cattle are
prepared for the sale. Try your hand at churning butter and sample some
buttermilk. When auction time comes, will you have a winning bid?

PRAIRIE PURSUITS: BASIC KNIFEMAKING

8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. August 25, 26
$235 non-member, $225 member
Ages 16 and older
Crafting your own knife is a satisfying challenge. We’ll upcycle used steel into
hand-forged and finished knives. Learn about proper forging, heat treating
and handle construction. Some basic tools and materials are required.
Reservations are required. Register online at connerprairie.org or by calling
317-776-6000.

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