Photographer / Stephanie Duncan
The 21st WNBA All-Star Game is in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the first time. In addition to the festivities on the court, an action-packed event schedule is taking place in downtown Indy, offering many opportunities for basketball fans to celebrate. WNBA All-Star Weekend takes place the weekend of July 17–18, but that’s not the only massive event going on that weekend.
The Indiana Black Expo is also hosting its popular annual event, Summer Celebration, that same weekend. With approximately 70,000 fans expected for the WNBA All-Star weekend and around 88,000 guests anticipated for the 10-day IBE Summer Celebration, the host committee is excited to collaborate on blending these celebrations for a uniquely memorable experience.
When Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, found out about the weekend of the All-Star Game, she immediately knew she had to get the Indiana Black Expo involved early on and reached out to Alice Watson, president and CEO of the Indiana Black Expo.
“Last summer, when the [WNBA] league reached out to us and said, ‘Would you be interested in hosting the WNBA All-Star Game?’ the first call I made was to Alice. We wanted to be sure that this was something that the organization thought would be complimentary to what they were doing and that we could coexist downtown together.”
The partnership feels like a natural one to Alice Watson, who immediately saw opportunities to collaborate again with Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “This is the most exciting time not only for Indiana Black Expo, PS&E, but for the city of Indianapolis, that we’re able to host the WNBA All-Star together.”
Coordinating multiple events and community improvement projects during All-Star Weekend is a massive undertaking. Still, the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee is confident that this partnership will have a positive impact on the Indianapolis community. “I don’t think that there’s many cities that can pull this sort of thing off as well as we can. We’re certainly going to raise the bar for WNBA All-Star Weekend. I think we’re gonna make sure everybody in our community that wants to be a part of this can touch this in some way,” Raines says.
The legacy projects include renovations and upgrades to the Al E. Polin Basketball Court, Fletcher Place Community Center and MCCOY (Marion County Commission on Youth), as well as supporting the Marvella Foundation championship basketball court build.
The committee hopes to transform downtown to match the magnitude of this event. Similar to their efforts with the NBA All-Star Weekend, fans should expect to see downtown decked out and ready to celebrate. Additionally, WNBA legend Tamika Catchings is the subject of an upcoming mural on the Alexandra building, also known as Lockerbie Court.
The WNBA All-Star Game tips off Saturday, July 19, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The event is sold out, but there are plenty of other events for fans to participate in. Discover all the parties and events happening in Indy in mid-July below.
WNBA All-Star Main Events
WNBA All-Star Main EventsSaturday, July 12 – Sunday, July 13
All-Star Cure with Komen Tissue Bank*
Participate in a breast tissue donation drive that collects healthy breast tissue for cancer research. Women under 40 are encouraged to participate.
Thursday, July 17
WNBA All-Star Live Media Preview & Orange Carpet Experience, Indiana Convention Center
All-Star Weekend kicks off with an orange carpet event, where fans can catch All-Star players walking the carpet with photo opportunities.
Period Packs, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indy Hygiene Hub and Project Period are partnering with the WNBA to pack 25,000 women’s products for distribution to girls and women in need.
Friday, July 18
WNBA Live, Indiana Convention Center
This exclusive event offers activities and experiences including meet-and-greets with stars, live panels, personalized WNBA merchandise and more.
Starry 3-Point Contest & Kia Skills Challenge, Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Top stars will showcase talents at these signature competitions. Limited tickets are still available. Learn more at wnbaallstar2025.com/events-and-tickets.
WISE/R Symposium, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
In collaboration with the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee, this event features scholarships, leadership insights and keynote speaker Candace Parker.
Saturday, July 19*
WNBA Live, Indiana Convention Center
Includes similar activities as Friday’s session.
Fever Fest, White River State Park
Enjoy live music, dance, comedy and more. Tickets go on sale soon at feverfestival.com.
All-Star Bounce
Free event for 2,500 kids to dribble a half-mile route downtown. Registration opens soon.
Statewide All-Star Scavenger Hunt
Fans will solve trivia and collect code words to win prizes.
Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration Main Events
Friday, July 11
IBE Ecumenical Service, 7 p.m., New Direction Church – East Campus
Kickoff service filled with inspiration and hosted by Pastor Tolan Morgan.
Saturday, July 12
IBE Film Festival, 3–7 p.m., 601 N. Shortridge Road
Showcasing independent films by African American and African filmmakers. Free event.
Monday, July 14 – Tuesday, July 15
IBE Business Conference, Indiana Convention Center*
Focused on opportunities for minority, women, veteran and disabled business owners. Includes Mayor’s Breakfast hosted by Mayor Joe Hogsett.
IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series
Workshops for middle and high school students aspiring to become entrepreneurs.
Thursday, July 17
IBE Education Conference, Indiana Convention Center
Leading conference on educational equity and innovation. This year’s theme: “Bringing Your A-Game.”
July 18–20
IBE Exhibition Hall
Features 300+ Black-owned businesses, performances and interactive exhibits.
Cultural Arts Pavilion
Theme: “Court Vision: The Art of Resilience and Excellence,” spotlighting women athletes and leaders.
Art Speaks Cafe
A stage for local creatives and performers throughout the weekend.
Indiana Health Fair
Offers over $4,000 in free health screenings and wellness resources.
Friday, July 18
Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon
Honors individuals for community contributions.
IBE Policy Summit
Business leaders and policymakers discuss community challenges and solutions.
Music Heritage Festival, IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium
Featuring Keith Sweat, SWV, Cameo, Deniece Williams and Christopher Williams.
Saturday, July 19
All White Affair, Indiana Convention Center
Upscale event with live music, networking and celebrity guests. White attire required.
Sunday, July 20
IBE’s Gospel Explosion
A soulful close to the weekend with gospel music and choir performances.
