Happy hour | New State Fair foods | July concert guide

Need something to do? Here are 40+ performances to check out this month

Summertime in Indianapolis brings no shortage of things to do, and this month is no exception. Domenica Bongiovanni and I pulled together a list of more than 40 performances happening across Central Indiana in July that you can check out — and that's not even all that's happening this month.

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Hoosiers get happy (hour)

July 1 was the first time in nearly 40 years that Hoosier bars and restaurants could offer happy hour drink specials, thanks to a new law that went into effect, lifting the state's decades-long ban. Looking to celebrate? IndyStar's Cheryl V. Jackson put together a list of food and drink specials that includes beer, wine, cocktails and appetizers.

Beat the heat with these unusual ice cream flavors

It's July, which means the summer is only just starting to heat up. IndyStar's Bradley Hohulin did us all a solid and sampled a variety of unusual ice creams from across Central Indiana, and he's got recs , including flavors featuring tequila, baklava and maple syrup with bacon.

Newly announced State Fair foods lean into excess

Looking for something deep fried and/or served with pickles? The Indiana State Fair's annual Taste of the Fair has you covered . At this year's State Fair, which runs Aug. 2-18, you'll be able to sample delicacies like a Bloody Mary garnished with fried mac and cheese, a cheeseburger slider and a mini apple pie; a blueberry cheesecake stuffed elephant ear; and dill pickle Dr. Pepper.

Still looking for July 4th plans?

We love a last-minute plan. If you're still looking for ways to celebrate the Fourth tonight, IndyStar's Alex Haddon has compiled a list of Central Indiana fireworks shows and parties you can check out.

Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at holly.hays@indystar.com. Follow her on X/Twitter: @hollyvhays.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Happy hour | New State Fair foods | July concert guide