Final Four in Indianapolis: 10 Things To Do With Your Family (No Game Ticket Needed)
Look, we know what you’re thinking - Final Four weekend means impossible tickets, crowded streets, and maybe not worth it with kids. But here’s the thing: the weekend of the Final Four in Indianapolis is so much more than just the games (no, really!).
From April 3-6, downtown Indianapolis turns into a full-on, walkable experience with interactive fan zones, free concerts, and events tied to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament happening across the city. It’s the ninth time the city of Indianapolis has hosted the Men’s Final Four, with events spanning iconic venues like Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and even historic spaces like Hinkle Fieldhouse and the former Market Square Arena. Even better: For the first time ever, Division I, Division II, and Division III championships - plus the NIT - are all happening in one city, for one weekend.
(And while I know many of our readers are hoping to cheer on the Purdue Boilermakers in the Final Four game, this author has been a diehard Michigan Wolverine since birth so I'm planning to see them thru to the NCAA Championships title game, k?)
College basketball fans, Indy is where you'll want to be and we're breaking down everything you need to know about the Final Four in Indianapolis. Let's go...
10 Things to Do With Your Family During Final Four in Indianapolis...
1. Start With Final Four Fan Fest (Your Anchor Activity)
If you do one thing during the Final Four in Indianapolis, make it this. The Final Four Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center is the hub of the weekend - with interactive games, basketball challenges, autographs, and photo ops tied to the NCAA tournament.
Location: Indiana Convention Center
Insider tip: Use code MFF26 for 50% off tickets
2. Don’t Skip the March Madness Music Festival
The March Madness Music Festival at American Legion Mall is one of the biggest (and best) free events of Final Four weekend in downtown Indianapolis. And this year’s lineup just got even more buzz with a surprise performance from Post Malone added to the weekend.
Location: American Legion Mall
Cost: Completely FREE
3. Go Inside Lucas Oil Stadium (For Free)
Yes - you can step inside Lucas Oil Stadium without a game ticket. Reese's Final Four Friday gives fans access to team practices ahead of the national championship game, showcases the Reese's NABC College All-Star Game, featuring top senior student-athletes from across the nation competing on the very court where the Men's Final Four Semifinal and Championship games will take place.
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
Cost: Completely FREE
4. Plan Time for Georgia Street (The Heart of the Weekend)
If you do nothing else, walk Georgia Street. During the Final Four in Indianapolis, Georgia Street becomes the central hub for:
Watch parties
Live entertainment
Food + drinks
Pop-ups + activations
Location: It connects multiple event spaces and is fully walkable from Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center
5. Build Your Day Around Downtown Indianapolis
The best way to approach the Final Four in Indianapolis? Keep it simple. Here's an easy plan to replicate:
Start at Final Four Fan Fest (Indiana Convention Center)
Walk through Georgia Street
End at the March Madness Music Festival at American Legion Mall
Location: Downtown Indianapolis
READY TO TAKE YOUR FAMILY TRIPS TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
6. Let Your Kids Be Part of It: Final Four Dribble
The Final Four Dribble is a one-mile, family-friendly event where kids (18 and under) can literally dribble a basketball through downtown (no media credentials required, ha!) - starting near Carroll Stadium and finishing at Victory Field. Along the way, they’re part of the energy of Final Four weekend, surrounded by other families and fans - and when they finish, they’ll receive:
An official Wilson basketball
A branded t-shirt
Free entry into Final Four Fan Fest
Location: Starts at Carroll Stadium
Cost: It’s free to participate, but registration is required in advance
Insider Tip: Spots are limited, so this is one to sign up for early
7. Download the Indiana Hoops Pass (Free + Interactive)
If your kids love a challenge, this is a fun one to add in. The Indiana Hoops Pass is a free digital “passport” where you check in at basketball landmarks across Indianapolis and beyond by scanning QR codes — earning points and unlocking prizes like koozies, hats, and even FREE Final Four Fan Fest tickets. It’s an easy way to add structure to your day — and make the weekend more interactive for kids. Stops include:
Lucas Oil Stadium
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Hinkle Fieldhouse
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame + more
Redeem prizes April 3-6 at The INDEX on Georgia Street
Get the pass here: https://www.visitindy.com/indiana-hoops-pass
Watch Before You Go 🎥
We broke this all down on Indy Now — including how to plan your day around the Final Four Fan Fest, free events, and the best stops in downtown Indianapolis.
More Things to Do With Your Family During Final Four in Indianapolis...
8. Add an Indoor Stop: NCAA Hall of Champions
Need a break from the crowds?
The NCAA Hall of Champions in downtown Indianapolis is an interactive museum tied to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, making it a great reset during a busy Final Four weekend.
Location: White River State Park
Bonus: It’s indoor + family-friendly!!
Check out their site: https://ncaahallofchampions.org/
9. Visit the College Basketball Hall of Fame
Located near the Indiana Convention Center, the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame is a great add-on to your Final Four Fan Fest visit.
It highlights the history of the NCAA tournament, legendary teams, and players — giving kids and adults more context around the sport.
🎥 Watch our Reel from last year for a quick preview before you go.
10. Get the Backstory: Hysteria Podcast
Want more context before you go? Visit Indy and Indiana Sports Corp launched a new podcast, Hysteria: A Basketball Show, diving into Indy’s role in hosting major NCAA moments — including the first time the entire tournament was hosted in one city in 2021.
