INDIANAPOLIS — "SPARK on the Circle" is now open on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis for the second consecutive year.
For this year's event, the temporary green space will be on the northwest side of the circle. It features outdoor seating and grassy turf with weekly entertainment like live music, art and games.
Indianapolis city officials say the idea came together after they saw a need to bring people together in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It was such a huge success," said Iris Dillon with the Department of Metropolitan Development about about last year's SPARK on the Circle. "Over 70,000 people last year, so we're looking forward to this year and many more to come."
Additionally, this year's SPARK on the Circle event will feature the "Big Gay Pride Market" to celebrate Pride month. The market will feature 50 vendors each day.
The market serves as a way to celebrate 40 years of Indy Pride.
"The first queer gathering happened 40 years ago this year," said Hannah Hadley. "So it's kind of an anniversary for us as a community."
SPARK on the Circle is open every day from 11 a.m. to dusk from now until November. A scaled-down version is being planned for the holiday season. The "Big Gay Pride Market" continues Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.