French Market

The St. Joan of Arc French Market is a one-day, free-admission outdoor festival held in Indianapolis at 4217 Central Avenue, on the grounds of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. The 2025 event will take place on September 6th from noon to 10 pm. It is known as one of Indianapolis's best neighborhood festivals, blending French and American cultures through cuisine, live music, artisan booths, and family-friendly activities. The event also celebrates the feast day of Saint Joan of Arc and supports the church's traditional primary school.

The vibe of the event is festive, classy, and community-oriented, emphasizing authentic French culture with a warm neighborhood street fair atmosphere. The setting includes the historic 100-year-old limestone church where a French Mass is held at 5:30 pm. The festival encourages lively enjoyment with French and American foods, artisan crafts, and live music, appealing to families and all ages alike.

The core activities at the French Market include:

• French and American cuisine prepared on-site by chefs, including highlights like escargot, oysters Rockefeller, quiche, mussels, Tarte Flambé (Alsatian pizza), Beef Bourguignon, Crawfish Étouffée, seafood crepes, French Dip sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, and beignets. Food and beverage tickets are purchased on-site for $1 each, with prices ranging from $1 to $30.
• Live music all day, featuring bands such as TransAtlantis, Roughhouse, Pavel, Direct Contact, and Living Proof. Music ranges from French-inspired to other genres to create a vibrant, dance-friendly environment.
• An artisan craft fair with about 50 unique artisan booths selling fine art, jewelry, and locally made items. A boutique offers themed souvenirs like berets and wine tumblers.
• A raffle supporting the church and school community.
• A children’s area featuring games and activities suitable for families attending the event.
• A guided architectural tour of St. Joan of Arc Church, showcasing its design by architect Henry Schlacks and historical significance.

A rough schedule of the day includes:

• 12:00 PM: Festival opens with food booths, artisan vendors, and live music starting.
• Throughout the afternoon: Continuous live music performances and artisan shopping.
• 5:30 PM: Traditional Catholic Mass conducted entirely in French inside the church.
• Evening: Continued music and entertainment concluding at 10:00 PM.

The event's history dates back over three decades, originally starting as a Sunday family picnic and evolving into a major neighborhood street fair. It honors the Feast day of Saint Joan of Arc every September, blending cultural celebration with community fundraising for the church's grade school.

The location at 42nd & Central (specifically 4217 Central Ave) situates the festival in a welcoming residential area of Indianapolis, with easy accessibility including accommodations for handicapped attendees. The church's limestone architecture and historic setting contribute significantly to the event's atmosphere and cultural richness.

Overall, the St. Joan of Arc French Market is a vibrant, family-friendly festival that highlights French culinary and cultural traditions within the Indianapolis community, offering diverse activities from gourmet food and artisan crafts to live music and religious observance.