On today's Dopest we're covering:
Symphony on the Prairie — the classiest picnic you'll have all summer, no formal wear required
White Water Canoe Company — four to five hours floating the White River and that's it, that's the plan
Bonge's Tavern in Perkinsville — a legendary Indiana institution that's been worth the drive since 1944
Thanks for reading!
- Hillary
Via Connerprairie.org
🎻 The Dopest Summer Series — Symphony on the Prairie
Hear us out. A blanket on the grass. A picnic you actually put effort into for once. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra playing under the open sky at Conner Prairie in Fishers while the sun sets behind the stage. It's quintessential midwest and it is one of the best things Indiana does every single summer.
The 2026 Kroger Symphony on the Prairie lineup is stacked with something for everyone— Billy Joel and Elton John tribute acts, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Earth Wind & Fire, Yacht Rock, Sabrina Carpenter, Harry Styles, Queen, Tom Petty, the Beatles, and the Bee Gees. All of it live, all of it outdoors, all of it at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre from late June through Labor Day weekend. Gates open at 6pm, music starts at 8pm, and the window in between is for eating, drinking, and pretending you have your life together.
Lawn tickets let you spread out with a blanket. Reserved seats and tables get you closer to the stage. The ISO Sunset Lounge VIP experience gets you covered seating, private bathrooms, and special parking — which, if you've ever tried to leave a lawn concert, you understand is worth considering.
📍 Conner Prairie Amphitheatre, Fishers · Gates 6PM · Music 8PM · indianapolissymphony.org
The Dopest Tip: The Harry Potter and Yacht Rock nights sell out fast — grab tickets now before someone else takes your spot on the lawn. Kids 2 and under are free, everyone 3 and up needs a ticket.
Via Whiterivercanoe.com
🛟 The Dopest Outdoor Adventure — White Water Canoe Company
Sometimes Indiana summer feels like you live in the butthoel of the underworld - hot and humid is an understatement. At a certain point, all we’re trying to do is stay cool. White Water Canoe Company has been providing a peak midwest water activity - tubing the White River and we’re here to remind you.
The Potters Bridge tubing trip launches from their River Road livery in Noblesville, shuttles you up to the historic Potters Bridge, and then lets you float three miles back down the White River at whatever pace the river decides. That's it. That's the whole thing. It is perfect. A day in the water with friends, a cooler full of drinks and sunburn is enough to make you fall in love with the midwest all over again.
Departures run daily from 10am to 1pm, with extended times on weekends and holidays. The whole trip takes four to five hours depending on water levels — in late summer low water conditions they'll shift you to a shorter Forest Park route, which is still a great time and frankly a more reasonable commitment if you have places to be. Call some friends, pick a date and make your river rat day a reality.
📍 River Road Livery, Noblesville · Daily 10AM–1PM · whitewatercanoe.com
The Dopest Tip: Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and something to keep your phone dry. Leave your plans for the afternoon open — four to five hours on a river has a way of turning into an evening.
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Home Ownership Is For Everyone
Trevor bought his first home in downtown Indy 11 years ago — in a neighborhood that wasn't exactly on anyone's radar. That house is now his biggest asset. He believed in this city before it was easy to, and he's been helping other people do the same ever since.
He's worked with clients from Brownsburg to Fishers to Greenwood to downtown Indy and everywhere in between. He went full time in real estate in 2020 but don't expect a stiff suit and a rehearsed pitch. Trevor shows up as himself, which turns out to be exactly what people need when they're making the biggest financial decision of their lives. Interested in learning more? Reach out! Trevor is the least sales bro guy we know. (Thank goodness)
He believes home buying is for everyone. We believe him.
@trevorstaubin
Via Bongestavern.com
🍺 The Dopest Dinner Road Trip — Bonge's Tavern, Perkinsville
There are restaurants you go to because they're convenient. And then there are restaurants you drive to because they've earned it. Bonge's Tavern in Perkinsville — yes, Perkinsville — is firmly in the second category and has been since 1944.
Bonge’s opened over 80 years ago and slowly but surely patrons have been sharing the good news of great food ever since. Today Bonge's is part restaurant, part Indiana institution — covered in college banners, stocked with materials sourced from across the state, and completely worth the drive from wherever you are. Pull up, tailgate in the parking, (yes that actually a part of the experience) grab a table on the porch, and settle in. You’ll be waddling back to your car after dinner before you know it!
A few things to know before you go: you must be 21 to dine (18 with a parent or guardian). No cornhole, no open flames, no pets. Check in with the hostess at the front porch. First come, first served on the outdoor tables. It's a whole vibe and the rules are part of it.
📍 9830 W 280 N, Perkinsville, IN · bongestavern.com
The Dopest Tip: This is a destination dinner. Make an evening day of it — organize a group of friends. Make a reservation. Plan the pre dinner tailgate. You're welcome.
Dopest Events This Week:
Fruit Bats | Hifi Annex | Thursday
Indiana Fever vs ATL Dream | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | Thursday
Gianmarco Soresi | The Comedy Attic | Friday
Juneteenth Celebration | Indiana Historical Society | Free | Saturday
Indy is always up to something. So are we.
See you next week! — Indy's Dopest