The Holy Cross Wine and Cheese Festival is coming back – and we promise you’ll have a gouda time. This event features food, music, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and community groups gathering to celebrate our wonderful neighborhood! This event is free to attend, but this year we’re overflowing with ways you can get involved – sip, sip, hooray!

July 20, 2024 | 4 PM to 9 PM | Sturm Esplanade @ Sturm Ave between Arsenal & State Avenues

Festival Map & Ticket Guide

All Wine and Cheese Festival purchases of samples, drinks, and cheese trays – tickets are required! See the Festival Map & Ticket Guide to know what you will need tickets for on the big day.

Festival Schedule

The Big Cheese (and Wine)

Check out our Bar Menu!

Participate in our Elevated Experiences!

Grilled Cheese Throwdown: This limited-edition pass allows festival participants to enter the Grilled Cheese Throwdown tent at 6 PM on the event day. Once there, they will taste all five chef-designed grilled cheese entries and then cast their vote for the winner. The winning chef from this competition wins a golden ticket to the World Food Championships!

Sommelier Experience Pass: This special ticket provides entry into the SOMM experience with Sommelier Jan Bugher at 4:30 PM. Participants will enjoy an educational journey through a progression of wines with select charcuterie-based pairings. There are only 30 tickets available for this event, so these tickets will not last long.

Get your tickets at the festival!

Wine Provided by:

Crossroad Vintners | B-Side Selections | Johnson Brothers | Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits

Wondering what you can expect?  These are the wines that will be at the event and where to find them!

Musical Acts

DJ Sinclair Williams (spinning from 4-4:30 | 5:30-6)

Beatty and the Bayonets (playing from 4:30-5:30)

DysFUNKtion Brass (playing from 6-9)

Vendors Including:

Gravesco | It’s On & Poppin Popcorn LLC | Embroidery N Things by Rhonda | Candle and Cole | Eat Surreal | 80 Acres Farms | Wild August Apparel | PJs Pink Boutique | Tulip Tree Creamery | Ameci Clothing | Mary D Preserves | All Dolled Up | Wreaths by Candis | Ariel Faye Ceramics | Gordon’s Milkshakes | Thrifted by the Girls

* We’re excited about our lineup of vendors! At this time we’re no longer accepting vendor interest forms. *

Thank You, Current Sponsors

This event is wine in a million – and whether we’ve had you at merlot, or you’re forever making pour decisions – we know, where there’s a wine, there’s a way. This event can’t happen without the support of our wonderful sponsors!

Rose

ReDevelopment Group | Paramount Schools of Excellence

Riesling

Glassburn Properties | Pedego Bikes | Kelly’s Fund | Gathyr Apartments | Hoosier Equine Veterinarian

Vineyard

Beau Gentry | Tim & Renee O’Sullivan | Ryan Thorpe & Amanda Wade | @properties | Katie Harris | Devon McGoldrick | Indiana Real Estate Alliance | R. Myers Insurance

Moscato

Flower Boys | Duane VanLanningham | Marilee Tullis | Therese Reckley

In-Kind & Partners

Sun King Brewery | Smoking Goose | Tulip Tree Creamery | Bluebeard | RHB Resources | Cash & Carry

***

For information on sponsorships for 2025 please contact: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What forms of payment will be accepted?

Food and beverage ticket purchases and experiences are credit card only. Tickets will be available on-site for purchase. Food trucks and vendors will accept cash or card.

* IDs required for alcohol consumption. *

Is attendance to the Wine and Cheese festival free?  

Yes, attendance, music, and kid’s games and bounce house are free.  See above for food, beverages, and experiences.

What kinds of food will be available? 

There will be cheese trays prepared by Tulip Tree available for purchase with tickets, and multiple food trucks and food vendors selling on-site.

Are dogs allowed at the Holy Cross Wine and Cheese Festival? 

We welcome well-behaved and leashed dogs.  A few dog water dishes will be available.

It’s hot in July!  How will I relax in the heat?

Good news!  Most of the event will be in the shade.

Can I bring my own chairs?

Yes, the festival will have seating areas, but you are welcome to bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.

What are the parking options?

We recommend carpooling, ridesharing, walking and biking. Those who drive are encouraged to use on-street parking nearby.

Where is the ride share drop-off area?

State and Sturm. Please use this address:  445 N. State Ave, Indianapolis, IN

Are kids welcome? 

Yes, kids are welcome!  There will be a dedicated kids area with games, face-painting, and bounce house (all kids must be accompanied by an adult 21+).

What happens with the profit made at the Wine and Cheese Festival?

This is a neighborhood fundraiser so any proceeds will go towards next year’s events and the Holy Cross Neighborhood for art installations, beautification, etc.

Who was on the 2024 Wine & Cheese planning committee?

Megan May – Chair  |  Holly Miller – Wine & Cheese  |  Renee O’Sullivan – Logistics and Attendee Experience  |  Hannah Bouton – Marketing  |  Kris Glassburn – Sponsorship & Silent Auction  |  Therese Reckley & Olivia Bennett – Volunteers