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What is EightDown™ Fest?

EightDown™ is a festival celebrating Black Unity and Excellence, taking place the first weekend in August (the 8th month) to promote community uplift within the Black community (are you Down?). “Ate down”; a slang term, most commonly used within Black and LGBTQ+ communities, is often used to express strong approval or praise. It’s similar to saying someone “slayed” or “killed it,” and is often used in contexts where someone has performed exceptionally well, particularly in areas like fashion, music, or performance.
So the EightDown™ Festival is a mecca for Black culture in Indianapolis. Food, Fashion, Performance, Music and more. Come celebrate with us as we highlight local entrepreneurs with over 150 Black owned businesses inside the PMPHASE vendor marketplace, dance exhibitions and instruction from Power P Bounce & Co., Steppin’ with Shayla, G3 Steppers, WeightDRIP, Common Ground Urban Line Dance (CeeeeeGeeeeee)! and more on our “Culture in Motion” stage curated by Uzuri Asad.
The best DJs in the city will once again display their talents for bragging rights and a grand prize in the name of a beloved community DJ and friend in the DJ Skrill Memorial Heritage Cup Tournament in partnership with Vinyl Destination DJ Battle League.

Emcees will gather and display their lyrical prowess in not one but two Hip Hop Cyphers hosted by Jinx Eshaa and Joosi GotBars, and Artistry of a variety of mediums will be on display with live painting in our “Art in the Orchard” curated by Jamichael Kyng Pollard.

Last but not least we’ll also see the return of our 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for Youth and Young Adults in partnership with Y2G Indy with brackets for ages 9-12, 13-15, 16-18 and young adults.

It’s all going down Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 1pm until 7pm (1+7=8) at Flanner House, 2424 Dr. MLK Jr. Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

Special Features

Venue

Flanner House
2424 Doctor M.L.K. Jr St.,
Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

The Flanner House has been a beacon of hope and opportunity to the residents of 46208 since 1898. Their mission is to support, advocate for and empower individuals, children and families by applying educational, social and economic resources that move members of the community towards stabilization, and self-sufficiency. We’re proud to continue our tradition of hosting “Tha Block Party” at Flanner House and further highlight their food justice, education and equity initiatives.

 

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors