Citing last year's success, Indianapolis officials announce return of SPARK on the Circle

SPARK on the Circle is set to return to downtown Indianapolis in June.

The program closes off parts of Monument Circle to vehicles, opening it to foot traffic for arts and culture events.

The program launched in 2023 and welcomed some 78,000 visitors, according to data from Downtown Indy Inc.

In a statement, DII President and CEO Taylor Schaffer said the demand for unique programming in the Downtown area has never been greater.

“Since the inception of SPARK, we’ve encouraged Downtown residents and visitors to experience Monument Circle in an entirely new way, and we’re excited to continue extending that invitation this season,” Schaffer said.

Other events on the circle include the incorporation of the farmers market, which will relocate during renovations to the Indianapolis City Market.

Last year, critics of SPARK on the Circle included some downtown business owners and then-Mayoral Candidate Jefferson Shreve. The conversation about permanently closing the circle to traffic is ongoing.

The park-like setup of SPARK last year took over the southwest quad of the circle and now moves to the northwest quad because of feedback from “local partners” and to accommodate construction, according to the release.

SPARK will offer programming from June until November, with some additional programming into the winter holiday season.