INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown Indianapolis will transform into a vibrant stage this weekend, as the WNBA All-Star Weekend arrives with not just basketball, but the celebration of art and dance. 

Local dancers of all styles are uniting for a series of dynamic activations, showcasing their talent and creativity.

Among the talented dancers featured is Ashley Lain, a tap dancer from Indianapolis. For Lain, this opportunity is not just about performing; it’s a significant milestone in her career.

“This is like a resume line: I danced at WNBA All-Star Weekend as part of the entertainment for all the fans,” said Lain.

She expressed her enthusiasm for performing in a city where opportunities for tap dancers can be limited. “As a tap dancer, there’s not a lot of work for us, especially maybe in a city that doesn’t have a big tap hub. So it is like an honor to be able to present myself as a tap dancer to the city.”

Dancer Cuong Tran shares a similar passion and vision for the weekend. He hopes that the WNBA All-Star festivities will inspire dancers across Central Indiana and broaden their horizons.

“I think a lot of people think they need to move out to like LA or somewhere in California or New York to make dance a living. I think being part of this event is going to show folks that you don’t got to move anywhere. You know, we can do it here in Indiana, in Indianapolis,” Tran stated.

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Tran will play an active role this weekend by teaching a pop-up dance class on Monument Circle following Saturday’s All-Star Bounce event. He will also showcase his skills as an emcee for an all-women dance battle, an event he is eagerly anticipating. “It’s going to be crazy… We have so much talent in Indiana,” Tran said.

Both Tran and Lain were selected from over 100 dancers who responded to a call for talent issued by the Indy Dance Council, an organization dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the dance community in Indianapolis.

“For us, dance is part of life. Dance is part of culture. Everybody dances a little bit, shaking it in your kitchen absolutely counts. That is how we celebrate, that’s how we express, that’s how we mourn. It’s dance,” Mariel Greenlee, the artistic director of the Indy Dance Council, explained.

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Sarah Farnsley, managing director of the Indy Dance Council, added that the organization is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the WNBA.

“Our organization’s only about three years old, and before us, there wasn’t really so much of a way to gather all the groups together,” she expressed, highlighting the growth of the local dance community.

The partnership with the WNBA was a natural fit, given that approximately 72% of the dance community is female.

“There’s a massive female-led presence in both of those communities. So I think a ton of crossover is natural, but it’s also a way to really showcase a lot of the incredible talent that we have in the city, in the dance space.”

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Greenlee hopes that fans will come out to support the dancers this weekend. Dance performances will be showcased on the south end of Monument Circle, near the Conrad Hotel and at the Indiana Convention Center.

The entire community is invited to join in the festivities for Indy’s hottest dance jam, which kicks off on Friday night on Monument Circle. The event opens with pop-up performances by Dance Kaleidoscope and the Indy Project before dozens of local dancers ignite the dance floor from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

As Indianapolis rolls out the red carpet for All-Star festivities, the city’s dancers are ready to showcase their passion, creativity, and talent, making this All-Star Weekend a celebration of both basketball and the vibrant rhythm of dance.

WNBA’s 2025 All-Star Weekend will put women’s basketball front and center in downtown Indianapolis with a variety of events. While other events will run alongside the league’s planned festivities, here’s what to know about the main basketball and entertainment events planned July 18-19.

WNBA Live presented by Panini schedule

This two-day interactive fan experience will include appearances by current and former WNBA players, exclusive merchandise, basketball clinics and games, and league and sponsor experiences for fans gathered in downtown Indianapolis. The ticketed event will precede each night’s activities at nearby Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Where: Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19

Tickets: Daily adult admission is $28.40 plus applicable taxes at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets for children age 12 and younger are free and must be reserved while purchasing adult tickets.

WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest, Kia WNBA Skills Challenge time and TV schedule

Friday’s main event includes the league’s annual 3-point contest and skills challenge that pits top players against each other in a variety of basketball skills-based competitions.

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Indianapolis

When: 8 p.m. ET Friday, July 18 (broadcast on ESPN)

Tickets: Verified resale tickets are listed for a wide range of prices at Ticketmaster.com.

FeverFest time and schedule

This outdoor music and comedy event in downtown Indianapolis is headlined by musician The Kid LAROI, with featured performances by Cedric the Entertainer, Leslie Jones, Aida Rodriguez, G-Eazy, BIA and more.

Where: Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19

Tickets: Tickets are available at a wide range of prices at Ticketmaster.com.

Re-live Caitlin Clark’s rookie season with our commemorative book

2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game time and TV schedule

The WNBA’s annual showcase game pits teams captained by Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier.

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Indianapolis

When: 8:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, July 19 (broadcast on ABC)

Tickets: Verified resale tickets are listed for a wide range of prices, starting at about $140 plus taxes, at Ticketmaster.com.

Stream the WNBA All-Star Game on ESPN+

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