St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana

St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana

From classic French dishes to scrumptious pastries; there was a bevy of French edibles at the St. Joan of Arc French Market festival in Indianapolis, Indiana.

It serves as a major funding source for the maintenance of the church and school.

St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana

Now in its 23rd year, the festival, is consistently one of the best and biggest in Indianapolis and is held each year on the second Saturday after Labor Day in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood of Indianapolis.

This Marion County festival is a food, arts and crafts and live entertainment celebration that, as the name implies, revolves around a French theme.

Our family of three strolled past more than two dozen Indiana artisans‘ booths with a wide array of art and handcrafted items including beautiful jewelry, along with a dozen food and drinks booths along with local live bands.

A little Taste of Paris

St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana

St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana

I ordered quiche, French Fries and a side order of fruit. It was delicious and the hearty portions filled our bellies.

My favorite were the thin and garlic flavored French Fries.

The menu is well stacked with a lot of French favorites including escargot, oysters, mussels, French onion soup, cheese and fruit, rotisserie chicken, tarte flambe, white Alsacian pizza, beef bourguignon, crawfish etouffee, pommes frites. There was so much to choose from that I had a hard time making a decision.

Classic French Favorites

St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana

St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana

The Ratatouille and bread with basil butter also looked and smelled really good. The seafood crepes were a big hit and were absolutely delicious. I love anything seafood. But I had to remember to save room for dessert!

You’ll be tempted by beignets, cheesecake, cream puffs, eclairs, chocolate mousse and Madeleines. If you have kids they’ll keep you busy with playground activities so you may work off all the food you just ate.

The event began at noon and ran into the evening until 10 p.m. We decided to go in the afternoon so our son could play on the swing set.

Expect the festival to be packed, especially as evening nears. That’s when the courtyard ambiance really transforms into an open-air street party as multiple strings of lights crisscrossed above tables create authentic French flair. It feels as if you are tucked away along the cobblestone streets of Paris.

There was laughter coming from kids and adults in all directions. The French Market is one of the many family festival opportunities in Indianapolis with a chance for kids all over the city to come together and celebrate all things French.

Go There

St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana

St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana

Save the date now for the St. Joan of Arc French Market festival. Admission is free and once inside you can buy tickets for food and beverages.

It’s a small friendly neighborhood tradition and I can’t wait to go back next year. I’ll be sure to order more French Fries.

St. Joan of Arc French Market
4217 Central Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46205

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