Families FAQ

Your questions, answered.

Familia Fest is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about attending, from schedules and parking to accessibility and language support.

Saturday during the SHPE National Convention University Village at the Indianapolis Convention Center Free and open to the public

At a glance

Attending is easy.

Free — registration required

Admission is free, but every family must register in advance. No SHPE membership needed.

Open to all families

All backgrounds and family structures are welcome.

All ages welcome

Activities are designed for K–12 students and their grown-ups.

Bilingual friendly

Materials and support in English and Spanish where possible.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access, sensory-friendly spaces, and accommodations. Add accessibility needs when you register, or email Events@shpe.org.

Parking & transit

On-site parking at the Indianapolis Convention Center; transit and hotel options nearby.

Common Questions

What families ask us most.

How do I attend? Is there a cost?

Admission is completely free, but advance registration is required for every attendee. We are not accepting walk-up registrations at the door — you must sign up ahead of time to guarantee your spot. Registration details will be posted here as the event gets closer. (We may open door registration in future years depending on demand.)

Who is the event for?

Familia Fest is for K–12 students, parents, guardians, educators, and the broader Indianapolis community. While the programming is rooted in the traditions of the families we serve, every family is welcome regardless of background.

When and where is Familia Fest?

Familia Fest takes place on Saturday during the SHPE National Convention at University Village, located inside the Indianapolis Convention Center (100 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN). It is a family-friendly walk-through festival within the convention center.

What should families expect?

A high-energy, walk-through festival with hands-on STEM zones, a college fair, the Familia Plaza stage, community resource partners, kid-friendly activities, and giveaways. Most activities are drop-in, so you can explore at your own pace.

Are activities safe for young children?

Yes. Activities are designed for a range of ages, from early childhood through high school. There will be volunteer staff, a family rest area, and clear signage for age-appropriate experiences.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. All families are welcome in either English or Spanish. Signage, schedules, and many activities will be bilingual, and bilingual volunteers will be available.

Is the event accessible?

We are committed to accessibility. The venue will have wheelchair access, sensory-friendly spaces, and accommodations for families with different needs. If you need a specific accommodation, please add it when you register or email us at Events@shpe.org before the event and we will do our best to help.

Can I bring a stroller?

Absolutely. Strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices are welcome. The event space is designed for families with young children.

What about food and restrooms?

Restrooms are available throughout the venue, including family-friendly facilities. General concessions at the Indianapolis Convention Center will be open during the event for a fee, and we are exploring additional light refreshment options to share as plans are finalized.

Where can I park and how do I get there?

The Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium parking lots are operated by Denison Parking. Downtown Indianapolis also offers more than 70,000 parking spaces near the venue. You can view the downtown parking map and reserve a spot in advance through ParkWhiz at the Indiana Convention Center.

For public transit, IndyGo is the local bus service, and Open Door offers ADA paratransit service. We are also working to underwrite transportation support for families who need it. If you need help getting to the event, please email us at Events@shpe.org.

Can teachers or youth groups attend?

Yes. Schools, teachers, counselors, and youth groups are encouraged to attend. For group bookings and logistics, please email registration@shpe.org. Let us know if you need any special accommodations.

How can I volunteer or partner?

We would love your help. To volunteer for the event, email us at volunteers@shpe.org. To explore sponsorship or foundation support, visit the Sponsorship and Foundations pages.

Getting there

Indianapolis Convention Center

100 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225

Open in Google Maps

Still have a question?

Reach out to the Familia Fest team and we’ll get back to you quickly.

Contact the team