News Summary
On October 14, Daptoberfest will take place at Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, showcasing Black-owned businesses. The festival includes a variety of vendors, live music, and free admission, emphasizing community support and economic empowerment for Black entrepreneurs. This year’s theme is ‘Homecoming’, reflecting unity and community growth while providing a platform for exposure and networking among business owners.
Indianapolis to Host Daptoberfest Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses on October 14
Indianapolis will host Daptoberfest, a festival dedicated to highlighting and supporting Black-owned businesses, on Saturday, October 14, at Arsenal Technical High School. The event aims to serve as a platform for Black entrepreneurs to showcase their products and connect with the community in a lively, inclusive setting.
Festival Details and Schedule
The event will run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering attendees an opportunity to explore a variety of vendors, enjoy live music, and participate in community-based activities. The festival’s focus is on celebrating Black businesses and fostering ongoing support from the local community. Admission to Daptoberfest is completely free, making it accessible to all who wish to attend.
Theme and Purpose
This year’s theme for Daptoberfest is “Homecoming”. The festival is designed to provide a welcoming environment for Black business owners and attendees, emphasizing the importance of unity, community growth, and economic empowerment. Formerly known as Blacktoberfest, the event continues its mission to offer opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to gain publicity and attract new customers. It also functions as a networking venue, connecting business owners with community members and fostering long-term support structures.
Featured Vendors and Offerings
The festival will feature a wide range of vendors, including food trucks and retail sellers. Among them is RMY’s Soul & Comfort Food, owned by Yolanda Johnson. The food truck specializes in soul food dishes such as fried chicken wings, honey butter cornbread, mac and cheese, and candied yams. Johnson’s participation marks her first time at Daptoberfest, where she sees an important opportunity for Black-owned businesses to gain visibility. Her food truck draws inspiration from her parents’ legacy of RMY’s Restaurant, which was established in 1986.
Other Food and Vendor Options
Additional food vendors include Good Vegan/Bad Vegan, Later Taters, Chef Oya’s the TRAP, and T-Days Jerk. Attendees can expect a diverse array of offerings, from plant-based options to traditional Caribbean cuisine, along with clothing and other products from various Black-owned businesses.
Live Music and Community Engagement
A key feature of Daptoberfest is the live music lineup, which aims to create a lively and engaging atmosphere throughout the event. Beyond entertainment, the festival emphasizes community building and providing ongoing support for Black entrepreneurs. The event encourages attendees to support Black-owned businesses not only during the festival but throughout the year, underscoring the importance of consistent community engagement.
Hosting Organization and Call to Action
The event is hosted by Don’t Sleep Indy, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering and supporting Black-owned businesses. The organization promotes continued community involvement through support, donations, and participation in events like Daptoberfest. For additional information, interested individuals can contact Don’t Sleep Indy at (317) 647-5337 or visit their official Facebook page.
Background and Broader Context
Daptoberfest is part of an ongoing effort to promote economic empowerment within the Black community in Indianapolis. The festival’s focus on providing a platform for Black entrepreneurs aims to address challenges such as limited access to traditional business infrastructure and exposure. By creating a dedicated space for Black-owned businesses, the event fosters an environment of support, community growth, and cultural celebration.
In summary, Daptoberfest on October 14 at Arsenal Technical High School promises to be a vibrant celebration of Black entrepreneurship, offering free admission, diverse food options, live music, and opportunities for community connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where will Daptoberfest be held? Indianapolis, at Arsenal Technical High School.
- When will Daptoberfest occur? The event runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 14.
- What is the theme for this year’s festival? The theme is “Homecoming.”
- Is there an entry fee? No, entry to the festival is free.
- Who is participating? Vendors include RMY’s Soul & Comfort Food, Good Vegan/Bad Vegan, Later Taters, Chef Oya’s the TRAP, and T-Days Jerk, among others. Live music is also featured.
- Who organizes Daptoberfest? The event is hosted by Don’t Sleep Indy, a nonprofit organization supporting Black-owned businesses.
- How can I learn more? Contact Don’t Sleep Indy at (317) 647-5337 or visit their Facebook page.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Daptoberfest Celebrates Black Businesses at Arsenal Technical High School
Additional Resources
- WISH TV: Black Businesses & Community Growth
- Indianapolis Recorder: Daptoberfest 2023
- Wikipedia: Black-owned businesses
- Google Search: Daptoberfest 2023
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Economic Development
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
