AUGUST

AUGUST 1

Discreetly gawk at the superheroes, villains, princesses, and warlocks coming together under one roof for a common purpose: gaming. During “The Best Four Days in Gaming,” kicking off today, it’s hard not to bump into a half-elf or Ewok while in line at Panera. But to really take in the full panoply of GEN CON attire, park yourself near its home base: the Indiana Convention Center. Georgia Street is another good place to enjoy the sightseeing—honestly, a lot of these costumes, mostly homemade, are mind-bogglingly creative. And if you’re one of the people wearing them? We don’t need to tell you about the gaming nirvana you’re about to enter.gencon.com

AUGUST 2

Now that the local First Friday scene has been shaken up with the dissolution of longtime organizer IDADA, the time is ripe to explore venues like the TUBE FACTORY. From the occasional drag show in the basement to putt-putt golf outside, this quirky art space is always ready to surprise. Beyond the staples like live music, vendors, and food trucks, the Tube Factory has a contemporary art museum, interactive audio experimentation station, and—perhaps the best part—plenty of free parking. facebook.com/tubefactoryartspace

AUGUST 3

Start practicing the swish and flick of your wizarding wand before you visit the Indianapolis Art Center–turned-Hogwarts for . You’ll learn all sorts of magical spells, like how to turn wood into a wand that even Ollivander would admire, or predict your future Trelawney-style with glass crystal balls. Gobble down some Harry Potter–themed snacks, too—maybe Cauldron Cakes or Fizzing Whizzbees? As