Dig IN

Love, love LOVE me some DigIN! We’ve paid the extra VIP for the last two years and once you try it, there’s no going back. In addition to regular admission, you get free parking, early admission, access to the VIP tent with shade and table/​chairs, special samples not available outside the VIP tent, and real, air conditioned bathrooms.
This is an amazing showcase of Indiana chefs. Dishes are inventive and unique. Some are already on restaurant menus and some are being tested at the event. It’s a foodie paradise where you can talk turkey (so to speak) with fellow foodies and chefs. I was so happy this year to see that instead of distributing bottled water, they had cold water kegs where you could fill your own reusable bottle or glass.
This event is nearly perfect, but if I could change just a few things:
— add another water station (and ideally one in the VIP lounge); there were long lines for water, even with several filling lines
— Space the wine/​beer tents a bit apart so that they can serve from two sides of their tables; again, this would cut down on long lines
— encourage tasting tables to keep utensils separate from plates so patrons do not have to take a new utensil each time unless they want to — the waste just kills me!
— have three waste containers — trash, recycle, and compost
— invite someone from the skin cancer association, dept or health, etc. to have a sunscreen booth where they offer free spray on sunscreen

Definitely worth the ticket in. We had just moved here and Dig IN was one of the first food fests we attended. Really liked it and we will be attending them again in the future.

How have I not gotten myself to this festival before this year? My favorite thing is discovering new food and drink places that I may not have heard of so this was my nirvana! Of course, I always enjoy seeing my go-​to places representing!
The weather was hot as usual for a late Indiana summer, but there are a few spots with trees offering relief! The numerous breweries and wineries represented also offered their own ways to cool off. Oddly, the line to get in with pre-​purchased tickets was longer than just purchasing at the gate and walking in with no line! I definitely agree with those who recommend purchasing early entry tickets. During the height of the festival, the crowds definitely make sampling a trying of your patience.
I love the passport you get so you can keep track of where you’ve been and what you’ve sampled! Unfortunately, one of our favorite things, rabbit sausage/​brat from Late Harvest/​North End BBQ isn’t on the regular menu at those restaurants, but that just gives you a taste of how awesome their regular menus are!
I even found a brewery that is right down the street from my house, but I never knew it was there! At the end of the day, we sat down in the shade to watch a chef competition with a beer in hand. I was happy and exhausted at the end of the day, but I will be back!

The amazing food, and creative mash ups of chefs and farmers keep me coming back each year. I am always surprised at their creative concoctions and of how many places I have yet to try.
It was so hot this year, just like every year, but the volunteer crew did a great job of getting ice and water to attendees to keep everyone hydrated.
I think Oakley’s Bistro and Duos were two of my favorite stops. The lines moved quickly so we were able to cover some ground.
Thanks Unilocal ladies for providing fanny packs to those who checked in and a spot in the shade!
Looking forward to more DigINs to come!

Wow! What a showcase of Indiana food and drink. The selection was overwhelming!
Two things bring this event down to 4 stars: long lines and exhausting heat. The weather is uncontrollable, and hot is better than rain, but it was oppressively hot after 3hrs standing in the sun. I couldn’t enjoy the food offerings because my body just wanted to sit and rehydrate in the shade and be still.
5,000 people showed up. That’s a good indication for how fun it was, I think.

This festival was so fun! I volunteered and you’re still able to enjoy a lot of the food and events before or after your shift… for FREE I might add! This worked out great for me since I am a poor college student.
I left there so full with some of the best Indiana could offer! I even got to talk to and enjoy food from businesses from back home in Northwest Indiana! That honestly made me so happy.
It was an awesome atmosphere and you’re surrounded by people who enjoy great food. What more could you ask for?

Food, glorious food as far as the eye can see all artfully crafted by the finest producers, farmers and chefs the Hoosier state has to offer! Water, glorious.oh.wait…well, I didn’t see a whole lot of water, other than the White River.
As someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, I typically rely on the water the event provides to attendees to quench my thirst and cut the heat in many of the dishes (I am looking at you, you delicious peach jalapeño NICEY treats that sure packed a punch for this wuss!).The organizers had announced they planed to ‘go green’ and offer a water station over the water bottles of past events. They gave ticket holders plenty of notice and in theory, this seemed like a great idea. In practice, this is where it all fell apart. The water line was nearly 15 min and with the temperatures soaring to the mid 90’s and the alcohol flowing, the lack of water made me VERY concerned about folks over indulging and/​or over heating. I know the organizers heard this (again and again) from the attendees and I am confident that they will make adjustments and address the water issue for 2016.
Other than that, this year’s dig IN did not disappoint as I and a few thousand of my fellow Hoosiers delighted in the abundance provided by another growing season in Indiana. White River State Park was transformed into a mecca of deliciousness. It seemed to be the year of heat with the temperatures soaring both in the atmosphere as well as on the plate. While I always enter the festival with my game face on, prepared to delight in all 44 creations, despite giving it the old college try, I never come remotely close and often end up sharing dish samples.
The festival was laid out wonderfully and I personally enjoyed having the food trucks out on the Historic Old Washington Street Bridge. With the event being on the grounds of White River State park, it is ADA accessible but can be a bit of a challenge to navigate through the grass to the food and beverage tents. I would suggest contacting the event organizers ahead of time to get their recommendation on how to best navigate. We had few issues other than dodging the crowd with a motorized chair.
If you can, bike and take advantage of the ‘Pedal and Park’ area. If you arrive when the gates open, prepare to wait in a very loong line to enter the festival. Lines are only a few minutes at the chef stations once you’re in but I suggest heading to tents furthers from the gate to start your passport as many typically haven’t made their way that far back yet. Dig IN touts itself as «More than an event, Dig IN is an experience» which I cannot argue. Go. Eat. Drink. Learn. Laugh. Experience. That’s what dig IN offers all for a reasonable ticket price and beautiful downtown location.

Where else can foodies challenge themselves to try to make it through this many amazing creations all for one very low price? I managed to try 22 samples this year before being too stuffed to go on! The theme this year definitely seemed to be duck which was prepared in so many excellent ways! Pulled duck, duck bratwurst, etc. I will not even attempt to name a single favorite dish, but in addition to the great duck dishes, there were beef «sammies», goat with a corncake, beef filled steamed buns, grilled chicken with corn (chicken and its lunch), and food truck delights including a tasty raclette, and Indian inspired chicken dish. The beer and wine samples seemed to be much larger pours this year, and so I only made it to a few of those! Wonderful offerings, but limiting alcohol in the near 90 degree weather seemed the best course of action!
As others have noted, the water situation was not good this year. I applaud the idea of getting rid of the plastic bottles, but there absolutely had to be more bottle filling stations. Particularly given the heat, it was not only inconvenient, but potentially dangerous to not have a way for people to get water or any other non-​alcoholic beverage without a very long wait. The problem was recognized a few hours in and bottled water was then provided. I’m guessing the problem will be fixed by next year!
Many booths start running out of food and beverages between 2 and 3PM, so my advice is to get there when the gates open and try to select and hit your favorites first! I’d also suggest bringing a bag that can accommodate the glass used for beverage samples. The lanyards for the glasses that were available for purchase ran out before 1PM so do not count on being able to buy one of them! Hats and sunscreen are also a must!

Still a great event. You can try a bunch of food and drinks in one spot, and get too full too quickly. It’s a must to come prepared though. Think water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, even your own lawn chairs to set up shop in the shade.
I think next time I will ask them to customize my food samples. Think I can step aside so I am not holding up the line. While the food is still amazing and there is so much variety, I am not a big fan of sauces/​dressings and stinky cheeses. I like to taste food in their natural states!

Christmas just got trumped… but for real. I have been counting down the days for this festive feast and tour of fresh, savory/​sweet/​devine dishes and refreshing beverages for months.
There is a bit of strategy involved in making your rounds. I don’t care how hard you try, I don’t think it is physically/​emotionally/​spiritually possible to sample all 44 creations and indulge in all 27 drinks. But every damn year, I try.
I always map out my favorites that I know run out early — Circle City Sweets /​Circle City Soups /​Joseph Decuis /​Oakleys.
The Unilocal Lawn club was great to relax– and take a break from eating (first world problems)
I wish there was more than one water station, though.

Year after year I keep coming back. Why? Where else can you sample a gazillion (yes that’s a number) fabulous dishes from the best chefs in Indy? I also say gazillion because I made an all star attempt at eating all 44 dishes this year and failed. I purchased the hour early ticket, organized a game plan, came in with a Dig In tag team posse (Krysha M. & Dan M.), took extra breaks but still could not eat every single dish during the 6 hours of allotted gluttony. I couldn’t even make a dent sampling my way through 16 breweries and 12 wineries. The shame…
Oh, those dishes… were talking sweet grilled peach shortcake with lavender crème (Circle City Sweets), soft and savory oriental brisket steamed buns with pickled chilies (J. Ford), Goat A Go Go (240 Sweet/​Artisan Foodworks), juicy spicy mouthwatering smoked beef sammys (Goose the Market), peppery chicken and its lunch goodness (Chef Craig Baker), Raclette with Heirloom Potato (Duos), Wagyu Meatball Bahn Mi (Joseph Decuis A.K.A the most gorgeous booth & and longest Dig In line except this year –see below-​) and refreshing watermelon juice with a kick (National Born Juicers). Just to name a few favorites.
But why… why…only one water fill station for 3000+ people? This was the longest line at Dig In this year?! So thankful for the refreshing move from plastic to fill-​up but next year I would recommend tripling and spacing water stations throughout the festival space.
So come clad in your best eaten dress/​skirt/​or pants & come hungry for the best event of the year. This is an event you don’t want to miss and it’s a must to wear something with elastic.

This is such a fab event. Such delish flavors & combos. I’ve never been able to sample everything, but I enjoy trying as much as I can. It’s tough to pick a favorite. I really like how the event highlights, providers, chefs, and restaurants. It’s really fun to mill about and enjoy the music.

«Yay! I’m a fan.»
Dig IN is a super fun day of getting to try bits and bites from all the restaurants that have been hanging out in your Unilocal bookmarks. You enter the grounds of White River State Park equipped with a tasting passport and a glass. You hop from booth to booth gathering checkmarks and tasty morsels. There are little tables and folding chairs and shady nooks all around to sit at and nibble. In between a plate of this and a bowl of that, fill your glass with a sample of a great Indiana beer or wine. Relax and enjoy some live music or a cooking demonstration. Take your time, enjoy it. Its a great day!
PS. If you are a real go-​getter, volunteer! This was my first year attending and volunteering at Dig IN and found it to be totally worthwhile. My shift was from 10am to 2pm. Afterwards I got my free passport and glass and had plenty of time to sample.

Dig IN is the premier farm-​to-​fork food festival in Indy. What an incredible showcase of local chefs and food/​drink vendors! Here’s a summary of my recommendations for a great visit.
–Come hungry. Map out a game plan in advance (the map & dishes are posted online a few weeks before), and realize that you won’t get to try everything, yet you will still be stuffed and enter a food coma.
–Wear sunscreen & consider bringing a hat. The tents provide some shade, but be prepared to stand in the sun.
–Bring your own lawn chair/​towel to camp out and feast.
–Buy the $ 7 wine glass lanyard thing (free for VIPs) — it conveniently frees up your hands for food!
–Some people brought a tray from home so they could load up on food then sit down and feast. Smart!
–Early entry is the way to go — you enter at 11 instead of noon, and that makes for a BIG difference in terms of crowds. Tickets in general are also sold at a lower price earlier in the summer, and jump up closer to the event date.
–Pedal and park option available. Parking a car is a bit more difficult, so be prepared to walk.
–If you volunteer, you get a cool Dig IN tee shirt and a free passport (your gateway to sampling all food and drink!)
–Water is a hot commodity. Bring a big water bottle filled to the brim to kick off your day.
–Dress for the weather! It’s typically a hot August afternoon, so don’t come wearing long pants or a sweatshirt.

Dig IN is a wonderful festival offering delicious food and drink as well as great camaraderie for festival goers. The festival was held at White River Park near the heart of downtown! Upon entry into the festival you receive a nice glass with the DigIN logo which makes sampling beer and wine a pleasant experience and also serves as a cool momento from the day.
I loved the blueberry and grits dish from the Severin bar as well as the sunflower concoction from Trader’s Point. This event was extremely well attended so getting there early is not a bad idea. I LOVED the complimentary monitored bike parking!
My one critique for next year would be to have additional water stations so that water could be more accessible for attendees as well as volunteers. I volunteered in the beer tents this year and would definitely volunteer again next year.

I truly was blown away by this event. Out of all the events at Indiana that include either food, beer, wine or a combination of those, this event takes the cake.
This event was something that I am already blocking time off next year to make sure I attend. It was fabulous!
How it works:
You get a booklet (passport) that tells you of each booth. It tells you the restaurant name, the chef’s name and the dish they are preparing. There is also another page for drinks (beer and wine) for the breweries and wineries of Indiana.
There were stations, each with 7 restaurants for food including a «food truck park» where the whole station was food truck based. There was another stations for drinks each with 4 breweries and 4 wineries.
Upon visiting a restaurant/​brewery/​winery, you would get your passport checked off as visiting.
Pretty simple. Worked very well.
The lines were pretty long to get in at noon, so we decided to wait it out until 1pm as the event lasts until 5pm. Once we got in, the lines for everything were pretty long as well, but the restaurants were working so fast that the lines moved really quickly even if you had 30 people in front of you. The worry for me at first was that we would not be able to get to each station, but that proved false. The 4 hours I was there, I took several breaks and relaxation times with my beer and still had plenty of time left over before 5pm. I’m guessing those who got in at noon or the people who got the early access at 11am probably got done with everything around 2−3pm.
Here is a special tip if you are going to attend next year. Plan it out! Don’t freak out thinking you wont have time to get everywhere, you will. Instead, walk around and cherry pick the things that sound great because you will fill up and be uncomfortable if you try to get to everything. I was very systematic with my process and started at Station 6 and moved down trying everything. By Tent 3, I felt like I was going to die… I needed to lie down and pass out. There was no way I could finish everything. At that point I began to cherry pick and only get things that sounded like I’d be missing out if I didn’t try them.
Next year, I will be better prepared for the food onslaught that this fest is about. I’m so excited and so happy that I attended this event.

Let’s face it. This is my favorite festival of the year and I always leave feeling miserable for one of two reasons: 1.) redheads can’t handle the sun (it’s no secret) or 2.) I’ve gorged myself into blob status.
Miserable or not, I keep coming back for more. Who can pass up a day filled with 84 chefs and 48 farms celebrating our wonderful state’s creativity in the food and drink industry? Not this sunburnt, food-​baby filled lady.

Awesome food review of the great State of Indiana! We were surprised at the superb quality! This is a few notches above Taste of Chicago! Any event that touts strap on wine glasses had to be awesome!

The best food and drink festival in Indiana! I love that it is an all-​inclusive event. Water was hard to come by for a while, however I appreciate that they were trying to go green and yet still recognized when they needed to bring in bottled water. The chefs are friendly and happy to talk about their food. Loved trying restaurants that have been on our list as well as catering spots outside of Indianapolis that I would not have tried otherwise. Beer and wine samples were more generous than I had expected. Wear sunscreen and plan to stay the whole time if you can!

Where. To. Start.
So many delicious options… So little time!
Let me start by saying, I’m sooooo glad we got there early (nearly an hour) because that line gets long reallllll quick! The anticipation was killing me in the week leading up to this food tasting extravaganza, and I was not disappointed! Let me just walk you through a few of my favorites:
The meatballs from Union 50 — TO DIE FOR. It was like a symphony of flavors all packed tightly into one little ball of tasty goodness.
Hibiscus Tea from Wyndham West — The perfect balance of tea/​fruitiness/​sweetness. My favorite beverage. (Which is saying alot as there was plenty of beer and wine to choose from :)
Elk in a Blanket from Goose the Market — Not what I was expecting in a very good way! Great flavors and looooved the combo of textures in the serving as well!
Tips to the Wise: DONT EAT BEFORE. Don’t try your full samples at every booth, you will either a: explode b: be sad you couldn’t try everything that DigIn has to offer.
I’ll be back next year, this one is a must :)