Taste of Indy, Motley Crue and more things to do this weekend

Nikki Sixx (left) and Vince Neil perform with Motley Crue at Klipsch Music Center in 2012 as part of a co-bill with Kiss.(Photo: Doug McSchooler / For The Star)

Let's be honest - you've got fireworks and cookouts on the brain, but there's so much more to do this weekend. Here are 10 suggestions.

Motley Crue

This is your last ever chance to see Motley Crue in concert. Vocalist Vince Neil, bass player Nikki Sixx, guitarist Mick Mars and drummer Tommy Lee signed "Cessation of Touring" contracts in January that prevent Motley Crue tours after 2015. The band has some interesting ties to Indiana too. Mick Mars actually grew up in Huntington and the band once filmed a music video in Market Square Arena.

7 p.m. July 5, Klipsch Music Center, 12880 E. 146th St., $24-$124, (800) 745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

Lead singer Isaac Slade and The Fray performed at Klipsch Music Center in 2012.(Photo: Star file photo)

The Fray

You've heard their song "How to Save a Life" in TV shows and movies for the past few years, but now you can hear them in person. The band is on tour celebrating the release of their fourth album "Helios," and their new single "Break Your Plans."

8 p.m. July 6, Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $29.50- $75, (317) 231-0000 or oldnationalcentre.com.

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Taste of Indy

Many big cities have similar "taste of" events and this is your chance to try out some of the best cuisine Indianapolis has to offer. This year's Taste of Indy will include Asian, Soul, Greek, Mediterranean, Cajun, Hispanic and American foods. And while you're getting to know all the different kind of foods, local bands will be playing all day, representing Jazz, Rock, R&B, Gospel, Latino and Reggae genres of music. And what would be great food without great drinks? A beer and wine garden will help compliment the great goods.

10 a.m to 9 p.m. July 5, White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., $5-$7, tasteofindy.org.

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National Powwow XVI

National Powwow has been held every three years since 1969, with dances taking place throughout Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kansas. It is a four-day event celebrating the traditions of tribes from all over the U.S. with dancing and other traditions.

8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 3-5, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 6, Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 East Main St., Danville, $2-$5, (317) 718-8750 or nationalpowwow.com.

Ball Up Streetball Tour

Streetball legends like The Professor, AO and Baby Shaq will be in town to take on Indy's best. Locals can tryout at Washington Park, 3130 East 30th St. at 11 a.m. on July 6 to compete against the Ball Up All-Stars and possibly win a spot on the All-Star roster. Spectators can check out the high-flying dunks and ankle-breaking ball handling that night with a hip hop show at half time.

6 p.m. July 6, Arsenal Tech Gymnasium, 1500 E Michigan St., $15-$30, ballup.com.

Madison Regatta

Another chance for fireworks and a lot of high-speed, family fun. The Regatta lasts three days and features hydroplane racing, air shows, music and food. It's worth the drive to experience this unique Indiana tradition.

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3 p.m. to midnight July 4 and 4 p.m. to midnight July 5, Riverfront area at 201 Vaughn Dr., Madison, Indiana, free, (812) 274-0400 or madisonregatta.com.

Indiana Fever vs. San Antonio Stars

While you've got the whole family together for the holiday weekend, check out Indiana's WNBA team as they try to regain some footing in Eastern Conference standings. The team snapped a four-game losing streak on the road earlier this week and added another road win Wednesday night.

5 p.m. July 5, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. $17-$133.05, (317) 917-2528 or ticketmaster.com.

Brand New

This band found its stride in the heyday of MySpace-promoted alternative rock in the early 2000s. It has been a few years since they released new music, but they are back to touring strength this summer.

7:30 p.m. July 6, Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. $38.99, (317) 231-0000 or livenation.com.

Pokémon National Championship

Pokémon has had a cult following for years and it is still easy for people of all ages to jump in to. Bring your whole family to learn more about the world of Pokémon. Learn to play the trading card game or video games or watch serious competitors attempt to make it to the World Championship.

Times vary, July 4-6, Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., free, pokemon.com.

Star Spangled Symphony

Keep the celebration going even after the 4th because this concert plays for three nights, ending on Saturday. Expect patriotic songs with a special musical tribute to the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI, and of course, fireworks.

8 p.m. July 3-5, Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, 13400 Allisonville Road., Fishers, Indiana, kids $12, adults $30, 317-776-6006 or connerprarie.org.

FOURTH OF JULY: Find events in your area

Call Star reporter Abby Hamblin at (317) 444-6219. Follow her on Twitter @abbyhamblin.