May 2016 in Downtown Indianapolis

Indianapolis skyline. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

By Amanda Dorman
Downtown Indy, Inc.

Wholesale District Beautification Day
Community members are coming together for a morning of partnership, productivity and fun as district employees participate in the ninth annual Wholesale District Beautification Day Monday, May 2. More than 200 volunteers will create a clean, pedestrian-friendly environment for the district’s sidewalks, store fronts and businesses. Tasks include sweeping the sidewalks and curbs, removing stickers, painting over graffiti and picking up litter.

100th Running HandleBar Hot Lap on Monument Circle
In the spirit of the 100th Running of the Indy 500, HandleBar, Downtown Indy, Inc. and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are hosting the 100th Running HandleBar Hot Lap on Monument Circle Friday, May 6 at 11:30 a.m. Races include one-on-one laps around Monument Circle with pit stops and vehicle tweaks. The races will be structured into a 24-team single elimination bracket, narrowing down Indy’s best, culminating in a championship race between the top two teams. Businesses are invited to register a team (10 participants) online for $100/team.

Georgia Street comes to life with Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Summer Series
Downtown Indy, Inc. has again partnered with local fitness studios for Workout Wednesday – fun, all-levels group fitness sessions on the Boardwalk. Hip Hop on Georgia Street in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis begins May 4 and reoccurs weekly from noon – 12:45 p.m. Each workout will begin with a local personality/celebrity for the warm-up. The celebrity will be announced each week via Twitter (@GeorgiaStIndy). A new addition to Workout Wednesday this year will be Sunrise Yoga on the Canal in partnership with Invoke Studio. Sunrise Yoga begins June 1 and takes place weekly on the Vermont Street Plaza from 6 – 6:45 a.m.

Happy Hour Thursdays return to the Boardwalk beginning May 5.
Georgia Street’s center block will turn into a work respite from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. every Thursday. Listen to music from live DJs, relax with friends and order appetizers and drinks from the Boardwalk Bar staffed by the Omni Severin Bar. There’s no cover charge, but all attendees must be 21 and older.

Downtown workers can also enjoy ongoing Food Truck Fridays.
Eat lunch alfresco on the Georgia Street Boardwalk and enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown during weekly from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

May means 500 Festival events
Race fans are invited to Rock-IN-Roar 500 – a music festival and community celebration on Georgia Street that officially “drops the green flag” on Race Week in Indianapolis. On May 20 from 5 – 10:30 p.m., 500 local musicians, led by John Mellencamp keyboardist Troye Kinnett and IndyCar driver Will Power, join together to perform One Republic’s “Love Runs Out” in a musical tribute to the spirit of the 100th Indy 500. Attendees can witness SPECTACLE: Sights & Sounds of the Indy 500 on Georgia Street, featuring a unique light show with some of the most memorable radio calls from the past 100 years. Following this FREE Rock-IN-Roar 500, SPECTACLE will run at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. May 21 – 29.

The 40th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon takes off Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 a.m. The course begins at the intersection of Washington and West streets, heads west to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and does a complete lap around the 2.5 mile track before heading back down New York Street. In addition to the Mini, kids ages 3 – 10 can participate in the non-competitive Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run May 14 at 10:30 a.m. After the Mini, head to Military Park for the FREE 500 Festival Post Race Party.

The 60th IPL 500 Festival Parade kicks off at noon May 28 at noon. About 300,000 spectators from around the country will line the streets of Indianapolis for one of the nation’s premier parades. The month-long roster of events culminates with the 100th running of the Indy 500 on May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Original Farmers’ Market returns May 4
Downtown’s Original Farmers’ Market returns to Indianapolis City Market on May 4 and continues every Wednesday through October. The market is open from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Market Street between Delaware and Alabama Streets. Market Street will be closed each Wednesday during this time.

Bring Mom Downtown on Mother’s Day
Downtown attractions and restaurants will make Mother’s Day extra special. Visit Mother’s Day Weekend at the Indianapolis Zoo May 7 and 8 and enjoy a Zoo-wide scavenger hunt, photo stations, free treats and more. Attend Mother’s Day at the IRT on May 8 and enjoy brunch at noon followed by a performance of The Mousetrap at 2 p.m. Georgia Reese’s is offering a special Mother’s Day brunch buffet all day from 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Hot happenings at Downtown attractions
Mini Golf that combines original art and playful competition is coming to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The much anticipated Artist Designed Mini Golf opens to the public May 10. The course features 18 holes designed by local and regional artists and in honor of Indiana’s Bicentennial, each hole is inspired by Indiana history and landmarks. Tickets are FREE for IMA members and included in regular admission for non-members.

Easley Winery’s outdoor music series Groovin’ in the Garden kicks off on May 21 and runs through September. Enjoy daily wine specials and live music in a relaxing environment every Saturday from 2 – 5 p.m. This series is FREE.

Indiana Historical Society’s Concerts on the Canal return on May 26 and take place every Thursday night from 6 – 8 p.m. through July 28. The 2016 Concerts on the Canal series features a spectacular lineup of entertainers including Shannon Forsell, Flying Toasters, Funk Quarter and The Bishops. Seating is FREE on the grassy hill across the Canal or reserve a table on the terrace for extra.

Cheer on your favorite teams
Catch one (or more) of the 16 Indianapolis Indians home games at Victory Field this month. Enjoy monthly promos including 2-for-1 Tuesdays, Thursday Craft Beer Night, Friday Fireworks and Kid’s Eat Free Sundays. On May 3, share your favorite game with your pup: Bark in the Park allows dogs and their owners a chance to enjoy the game from the right field lawn. There are two chances to catch the Indy Eleven at home: May 7 and May 21.

For more information, call 317-237-2222.

Binford Farmers Market Announces Name Change

At a recent farmers market at The Market at Hague. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

By Kas Vargo
The Market at Hague

Binford Redevelopment and Growth, Inc. (BRAG), is pleased to announce a name change for the Binford Farmers Market to “The Market at Hague.”

The market is in its ninth year and makes its permanent home at Lawrence North High School, 7800 N. Hague Rd, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is held from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturdays, May through October.

The Market at Hague provides a connection to over 80 vendors with deep roots in Indiana, including farms, nurseries, bakeries, wineries, meat vendors, cheese makers, specialty food products and artisan crafts.

The Market at Hague is an initiative of Binford Redevelopment and Growth, Inc (BRAG.) By bringing together Indiana food and craft artisans, musicians, and area businesses and non-profits at the Market at Hague, BRAG creates a vibrant community gathering offering local, fresh food, support for local businesses, and cultural and ethnic educational opportunities.

The first Saturday of each month Recycle Force will be on hand to accept electronic waste and all household recycling materials, including plastic, aluminum, paper and cardboard, and bikes and bicycle accessories.

The second Saturday of each month fine artists and craftsmen come to the market with their handmade wares for personal and household use.

The Market at Hague is pleased to continue accepting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Cards at the market. SNAP recipients may bring their Hoosier Works cards (EBT) cards to the farmers market home tent and obtain tokens which may be used to purchase fresh, local vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat products, honey, preserves, baked goods, plants used to produce food at home and much more.

Market shoppers can receive updates from the market by subscribing online (http://marketathague.com/) to the weekly email newsletter featuring seasonal availability, vendor updates, promotions, recipes, upcoming music and other events in the BRAG area.

For up-to-date information on vendors and other market events, shoppers can visit the Market at Hague Web site or call Kahfii King, Market Manager, at 773-505-0851. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter!

Things to do in Indianapolis, May 19-25, 2014

Snakepit Ball at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, May 24.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2013, all rights reserved.

15 Public Events in Indianapolis and Indiana
VERIFY ALL EVENT LISTINGS TO BE CERTAIN THEY WILL BE HELD AS SCHEDULED

1. SUN: 98th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
2. SAT: 58th Annual IPL 500 Festival Parade in Downtown Indianapolis
3. TUE: Indiana Pacers NBA Playoffs Basketball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
4. SAT: KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball at the Indiana Roof Ballroom
5. MON: Spotlight 2014 at Clowes Memorial Hall
6. THU: Hoosier Hundred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
7. WED-SUN: 31st Annual Banks of the Wabash Festival in Terre Haute
8. WED: 500 Festival Community Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
9. WED: 34th Annual Zoopolis 500 at the Indianapolis Zoo
10. THU: Statehouse Market at the Indiana State Capitol Building
11. THU: Rev Rally in Brownsburg
12. SAT-SUN: 38th Annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous in Knox County
13. SAT: 69th Annual Visit Hendricks County ‘Night Before the 500’ at Lucas Oil Raceway
14. FRI: Indiana Fever WNBA Basketball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
15. FRI: 500 Festival Memorial Service on Monument Circle

For more information about thousands of upcoming events and things to do in Indianapolis and Indiana, visit our main Web site at http://aroundindy.com/, or go mobile at http://aroundindy.com/mobile. Thank you for using AroundIndy.com as your source for Indy events!

Things to do in Indianapolis, Apr 28-May 4, 2014

ABOVE: Orchard in Bloom Garden Show at Holliday Park, May 2-4.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2010, all rights reserved.

15 Public Events in Indianapolis and Indiana
VERIFY ALL EVENT LISTINGS TO BE CERTAIN THEY WILL BE HELD AS SCHEDULED

1. FRI-SUN: 25th Annual ‘Orchard in Bloom’ Garden Show at Holliday Park
2. FRI: First Friday Food Truck Festival at the Old National Centre
3. TUE-SUN: 2014 Decorator’s Show House and Gardens in Indianapolis
4. FRI: Yelp Indy’s ‘Bold and Beautiful’ Event at Artistry Apartments
5. MON-SAT: Orleans Dogwood Festival in Orange County
6. MON: Indiana Pacers NBA Playoff Basketball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
7. FRI-SAT: Highway 38 Yard Sale in Central Indiana
8. FRI-SAT: Shipshewana MayFest in LaGrange County
9. FRI: IDADA First Friday Art Tour in Downtown Indianapolis
10. SAT: Broad Ripple Farmers Market at Broad Ripple High School
11. SAT: Indiana Latino Expo at the State Fairgrounds
12. SAT: Riley Wrangler’s 30th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair in Greenfield
13. MON-TUE: Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field
14. THU-SUN: Big Ten Men’s Golf Championship at French Lick Resort
15. FRI: Haste the Day at the Old National Centre

To see thousands of upcoming event listings and things to do in Indianapolis and Indiana, visit our main Web site at http://aroundindy.com/, or go mobile at http://aroundindy.com/mobile.

May Events in Downtown Indianapolis

May means the 500 Festival in Indianapolis. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2010, all rights reserved.

By Amanda Dorman
Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
http://indydt.com/

Along with the outstanding lineup of annual 500 Festival events, Downtown will be buzzing with new exhibits, big sports action and more. Check the highlights below.

 

Ride on, Indy!

Downtown cyclists are ecstatic to welcome the Indiana Pacers Bikeshare program to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail beginning tomorrow, April 22. The new program consists of 250 bicycles and 25 bikeshare stationsalong the Downtown trail. Bikers can cruise through Downtown by purchasing a 24-hour pass for $8 or an annual membership for $80 with unlimited 30-minute rides during your pass or membership period. Make sure to purchase a pass and test out a bike on May 17, Bike to Work Day.

 

Wholesale District Beautification Day

Community members are coming together for a morning of partnership, productivity and fun as district employees participate in the seventh annual Wholesale District spring cleaning on Monday, May 5. More than 200volunteers will create a clean, pedestrian-friendly environment for the district’s sidewalks, store fronts and businesses. Tasks include sweeping the sidewalks and curbs, removing stickers, painting over graffiti and picking up litter.

 

Happy Hour on Georgia Street

Beginning May 9, Georgia Street’s center block will turn into a work respite every Friday from 4 – 6:30 p.m.  Visitors can enjoy live music on the Boardwalk, order appetizers/drinks from Harry & Izzy’s and the Omni Severin Hotel and start their weekend off with friends at Downtown’s hometown hangout! Also on Georgia Street – FREE Workout Wednesdays from noon – 12:45 p.m. and Food Truck Fridays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

Original Farmers’ Market returns May 7

Downtown’s Original Farmers’Market returns to Indianapolis City Market May 7 and every Wednesday through October. The market is open from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Market Street between Delaware and Alabama Streets. Market Street will be closed each Wednesday during this time.

 

Spring 5Ks and runs begin

April 26: Walk MS, Military Park

April 26: Matt Breman Run 4Kids, White River State Park

April 27: Best Buddies Friendship Walk, NCAA Hall of Champions

May 3: OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

May 10: Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run

May 10: March for Babies, White River State Park

May 17: The Color Run, White River State Park

May 17: Walk for Arthritis, Military Park

May 18: Indianapolis Great Strides Walk, White River State Park

May 18: Walking for Dreams Family & Pet Walk, the Canal

 

Major upcoming conventions and shows

April 24 – 27: National Rifle Association of America Annual Meeting, Indiana Convention Center, est. attendance 50,000

May 8: Daryl Hall and John Oates, Old National Centre

May 9: John Legend, Old National Centre

May 10: Grand Prix of Indianapolis. Indianapolis Motor Speedway

May 16 – 19: Do It Best Corp, Indiana Convention Center, est. attendance 10,000

May 19: EDTA: Ride, Drive and Charge, Georgia Street

 

Big things happening in May

May promises to be a big month for Downtown Indy! Terra Cotta Warriors: The Emperor’s Painted Army is coming to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis May 10. It will be the only chance to see the warriors in the U.S. in 2014. Take Me There: China is also opening May 10 and is one of the largest exhibits about contemporary China ever produced in the US. The Indianapolis Zoo will open the world’s largest International Orangutan Center Memorial weekend. A soaring 150-foot highBeacon of Hope will draw people into the Zoo while enhancing the Downtown skyline.

 

“Feel the Rhythm of May”

This year’s 500 Festival theme is “Feel the Rhythm of May.” The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon, the largest mini marathon in the nation, takes off at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. The course begins at the intersection of Washington and West streets, heads west to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and does a complete lap around the 2.5 mile track before heading back down New York Street.

 

The IPL 500 Festival Parade kicks off at noon on May 24. About 300,000 spectators from around the country will line the streets of Indianapolis for one of the nation’s premier parades. The month-long roster of events culminates with the Indianapolis 500 on May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

Other 500 Festival events:

May 10: Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day and Rookie Run

May 17: 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard

May 21: American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day

May 23: 500 Festival Memorial Service presented by Rolls-Royce

May 24: Keybank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball

 

Catch summer fever and more Downtown sports

The Indiana Fever kicks off their season at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 17 against the Atlanta Dream. Also catch the Fever on May 23 against the Washington Mystics, May 29 against the Connecticut Sun and May 31 against the New York Liberty. The Indianapolis Indians’ regular season is in full-swing at Victory Field with 14 home games May 9 – 31. Catch the Weekday Game Parking Shuttle and ride for free on a shuttle that takes you to the Victory Field entrance. You can park at Lucas Oil Stadium (Gate #1, off Missouri Street) for $5.

 

Indy Eleven recently kicked off its season with a sold-out game at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Catch the team take the field May 10 against FC Edmonton, May 17 against Ottawa Fury FC and May 31 against San Antonio Scorpions.

 

Bring Mom Downtown this Mother’s Day

Downtown attractions and restaurants will make Mother’s Day extra special. Visit Mother’s Day Weekend at the Indianapolis Zoo May 10 and 11 and participate in a scavenger hunt, “mom-themed” keeper chats a photo station and more. On May 10 from 1 – 3 p.m., treat your mom to a special Steampunk-themed Mother’s Day tea at Morris-Butler House. Brunch with mom at one of Downtown Indy’s best restaurants: Market Table at the Alexander, the Rathskeller or Weber Grill. For more Mother’s Day events, visit: www.indydt.com/mothersday.cfm.

 

Big shows hit the stage Downtown

May 2 & 3: Karrin Allyson: Round Midnight, The Cabaret at The Columbia Club

May 2: Tracy Morgan, Old National Centre

May 7: Nickel Creek, Old National Centre

May 8: Daryl Hall and John Oates, Old National Centre

May 9 & 10: Cole Porter’s Anything Goes In Concert, Hilbert Circle Theatre

May 9: John Legend, Old National Centre

May 10: Tegan & Sara, Old National Centre