November 2016 Events in Downtown Indianapolis via @IndyDT

Monument Circle during the holiday season.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

By Jennifer Hanson
Downtown Indy, Inc.

November brings Circle of Lights and holiday happenings

Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Circle of Lights® presented IBEW #481 – Friday, Nov. 25
The Friday after Thanksgiving, generations of families will converge on Monument Circle to celebrate the lighting of 4,787 lights strung from the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument. USA Today listed the Circle of Lights® as one of the “10 Best Holiday Attractions.” The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. and the Monument light-up will occur at approximately 7:55 p.m. Entertainers chosen from statewide auditions will share the stage with Santa and with Josh Kaufman, host of the Indianapolis Symphony’s IPL Yuletide Celebration. The event will be broadcast live on WTHR from 7 – 8 p.m. After Circle of Lights, head over to Carson’s Department Store for Selfies with Santa from 8 – 10 p.m.

Carson’s Coloring Contest: chance to win $529 College Choice Fund and “flip the switch”
Children ages 3 – 12 have the opportunity to “flip the switch” and turn on the lights at Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW #481 by entering Carson’s Coloring Contest. Five finalists will be awarded College Choice 529 Direct Savings scholarships and gift certificates to Carson’s. One grand prize winner will appear on stage with Santa to help light the Monument. Print copies of the coloring sheet here. The contest runs through Nov. 14.

#BeMonumental
One of the 20th largest marathons in the United States, the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon kicks off Nov. 5. Starting and finishing at the Indiana Capitol building, the course itself has been national recognized for being fast and flat. In addition, a half-marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run are available. The Marathon has sold out the past four consecutive years and is expected to sell out again this year.

Spirit & Place
Winner of the NUVO Cultural Vision Award and the Indiana Achievement Award, the Spirit & Place Festival takes place Nov. 4 – 13. The Festival features over 50 events for all ages at different locations around Downtown. The theme this year is Home, and include events such as B3 Home: Bats, Bees & Birds, where you can learn how to make homes for these creatures; Sounds of Home; and many more.

Veterans Day Parade
Take time to honor those who have served our country at the Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11 beginning at 11:45 a.m. More than 80 units will march starting at Michigan and Pennsylvania streets, move south on Pennsylvania Street to New York Street, west to Meridian Street and finish at North Street. In addition, a musical prelude will take place at 10:30 a.m. and memorial service at 11 a.m., both on the north steps of the Indiana War Memorial.

Great Pet Expo
Do you own at pet, thinking of becoming a pet owner or just love animals? Check out the Great Pet Expo Nov. 12 & 13 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The Expo features Canine in the Clouds stunt dog and dock diving team, a dog grooming competition, llamas, alpacas, angora goats and many more pet-filled activities. Also, new this year is a wiener dog race!

Holiday happenings
All aboard! Experience the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art’s magical holiday model train exhibit Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure. Watch trains as they pass through iconic replicas of Downtown locations such as Lucas Oil Stadium, Monument Circle and more beginning Nov. 19.

Christmas at the Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo hosts Christmas at the Zoo presented by Donatos and Teachers Credit Union Nov. 25 – 27 & 30; Dec. 1 – 4, 7 – 11, 14 – 23 & 26 – 30. The Zoo opens at noon with holiday activities from 5 – 9 p.m. each day. Visit Saint Nick in Santa’s Workshop presented by Chick-Fil-A, listen to carolers around a warm campfire, eat some delicious treats and more.

Christmas at the Lilly House
Take a step back in time with the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Christmas at the Lilly House. The historic home of J.K. Lilly, Jr. will feature holiday decorations from the 1930s and 40s, as well as contemporary décor starting Nov. 19.

Celebration Crossing
The Indiana State Museum comes alive with holiday merriment starting Nov. 25 with Celebration Crossing. Children of all ages can ride the Santa Claus Express, make crafts to take home and gaze into holidays past from a recreated L.S. Ayers store window.

“It’s a Wonderful Life”
Watch a timeless holiday classic, as Downtown Indy, Inc. partners with the IMAX Theater to show It’s a Wonderful Life on the biggest screen in the state Tuesday, Dec. 6. Proceeds from each ticket will support Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Beautification Fund.

For all holiday events, visit www.downtownindy.org.

Downtown sports
The Indianapolis Colts play two home games at Lucas Oil Stadium: Nov. 20 & 24. The Indiana Pacers season heats up with 11 home games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse: Nov. 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 & 27.

October 2016 Events in Downtown Indy

 

Indianapolis, Indiana as viewed from the west bank of the White River.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

By Jennifer Hanson
Downtown Indy, Inc.

Audition for the Circle of Lights
Calling all entertainers, singers, musicians, dancers and local talent of Central Indiana! First round auditions for Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW #481 will take place Saturday, Oct. 1 from 8:30 a.m. – noon and Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 4 – 7:30 p.m. at IBEW 481, 1828 N. Meridian St. Selected finalists from the first auditions will be called back for a final audition taking place in mid-October.

Inaugural Red Bull Air Race
The Red Bull Air Race World Championships is the ultimate motorsport competition in the sky. Pilots will navigate an aerial racetrack in the skies above the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, maneuvering through air-filled pylons in the fastest time possible while incurring the least amount of penalties possible. The race takes place Oct. 1 and 2.

Pinking of the Canal
To kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Colts host the Pinking of the Canal at the Ohio Street Basin on the Downtown Canal Walk Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. – 1p.m. The event is free and will include live music, free limited-edition Colts pink posters, Colts Cheerleaders and more.

Happy Birthday Indiana
Indiana celebrates its bicentennial this year. Events to commemorate the Hoosier State’s 200th birthday include:

· An opportunity to learn more about our state’s history, Hoosier Homecoming brings communities together from all across Indiana Oct. 15 from noon – 4:30 p.m. at the Indiana State House. Free activities and entertainment will be provided, along with the dedication of Bicentennial Plaza and the State House Education Center in the State Library and celebrate the culmination of the Bicentennial Torch Relay.
· The Indianapolis Public Library invites adults for a Bicentennial book discussion about the state’s cultural and social history Sept. 20 from 6 – 8 p.m. The book, “The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf” by Mohja Kahf, highlights a devout Muslim girl growing up in Indiana in the 1970s. The discussion will involve what it means to be Muslim in America today and will take place in Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium.
· For more bicentennial activities and events, visit our blog.

Hauntingly good Halloween events
The Children’s Museum Guild will feature its 53rd annual Haunted House from Oct. 8 – 30. The theme this year is Cursed Castle and tickets are $8. Also at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, don’t miss the Black Hat Bash, the city’s biggest family-friendly Halloween party Oct. 7 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Zoo Boo returns to the Indianapolis Zoo Oct. 7 – 9, 14 – 16, 21 – 23, 28 – 30 from 2 – 7 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes.

For adults wanting to celebrate Halloween, Hilbert Circle Theatre hosts the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for Haunted Hilbert on Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Dress is “Masquerade Chic” and the proceeds benefit the ISO’s education programs. You must be 21+ to attend.

Fall into Festivals
Help celebrate German-American Day with GermanFest Oct. 8 from noon – 8 p.m. at the Anteneaum. The event will feature wiener dog races, a strong man competition, German beer and food by the Indianapolis Sangerchor and ZwergenLand for kids. Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

More than 275 film screenings will be featured at the 25th annual Heartland Film Festival Oct. 20 – 30. The Festival provides a unique opportunity for audiences to interact with more than 100 filmmakers, and see films from all over the world. Opening night festivities take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral Oct. 20.

Sports back in action 
The Pacers return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse Oct. 4 for the first home preseason matchup and open the regular season Oct. 26 vs. the Dallas Mavericks at 7 p.m. The Colts play two home games: a Super Bowl XLI rematch vs. the Chicago Bears Oct. 9 and the Kansas City Chiefs Oct. 30. The Indy Fuel begins its season Oct. 14 and the Indy Eleven play two home games Oct. 15 & 22.

Welcome back National FFA Convention
Thousands of young adult FFA members clad in their signature navy blue jackets will be in town once again for the annual convention Oct. 19 – 22. The gathering will include educational seminars and expos at the Indiana Convention Center, along with plenty of food trucks on Georgia Street Oct. 20 & 21.

For more information, visit http://downtownindy.org/ or call 317-237-2222.

Things to do in Indianapolis, May 26-June 1, 2014

NCAA Women’s Rowing Championships at Eagle Creek Park, May 30-June 1.
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. SUN: 21st Annual Miracle Ride at Allison Transmission, Inc.
2. WED: Indiana Pacers NBA Playoffs Basketball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
3. FRI-SUN: NCAA Division I Women’s Rowing Championships at Eagle Creek Park
4. WED-SUN: 10th Annual Historic US Highway 40 Yard Sale Across Indiana
5. WED-SAT: Indianapolis Charity Horse Show at the State Fairgrounds
6. MON-SUN: Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field
7. SAT: 20th Annual Wicket World of Croquet® at Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
8. WED: Original Farmers Market at the Indianapolis City Market
9. FRI-SUN: Indy 1500 Gun and Knife Show at the State Fairgrounds
10. FRI-SUN: Summerfest at St. Therese Little Flower Parish
11. SAT: Bill Maher at the Old National Centre
12. SAT: Indy Eleven Pro Soccer at Michael Carroll Stadium at IUPUI
13. THU: ‘Concerts on the Canal’ at the Indiana History Center
14. THU, SAT: Indiana Fever WNBA Basketball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
15. SUN: Jack Johnson in Concert at The Lawn at White River State Park

To see 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 #1 source for things to do in Indianapolis!

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, May 12-18, 2014

Rascal Flatts at Klipsch Music Center, May 17.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

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

1. SAT-SUN: 44th Annual Broad Ripple Art Fair at the Indianapolis Art Center
2. TUE: Indiana Pacers NBA Playoffs Basketball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
3. SAT-SUN: Inaugural ‘Mayberry in the Midwest’ Festival in Danville
4. SAT: Rascal Flatts in Concert at Klipsch Music Center
5. TUE-SUN: ‘The Addams Family’ Musical at Clowes Memorial Hall
6. TUE-SUN: Dana Mecum’s 27th Annual Original Spring Classic 2014 at the State Fairgrounds
7. TUE: ‘Jabberwocky’ at the IndyFringe Theatre
8. THU-SUN: ‘Disney on Ice: Rockin’ Ever After’ at the Ford Center in Evansville
9. FRI-SAT: 7th Annual Taste of Brown County in Nashville
10. FRI-SAT: RiverRoots Music and Folk Arts Festival in Madison
11. SAT: 7th Annual St. Vincent Geist Half Marathon and 5K in Hamilton County
12. SAT-SUN: Arcadia May Festival in Hamilton County
13. SAT-SUN: Civil War Days at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
14. MON-FRI: Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field
15. WED: Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group 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. Thank you for using AroundIndy.com!