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.

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!

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

City Market’s Original Farmers Market Opens May 7

Original Farmers Market. Photo provided by the Indianapolis City Market and used with written permission.

By Stevi Stoesz
Indianapolis City Market
http://indycm.com/

Just as the asparagus, sweet pea and broccoli sprouts peek through tilled fields throughout central Indiana, City Market officials are preparing for the launch of the 17th annual Original Farmers’ Market season set to begin May 7, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. The downtown market runs every Wednesday, May through October, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Market Street between Alabama and Delaware Streets rain or shine.

“Mark your calendar, grab your market basket and join the more than 60 Original Farmers’ Market vendors for a great season of fresh produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, honey, syrups, vegetable starts,  flowers, baked goods and more!” said Stevi Stoesz, Executive Director of the Indianapolis City Market. “We have a record number of vendors who will set up on City Market’s Whistler Plaza, as well as all of the great vendors who line Market Street.”

In its 17 years, the Original Farmers’ Market has helped to sustain the state’s food and farming community by providing a lively and profitable sales outlet for small family farms and local producers, many of which count on farm-direct sales as their main source of income.

DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR MATCHING PROGRAM EXPANDS TO INCLUDE MORE MARKETS

The Fresh Bucks program enables those who use SNAP benefits to double their spending dollars up to $20 on Indiana-native fruits, vegetables, honey, herbs and spices, maple syrup, and seedlings for edible plants.  The program’s expansion to include several area markets was made possible through a Specialty Crop Block Grant awarded by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

NEW VENDORS

The Original Farmers’ Market is pleased to welcome several new vendors to the Original Farmers’ Market family this year:

Craneberry Farm (Lafayette, IN) – Produce, pesto, variety of hummus flavors.
www.craneberryfarm.com

Harker Family Farms & Orchard (Waldron, IN) – Peaches, apples, tomatoes, sweet corn, pears, plums, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries.
http://www.facebook.com/harkerfamilyfarms

Home Ec (Indianapolis, IN) – jams, jellies, marmalades, chutney, pickles and relish.

Husk (Indianapolis) – Frozen sweet corn, frozen green beans, frozen peas.
www.huskfoods.com

Indiana Microgreens (Indianapolis, IN) – Single breed arugula, basil, cilantro, cress, fennel, mache, popcorn shoots, custom salad blends.
www.facebook.com/inmicro

Indy Family Produce (Greenwood, IN) – Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, leeks, beets, peppers, onions, potatoes, carrots, beans, zucchini, cucumber, eggplants.
www.indyfamilyproduce.com

Lick (Indianapolis, IN) – Specialty ice creams.
Lickicecream.tumblr.com.

Sage’s Simple Syrups (Whitestown, IN) – Lime/mint, cucumber/basil, guava, mango/ginger, peach/lavender, coffee/vanilla bean, roasted apple, cranberry, spiced pumpkin simple syrups.
www.sagessimplesyrups.com

Scratch Street Food (Indianapolis, IN) – Bacon Marmalade.
www.scratchtruck.com

Shamrock Farms (Arlington, IN) – Mushrooms, greens mixes, watermelon, potatoes, cabbage.

Tulip Tree Creamery (Zionsville, IN) – Artisan cheeses.
www.tuliptreecreamery.com

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

•        BUY TWO GIVE ONE

In collaboration with Gleaners Food Bank, the Original Farmers’ Market will accept donations of produce items every Wednesday at the OFM information booth located directly in front the City Market on Market Street. The collected produce will be distributed through Wheeler Mission.

•        MARKET DAY MUSIC

The Market District Stage on City Market’s Whistler Plaza comes alive every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. when local musical and performing acts take the stage to entertain market-goers.

•        LITTLE RED DOOR COOKING DEMOS

The first Wednesday of each month, Little Red Door Cancer Agency hosts a local celebrity in the Clark Appliance Demonstration Kitchen in City Market demonstrating healthy cooking techniques featuring cancer-fighting ingredients as well as recipes that provide countless healthy benefits to those in remission. Demos begin at 11:30 a.m.

•        IN THE KITCHEN SERIES

The “In the Kitchen” series boasts local chefs from the area’s top restaurants who shop for product at both the Original Farmers’ Market and inside City Market, then prepare a meal for an audience. Market-goers will leave with a recipe provided by the presenting chef. Demonstrations occur during lunchtime on all but the first Wednesdays of the month, through October.

The Indianapolis City Market is a non-profit organization, and the Original Farmers’ Market was established in 1997 to provide a platform for local producers to sell their Indiana products directly to consumers. For further information, call 317-634-9266, visit our Web site at www.indycm.com, our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/IndyCM?ref=ts or follow us on Twitter @IndyCM.

Under 21? Things to do in Downtown Indianapolis

Georgia Street in Downtown Indianapolis.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

By Taylor Newell
Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
http://indydt.com/

Not 21? Don’t worry. Whether you enjoy a good laugh, a good thrill or just an all-around good night out with friends, Downtown has plenty of activities for the under-21 crowd. From kids to young adults, being underage also offers you an advantage: discounts!

LIVE from the boardwalk!

Kick off every weekend on Georgia Street this summer with Friday Block Parties starting June 7! Every Friday night from 5 – 8 p.m. new local musicians will perform on the east and center blocks of Georgia Street and sidewalk cafes will be open to join in on the fun. Don’t worry about getting tickets ahead of time – Friday Block Parties are FREE to attend all summer long!

The June 7 event will be hosted by X103 and features Kyle McCord & the Modern Gentlemen on the east block. Hear Sour Mash Seven on June 14. Visit www.georgiastreetindy.com for details!

Ticket-master

Perks to being a student? Present a valid student ID at the box office of several Downtown theatres and receive a discount. At the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s 530-seat Tobias Theater, aka The Toby, you’ll experience culturally adventurous films, talks and performances, usually for only $10. Don’t miss The National Bank of Indianapolis Summer Nights Film Series showing fun outdoor movies like Jurassic Park and Hoosiers every Friday through Aug. 30! Concerts by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra can be found for students and youth for as low as $12 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Additionally, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art offers admission discounts: full-time students pay $6 and IUPUI students are free. Check out Guitars! Roundups to Rockers before it closes!

Looking for something unconventional, unforgettable and downright off-the-wall? Head to the IndyFringe Theatre where student tickets often cost just $10 and many are free. The Phoenix Theatre has a well-earned reputation for edgy productions and $23 tickets for those 21 and under. Start the weekend with some local jazz vibe at Madame Walker Theatre Center for Jazz on the Avenue! Be entertained by the hottest local jazz, funk and neo-soul bands for $10. Pay an extra $10 for the soul food buffet.

Get your laugh on while you’re in town! Check out a performance by ComedySportz Indianapolis and enjoy matches at $14 for students! Come together for the Mind Tripping Show, a comedy with a psychological twist, playing at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites through Aug. 3 for $20 for students. See a unique, edgy play at Theatre on the Square: show your student ID and tickets are only $20.

Fan appreciation

From racers to Pacers, if you’re a sports fanatic, Indy truly is the place to be. The city is home to several professional sports teams, so attend a home game. Check out our league-leading Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field and score on daily deals! Enjoy Monday Dollar Menu, McAlister’s Deli Two-For-One Tuesdays, Wednesday Business Day Games, Thursday Value Night, Friday Night Fireworks, Signature Saturdays and Kids Eat FREE Sundays. To boot, lawn seats are only $10! Be sure to catch the world champion Indiana Fever in action on a Wacky Wednesday, IMCU Two for One Thursday, Lucas Oil Family Night or other promotional games!

Sports fans can take their sports knowledge to new heights at the NCAA Hall of Champions in White River State Park for just $3 for those under 18.

Cheap thrills

A penny shy of flat broke? Pinch that penny and wander around Downtown. Use your shopping cents in the Circle Centre mall with plenty of nourishment at the food court. For a funkier shopping experience, stroll the antique shops of Fountain Square or vintage shops of Mass Ave, such as Silver in the City, Mass Ave Toys and Arts a Poppin for unique finds.

Make it a night to remember! Watch a 2D or 3D movie on the state’s largest screen at the IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum with a 12,000-watt, digital surround-sound system. Master your bowling skills at Action Duckpin Bowling in the 1928 Fountain Square Theatre Building.

Get your grub on! Head to Indianapolis City Market every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the Original Farmers’ Market, featuring some of the best locally-sourced meat, produce and other goods in town!

For more Downtown fun for kids, young adults and families, visit www.indydt.com, or call 317-237-2222.