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2026 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Andrea Ratcliff ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
Camille Graves MANAGING EDITOR
Jennifer Burnham CONTRIBUTORS
Sam Stall, Julie Young --------DESIGN DIRECTOR
Insects and flowers appear often in painter and muralist Kyng Rhodes’ work.
Margo Wininger ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Ellis ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR
Christiana Bertsch ---------
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Holly Whitney ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
EMERGING ARTISTS Royal Brush Takeover II
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Vu Luong
BY SA M STA L L
I NS I DE I N DY
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MUSEUM MAKEOVERS
Indy’s museums are in the midst of an upgrade boom.
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LINER NOTES
Art & Soul turns 30, IND’s art program is nationally recognized, and Cincinnati is the perfect arts road trip.
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THE REEL DEAL
What makes Heartland Film Festival the best film fest in the Midwest?
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OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
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BUSINESS COORDINATOR
THEATER & DANCE
Take in all the best stage performances this fall.
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POP, ROCK & MORE
Enjoy hits by musicians from a wide range of genres.
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View films on the big screen.
Entertainers scheduled to dazzle Indy audiences during the fall arts season. Photos courtesy the artists and venues.
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LECTURES, COMEDY & SPOKEN WORD
Get inspired or be amused by public speakers and comics.
INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY (ISSN 0899-0328) is published monthly ($24 for 12 issues) at 8909 Purdue Rd., Suite 130, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Copyright © 2026 Cincinnati Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Hour Media, LLC, 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098. The Indianapolis Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent management views. The magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. For subscription orders, address changes or renewals, write to INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071, or call 1-888-660-6847. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send forms 3579 to INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.
RHODES PHOTO COURTESY KYNG RHODES; ROYAL BRUSH TAKEOVER II PHOTO COURTESY PHOENIX THEATRE CULTURAL CENTRE
Indianapolis shapes artists, and artists shape Indianapolis. Learn about six local rising stars in the arts and how they help round out the Circle City.
Sarah Anderton, Jena Jennings, Rachel Widenhofer
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I NS I DE I NDY
Museum Makeovers Indianapolis is in the midst of a cultural boom, with new museum spaces opening and substantial upgrades recently finished or in progress at institutions around the city. BY CAMILLE GRAVES IMS MUSEUM Reopened in spring 2025 after a $60.5 million renovation that closed its doors for 18 months, the spectacularly new and improved Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum earned a spot on Time magazine’s annual World’s Greatest Places list in March 2026. The renovation added 40,000 square feet to the museum’s exhibition space, making room for its gleaming collection of winning Indy 500
cars—including the famed, bright yellow 1911 Marmon Wasp—with information on their drivers and speeds; displays dedicated to the evolution of racing through the decades, delving into everything from car parts to safety gear; an entire floor’s worth of glittering trophies that makes one feel like they’ve stumbled into Scrooge McDuck’s bank vault; high-fidelity racing simulators and areas where visitors can find out what it’s like to be part of a pit stop crew; and much more.
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PHOTO COURTESY IMS MUSEUM
2026
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Clockwise from top left: All Aboard! at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis; Spark!Lab at Conner Prairie; CAMi; a rendering of the updated Newfields garden opening in spring 2027.
I NS I DE I N DY
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things food-related through sight, touch, taste, smell, and sound, while the Smithsonian Spark!Lab gives kids the opportunity to view early inventions from the museum’s collection and try their own hand at bringing their ideas to life by learning through play. CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS (CAMI) Big Car Collaborative, founded in 2004 by husbandand-wife team Jim Walker and Shauta Marsh, has made big changes to the Garfield Park neighborhood since it moved to the area in 2016, slowly converting most of a city block just southeast of the park into artist residences, a community building with a coffee shop, multiple galleries and art installations, a radio station, business incubator storefronts, performance spaces, and more. Big Car’s newest reveal is the transformation of the 5-acre cultural campus’s identity into the Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis, nicknamed CAMi, and the opening of a new museum in May. The single-story, 40,000-square-foot museum is housed in a 125-year-old former dairy barn repurposed in keeping with Big Car’s commitment to reusing underutilized urban properties. A commissioning, noncollecting museum, CAMi distinguishes itself from traditional institutions by soliciting artists to produce shows and paying them directly, which allows creators to earn compensation without relying solely on gallery sales. Current works include Ivelisse Jiménez’s Campo de Resonancia, a series of large, hand-painted and colored vinyl and plastic sheets
hanging from the ceiling that encourages contemplation of perspective and waste; Jess Dunn and Sylvia Thomas’ Drafts, an experimental documentary that utilizes the building’s archives to explore the site’s human history, from its first indigenous inhabitants to its use as an arts complex; and the sacred 10-year arts project, the Chicken Chapel of Love. ALL ABOARD! AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS After a campaign by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to bring the Reuben Wells home in 1968 was successful, the historic steam locomotive traveled from an Altoona, Pennsylvania, railyard to Indianapolis, where it was hefted onto a flatbed truck and paraded through the city to much fanfare before going on display. The 35-foot, 55-ton locomotive was already 100 years old when it returned to
Indiana in 1968 and had been built for a special purpose. Sliced into the rocky Madison Hill in Southern Indiana, the section of the Madison, Indianapolis & Lafayette Railroad known as the “Cut” climbed to an elevation of 413 feet above the Ohio River at a 5.89-percent grade for 7,012 grueling feet. No existing engine could ascend it alone. Enter Reuben Wells, a master mechanic from Jeffersonville who designed the namesake locomotive—the biggest of its time—which successfully pulled trains up and down the Cut for 30 years before its eventual retirement and relocation to Indy. Before closing in late 2025, the space that houses the behemoth Hoosier still looked very much the same at it did in 1976. That changes in September, when All Aboard! reopens—apropos for the exhibit’s 50th anniversary in its current home. Reimagined for the 21st
TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS; TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY CONNER PRAIRIE MUSEUM; BOTTOM LEFT RENDERING COURTESY NEWFIELDS; BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BY DAVID SCHALLIOL
CONNER PRAIRIE MUSEUM EXPERIENCE CENTER Conner Prairie may be dedicated to teaching about history, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. In April, the living history museum originally founded by Eli Lilly as Conner Prairie Farm in the 1930s unveiled its new Museum Experience Center. The upgrades transform the old Welcome Center built in the 1980s, adding six new exhibits, a cafe, a sensory room, a revamped gift shop, and the Ricker Prairie Overlook event space with views of the barn, helium balloon, and prairie grounds, all built with accessibility in mind. The exhibits include Caring for Collections, where viewing windows allow observers to see the nitty gritty of maintaining historic artifacts from conservation to archiving, as well as Power of Place, which focuses on White River, following its flow from Indiana’s glacial stage 20,000 years ago, to its role in Indigenous settlement, to its position cutting through the fields and cities of Indiana today. Wellspring, a combined play and art space created in partnership with artist Wes Bruce and The Curious Life, takes explorers on a meditative adventure through nature— from a nook in a riverbank to the top of a sycamore tree—using both physical and multimedia elements. Torn: A Family Portrait explores the complicated history of the land’s first European settler, William Conner, and his role in helping negotiate the treaty that removed the Lenape people from Central Indiana— including his own first wife and six children. Food: Science, Culture and Cuisine leaves visitors hungry, immersing them in all
century, the exhibit will include a new sound and light show, as well as areas for kids to learn the locomotive’s history, drive a train, repair an engine, connect train cars, and travel to an exciting destination through interactive activities. Enhanced accessibility allows any child to be a conductor, a mechanic, or a passenger and appreciate the role of one of the Crossroads of America’s most iconic— and biggest—museum artifacts. THE FLOWER AND VEGETABLE GARDEN AT NEWFIELDS When most people think of grand 19th and early-20th century estates, they picture mansions boasting rooms of luxurious furniture and sprawling formal gardens. But before the advent of grocery stores that carried everything from cabbage, to fresh-cut flowers, to the oncerare celery, it was common for the average home, including
those of the wealthy, to have a kitchen garden (and even livestock, especially chickens). Produce was used in meals while bouquets of flowers beautified the house or were presented as gifts. For decades, the only remnant of the Lilly House’s kitchen garden was its 1940s-era greenhouse. The rest was paved over in 1969 when the Indianapolis Museum of Art was built, while an adjacent orchard had become lawn. As part of Newfields’ 30-year plan, it has been methodically reviving the garden and orchard. Visitors may have already noticed the apple trees planted around 15 years ago—all vintage varieties transplanted fully mature from Illinois—along with a beehive, wildflowers including Indiana natives like milkweed and false indigo, accessible paths, and naturebased works by local artists, like Cory Robinson’s arbor
shaped from willow branches. The section currently under construction, opening in spring 2027, will integrate horticulture and art, weaving edible flowers and herbs with conventional produce and ornamental vegetables with traditional cut-flower species. A pavilion will have classroom space for demonstrations and workshops on topics like flower arranging and honey production. A ramp will take visitors to a vista point where they can view the garden from above, while a grotto underneath will offer a reprieve from the weather and a space to view art. Primarily organic pest- and weed-control methods ensure the gardens are safe for ambling and for use in dishes served in the cafe and beer garden. Best of all, garden and greenhouse staff are always on hand and eager to share their expertise on the living works of art in the museum’s collection—its plants.
World-class music in the heart of our city. 2026-27 season on sale now! For tickets, scan or visit IndianapolisSymphony.org THE TICKET 2026 | IM
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LINER NOTES
ART & SOUL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF HIGHLIGHTING BLACK ART AND MUSIC IN INDIANAPOLIS. B Y J U L I E Y O U N G SI NCE 1996, Art & Soul has been the Indy Arts Council’s premier showcase for Black art and music in the Circle City. What began as a simple way to honor and celebrate Black History Month has grown into a year-round, citywide event that features a rich field of diverse creatives sharing their work with the larger community. Thanks to community partners such as Lilly Endowment Inc., which has supported the program from the beginning, Art & Soul represents a focused investment in the cultural fabric of Indianapolis.
Queen City Colors Cincinnati makes for a fun fall arts destination. LO OKI NG FOR a getaway that’s not far away? Cincinnati is the perfect place to catch a little culture this fall. Since 2017, Blink has been a biennial celebration of public art and light across Cincinnati’s core. This fourday event features over 80 large-scale light installations against some of the city’s most iconic architecture. The interactive displays can be viewed October 8–11 from 7 to 10 p.m. blinkcincinnati.com Don’t miss the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Festival October 2–4. This weekendlong series celebrates the CSO’s longstanding partnership with legendary trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis and features new works as well as fresh takes on orchestral classics. cincinnatisymphony.org Lego Jurassic World: The Exhibition is an immersive adventure 6 million bricks in the making. Now through January 4, fans of all ages can enjoy more than 50 massive dinosaurs, iconic scenes, and interactive props made of Lego bricks at the Cincinnati Museum Center. cincymuseum.org —JULIE YOUNG
GATEWAY ART Did you know the largest public art gallery in the city is (drumroll) the air crafts
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Indianapolis International Airport? Run by the airport authority and the Indy Arts Council, IND’s art program earned it USA Today’s No. 2 Best Airport for Art spot in 2025. Its permanent collection, rotating exhibits, and temporary displays were created by artists with ties to the Hoosier state. ind.com/community/arts-program —CA M ILLE G R AV E S
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ART & SOUL PHOTO BY DEMEL BOLDEN; LEGO JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXHIBITION PHOTO BY ANNA KUCERA
Cultural Showcase
Through paid performance opportunities, public exhibitions, and community events, area artists have the opportunity to hone their craft and take their careers to the next level. “I think our biggest potential for growth is collaborating with more community partners and having more of our alumni artists involved to help the up-and-coming youth in our community see how they fit into the space and how they can enjoy a career in the arts,” says Melissa Rowe, director of marketing and communications for Indy Arts Council. In 2009, the program introduced its first cohort of Featured Performers, who not only appear throughout the year at various Art & Soul events but also collaborate on a closing showcase. This year’s class of talent includes multidisciplinary artists Dr. Austin Dean Ashford and D’yshe Mansfield, spoken work performer Auboni Essence, and keyboard musician Kenn.wav. The cohort has chosen The Reset as the name of this year’s showcase, which will be presented at the Madam Walker Legacy Center on October 10. indyarts.org
BY THE NUMBERS
The Reel Deal
THE HEARTLAND FILM FESTIVAL TURNS 35 THIS YEAR. RUNNING OCTOBER 8 THROUGH 18, THIS YEAR’S FEST SPOTLIGHTS OVER 100 FEATURE FILMS, INCLUDING BLOCKBUSTER SNEAK PEEKS, WORLD PREMIERES, AND ENTRIES MADE BY HOOSIERS, AT ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA, INDY ART CENTER, LIVING ROOM THEATERS, KAN-KAN CINEMA, NEWFIELDS, AND THE SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL. HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF THE HISTORY, FACTS, AND FIGURES THAT MAKE IT THE MIDWEST’S BIGGEST ANNUAL FILM EVENT. BY C A M I L L E G R AV E S 2025 FESTIVAL FUN FACTS
1991 A nonprofit arts organization, Heartland Film is founded.
1992 The organization hosts the first Heartland Film Festival in the fall.
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65% of all submissions were from the U.S.
2010 The High School Film Competition gives students ages 14 to 19 the opportunity to submit short films.
2012 The festival receives its first Academy Award qualification for Live Action Short Film.
2018 The Indy Shorts International Film Festival becomes a standalone summer spinoff, showcasing the art of short films (40 minutes or less). Indy Shorts earns a second Academy Award qualification for Documentary Short Film.
2020 During Covid, the Heartland Film Festival and Indy Shorts Film Festival move to drive-in theaters and virtual screenings. Indy Shorts receives its third Academy Award qualification for Animated Short Film.
$60K in cash prizes
countries from which submissions were received
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100%
1999 Heartland Film creates and presents the first Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Award for student filmmakers.
2005 The festival’s Audience Choice Awards in multiple categories are introduced.
over
world and U.S. premieres
of the films were independently made.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2026 HEARTLAND FILM FESTIVAL
RECENT OSCAR NOMINEES AND WINNERS
2025 International Closing Night Film: Sentimental Value, winner, Best International Feature Film; nominated for eight other awards at the 2026 Academy Awards 2025 Centerpiece Film: Train Dreams, nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Song (“Train Dreams”) at the 2026 Academy Awards 2024 Opening Night Film: A Real Pain, winner, Best Supporting Actor (Kieran Culkin); nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 2025 Academy Awards 2024 Closing Night Film: Emilia Pérez, winner, Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saladaña) and Best Original Song (“El Mal”); nominated for 11 other awards at the 2025 Academy Awards 2024 Documentary Feature Grand Prize Winner: Porcelain War, nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film at the 2025 Academy Awards
THIS YEAR’S fest will showcase the festival world premiere of the biopic Jimmy, starring KJ Apa, the untold true story of Jimmy Stewart, as the Opening Night Film at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on October 8. A SPECIAL Festival Preview night on
October 7 will present the world premiere of First Five, an unprecedented, intimate look at the five young men who were part of famed Indiana University basketball head coach Bob Knight’s first recruiting class (1971–1975).
THE FESTIVAL will screen over 100 feature
films, and more than 150 filmmakers will attend and participate in question-andanswer sessions.
2023 Both the Heartland Film Festival and the Indy Shorts Film Festival make MovieMaker Magazine’s list of Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.
2024 Indy Shorts becomes a BAFTAqualifying festival for short films.
2026 Heartland Film Festival is voted the No. 1 Best Film Festival in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The full festival lineup and tickets will be available on
Thursday, September
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Emerging Artists INDIANAPOLIS IS FULL OF CREATIVE TALENT. HERE ARE SIX MOVERS AND SHAKERS ON THE RISE IN THE CIRCLE CITY ARTS SCENE. BY S A M S TA L L
Artists shape Indianapolis, and Indianapolis shapes artists. The six creatives profiled on the following pages understand this relationship intimately. Some arrived in the city from as far away as New England and Brazil. Others grew up here. But all bring fresh perspectives, ambitious projects, and commitments to give back to the community that either spawned them or provided a safe space where their talents could flourish. Their contributions to our city, whether it be in paint, music, dance, or the written word, are just beginning.
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Luzemberg Santana T H E AGE OF 10,
Brazilian native Luzemberg Santana won what amounts to a professional dancer’s version of the lottery. The odds against him were certainly as long as those against the average Powerball player. He was one of 62,000 children who auditioned for a scholarship to the ultra-prestigious Bolshoi Theatre School in Brazil. And he became one of only eight of those applicants to receive a scholarship.
PHOTOS COURTESY LUZEMBERG SANTANA
“I had to live far away from my family for eight years until I graduated,” Santana says. Hundreds of miles away from his home in northeast Brazil, he painstakingly honed his skill in a demanding discipline, changing the trajectory of his life and earning a ticket to a career performing around the world. Indianapolis audiences know him as one of Indianapolis Ballet’s newest principal dancers. But his journey here included professional contracts in multiple countries, years of elite training, and an unwavering commitment to improvement—because while ballet may look effortless to an audience, Santana knows better. And he has the aches and pains to prove it. Delivering a great performance, he says, requires not just technical precision but also emotional control, constant communication with fellow dancers, and, of course, pure physical endurance and prowess. A principal dancer must be an athlete, actor, and artist all at once. “Once you figure out your identity on stage, I think
you’ve found the way to make yourself and the audience happy,” he says. When the Indianapolis Ballet season concludes, Santana decamps to Brazil, where he works on community projects and manages his own clothing company, 5ive4orty, which creates streetwear for the ballet community. He also works on growing his social media presence, offering training tips and slice-of-life vignettes to his more than 15,000 Instagram followers, and mentors younger performers trying to build their own careers. Santana sees enormous potential in the Indianapolis art scene. He believes the city can become an even more prominent destination for classical ballet and hopes to contribute to that growth. “I believe in Indianapolis,” he says. “I think it’s a place where ballet can grow and be recognized.”
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Kyng Rhodes H E N PAI N T E R
and muralist Kyng Rhodes was 3 years old, he used some of his mother’s makeup to draw his first mural—on the walls of his house. Most parents would have seen red, but his mother examined his work and saw potential. “She looked at the drawings and thought it was better than what’s to be expected of a 3-year-old,” Rhodes recalls. The incident launched him on a lifelong artistic journey. During his youth in Indianapolis, Rhodes gravitated toward every art program he could find, eventually earning a degree in graphic design. Yet even as he built a career in the corporate world, his true passion remained painting. The pivotal moment came in 2020, when he helped create the Black Lives Matter mural on Indiana Avenue. The project generated enormous attention. It also cost him his graphic design job. But it was hardly a disaster. Deprived of his corporate gig, he decided to go all-in on painting. “I put all my effort into what I had already been doing at home, which was my paintings, and I went for it,” he says. Indianapolis is richer for his choice. Rhodes has emerged as one of the city’s most visible and thoughtprovoking artists. His paintings blend spirituality, social commentary, and symbolism with vivid color. A recurring element in his works is
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what he calls a “divine light” that draws viewers toward a deeper understanding of the subjects he portrays. Though he often addresses serious topics such as race, faith, and environmental stewardship, Rhodes refuses to dwell in darkness. Flowers, bright colors, and glowing figures populate his canvases. In an era when outrage often dominates public conversation, he remains committed to finding the beauty and the light in even the gloomiest corners. He’s also a supporter of his fellow artists, using exhibitions and collaborations to elevate their creative voices. “I want people to smile, and I want to make them happy,” he says.
Shasta Grant RI T E R SHASTA
Grant, author of the recently released novel We Were Feral, about a group of girls growing up in a small New England town, is finally ready to start calling herself a Hoosier. She grew up in the small town of Newport, New Hampshire, earned an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, lived in China and Singapore for several years, and moved to Indianapolis in 1999. Though most of her short stories, including flash fiction, and longer works are set in New England, she’s toying with the idea of writing an Indiana story. “I think this is really home now,” she says. Grant didn’t take the shortest, most efficient route to Indy, and her path to authorship was just as meandering. She worked as a paralegal before enrolling in a community workshop
Jessica Huang at Butler University. That class changed everything. Encouraged by English professor and author Dan Barden, she pursued graduate school and eventually built a career as an author, editor, teacher, and writing coach. In addition to publishing acclaimed short stories, she also serves as coordinating editor of the flash fiction journal SmokeLong Quarterly and is the cofounder of Brown Bag Lit, an online literary community offering lunchtime classes, writing groups, and accountability sessions for people who can’t or won’t do “in-person” workshops. One of Brown Bag Lit’s most successful programs, Lunch Break Writers, brings its far-flung student body together for virtual group writing sessions. “The feedback that we get is really that it’s very powerful, that they wouldn’t be writing if they didn’t sit down and do it together,” Grant says. Community has always mattered a great deal to her. While attending Sarah Lawrence, she led writing workshops in a women’s correctional facility, inspired in part by the fact that her own mother died in prison. She later continued similar work with women in other transitional programs. As a novelist, Grant tells stories. As an editor and mentor, she’s helping others tell theirs.
OST PLAYW RIGH TS spend
their days exploring imaginary realities. Jessica Huang is currently exploring several. On any given day, the James Still Playwright-in-Residence at the Indiana Repertory Theatre might be developing a new musical, revising a script, or working on an ambitious adaptation of H.G. Wells’ science-fiction classic The War of the Worlds. “It’s fun,” she says. “You get to live in different worlds.” For Huang, storytelling has always been tied to family and community. While growing up in Minnesota, she was involved in a community theater where everyone in her family pitched in. Her brother performed. Her father worked backstage. Her mother was a stage manager. The experience taught her that theater isn’t simply about individual creativity. It’s about people building something together. That lesson guides her work today.
RHODES PHOTO COURTESY KYNG RHODES; GRANT PHOTO BY JES NIJJER; HUANG PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA HUANG
A former journalism student, Huang discovered that dialogue and storytelling excited her more than any other form of writing. She eventually built a nationally recognized career as a playwright whose work frequently explores questions of identity, belonging, and what it means to be American. “I’m the descendant of immigrants,” she says. “I’m a product of immigrants from very different parts of the world coming together.” Those themes continually surface in her work, even when she’s writing about Martian invasions and global catastrophe. In Indianapolis, Huang’s role extends beyond writing. She participates in artistic planning at IRT and works closely with young playwrights through the theater’s educational programs. Those interactions, she says, reconnect her with the joy that first drew her to theater. “I love being able to share what I know,” she says. Although her permanent home is in New York City and she travels frequently, Huang holds Indianapolis dear. During her residency, she has become an enthusiastic advocate for the city’s arts community, praising both its creativity and its willingness to embrace new ideas. “I really just treasure having a home in Indianapolis during this three-year residency,” she says. For a playwright whose job is imagining new worlds, that’s perhaps the highest compliment she can offer.
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D’yshe Mansfield H E N D’YSH E
Mansfield was 9 years old, she was riding around in the car with her mother, enthusiastically singing along with a song on the radio. Or rather, absolutely owning a song on the radio. “That’s how you can sing?” her mother asked, shocked. Not long afterward, Mansfield was singing in church every Sunday. Then came performing arts programs in middle and high school, theater productions, music studies in New York City, and a growing reputation as one of Indy’s most versatile per-
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formers. Today, her resume includes singer, songwriter, actor, and photographer. But she doesn’t hesitate when asked which comes first. “Singing is the one thing where I feel most free,” she shares. After training in New York City, Mansfield returned to Indianapolis and her family. During the personal and societal upheaval of Covid, she craved both tighter familial bonds and a chance to rest and regroup creatively. Since then, she’s immersed herself in both performance and community work. Her music emphasizes emotional honesty and human connections. The phrase she returns to repeatedly is, “You can’t hear what you can’t feel.” Whether writing original songs or performing with her band, Mansfield hopes audiences see pieces of themselves in the stories she tells. Her recent single “Drive” explores themes of mental health and finding a safe place amid life’s challenges. But some of her most meaningful work happens offstage. Mansfield recently completed a second degree in applied theater, television, and film and began working with React Theater, a local organization that helps young people develop and perform stories based on their experiences. Through workshops and theater projects, students learn that their voices matter. “I think the work that I’m doing with React Theater is probably the most impactful right now,” she says. That commitment to helping others forms the spiritual through line of Mansfield’s diverse body of work. She hopes to be remembered, she says, as someone who “always wanted to make everybody feel like somebody.”
V E N W H E N Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor Hannah Schendel isn’t conducting an ISO performance, chances are she knows every note being played. Because one of her less-visible responsibilities is serving as the orchestra’s emergency backup conductor. That means learning major works throughout the season and being prepared to step up to the podium at a moment’s notice if circumstances require it. Which, so far, they haven’t. “I have not had to do it this year yet, knock on wood,” she says. Not that there aren’t plenty of other tasks to occupy her time. Much of her work involves educational and outreach programs that introduce young people to classical music, including student concerts, school performances, and opportunities for amateur musicians to perform alongside professionals. She believes music education offers benefits that extend well beyond the concert hall. “I think it teaches so many valuable life skills,” she says. Originally from Minnesota, Schendel’s path to the podium was far from straightforward. She studied violin and piano and pursued a biology degree in college, with notions of going to medical school. But music kept calling to her. “I loved playing with an orchestra,” she recalls. “I switched over to conducting because I enjoyed both the analytical approach to the music and the collegial nature of the work.” The role demands far more than musical knowledge. Conducting is surprisingly physical, and Schendel mentions that many conductors battle shoulder injuries during their careers. “I have to work out, especially my upper body,” she says. Schendel came to Indianapolis because she was impressed by both the caliber of the orchestra and its commitment to community engagement. Working with kids and amateur musicians is important to her, as is supporting living and underrepresented contemporary composers. Whenever possible, she seeks opportunities to bring their works into the ISO’s repertoire, believing those emerging voices will shape the future of orchestral music.
Hannah Schendel
MANSFIELD PHOTO COURTESY ART & SOUL; SCHENDEL PHOTO COURTESY INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Spooooky, not scary!
ʀ ťĖ ŦŤŦŪ ʨ GET TICKETS
The more the merrier.
is just around the corner. Make your plan to visit November 20–January 3.
Step into a spine-tingling 90-minute immersive reimagining of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. As Ichabod Crane's nightmare unfolds around you, the line between audience and legend vanishes, swept away by haunting choreography, cinematic storytelling, and an atmosphere thick with suspense. Be among the first to experience Indianapolis' newest and most unforgettable fall tradition.
TWO WEEKENDS ONLY OCTOBER 2-4 & 9-11 MCGOWAN HALL | 1305 N. DELAWARE STREET
SAVE 10% WITH CODE DANCEKAL.ORG
ICHABOD
THEATER & DANCE
don’t miss
PHOTO BY JEREMY KYLE PHOTO
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Dance Kaleidoscope introduces a new seasonal tradition with its inaugural performance of a ballet interpreting Washington Irving’s famous tale of the lovelorn Ichabod Crane and the headless specter who haunts him.
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urban violence, identity, consequence, and survival. indydistrict theatre.org
THE TICKET
THEATER & DANCE CALENDAR CLASSIC TALES AND NEW NARRATIVES COMBINE WITH SONG-AND-DANCE NUMBERS AND FEATS OF PHYSICAL AGILITY IN THIS ARRAY OF STAGE PERFORMANCES.
ONGOING
Korea’s cultural heritage. thecenterpresents.org
IndyFringe Festival
Emergency the Musical
ENDS 8/23
8/27–30 Dr. Justin
IF Theatre’s annual festival turns 21, with more than 70 unique shows performed on six stages throughout downtown Indianapolis. indyfringe.org
Marks has one night in the ER—and four nights at The Tarkington— to save his career. Can he outperform his conniving medical school rival, Kyle? thecenterpresents.org
AUGUST
Ring of Fire
Night School: A Drag Parody Musical
Dinner Theatre takes audiences on a journey through the career of the legendary Johnny Cash. beefandboards.com
8/27–10/4 Beef & Boards
8/21–30 This campy drag
parody inspired by the Disney Channel hit High School Musical at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre follows the East High Wildcats on a journey to break free from the status quo. phoenixtheatre.org
Heung: Inspiring Korean Music 8/23 The Korean
Performing Arts Institute of Indiana proudly presents this Korean traditional performing arts concert at The Tarkington, showcasing the depth, beauty, and power of 18
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Happy Hour for a Cause 8/29–30 Ballet INitiative presents this showcase of exhilarating dance works at The Cat, with 20 percent of proceeds benefitting Gennesaret Free Clinics. thecat.biz
SEPTEMBER
women at The Studio Theater features the music of Linda Ronstadt, Donna Summer, Heart, Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar, and more. thecenterpresents.org
9/17–27 Based on graphic
novelist Alison Bechdel’s memoir, this performance at Shelton Auditorium tells the story of Bechdel’s father and his secrets and how she came to understand her own sexuality. butlerartscenter.org
Kila’Delphia the Stage Play 9/17–9/27 Produced by
Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical 9/4–20 The sequel to last
year’s hit show Beehive, this celebration of 1970s
10/3 There’s trouble
9/18–10/4 Enter the
in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian in this hit comedy at Clowes Memorial Hall. butlerartscenter.org
world of the young prince Pippin as he learns the true meaning of glory, love, and war in this Footlite Musical at Hedback Community Theatre. footlite.org
Cats The Da Vinci Code 9/23–10/18 The
bestselling Dan Brown thriller comes to life at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, with professor Robert Langdon racing across Europe to unravel a web of mysteries and solve a brutal murder. irtlive.org
Disney’s The Lion King 9/30–10/18 Join Simba, Mufasa, Nala, and the rest as they battle Scar for Pride Rock at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com
OCTOBER
9/11 This free concert at
Southbank Theatre Presents Fun Home
the Indianapolis Black Theater Company, this gripping and emotionally charged theatrical experience at The District Theatre confronts the realities of
Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man
Pippin
Opera in the Park MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park celebrates America250 and features an Indianacentric lineup of opera stars alongside residents of the Indianapolis Opera and the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra. indyopera.org
from tearing apart. thecenterpresents.org
Close Encounters 10/1–4 The Indianapolis
Ballet invites audiences to experience an up-close look at the artistry, athleticism, and creativity of dance in this intimate performance featuring a collection of new works at The District Theatre. indyballet.org
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow 10/2–11 The Headless Horseman descends upon McGowan Hall in this spine-tingling Dance Kaleidoscope production. dancekal.org
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, the Musical 10/2–17 In this new
musical presented at The Tarkington and inspired by the themes and raw emotions of Alanis Morissette’s seminal album, the suburban Healy family struggles to keep itself
10/8–11/22 The Jellicle Cats swarm Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in a dazzling celebration of song, dance, and imagination. beefand boards.com
Murder at Millfields 10/9–25 A weekend getaway at the 1875 luxury hotel Millfields goes horribly awry when a guest is found dead. Can the other guests help solve the murder in this interactive performance at Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site? bhpsite.org
Ballet Hispánico New York 10/12 The nation’s leading Latino American dance company for over five decades graces Clowes Memorial Hall with an unforgettable performance. butlerarts center.org
The Carole King & James Taylor Story 10/13–15 The music and lives of the lifelong musical partners and friends take center stage at the Schrott Center for the Arts. butlerarts center.org
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live 10/15–31 Brad and Janet
find themselves stranded outside the mysterious Dr. Frank N. Furter’s castle on a dark and stormy night. Witness the fabulous chaos that ensues at the Basile Theatre at the Athenaeum. athenaeumindy.org
The Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights 10/16 The Grand Kyiv
Ballet breathes new life into ballet’s most famous masterpiece at Clowes
Memorial Hall with vivid light design, illuminated costumes, and world-class dancers from around the globe. butlerartscenter.org
love triumphs, and friendships flourish told through dance and set to classical music at Hatfield Hall. hatfield hall.ludus.com
The House on Haunted Hill
NOVEMBER
10/16–11/1 Prepare to
be terrified during this combined horror play and film screening with surprise guests at the Basile Theatre at IF. indyfringe.org
Kim’s Convenience 10/20–11/15 The hit
television show centering on two generations of a Korean immigrant family brings all the laughs to the Indiana Repertory Theatre. irtlive.org
Salem 10/23–24 Gregory
Hancock Dance Theatre opens its season with a performance at The Tarkington, perfect for October. gregoryhancock dancetheatre.org
The Little Shop of Horrors 10/23–11/8 Meek floral shop assistant Seymour Krelborn better not forget to feed Audrey II in The Studio Theater’s take on the cult musical. thecenterpresents.org
Ghouls & Giggles 10/24–25 This delightfully spooky showcase at Fonseca Theatre features original short vignettes by young writers from Fonseca Theatre Company’s Playwriting Lab. fonseca theatre.org
Hasta La Muerta
Elmo’s Got the Moves 11/1 Be tickled by Elmo and friends in this Sesame Street Live! Production at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com
Live! Election Day 11/3 Get a glimpse of the Harrison family at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site as they eagerly await the results of the 1888 election to find out if they’ll be the newest occupants of the White House. bhpsite.org
Cinderella 11/6–8 The magical fairy
tale choreographed and staged by Cincinnati Ballet artistic director emerita Victoria Morgan at Clowes Memorial Hall showcases the talents of the Indianapolis Ballet and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. indyballet.org
Couples Therapy: The Theatrical Show 11/7 Hilarity and
mischief ensue when a pair of relationship experts attempt to solve everyone else’s problems in this clever combination of theater, stand-up, and improv at The Tarkington. thecenter presents.org
10/29 Experience a moving, two-act theatrical and musical performance exploring the stages of grief and loss through the lens of Mexican folklore in a celebration of life and death at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenterpresents.org
OnyxFest
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: Snow White
Dance Nation by Clare Barron
10/30 Enjoy the magic
of the classic story where goodness abounds, true 20
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11/7–16 Four never-
produced one-act plays by Black playwrights, as well as a revival of the late OnyxFest director Vernon Williams’ first play, take the stage at the Basile Theatre at IF and Herron School of Art + Design. indyfringe.org
11/11–15 In this blazingly original dark comedy, ambition and femininity daringly intersect for
a troupe of preteen dancers at the Basile Theatre at IF. indy fringe.org
BenDeLaCreme Presents the Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show 11/13 After nine years of
meeting Dickensian ghosts, surviving immaculate conceptions and elf attacks, and traveling through The Nutcracker’s Land of Sweets, who knows what the Queens of Christmas, Jinkx, and DeLa will get up to in this year’s high-camp drag spectacular at the Murat Theatre at Old National Center. livenation.org
stage at Hedback Community Theatre in this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure presented by Footlite Musicals. footlite.org
Gravity & Other Myths: Ten Thousand Hours
11/13–15 Giuseppe
Verdi’s tragic opera about the passionate love affair between courtesan Violetta and nobleman Alfredo, presented by the Indianapolis Opera, embodies the melodramatic romance at The Tarkington. indyopera.org
The Pirates of Penzance 11/13–22 A hilarious
farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers, and an eccentric major-general is presented at Arts for Lawrence’s Theater. artsforlawrence.org
12/8–13 The Broadway rendition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s American tragedy at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre has all the glamour of the Roaring Twenties and drama of West Egg versus East Egg. indianapolis .broadway.com
A Princess Adventure for all ages, this musical show at the Lilly Theater at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis regales audiences with the stories of real-life historical princesses. childrensmuseum.org
Holiday Inn 11/27–1/3/27 Based on
the classic film, this joyous musical at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre features a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including “Blue Skies,” “Heat Wave,” “Cheek to Cheek,” and “White Christmas.” beefand boards.com
DECEMBER
feel like Christmas without Indiana Repertory Theatre’s annual production of the classic tale of Scrooge and his journey of redemption. irtlive.com
12/4–20 Ring in the
season with an original holiday musical by Defiance Comedy at the Basile Theatre at IF. indyfringe.org
A Christmas Carol
Mary Poppins 11/20–12/13 Everyone’s favorite nanny takes the
A Dickens Christmas 12/11 Celebrate the season throughout the home of President Benjamin Harrison at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site as performers in each room share heartwarming stories and scenes inspired by Charles Dickens’ tales. bhpsite.org
The Nutcracker 12/11–13 Central Indiana
Dance Ensemble shares its 27th annual production of the classic at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville High School. cidedance.org
Melchior Marionettes 12/12 As a part of its
The Misfits
abound at Clowes Memorial Hall in this musical comedy adaptation of the iconic ’90s film starring Robin Williams as a dad who moonlights as the family nanny. indianapolis .broadway.com
Hancock Dance Theatre presents its mesmerizing winter show at The Florence. gregory hancockdancetheatre.org
The Great Gatsby
11/14–12/26 It wouldn’t
11/17–22 Shenanigans
12/5–13 Gregory
acrobats showcase the wonders of the human body in this honest approach to performance that focuses on connection and acrobatic virtuosity at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenterpresents.org
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Mrs. Doubtfire
Winterfest
11/22 Eight world-class
11/27–1/3/27 A comedy
La Traviata
City at The Tarkington. thecenterpresents.org
12/4–22 The classic Christmas tale gets the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre treatment, though perhaps without the prize turkey. beefandboards.com
Annie 12/4–26 Watch little orphan Annie charm everyone’s hearts with her pluck and positivity despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York
Peanut Butter & Jam Series, Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts presents a holiday cabaret–style variety show on strings, with skilled puppet masters bringing marionettes to life for children at The Studio Theater. thecenter presents.org
The Nutcracker 12/17–22 The Indianapo-
lis Ballet is joined by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Clowes Memorial Hall to enchant audiences with swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the majestic Sugar Plum Fairy. indyballet.org
SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
2026-2027 SEASON
presented by
by Ins Choi directed by cara hinh
adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel based on the novel by Dan Brown directed by Benjamin Hanna
SEPTEMBER 23 OCTOBER 18
heart-pounding action adventure
OCTOBER 20 NOVEMBER 15
hilarious and heartwarming
by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins directed by Tyrone Phillips adapted by Tom Haas directed by cara hinh
NOVEMBER 14 DECEMBER 26
Indy’s holiday tradition
JANUARY 26 FEBRUARY 21
based on a story and characters by Damon Runyon music and lyrics by Frank Loesser book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows directed by Lili-Anne Brown
by Lauren Gunderson directed by Lauren Keating
FEBRUARY 16 MARCH 21
growing up, growing strong
prize-winning family drama
APRIL 7 - MAY 9
golden-age Broadway musical
IRTLIVE.COM | 317.635.5252
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POP, ROCK & MORE
PHOTO COURTESY KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD
don’t miss
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band: Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour Blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd was just 17 when he released his Top 10 debut album Ledbetter Heights in 1995. In 2025, he rerecorded the album with producerJerry Harrison (of Talking Heads fame) using his original gear. He stops at Payne & Mencias Palladium in November on his tour celebrating the release.
THE TICKET 2026 | IM
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with 76 appearances, shines at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. feinsteinshc.com
THE TICKET
Taj Farrant
POP, ROCK & MORE CALENDAR
FROM ARTISTS PROMOTING THEIR FIRST ALBUMS TO SUPERGROUPS RETURNING TO THE ROAD, MUSICIANS FROM A WIDE RANGE OF ERAS AND GENRES HIT THE CIRCLE CITY.
AUGUST
Robert Lester Folsom 8/28 Singer, songwriter,
Chamber Music Band 8/23 Based in Indy, the
powerhouse seven-piece ensemble known for turning every stage into a party brings its blend of soul, funk, pop, and R&B to the Hi-Fi Annex. hifiindy.com
Spike Hellis: Successor Tour 8/23 The ’80s-inflected
electronic duo supports their latest album blending hip-hop, metal, and techno at The 808 at Indy CD & Vinyl. indycdandvinyl.com
and guitarist Robert Lester Folsom, known for his resurfaced independent 1970s recordings, shares his mix of soft psychedelic and Americana at Turntable. turntableindy.com
Private Eyes: The Premier Daryl Hall & John Oates Tribute 8/29 The LA-based Hall
& Oates tribute band known for its sonically accurate renditions brings its act to the concert stage at Conner Prairie. connerprairie.org
supporting her 2025 album Period, which joyfully mixes influences from polka to soul to hyperpop. livenation.com
9/4 Catch Australia’s blues guitar prodigy— who, at 17, has already played with Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, and the Experience Hendrix Tour—at The Vogue. thevogue.com
Dermot Kennedy: The Weight of the Woods Tour 9/8 Irish indie-pop singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy, recognized for his blend of acoustic instrumentation and hip-hop-influenced percussion, plays Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. livenation.com
Gladys Knight 9/9 The Empress of Soul comes to Hatfield Hall in this concert sure to move old and new fans of her 60-year career alike. hatfieldhall.ludus.com
Anees Natalie Marque and Josh Kaufman Babyface Tribute 8/30 Soulful vocalist
Natalie Marque and The Voice Season 6 winner Josh Kaufman pay tribute to the greatest musical icon to come out of the town they call home, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, at The Jazz Kitchen. thejazzkitchen.com
SEPTEMBER
9/11 Love, freedom, and
self-expression are at the core of every piece of music by Anees, who plays the Hi-Fi Annex on his Lucky Duck Tour. hifiindy.com
Drama 9/11 Following the
release of its third album, Platonic Romance, the electro-R&B duo stops at The Vogue to showcase Via Rosa’s rich vocals against Na’el Shehade’s robust production. thevogue.com
Chreece Caamp 8/26 Originally from
Ohio, the up-and-coming indie-folk group won’t be far from home at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. livenation.com
Bungalow Collect Presents Disco Rap: Keep It Honest Tour 8/27 Bungalow Collect, the creators of Disco Rap, bring their mission of joy, dancing, and human connection to the Hoosier Dome. indyhoosier dome.com
24
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8/29 Multiple venues across Fountain Square host all-ages activations and shows featuring some of the top hip-hop acts from across Indy, the Midwest, and the country, including Michigan City native Jorjiana, up-and-comer Ovrkast., and breakout star Rico Nasty. chreeceaf.com
Kesha: The Freedom Tour
8/30 Kesha hits Ruoff
Music Center for the final show of her tour
Lisa Frank and the Trapper Keepers 9/3 The ’90s tribute rock band comes to MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park during Indy Parks’ free concert series. parks.indy.gov/ free-concert-series
1960s pop singer Marilyn Maye, who holds the record for the most singing engagements on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
9/13 Mothica brings her
catchy alt-pop exploring mental health struggles to the Hi-Fi, with rock band wilt opening. hifiindy.com
Shoshana Bean: Only Smoke Tour 9/14 Star of The Lost Boys and Alicia Keys’ hit musical Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway, Shoshana Bean supports her album Only Smoke at Schrott Center for the Arts. butlerartscenter.org
Homestyle Dinner Rolls
9/15 Turntable gets a taste of the band known not only for their silly name and high-energy live rock shows but also for their long, gorgeous locks that would make Led Zeppelin jealous. turntableindy.com
Breaking Benjamin 9/16 One of the most
popular hard rock bands of the last two decades, Breaking Benjamin headlines this show at Ruoff Music Center with openers Chevelle, Starset, and Kami Kehoe. livenation.com
Urban Renewal Big Band 9/17 Indy Parks’ free summer concert series brings the Urban Renewal Big Band, the largest ensemble in Indy’s Urban Renewal Jazz collective, to Martin Luther King Park. parks.indy.gov/ free-concert-series
Tim McGraw: Pawn Shop Guitar Tour
Indigo Girls
9/18 The famous country
9/12 Rock the Ruins at
crooner celebrates his latest single, “Pawn Shop Guitar,” which chronicles his early struggles in Nashville and 30 years of making hits at Ruoff Music Center. livenation.com
Holliday Park is the perfect setting to experience the powerful songwriting and signature harmonies that define the Indigo Girls’ groundbreaking, four-decade career in folk. rocktheruins.com
Marilyn Maye 9/3–4 Cabaret, jazz, and
Mothica
National Information Society 9/13 World music band
Natural Information Society creates jazzy, psychedelic soundscapes at CAMi. camindy.org
An Evening With Joshua Henry Live 9/18–19 Fresh off his
2026 Tony Award win for best leading actor in a musical for his portrayal of Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime, Joshua Henry gives a rare,
PICK 4 OR MORE & SAVE UP TO 20% ASK ABOUT THE SUITE EXPERIENCE!
SEP “PSYCHIC” COMEDIAN
NOV THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT 05 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
27 60 YEARS OF THE MONKEES
SEP THE CENTER CELEBRATION 2026
NOV BONEY JAMES 06 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
FEB BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO
7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
GLADYS KNIGHT
19 FEATURING THE BACON BROTHERS 5PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SEP MICHAEL BLAUSTEIN: THE TASTE
24 ME TOUR THE FINAL LEG
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SEP LOU GRAMM: THE ORIGINAL
26 VOICE
OF FOREIGNER
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM SEP RUMOURS ATL: A FLEETWOOD
27 MAC TRIBUTE
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
OCT DEMOLA LIVE!
01 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM LESLIE ODOM, JR.
OCT PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE & PABLO
03 CRUISE
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
OCT THE BILLY JOEL LEGACY:
08 CELEBRATING THE PIANO MAN 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NOV JEFF TWEEDY SOLO
06 7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
NOV A CONVERSATION WITH
07 AMY SEDARIS
09 IN ME TOUR
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
OCT BRUCE HORNSBY & THE
11 NOISEMAKERS:
INDIGO PARK TOUR
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM OCT THE WAR AND TREATY
13 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM OCT THE SIXTIES SHOW 15 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM OCT INVINCIBLE: A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE
16 TO MICHAEL JACKSON
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
OCT DANIEL EMMET: THIS THING
17 CALLED LOVE
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
OCT NILADRI KUMAAR: THE SPACE
18 BETWEEN THE NOTES HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AMY SEDARIS
OCT MICHAEL CARBONARO:
23 WONDERBOY
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
OCT THE SHARPE FAMILY SINGERS:
24 THE BEST OF BROADWAY
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
OCT
HASTA LA MUERTE
29 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM OCT
BLKBOK
OCT
YEFIM BRONFMAN, PIANO
29 7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON 30 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM OCT
MAVIS STAPLES
RYAN AHLWARDT: CRYING IN
30 THE CANYON RELEASE PARTY 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
28 DE AMALIA HERNÁNDEZ
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NOV SIMPLY THREE 08 7PM | THE TARKINGTON NOV MAVIS STAPLES 12 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM NOV AN EVENING WITH
13 BERNADETTE PETERS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NOV HOOSIERS 40TH ANNIVERSARY
15 SCREENING WITH Q&A
05 FIELDS WITH CONRAD TAO
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MAR THE MUSIC OF THE BEACH BOYS
05 FEATURING
PET SOUNDS LIVE
8PM | THE TARKINGTON MAR PAVLO AND BAND IN CONCERT
06 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
MAR VICTORIA CLARK: IMPROBABLE
12 INGENUE MUSIC DIRECTOR, TED SPERLING
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
3PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NOV PUNCH BROTHERS 20 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM NOV KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND:
21 LEDBETTER HEIGHTS
30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM DEC
MAR VITALY: AN EVENING OF
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DEC LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS
03 TOUR 2026
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DEC MICHAEL FEINSTEIN IN
04 COMING HOME: THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM DEC HOLIDAYS IN HARMONY
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MAR JOHN MALKOVICH AND THE
18 VIENNA ACADEMY ORCHESTRA: ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM MAR SPYRO GYRA WITH SPECIAL
19 GUEST STANLEY JORDAN
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MAR KRUGER BROTHERS
20 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
MAR DIONNE WARWICK: OVER AND
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
APR GRAVITY
DEC JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS:
APR STRAY CATS’ LEE ROCKER
11 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DEC DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS
12 CHRISTMAS TOUR
HASTA LA MUERTE
20 OUT A FAREWELL TOUR
10 WITH GIRL NAMED TOM
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ALAN CUMMING
13 WONDERS
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD
01 & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY
BERNADETTE PETERS
MAR ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
OCT BECKY ROBINSON: THE BEASTS
BONEY JAMES
FEB MICKEY DOLENZ:
10 PETER ANTONIOU
03 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM 04 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
APR BROOKLYN CHARMERS:
07 A TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JAN ALAN CUMMING: UNCUT 28 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
APR ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL
JAN LIVE AND LET DIE: THE MUSIC OF
APR YASMIN WILLIAMS
08 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MARCUS MILLER
30 PAUL MCCARTNEY FEATURING TONY 11 7PM | THE TARKINGTON KISHMAN
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM JAN BIG BANG BOOM 31 3PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM FEB ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
05 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM FEB THE MONTEVERDI CHOIR AND
14 ORCHESTRAS PERFORM BACH’S ST MATTHEW PASSION WITH MASAAKI SUZUKI
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
FEB MARCUS MILLER 26 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
APR THE BRUBECK BROTHERS
25 QUARTET REIMAGINES DAVE DIGS DISNEY
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM APR TAIKOPROJECT
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07 CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
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Activities are made possible in part by Noblesville Creates, a regional partner, Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
BEN FOLDS
intimate performance at The Cabaret. the cabaret.org
Center as they burn rubber across the globe. fisherseventcenter.com
Somi
Lambrini Girls
9/19 The Midwestern
9/27 The spirit of punk is
daughter of immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda, multitalented performer Somi Kakoma makes The Jazz Kitchen one of her first stops following the release of her newest album, What Does It Take to Bloom? thejazzkitchen.com
Allison Eide: The “I Still Don’t Know” Tour 9/19 Christian music
artist Allison Eide breaks the mold at Hoosier Dome with her unfiltered honesty and contagious melodies. indyhoosier dome.com
alive and well at The Vogue as Lambrini Girls, the breakout English duo known for pushing boundaries, drops in to get loud. thevogue.com
W.I.T.C.H.
9/30 Square Cat Vinyl
scores big with W.I.T.C.H., the pioneering Zambian psychedelic act that defined ’70s Zamrock, a fusion of Western rock and R&B with traditional African sounds. squarecat vinyl.com
OCTOBER Eric Baker & Friends Presents the Piano Man: A Billy Joel Tribute
9/24 Experience the fun
at Taggart Memorial Amphitheater at Riverside Park with the band, the funk, the groove that is Toy Factory, Indy’s premier show band. parks.indy .gov/free-concert-series
his friends at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael for a mind-blowing night of music as they pay tribute to the legendary Piano Man himself, Billy Joel. feinsteinshc.com
Shwayze and alternative sounds with laid-back vibes and a unique perspective, Shwayze captivates at the Hi-Fi with his relatable storytelling, feel-good anthems, and introspective tracks. hifiindy.com
Charming Disaster 10/3 Goth-folk musicians
DJG Indy Funkfest 9/25 Enjoy an unforgetta-
ble night of legendary funk at Clowes Memorial Hall with Morris Day and the Time, Lakeside, The S.O.S. Band, and Big Tony and Trouble Funk delivering timeless dance-floor grooves. butlerartscenter.org
Ole 60: Off the Grid Tour 9/26 Grungy, Kentucky-
born country rising stars Ole 60 share their Appalachian storytelling vibes at Fishers Event 26
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indie-pop storyteller at heart shares her intimate lyrics and outstanding vocal range at Turntable. turntableindy.com
Clint Black & Midland Live in Concert: A Frontline Benefit Concert 10/9 This year, the Indy Public Safety Foundation’s annual benefit concert honoring local first responders at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park features country music icons Clint Black and Midland. live nation.com
Ellia Bisker and Jeff Morris sing their playful American murder ballads inspired by the macabre humor of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton at The 808 at Indy CD & Vinyl. indycdandvinyl.com
Giovannie and the Hired Guns 10/7 The five-piece whose music sits at the unexpected intersection of alt-metal, country, Latin pop, and Americana brings its raucous live show to the Hi-Fi. hifiindy.com
lyricism and lo-fi, abstract sound gets experimental at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. live nation.com
Andrews uses sharp songwriting and unapologetic storytelling to challenge expectations at Turntable. turntable indy.com
The Four Phantoms in Concert
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band: Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour
11/5 Experience an unforgettable evening of soaring vocals, timeless Broadway classics, and the unparalleled talent of four stars who have each played the iconic role of The Phantom of the Opera at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenter presents.org
Em Beihold
11/21 After rerecording
his groundbreaking Top 10 album Ledbetter Heights using his original gear, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his band hit the road on a 30th anniversary tour, stopping at Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenterpresents.org
11/7 Contrasting upbeat 10/12 A blend of crazy
influences including rock opera, absurdist humor, and theatrical storytelling define The Toxhards and the band’s live show, which they bring to the Hoosier Dome. indyhoosierdome.com
10/2 Join Eric Baker and
10/3 Marrying hip-hop
Toy Factory
10/9 Indiana’s own
The Toxhards
Indy Jazz Fest 9/22–26 One of Indy’s most highly anticipated annual events, the lineup of this year’s fest takes over multiple venues across the city with sets dedicated to Miles Davis and John Coltrane, performances by Tito Puente Jr. and Nicole Zuraitis, and a finale featuring Sheila E. & the E-Train, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, and more. indyjazzfest.net
Taylor Bickett
bops with melancholic melodies, indie-pop singer-songwriter Em Beihold explores identity, emotion, and self-discovery at the Hi-Fi. hifi indy.com
Dev Lemons: Eat the Pavement Tour 11/7 Equal parts alt-pop
Razor and the BoogieMen
10/20 Get wild at The
808 at Indy CD & Vinyl with the underground stoner punk band that describes itself as “two happy gentlemen who make angry music.” indycdandvinyl.com
BlkBok 10/29 Acclaimed pianist
BlkBok highlights his journey from pop and hip-hop to neo-classical at The Tarkington following his latest effort, Peaceful Piano: The Self-Love Mixtape. thecenterpresents.org
NOVEMBER
artist, songwriter, comedian, and internet personality, Dev Lemons brings her fun, intimate show to Turntable. turntableindy.com
11/2 The dream of the
’90s is alive at the Hi-Fi as this group from Atlanta stops in to offer their Gen Z twist on pop-punk. hifiindy.com
Earl Sweatshirt & Mike: Home on the Range Tour 11/3 The rapper and
record producer known for his introspective
Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour 2026 12/3 Well-known for originating the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton, the Grammy- and Tonywinning, Oscar-nominated songwriter and actor sings Christmas favorites at Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenter presents.org
Good Flying Birds 11/8 As part of the Levitt
VIBE series at CAMi, the jangling, noisy, Indianapolis-based guitar-pop group shares the stage with Fern Murphy and J.P. Cuevas. camindy.org
Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart 11/11 Iconoclast banjo player Béla Fleck comes to Clowes Memorial Hall during his first bluegrass tour in 24 years. butlerartscenter.org
Mavis Staples The Paradox
DECEMBER
11/12 The legendary gospel and soul singer sings major hits from her illustrious career as well as new tracks from her 2025 album Sad and Beautiful World at Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenterpresents.org
Bryan Andrews 11/15 One of country music’s most outspoken new voices, Bryan
Underoath: Define the Great Line 20th Anniversary Tour 12/5 The post-hardcore band characterized by its screaming vocals, melodic harmonies, and haunting synths promise an epic show with guests August Burns Red, Atreyu, and Emery at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com
Cheyenne Jackson: Suspiciously Merry 12/11–13 The Grammy and Emmy-nominated Broadway star returns to The Cabaret with a new holiday spectacular full of Christmas chaos. thecabaret.org
Eddie 9V 12/20 Singer and guitarist
Eddie 9V has an endless stockpile of cool stories, which he brings to The Vogue along with his soulful Southern rock sound. thevogue.com
PERFORMING ARTS SERIES
2026-2027 SEASON CALENDAR SEPT. 9, 2026
Gladys Knight
OCT. 30, 2026
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: Snow White
NOV. 12, 2026
Sawyer Brown
JAN. 22, 2027
Jim Witter: The Piano Men
FEB. 19, 2027
Cirque Mechanics: Tilt!
MAR. 18, 2027
Yamato
APR. 9, 2027
NoGravity Theatre
APR. 30, 2027
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Tickets & Information: hatfieldhall.com
Witness Something
Legendary Every four years, the most dedicated violinists from around the world come together to compete at the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. Regarded as one of the world’s most respected music competitions, The Indianapolis celebrates the majesty of live performance.
Tickets on sale now.
THE INDIANAPOLIS September 17 – October 4
violin.org
CLASSICAL MUSIC Miró Quartet
PHOTO BY DAGNY PIASECKI
don’t miss
The Ensemble Music Society of Indianapolis welcomes the University of Texas’s quartet-in-residence, all faculty of UT’s Butler School of Music, to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center to showcase works by composers both historic and contemporary.
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American Piano Awards, this New York City–based performer shows off his skills and talent at The Jazz Kitchen. piano awards.org
THE TICKET
Fanfare and Flourishes
Orchestra at Schrott Center for the Arts in a Christel DeHaan Legacy Concert inspired by Shakespeare plays A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love’s Labour’s Lost, and Much Ado About Nothing. icomusic.org
10/11 With a focus on
CLASSICAL MUSIC CALENDAR
FROM SOLO MUSICIAN COMPETITIONS TO HOLIDAY SING-ALONGS, THESE ORCHESTRAL AND VOCAL PERFORMANCES RUN THE GAMUT BETWEEN LONG-LOVED CLASSICS AND BRAND-NEW COMPOSITIONS.
SEPTEMBER International Violin Competition of Indianapolis 12th Quadrennial Competition 9/17–10/4 This 17-day
with an introductory concert at Madam Walker Theatre. Admission is free, but tickets are required due to space limitations. pianoawards.org
Rite of Spring and Beethoven
showcase of outstanding international violinists includes opening ceremonies at Newfields and competition performances at multiple venues in Indianapolis. The series concludes with an award ceremony and reception at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. violin.org
9/25–26 Indianapolis
From Russia With Love
Growth
9/18–20 The Hendricks
season, the Indianapolis Children’s Choir promotes themes of collaboration, learning, and growth when it invites the audience to sing along with its choirs and Master Chorale at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center. icchoir.org
Symphony performs a tribute to composers such as Alexander Borodin and Dmitri Shostakovich at Plainfield’s Hendricks Live! hendrickslive.org
American Piano Awards Kickoff Concert 9/19 Celebrate the music of five up-and-coming U.S. jazz pianists during the 2027 American Piano Awards’ sixmonth competition series, which starts
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Symphony Orchestra music director Jun Märkl and pianist Spencer Myer unite at Hilbert Circle Theatre to deliver a program highlighting notable works by Beethoven, Mussorgsky, and Stravinsky. indianapolis symphony.org
9/27 Opening its 41st
OCTOBER
violin virtuoso who has performed with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Keith Sweat, and D’Wayne Wiggins blends pop, Afrobeats, jazz, classical, and reggae influences in a genredefying solo show at Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenter presents.org
Francophilia 10/4–5 The Ronen Chamber Ensemble features pieces by Émile Naoumoff, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Claude Debussy at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater at the Indiana Historical Society. ronenchamber.org
Horizons: The Promise of a Vast Land 10/10 Playing Fanfare for
the Common Man by Aaron Copland, Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofé, and Antonín Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra salutes the landscape of America at Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenter presents.org
Demola Live!
Brahm Sasner
10/1 This Nigerian-born
10/10 A finalist in the
its commanding brass section, the Indiana Wind Symphony delivers a triumphant, late-afternoon recital at The Studio Theater. indianawind symphony.org
Pacifica Quartet 10/14 Celebrating
America’s 250th anniversary, this Bloomington-based violin, viola, and cello foursome brings pieces by Charles Ives, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and Antonín Dvořák to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center via the Ensemble Music Society of Indianapolis. ensemble music.org
Beethoven and Mahler 1 10/15–17 With guest pianist, 2025 American Piano Awards winner Michael Davidman, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra spotlights Beethoven’s Overture to Prometheus and Piano Concerto No. 2 alongside Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 at Hilbert Circle Theatre. indianapolis symphony.org
Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons & More 10/16 Bask in the warm, candlelit glow of the Scottish Rite Cathedral as a string ensemble cycles through all of The Four Seasons with additional pieces by Jules Massenet, Max Richter, and Astor Piazzolla intermingled in the program. fever up.com
Shakespeare & Love With Adam Golka 10/17 Pianist Adam Golka joins the Indianapolis Chamber
An Evening With Lea Salonga 10/20 Tony-winning actress Lea Salonga shares vocal selections from Broadway productions including Les Misérables, Wicked, Aladdin, and Miss Saigon when she commands the stage at Hilbert Circle Theatre with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. indianapolis symphony.org
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics 10/29 The Scottish Rite
Cathedral sets the scene for a spine-tingling evening of string music ranging from Danse Macabre by Saint-Saëns and Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain to Michael Jackson’s Thriller and the theme from John Carpenter’s Halloween movie. feverup.com
Hail Brittania 10/30–11/1 Go on a tour
of Great Britain with the Hendricks Symphony as they lead the audience through Fingal’s Cave by Mendelssohn, explore The Planets by Holst, and visit Handel’s Zadok the Priest at Hendricks Live! hendrickslive.org
NOVEMBER Indianapolis Youth Orchestra’s 45th Season Premier Concert 11/1 The Prelude,
Concert, Philharmonic, and Symphony Orchestras of Indianapolis Youth Orchestra launch the 2026–27 season at Payne & Mencias Palladium. indianapolisyouth orchestra.org
Connor Rohrer 11/14 Hailing from
Miami, this pianist, arranger, and composer is a jazz finalist in the American Piano Awards. He brings a solo recital to The Jazz Kitchen. pianoawards.org
Tragic Overtones 11/15–16 The Ronen
Chamber Ensemble unveils a commission by local composer Rob Funkhouser and pieces by Alyssa Morris, Marina Dranishnikova, and Herbert Howells at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Indiana Historical Society’s Frank and Katrina Basile Theater. ronenchamber.org
Indiana History Center. ensemblemusic.org
Pulse With Melissa White, Violin 11/21 The Indianapolis
Chamber Orchestra invites Christel DeHaan Legacy Artist Melissa White to the stage at Schrott Center for the Arts for a program that features Gabriela Lena Frank’s Concertino Cusqueño, Barber’s Violin Concerto, and Copland’s Appalachian Spring. icomusic.org
DECEMBER
11/18 The Ensemble
Music Society of Indianapolis presents Taiwanese-founded Formosa Quartet playing a selection of shorts inspired by folk, pop, jazz, and poetry alongside works by McKay and Brahms at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick
12/5 American Piano
Awards finalist and recipient of the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award Brandon Goldberg tickles the ivories at The Jazz Kitchen. pianoawards.org
The Singing Hoosiers Present Holiday Chimes 12/5 Capture the magic of the holiday season at IU Auditorium with the Singing Hoosiers at this showcase of festive music and dance numbers. iuauditorium.com
12/6 The Indiana Wind
Miró Quartet travels to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center for an evening of pieces by composers Joseph Haydn, Kevin Puts, Giacomo Puccini, and Alberto Ginastera, presented by the Ensemble Music Society of Indianapolis. ensemblemusic.org
classic carols and festive songs from around the world at Second Presbyterian Church. icchoir.org
Home for the Holidays 12/11–13 The Hendricks Symphony channels mischief and merriment with music from John Williams’ Home Alone film score and John Rutter’s I Wish You Christmas at Hendricks Live! hendrickslive.org
Classical Christmas: Handel’s “Messiah” in Full 12/12 The Indianapolis
Jingle Them Bells! 12/2 The Miró Quartet
Formosa Quartet
Brandon Goldberg
Symphony assists Santa and Mrs. Claus with holiday preparations in this afternoon concert at Payne & Mencias Palladium. indiana windsymphony.org
Angels Sing: Connection 12/11–12 The Indy Voice and Master Chorale groups of Indianapolis Children’s Choir sing
Chamber Orchestra performs all three parts of Handel’s “Messiah” at the Indiana Landmarks Center.icomusic.org
“Messiah” Sing-Along 12/13 The Indianapolis
Chamber Orchestra’s “Messiah” weekend continues with Handel’s oratorio and a Christmas carol sing-along at the Indiana Landmarks Center. icomusic.org
Sounds of the Season: Connection 12/13 Multiple choirs
within the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, as well as the Alumni Choir, make the holidays merry and bright at Pike Performing Arts Center. icchoir.org
Holiday Pops: Traditions, Nostalgia, and Joy 12/13 Guest conductor
Benjamin Firer leads the Carmel Symphony Orchestra through an exciting evening of winter-themed pops classics at Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenterpresents.org
Voices of Christmas 12/20 The Indianapolis
Opera Chorus and special guests including the Indianapolis Youth Symphony string quartet dazzle the audience at the Basile Opera Center with holiday choral arrangements and highlights from “Messiah” and Amahl and the Night Visitors. indyopera.org
Amy Lentz Photography
2026-2027 Season
neue-Gesamtkunstwerke www.ronenchamber.org
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Francophilia - Oct 4 & 5 Tragic Overtones - Nov 15 & 16 Dancing with Beethoven I - March 8 Dancing with Beethoven II - April 25 & 26
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 8:00 PM PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM GENERAL PUBLIC TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE OFFICIAL FIFTH THIRD BANK BOX OFFICE STARTING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 AT 10:00 AM EASTERN TO PURCHASE, VISIT THECENTERPRESENTS.ORG/TICKETS
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VISUAL ARTS
don’t miss
PHOTO BY JASON WYCHE
Giants
An exhibition of masterworks from the personal collection of Alicia Keys and Kasseem Dean, better known as Swizz Beatz, including pieces by Jordan Casteel (pictured), Kehinde Wiley, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Derrick Adams, and more, brings the giants of the art world to the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
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engage the legacies of colonialism, militarization, migration, and displacement across island geographies, reflecting on how creative practices can reclaim memory, archive the unseen, and illuminate histories. events.iu.edu/herron
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VISUAL ARTS CALENDAR FEAST YOUR EYES ON EXHIBITS, JURIED COMPETITIONS, ART FAIRS AND FESTIVALS, AND SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS AT INDY-AREA GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS.
ONGOING Royal Brush Takeover II ENDS 8/30 Acclaimed mixed-media artist Anthony Radford brings 12 fashion designers and three visual artists together at Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre to create fabulous miniature garments to be displayed in shadow boxes. phoenixtheatre.org
Tony Cokes: Untitled (M.J. the Symptom) ENDS 9/13 Borrowing
excerpts from the essay collection The Resistible Demise of Michael Jackson, Cokes’ work at CAMi examines the complexities of the King of Pop and the culture that produced him. camindy.org
You’re Standing Inside the Instrument: A Score for 19 Buildings ENDS 9/13 Architects,
designers, and other experts join Indianapolis-based artists at CAMi to create audio soundscapes based on their favorite buildings around the city. camindy.org 36
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Delicate Threads ENDS 9/13 Artist Sarah
Spomer explores neurodivergence and mental health through metalsmithing, working with textiles, enameling, and printmaking at Indy Art Center. indyart center.org
ArtReach: Play ENDS 9/13 Students from
Indianapolis Metropolitan High School inspired by games, dreams, memories, movement, and experimentation display whimsical watercolors, imaginative “dream rooms,” oversized game pieces, surrealist creatures, and more at Indy Art Center. indyartcenter.org
The R.B. Annis Sensory Experience: Level One ENDS 9/19 Conceived as
the first phase of an ongoing research initiative at the intersection of 4D design, art, science, and technology, this experiment reconfigures the Basile Gallery at the Herron School of Art + Design as a responsive, motion-activated environment in which visitors’ gestures generate a shifting, immersive field of sensory feedback. events.iu.edu/herron
Jess Dunn & Sylvia Thomas: Drafts ENDS 10/18 Focusing on
Overflow: Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship Exhibition ENDS 9/17 From learning
Mongolian calligraphy and pole dancing to exploring the island of Curaçao and observing sacred traditions in Peru, the Indy Arts Council’s Central Indiana Creative Renewal Fellows embrace new experiences that spark creativity and personal transformation at Gallery 924. indyarts.org
the renovation of the CAMi campus, the artists use archives and artifacts and combine their backgrounds in animation and music to create an experimental documentary exploring the site’s occupants from prehistory to today. camindy.org
Sunlight on the Seafloor ENDS 10/31 The 12 international artists in this exhibition at Herron School of Art + Design
Impressionism Across Generations: The Pissarro Family Legacy ENDS 1/10/27 The masterworks of Camille Pissarro and his sons, Lucien and Georges, are presented together at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, revealing how one family’s bold experimentation with brushwork and color helped shape the course of modern art. discovernewfields.org
Ivelisse Jiménez: Campo de Resonancia ENDS 1/17/27 This large-scale installation built from hand-painted transparent and colored vinyl and reclaimed plastics at CAMi challenges visitors to consider their place as a part of the artwork, changing perspectives, and how we handle waste. camindy.org
Bold: New Voices in Contemporary Art ENDS 3/14/27 Thirteen
newly acquired works by artists including Wole Lagunju, Turiya Magadlela, and Kimathi Mafafo highlight the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s ever-expanding and globally relevant contemporary art collection. discover newfields.org
Consejo Grafico Nacional: Latino Printmakers in the United States
AUGUST Cyanotype on the Circle 8/21 Come to the Spark pop-up park on Monument Circle for a free session on making cyanotype prints— photography that uses the sun rather than a darkroom—presented by Aurora PhotoCenter. auroraphoto.org
102nd Hoosier Art Salon Annual Exhibition 8/22–10/25 The oldest juried art exhibition in the state returns to the Indiana State Museum, highlighting the skill and diversity of Hoosier artists with paintings, ceramics, drawings, prints, glass creations, and more. hoosierart salon.org
44th Annual Watercolor Society of Indiana Juried Exhibit 8/28–10/25 This annual competition and juried exhibit showcases the works of top-tier Indiana watercolor painters at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. watercolorsociety ofindiana.org
SEPTEMBER Butter: A Fine Art Fair 9/3–6 The trailblazing
annual exhibition of established, independent, and emerging artists representing the global African diaspora from across Indiana and the U.S. returns to the Stutz Building, with a focus on equity and care. butterart fair.com
ENDS 5/29/27 The
Eiteljorg Museum’s showcase of works by artists from the independent coalition of Latino printmaking workshops, Consejo Grafico Nacional, offers interpretations of the cultural exchange between Latin America and the U.S. eiteljorg.org
HCAA’s 5th Annual Juried Art Exhibit 9/4–10/31 Founded in
1950, Hamilton County Artists’ Association gives artists from across the Midwest the opportunity to compete and show their works at Birdie Art Center and Gallery. hcaa-in.org
9/12 Newfields’ vibrant
annual cultural event welcomes the public to meander booths with works created by exceptional artists both emerging and established. penrod.org
Quest for the West Public Exhibition 9/13–10/11 Perfect for art enthusiasts and collectors, the Midwest’s largest Western art show for more than 20 years returns to the Eiteljorg Museum, with everything from sculptures and paintings to miniatures on sale. eiteljorg.org
Art Squared
NOV 14 – FEB 21
9/19 All the quirkiness you expect from Fountain Square emerges during this festival where attendees can watch or participate in the Masterpiece in a Day competition, enjoy music by local buskers, and peruse works by over 100 local artists. fountainfletcher.com/ artsquared
Giants: Art From the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys
OCTOBER
9/19–2/28/27 This
exhibition organized by the Brooklyn Museum brings monumental contemporary works from the famous musical couple’s extensive personal collection to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. discovernewfields.org
SALI National Abstract Art Exhibition XXI
Harvest Nights
DeHaan Artist of Distinction Award Exhibition 2025
9/25–11/1 Journey
through the fog to a landscape of pumpkins, ghosts, and other spooky delights during this ethereal annual Halloween event at Newfields. discover newfields.org
Garfield Park Art and Music Festival
10/2–11/6 Gallery
Forty-Two hosts the Southside Art League’s exhibit displaying abstract 2D works in a variety of mediums. southsideartleague.org
10/2–11/12 Every year, contemporary visual artists receive grants of $10,000 to pursue projects that push their creative boundaries, with the previous year’s work shown during this special exhibition at Gallery 924. indyarts.org
9/26 Celebrate talent in
the local scene during this fest at Garfield Park highlighting and uplifting artists and musicians who are often underrepresented in a diverse, inclusive, and equitable way. gpamf.com
Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest 10/17 The ArtsPark at
Indy Art Center comes alive with activities, art, food, and more as local and regional artists show off their artwork, wares,
NOV 21 – JAN 18
Penrod Arts Fair
and artisanal goods. indyartcenter.org
NOVEMBER The Lost Lifestyle With Chayton Davidson 11/6 Working primarily
in set photography, artist and storyteller Chayton Davidson comes to Aurora PhotoCenter to share how time, distance, and transformation shape the scenes of the spaces we call home. auroraphoto.org
The Lost Photographs of Osbert Sumner 11/15 In 1898, Osbert Sumner’s coworkers at a downtown Indianapolis grocery gifted him a camera. Learn more about his photographs, discovered in a basement, and the unique perspective he captured of the city at Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library. attend .indypl.org
Winterlights 11/20–1/3/27 Now in its 10th year, this merry and bright display of over 2 million lights at Newfields embodies the wonder of the holidays. discovernewfields.org
DECEMBER Editorial Creativity With Michael Durr 12/1 In this informative
talk at Aurora PhotoCenter, photographer Michael Durr explores the technical challenges of editorial photography, as well as the rewards of working on commission and with print publications. auroraphoto.org
Tiny XV 12/4–1/7/27 The 15th installment of the Tiny exhibition at Gallery 924 solidifies it as an Indy arts tradition, with works of 6 x 6 x 6 inches or smaller, all by Central Indiana artists, inviting visitors to take a little peek. indyarts.org
THE GREAT WESTERN ADVENTURE ONLY AT THE EITELJORG MUSEUM THE TICKET 2026 | IM
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Announcing our
2027 Season
Tickets to all shows on sale Oct. 1, 2026
TICKETS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY VIA
beefandboards.com | 317.876.0503
Disney’s Frozen in Concert
THE TICKET
SCREEN & CINEMA CALENDAR
ATTEND AN OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT, REVISIT VINTAGE DRAMA AND COMEDY FLICKS, AND ENJOY ENHANCED SOUNDTRACKS WITH THIS SELECTION OF SCREENINGS THROUGHOUT THE CIRCLE CITY.
AUGUST Films at the Fort: Hitch (2005) 8/28 Heartland Film
partners with the City of Lawrence to present a free outdoor screening of this mid-aughts Will Smith-Eva Mendes romantic comedy at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. Tickets are not required, but RSVPs are appreciated. heartland film.org
Summer Nights Film Series: My Neighbor Totoro (1988) 8/28 The final weekend
of Newfields’ summer film series at The Amphitheater kicks off with the animated fantasy tale of sisters Satsuke and Mei, who befriend a tree spirit near their country home in the Sayama Hills of Japan. discovernewfields.org
Summer Nights Film Series: The Princess Bride (1987) 8/29 Summer is ending? Inconceivable! Follow the madcap fairy tale adventure of farm boy Westley as he rescues
his true love, Buttercup, from evil Prince Humperdinck in this final screening of the season at The Amphitheater at Newfields. discovernewfields.org
SEPTEMBER Movies at Midtown: Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) 9/1–3 Follow teenage
explorer Dora and friends on a journey through the Peruvian jungle to rescue her parents and uncover a legendary Incan treasure in this set of three outdoor screenings at Midtown Plaza Carmel. midtownplazacarmel.com
Arthouse 101: Days of Heaven (1978) 9/3 Richard Gere plays a fugitive in this period film at The Historic Artcraft Theatre about a doomed love triangle that unfolds in the wheat fields of Northern Texas. historicartcrafttheatre.org
Fam-Fam at the Kan-Kan: The Fox and the Hound (1981) 9/5–6 Tag along with
orphaned red fox Tod and his unlikely BFF Copper, a hound dog, through adventures and trials that put their loyalty to the test in this classic animated Disney tale shown as part of Kan-Kan Cinema and Bar’s family series. kankanindy.com
Movies at Midtown: Monsters, Inc. (2001) 9/8–10 When a tiny human mistakenly infiltrates the power plant in Monstropolis, which harvests children’s screams for energy, star screamextracting team and monster pals Sulley and Mike must work together to send her back home in this Disney Pixar film playing at Midtown Plaza Carmel. midtown plazacarmel.com
Vintage Movie Night: The Girl from Missouri (1934)
9/12–13 Shown as part of Indiana University’s Jacobs Live at the Movies series at the IU Auditorium in Bloomington, this 2013 animated film about sisters Elsa and Princess Anna is accompanied by the IU Philharmonic Orchestra to enhance the musical numbers. iuauditorium.com
Movies at Midtown: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (2025) 9/15–17 Sail to Midtown
Plaza Carmel for a deep-sea adventure in which SpongeBob dares to go face-to-face with a swashbuckling ghost pirate, voiced by Mark Hamill, to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs. midtownplazacarmel.com
Outdoor Movie Nights: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) 9/17 Speaking of pirates ... Heartland Film partners with White River State Park to deliver an evening of intrigue on the high seas with Captain Jack Sparrow, blacksmith Will Turner, and a crew of undead shipmates at Celebration Plaza. heartlandfilm.org
Somn Slight Summer Movie Series: The Five Heartbeats (1991)
number in the street. livenation.com
Cereal Cinema: Tangled (2010) 9/19 Rise and shine (and let down your hair) for Indy Film Fest’s morning movie series for kids featuring a new take on the tale of Rapunzel and her great escape from the hidden tower in this presentation at DeBoest Lecture Hall at Newfields. discovernewfields.org
Movies at Midtown: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) 9/22–24 Zip over to
Midtown Plaza Carmel to share in the suspense as Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails square off against the evil Dr. Ivo Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey, in a race against time to foil his plans to destroy Earth. midtown plazacarmel.com
OCTOBER Fam-Fam at the Kan-Kan: The Corpse Bride (2005) 10/3–4 Celebrate Halloween early at Kan-Kan Cinema and Bar with Tim Burton’s animated tale of love, loss, reconciliation, and poetic justice starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in an accidental coupling that straddles two worlds. kankanindy.com
9/18 Somn Slight
Entertainment brings a 20-foot inflatable screen to 10 East Arts for an outdoor screening of this Motown-inspired rags-to-riches tale of a fictional 1960s R&B supergroup based on real stories. instagram .com/somnslightent
9/12 Hollywood’s original
La La Land in Concert
blond bombshell Jean Harlow stars as a Midwest chorus girl who chases her dreams in New York City during this silver screen salute to vintage films at Garfield Park Arts Center. gpacarts.org
9/19 If you get stuck in a traffic jam on your way to see this 2016 movie about star-crossed lovers following their dreams in LA at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, simply turn it into a vibrant dance
Heartland Film Festival 10/8–18 In its 35th year, this 11-day showcase of independent films includes screenings, tributes, and sneak peeks at multiple venues around Indianapolis, as well as networking opportunities, filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions and workshops, red carpet events, and awards presentations. heartland film.org
Vintage Movie Night: The Black Cat (1934) 10/10 Horror legends
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Ghostbusters in Concert 10/11 A live orchestra at
Clowes Memorial Hall accompanies this star-studded 1984 film about a team of parapsychology professors who band together to battle destructive supernatural beings wreaking havoc on New York City. butler artscenter.org
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Spooktacular Tour with Barry Bostwick 10/21 Do the “Time Warp” again when this newly restored 1975 cult classic takes over the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. Original cast member Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors) is on hand for a VIP Meet & Greet and photo ops. livenation.com
Dennis James Hosts Halloween 10/21 This annual
evening of mystery at IU Auditorium includes a live reenactment of a 1949 radio drama, “The Vengeful Corpse,” as well as 1920s silent films Habeas Corpus featuring Laurel and Hardy and
The Haunted House starring Buster Keaton. iuauditorium.com
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) 10/24 Hosted by Vanity
Rex at Kan-Kan Cinema and Bar, this screening of the Joan CrawfordBette Davis horror showcase of child stardom, fading fame, and toxic sibling rivalry is accompanied by a live shadowcast of the film. kankanindy.com
Outlander in Concert: Echoes Through the Highlands 10/25 Take a journey
through the Scottish Highlands from the comforts of the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre as the orchestra weaves through eight seasons of the historic time-travel romance series Outlander. livenation.com
Indy Cinema Series: Young Frankenstein (1974) 10/27 Catch a free
showing of Mel Brooks’ hilarious spin on the classic 1930s monster movie in the Clowes Auditorium Theater at Central Library. The 1970s version stars Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Madeline Kahn, Teri Garr, and Marty Feldman. indypl.org
Rocky in Concert 10/29 Cheer on “Italian
Stallion” Rocky Balboa’s 1976 ascent from the streets of Philadelphia to heavyweight boxing greatness with this 50th anniversary rerelease enhanced by a live orchestra at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com
William Shatner Live On-stage With Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan 10/30 Trekkies unite at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre for a rematch between USS Enterprise captain James T. Kirk and his exiled adversary Khan Noonien Singh in this 1982 film. William Shatner shares behind-the-scenes stories from the production. livenation.com
Cereal Cinema at Newfields
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert 10/30–11/1 The
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra takes the audience on a journey through the magic, mystery, suspense, and intrigue of John Williams’ majestic and exciting score at Hilbert Circle Theatre. indiana polissymphony.org
Land of the Dead to reconnect with his ancestors and their creative legacy. midtown plazacarmel.com
Movies at Midtown: Coco (2017)
Arthouse 101: In the Mood for Love (2000)
10/31 Midtown Plaza Carmel provides one final opportunity to catch an outdoor flick with the family this season. Coco follows an aspiring young musician’s journey through the
NOVEMBER
11/5 Shown at The Historic Artcraft Theatre on 35mm film, this story of a pair of neighbors in 1960s Hong Kong who bond over a shared betrayal explores themes of loneliness, longing, and missed connections. historic artcrafttheatre.org
Indy Cinema Series: The Long Goodbye (1973) 11/10 The Indianapolis
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Public Library’s Central Library offers free admission to this Clowes Auditorium Theater screening of the influential satirical neo-noir film starring Elliott Gould as private eye Philip Marlowe. Look for uncredited cameo appearances by David Carradine and Arnold Schwarzenegger. indypl.org
Twin Peaks: A Conversation With the Stars 11/12 Members of the cast and crew of the dark, quirky, and surreal David Lynch mystery series that debuted in 1990 reunite at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre for a panel discussion of the TV show’s production and cult following. livenation.com
Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey 11/13–14 Go on a spectacular video tour of European countries with travel expert Rick Steves at Hilbert Circle Theatre as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra plays 19th-century anthems by the likes of Strauss, Wagner, Rimsky-Korsakov, Verdi, Grieg, and more to represent the featured locales. indianapolis symphony.org
Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival 11/13–22 Celebrate
diversity in cinema and the filmmaking community when Kan-Kan Cinema and Bar hosts this 25-yearold annual showcase of
PHOTOS COURTESY NEWFIELDS AND HEARTLAND FILM FESTIVAL
Béla Lugosi and Boris Karloff team up for an evening of terror in a fortress-like Hungarian manor with this eerie adaptation of an Edgar Allan Poe short story at Garfield Park Arts Center. gpacarts.org
LGBTQ+ films, documentaries, and shorts over the course of 10 days. indylgbtfilmfest .com
Foundation presents a screening of this 1954 holiday classic starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney at Payne & Mencias Palladium. thesongbook.org
Cereal Cinema: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Cereal Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
11/14 Jump out of bed and head to the Basile Theatre at the Athenaeum for Indy Film Fest’s morning presentation of Tim Burton’s animated feature about pumpkin king Jack Skellington’s enthusiastic but misguided new vision for the Christmas holiday. athenaeumindy.org
Hoosiers 40th Anniversary Screening With Q&A 11/15 Four decades after its theatrical release, Hoosiers returns to the big screen at Payne & Mencias Palladium for a replay of this triumphant small-town basketball story based on Milan High School’s victory in the 1954 state tournament. Screenwriter Angelo Pizzo gathers
12/12 Ring in the
holidays with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the rest of the Henson/Oz gang, with Michael Caine starring as Scrooge, during this Indy Film Fest event at The Tobias Theater at Newfields. discover newfields.org
Fam-Fam at the Kan-Kan
with original cast and crew members for a Q&A session after the movie. thecenter presents.org
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles VHS Screening
in this 1987 John Hughes comedy at Kan-Kan Cinema and Bar. kankanindy.com
DECEMBER
11/25 Ride along with
Steve Martin and John Candy on a chaotic cross-country adventure after they meet on a weather-diverted flight
Indy Cinema Series: Cinema Paradiso (1988) 12/6 The final installment of this year’s series
of free films at Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium Theater features a young Sicilian boy’s post–World War II escape into the world of film when he ventures into his local movie house and befriends the projectionist. indypl.org
White Christmas Film Screening 12/7 The Great
American Songbook
Misery VHS Screening 12/23 Nurse Annie
Wilkes (Kathy Bates) asserts an eerie authority over injured novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) as she forcefully convinces him to rewrite the story of her favorite character in this 1990 film showing at Kan-Kan Cinema and Bar. kankanindy.com
Athenæum Presents:
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PHOTO COURTESY KAN-KAN CINEMA AND BAR
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Indianapolis buildings. The 90-minute walk departs from Hudnut Commons at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Maryland Street. indianalandmarks.org
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Mitchell, and Jinx Dawson, as well as a show-and-tell session of eerie artifacts from the museum’s collection. indianamuseum.org
Cliff Cash Back Home Again: Stand-up Comedy featuring Ron Popp and Friends
LECTURES, COMEDY & SPOKEN WORD CALENDAR FROM STAND-UP COMEDY, TO AUTHOR TALKS, TO GROUP WALKING TOURS FOCUSED ON THE CITY’S HISTORY, THESE EVENTS INSPIRE LAUGHTER, EXPLORATION, AND MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS.
ONGOING Comedy Sportz WEEKLY Every Friday
and Saturday night, two teams of comedians go head-to-head in a series of interactive improv games in front of an all-ages audience at The Wit Theater. cszindianapolis.com
back in time to revisit the tales of Hoosier women who served as the unsung heroes of wartime throughout history. indiana history.org
SEPTEMBER Let’s Fest 9/3–6 In its sixth year,
AUGUST Mike Epps and Friends Comedy Show 8/28 The third annual
Mike Epps Community Festival Weekend kicks off with a live performance by the Indianapolis native and star of Netflix series The Upshaws at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. livenation.com
Walking With History: Remembering Women’s Efforts 8/29 Starting and ending
at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, this 2-mile tour takes participants on a walk
Let’s Fest takes over multiple venues in Fountain Square for a long weekend of laughs with appearances by comedians Beth Stelling, John Goblikon, Colum Tyrell, Katherine Blanford, and more. letscomedyftw.com
“Psychic” Comedian Peter Antoniou 9/10 Be dazzled and captivated by the mind-reading and intuitive capabilities of this America’s Got Talent All-Star when he commands the stage of The Tarkington. thecenterpresents.org
Walking With History: Walking the Electric Rail 9/12 Retrace the tracks
of Circle City’s early interurban railway lines
on a two-hour morning tour that departs from the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. indiana history.org
Jonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed Comedy Tour 9/13 The energetic,
nonbinary hairstylist, podcaster, and Queer Eye star brings a mix of raw, honest, personal stories and uplifting laughs to the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com
9/19 Chicago-based comedian Ron Popp (originally from Fairland) returns to his home state along with pals Devin Glass from Crawfordsville, Ilango Gopalan from Munster, and Shannon Samson from Indianapolis for a showcase performance at The Wit Theater. cszindianapolis.com
Delbrook Visiting Writers Series: N.K. Jemisin 9/24 The winner of three
consecutive best science fiction novel Hugo Awards for The Broken Earth Trilogy, Brooklynbased author N.K. Jemisin visits Butler University’s Schrott Center for the Arts. butler.edu
Gary Gulman Grandiloquent 9/25 A finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and star of two HBO specials, Gary Gulman details his use of comedy as therapy to overcome childhood struggles in his newest show at Schrott Center for the Arts. butlerarts center.org
9/27 North Carolina
humorist Cliff Cash brings his satirical hot takes on political and social issues, Southern culture, van life, and the human experience to the stage at Helium Comedy Club. indianapolis .heliumcomedy.com
Chronicling Indy’s Latine History 9/29 Take a deep dive
into Encyclopedia of Indianapolis research on the city’s Hispanic and Latino heritage with interns Amelia Simpson and Hannah Cortes in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room at the Central Library. indypl.org
Kellogg Writers Series: Melissa Fraterrigo 9/29 The University of
Indianapolis hosts this memoir reading from The Perils of Girlhood by the author at Schwitzer Student Center, UIndy Hall A. Fraterrigo teaches creative writing at Purdue and Butler universities. uindy.edu
OCTOBER
Derrick Stroup: Running Hot Tour
Red Curb Comedy
9/18 Riding the wave of
9/26, 10/24 This
his Nostalgic Netflix special, which debuted in March, Derrick Stroup brings his fast-paced brand of humor to Clowes Memorial Hall, recounting tales of his 1990s upbringing in Alabama. butlerarts center.org
late-night improv showcase at The Wit Theater combines quick-witted dialogue and cutting-edge games inspired by audience suggestions, resulting in a one-of-a-kind comedy experience. cszindianapolis.com
10/1 Travel past historic
Spill the Tea Series: Notorious Indiana
Nikki Glaser: The Stunning Tour
9/27 Join journalist Will
10/1–2 Known for her
Higgins and Indiana State Museum curator Mary Figueroa for an afternoon tea party discussion of infamous Hoosiers like John Dillinger, Tuffy
appearance in The Roast of Tom Brady, as well as stand-up specials Someday You’ll Die, Bangin’, Good Girl, and Perfect, Glaser takes the stage at Clowes
Decoding Downtown Indy Walking Tour 9/19 Play a game of I Spy
during this Indiana Landmarks tour exploring the architectural styles and hidden elements of downtown
Walking With History: Moving Forward With Pride landmarks of the local Pride movement and LGBTQ+ community during this evening foot tour that originates at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. indiana history.org
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Riley Festival 10/1–4 Downtown
Greenfield celebrates its favorite literary son, poet James Whitcomb Riley, with an annual festival featuring live music, dance performances, poetry readings, interactive children’s plays, parades, an awards ceremony, and more. rileyfestival.com
Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest 10/3 Returning for its
third year, the Proof literature festival at the Harrison Center includes a book fair, writers’ mixer, workshops, author readings, panel discussions, an open mic poetry session, and a local author fair hosted in partnership with the Indianapolis Public Library and Herron High School. indiana humanities.org
hood, advocacy, and maternal healthcare followed by a candlelight memorial vigil on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. thepropylaeum.org
Herron-Morton: LGBTQ+ Life in the Heart of Indianapolis 10/18 The Indianapolis
Special Collections Room at the Central Library holds a Sunday afternoon history lesson about LGBTQ+ community building and social and political activism developing in the Herron-Morton Place neighborhood during the 1970s and ’80s. indypl.org
Nurse John: Against Medical Advice Tour 10/22 Report to the
Egyptian Room at Old National Centre stat for this tongue-in-cheek commentary on the challenging daily lives of nurses and healthcare workers. livenation.com
Emo Philips 10/4 Recognized for his brilliant wordplay and sharp joke-writing skills, the perpetually (and intentionally) awkward comedian and voiceover actor Emo Philips delivers an evening of seemingly innocent one-liners at Helium Comedy Club. indianapolis.helium comedy.com
Michael Carbonaro: Wonderboy 10/23 The star of truTV series The Carbonaro Effect blends sleight of hand, optical illusions, and mind-bending special effects with quick-witted comedy in his one-man show at Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenter presents.org
Delbrook Visiting Writers Series: Arthur Sze
Ali Siddiq: The Custom Fit Tour
10/7 In partnership with
Houston, Texas, comedian Ali Siddiq tailors his narrative style of humor from specials like My Father, Rugged, The Domino Effect, and My Two Sons for his live audience at Clowes Memorial Hall. butlerartscenter.org
Brick Street Poetry, Butler University hosts the 2025 Poet Laureate of the United States, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and author of awardwinning works of poetry at Schrott Center for the Arts. butler.edu
What Tests Us? Leila Spann in Conversation With Joi Crenshaw 10/15 As part of the
Marilyn K. Glick Women’s Enrichment Series, The Indianapolis Propylaeum hosts an exploration of mother46
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10/24 Hailing from
Josh Gates: Haunted Expeditions Live
Decoding Downtown Indy Walking Tour
behind-the-scenes revelations about his research into paranormal activity and supernatural phenomena. butlerartscenter.org
Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts
works of fiction published in The New Yorker and The Atlantic. She appears at Butler University’s Shelton Auditorium. butler.edu
A Conversation With Amy Sedaris
11/10–14 During a series of six intimate dinner performances over five evenings, guests are treated to a gourmet three-course menu inspired by Silven’s magic show for a completely immersive dining and entertainment experience in Purdue University’s candlelit John Purdue Room. convocations .purdue.edu
10/25–11/15 A tradition
for 28 years running, this annual showcase invites literature lovers to experience three weeks of stimulating performances, lectures, and dialogue among authors, influential speakers, musicians, filmmakers, and adjacent creative talent at Arthur M. Glick Jewish Community Center. jccindy.org
Delbrook Visiting Writers Series: Patricia Lockwood 10/28 Indiana Human-
ities joins Butler University in hosting Fort Wayne-born poet and novelist Patricia Lockwood, whose notable works include Motherland Fatherland Homelandsexuals, Priestdaddy, and No One Is Talking About This, at Shelton Auditorium. butler.edu
NOVEMBER
10/25 The host of
Discovery Channel series Expedition Unknown and Syfy’s Destination Truth mesmerizes the audience at Clowes Memorial Hall with
published novel False Prophet at Schwitzer Student Center, UIndy Hall A. Farhadi’s essays and short fiction works have appeared in numerous literary publications across the country. uindy.edu
Kellogg Writers Series: Afsheen Farhadi 11/5 The University of
Indianapolis hosts a fiction reading by the author of recently
11/7 The actress,
comedian, and author known for series Strangers With Candy and At Home With Amy Sedaris, as well as books including I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence and Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People, brings a quirky, playful energy to the stage at Payne & Mencias Palladium. thecenterpresents.org
Matt Rife: Stay Golden World Tour, Live in the Round 11/8 Channeling Billy
Idol in his promos, the star of six Netflix comedy programs including Lucid – A Crowd Work Special, Walking Red Flag, and Natural Selection delivers edgy, boundarypushing humor to the audience at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. gainbridge fieldhouse.com
Delbrook Visiting Writers Series: Ling Ma 11/9 An associate
professor at the University of Chicago, Ling Ma is the author of Severance, New York Ghost, and Bliss Montage, as well as
Scott Silven’s At The Illusionist’s Table
Daniel Sloss: Bitter 11/11 In the midst of a worldwide tour, this Scottish comedian, author, and star of TV specials Can’t, Hubris, Socio, and X touches down at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre for an evening of irreverent stand-up. livenation.com
Justin Willman: One for the Ages Tour 11/12 Following his Netflix specials Magic Lover, Magic for Humans, and Magic Prank Show, Justin Willman brings brand-new material to Clowes Memorial Hall for an all-ages show that combines interactive illusions and tricks with wholesome humor. butlerartscenter.org
PHOTO BY KELLY HARRIS
Memorial Hall for two performances. butlerarts center.org
Wellspring Stone Quarry
At the all-new Museum Experience Center at Conner Prairie, the Wellspring interactive Artscape holds surprise and inspiration at every turn. Power of Place takes you on an epic White River journey. TORN: A Family Portrait illuminates life-changing choices. And Spark!Lab fosters hands-on invention. Dive in!
torn: a family portrait
power of place
step into new stories at
Desi Banks: Your Favorite Cousin 11/13 Georgia-based
actor, comedian, How it Goes Down podcaster, and former college football wide receiver Desi Banks entertains nearly 9 million followers on his Instagram handle. He brings the same energy to his live show in the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre. livenation.com
interactive investigation into paranormal activity in one of Indiana’s most haunted buildings. Bring your flashlight (and maybe a dowsing rod) to the historic Athenaeum for this spine-chilling overnight excursion. athenaeum indy.org
Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour 11/18 Get a taste of your
Gabriel Iglesias: The 1976 Tour, A Fluffy Celebration 11/14 On the heels of his
latest Netflix special, Gabriel Iglesias: Legend of Fluffy, the comedian and actor who appeared in films like Magic Mike, The Book of Life, and Coco holds court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. gainbridgefieldhouse.com
Spirits at the Athenaeum Overnight Ghost Hunt 11/14 You might think
spooky season ends with Halloween, but don’t sleep on this
own medicine when Nurse Blake administers a hilarious reporting of medical mishaps, WebMD self-diagnoses, and questionable bedside manner at Purdue University’s Loeb Playhouse. convocations .purdue.edu
What Restores Us? Kara Kavensky With Iva Nsr 11/19 Explore everyday miracles and the special moments in our lives that impact us during an uplifting chat between two authors at The Indianapolis Propylaeum. thepropylaeum.org
Ana Gasteyer, Actor, Comedian, Singer, and Creator 11/21 Known for her
celebrity impressions and recurring characters on Saturday Night Live, as well as her roles in films such as Mean Girls, Happiest Season, What Women Want, and Wine Country, Gasteyer brings her stage presence to The Cabaret for two sold-out shows. thecabaret.org
Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! 11/22 A practitioner of
interactive, science -based educational comedy geared toward children ages 8–14, Doktor Kaboom sets up a fun-filled laboratory for learning at Loeb Playhouse on the Purdue University campus. convocations .purdue.edu
Upstairs at Helium: Yvette Segan 11/27–29 A New Yorker
and host of The Yvette Show podcast, Segan performs in comedy
festivals around the world. She drops her brand of dry wit at the Helium Comedy Club the weekend of Thanksgiving. indianapolis.helium comedy.com
DECEMBER Delbrook Visiting Writers Series: Elizabeth Acevedo and Claire Jiménez 12/3 The authors of The Poet X and What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez, respectively, Acevedo and Jiménez team up for a dual discussion of their writing and a Q&A at Shelton Auditorium in the Butler Arts & Events Center. butler.edu
Mojo Brookzz: Outta Pocket Comedy Tour 12/4 Coming off his role
as Basil in the Tyler Perry Netflix series Miss Governor, Chicago actor, writer, and producer
Dyon “Mojo” Brooks stops at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre for a night of stand-up comedy. livenation.com
Tommy Davidson 12/11–13 Perhaps best known for his In Living Color impersonations, Davidson is the voice of Oscar in Disney’s animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. He takes the stage at Helium Comedy Club for five comedic performances over three nights. indianapolis.helium comedy.com
Silk and Explosives: The Rise and Fall of the Real Silk Hosiery Mills 12/13 Indianapolis attorney, historian, and author Edward Fujawa recounts the successes and failures of the Real Silk Hosiery Company’s knitting mills in a lecture at the Indianapolis Special Collections Room in the Central Library. indypl.org
Luxury Travel
Concierge
The Wit Theater is Indy’s home for live comedy! Our long-running show, ComedySportz, is competitive improv comedy made for all ages. Additionally, we feature stand-up comedy nights, adult improv shows, open mic nights, and special events throughout the year. Located just south of downtown Indianapolis, The Wit Theater is the perfect spot for date nights, birthday parties, corporate groups, and anyone who just needs a good laugh.
3808 Shelby St., Ste. 1, Indianapolis 46227 317-951-8499 | cszindianapolis.com 48
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1134 East 54th St, Indianapolis, IN • 317-820-5100 • diavola.net