Arts and Entertainment
Indianapolis offers a
variety of performing arts, from mainstream musicals to thought-provoking
dramas. Most are in the downtown area in historic venues, within easy walking
distance of many hotels. A five-block area along Massachusetts Avenue, just
northwest of downtown, has become known as the arts district. It's home to
several theaters (the Murat, American Cabaret Theatre, Theatre on the Square and
the Phoenix Theatre), as well as a variety of restaurants and bars and some
shops.
Dance
American Cabaret Theatre
401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis. Phone
317-631-0334. Toll-free 800-375-8887.
Mainstream original musical revues often featuring foot-stepping tunes from
particular eras or from particular composers. Inside the historic Antheneum,
Ballet Internationale Indianapolis
September-April. 502 N. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis.
Phone 317-637-8979.
The state's premier ballet company performs at the Murat Theatre (a stunning
structure modeled after an Islamic mosque).
Dance Kaleidoscope
4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis. Phone 317-940-6555.
This 10-member professional dance troupe is
Indiana’s best in contemporary dance, trained in modern and classical ballet
arts.
Music
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
32 East Washington St., Indianapolis. Phone
317-262-1100.
One of the country’s premier orchestras, the Indianapolis Symphony performs in
the splendid historic Hilbert Circle Theatre on Monument Circle.
Verizon Wireless Music Center
May-September. Ticket prices vary by performance.
12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville (about 30 minutes north of downtown),
Indianapolis. Phone 317-249-2710.
During the summer months, this 220-acre/89-hectare amphitheater offers outdoor
concerts ranging from famous classical performers to contemporary pop stars
Opera
Indianapolis Opera
250 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-283-3531.
The state’s largest opera company performs four operas each season at Clowes
Memorial Hall at Butler University and also tours statewide.
Theater
Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
9301 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis. Phone
317-876-0504.
Enjoy a meat-and-potatoes-style buffet while you watch Broadway productions.
Popular with tourist groups.
Indiana Repertory Theatre
140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.
Phone 317-635-5277.
Drama, comedy, classic and contemporary professional regional theater
featuring actors from across the country.
Indianapolis Civic Theatre
1200 W. 38th St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-924-6770.
Founded in 1914, this is the largest professionally managed community theater in
the city.
The Phoenix Theatre
749 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis. Phone 317-635-7529.
Housed in a charming, 100-year-old former church, this is the city's only
professional theater dedicated to contemporary, issue-oriented works.
Theatre on the Square
627 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis. Phone
317-637-8085.
A professionally managed community theater that performs original, contemporary
pieces. Nestled among art galleries and restaurants.
Other Options
The Murat Center
502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. Phone
317-231-0000.
This breathtaking multipurpose facility features a
2,500-seat performing arts theater and brings in major concerts and Broadway
shows.
Sports
In recent years, Indianapolis has become something
of a sports capital by offering more than top auto races. Downtown venues have
hosted such events as the NCAA Final Four games and the Olympic Trials. The city
also supports professional teams in football, minor-league baseball and the
state's first love, basketball.
Auto Racing
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4790 W. 16th St. (west of downtown), Indianapolis.
Phone 317-484-6700.
About 400,000 people head to the speedway on Memorial Day weekend for the
Indianapolis 500. About the same number fill the stands each August for the
Brickyard 400 NASCAR race, which debuted in 1994. The U.S. Grand Prix, held each
September, drew the largest crowd in modern Formula One history when it
premiered in 2000. Tickets for the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400 traditionally
sell out well in advance, although they can usually be obtained through scalpers
(legal in Indiana).
Baseball
Indianapolis Indians
Corner of West and Maryland streets, downtown,
Indianapolis.
Phone 317-269-3542 for tickets.
Named by Sports Illustrated as the “best minor league park in the
nation," Victory Field is home to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. The
13,500-seat stadium also has a lawn and picnicking area that holds 2,000 more
fans. April-August
Basketball
Indiana Fever
125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.
Phone 317-917-2500. For tickets, phone 317-917-2727.
Indiana's WNBA franchise began play in 2000. Games are in Conseco Fieldhouse;
season runs May-August. Very child- and family-friendly..
Indiana Pacers
November-April.. 125 S. Pennsylvania St.,
Indianapolis. Phone 317-917-2500. For tickets, phone 317-917-2727.
Indiana's NBA franchise plays in Conseco Fieldhouse,
Football
Indianapolis Colts
Season runs August-December.. 100 S. Capitol Ave.,
Indianapolis. Phone 317-297-7000. For tickets, phone 317-262-3389.
The Colts play home games at the RCA Dome, adjacent to the Convention Center.
Tickets are available at the box office as well as through Ticketmaster.
Shopping
Traditional shoppers will like the polished ambience and profusion of shops with
familiar names at downtown Circle Centre Mall. Several malls north of downtown
also offer good upscale shopping.
Look for the chic as well as
the unusual among the little galleries, shops and sidewalk cafes in Broad Ripple
Village. Antique lovers shouldn't miss the several dozen antique dealers
pooling their treasures at Midland Arts and Antiques or the specialty shops in
outlying Zionsville, northwest of the city.
Collectors are likely to
enjoy Tim and Avi's Salvage Store, which sells old doors, hardware and other
authentic architectural remnants. Collected by two men who restore older homes,
pieces are also sold online and shipped around the world.
Shopping Hours:
Most shops at malls are open Monday-Saturday 9 or 10 am-9 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm.
Specialty shops tend to close daily at 6 pm, although there are exceptions
downtown and in Broad Ripple Village, where some stay open late on Friday and
Saturday nights.
Shopping Areas
Broad Ripple Village
Hours vary. It's bordered by White River to the
north, Kessler Boulevard to the south, Meridian Street to the west and Evanston
Avenue to the east.
An eclectic neighborhood north of downtown that has many distinctive shops,
galleries and restaurants. Names such as Grateful Threads (Grateful
Dead-inspired clothing) and Birkenstock Sole.
Circle Centre Mall
49 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis.
Phone 317-681-8000.
Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm
A modern, urban shopping mall built behind the facades of several 19th-century
buildings, the five-story structure is connected by walkways to nearby hotels,
restaurants and sports arenas and has low-cost underground parking garages. A
major downtown attraction, it has nightclubs, movie theaters, restaurants,
department stores and more than 100 specialty shops
Events
January
Early January—Circle of Lights. The traditional unveiling of the
Circle of Lights on Monument Circle ushers in Indianapolis' holiday season. More
than 50 strands of colored lights are strung from the top of the Soldiers and
Sailors Monument to its base, 1 Monument Circle. For information, call
317-237-2202. Concludes early January
1 Jan—New Year's Day. Public holiday.
Jan—Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Public holiday.
Throughout January—Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents
a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington St. For
information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD 317-236-0722
Throughout January—Concert.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents classical music concerts and
features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle.
For information, call 317-262-1100. For tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free
800-366-8457. Continues through late June.
Throughout January—Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice
play home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St.,
and Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call
317-925-4423. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through
mid March.
Throughout January—Opera. The Indianapolis Opera presents four
productions each season at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University campus, 4600
Sunset Ave. For information, call 317-283-3531. For tickets, call Ticketmaster
at 317-239-5151. Continues through early May
Throughout January—Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat
Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets,
call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through late
April.
Throughout January—Musical. The American Cabaret Theatre mounts
frequent musical productions in the Athenaeum Building, 400 E. Michigan St. For
information and tickets, call 317-631-0334, or toll-free 800-375-8887. Continues
through late December
Throughout January—NBA Basketball. The Indiana Pacers play home
games at Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call
317-917-2500. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151, or toll-free
800-462-2849.Season continues through mid April
February
3rd Week in Feb—Presidents Day. Public holiday.
Throughout February—Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice
play home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St.,
and Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call
317-925-4423. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through
mid March
Throughout February—Opera. The Indianapolis Opera presents four
productions each season at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University campus, 4600
Sunset Ave. For information, call 317-283-3531. For tickets, call Ticketmaster
at 317-239-5151. Continues through early May
Throughout February—Musical. The American Cabaret Theatre mounts
frequent musical productions in the Athenaeum Building, 400 E. Michigan St. For
information and tickets, call 317-631-0334, or toll-free 800-375-8887.
Continues through late December
Throughout February—Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat
Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets,
call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151.. Continues through late
April
Throughout February—Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre
presents a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington
St. For information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD
317-236-0722. Continues through late May
Throughout February—Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
presents classical music concerts and features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert
Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-262-1100. For
tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free 800-366-8457. Continues through late
June
Throughout February—NBA Basketball. The Indiana Pacers play home
games at Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call
317-917-2500. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151, or toll-free
800-462-2849. Season continues through mid April
March
Early-Mid March—Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice play
home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., and
Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-925-4423.
For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Concludes mid March
17 Mar—St. Patrick's Day Parade. More than 100 entries join this
parade from North and Pennsylvania streets down Ohio to Meridian. The
4-mi/6.4-km Shamrock Run and Walk precedes the parade. Organized by the
Indianapolis Athletic Club. For information, call 317-236-6515.
Throughout March—Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents a
broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington St. For
information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD
317-236-0722. Continues through late May
April
Early-Late April—Minor-League Baseball. The Indianapolis Indians,
Triple-A affiliates of the Milwaukee Brewers, play home games at one of the best
U.S. minor-league parks. Victory Field, West and Maryland streets. For
information, call 317-269-3542. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239- 5151.
Continues through early September
May
Mid-Late May—Broad
Ripple Art Fair. Nearly 250 national and regional artists display their
original works in this juried show, featuring functional and decorative items
such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, pottery and jewelry. Also five
stages of various music styles (jazz, blues, Celtic, swing, pop and reggae),
regional and international food, and children's activities. Indianapolis Art
Center grounds, 820 E. 67th St. Phone 317-255-2464.
Late May—Indianapolis 500. The Indianapolis 500, perhaps the
world's most famous auto race, annually draws about 400,000 people to
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Qualifying and practices take place from early May.
Tickets traditionally sell out a year in advance, but general admission to the
grounds is available. Crawfordsville and Georgetown roads. For ticket
information, call 317-492-6700, or toll-free 800-822-4639.
Late May: Memorial Day. Public holiday.
Late May—Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Nearly 100 units
include floats, marching bands and the 33 drivers of the Indy 500. More than
300,000 people line the parade route that follows various downtown streets,
including Pennsylvania Street. For information, call 317-927-3378.
Early May—Orchard in Bloom. Ranked one of the top 75 garden shows
in the U.S., this three-day show features award-winning floral, garden and
table-top designs by top professionals, a gardeners market and children's
activities. Holliday Park, 63rd and Spring Mill roads. For information, call
317-713-5765.
Early-Late May—500 Festival. This month long festival celebrates
the Indy 500 auto race with the nation's largest minimarathon (30,000 runners),
the state's largest children's festival, the largest motor-racing parade in the
U.S., art displays and more events. Various venues. For information and tickets,
call 317-927-3378 or 317-614-6400.
June
Early-Mid June—Vintage Indiana. Samples of more than 100 brands
from Indiana wineries and cuisine prepared by Indianapolis' finest restaurants.
Also live music entertainment, artists booths and children's activities.
Military Park, New York and West streets. For information, call toll-free
800-832-9463
Mid June—Indy Jazz Fest. Well-known and emerging jazz artists give
concerts in styles from jazz and blues to gospel and soul. Miller Park,
downtown. For information, call toll-free 800-344-4639.
Mid-Late June—U.S. Grand Prix. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway
hosts the only U.S. race on the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar.
Expect tickets to sell out quickly. Crawfordsville and Georgetown roads. For
information and tickets, call 317-492-6700, or toll-free 800-822-4639.
Late June—Indian Market. The Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market brings
together more than 150 artisans representing 50 Native American tribes to sell
and display their works at the largest event of this type in the Midwestern U.S.
Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St. For information, call 317-636-9378.
July
4 July—Independence
Day. Public holiday.
Early-Mid July—Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration. More than
300,000 attend this festival's activities: business conferences, professional
workshops, health and community fairs, film and music festivals, celebrity
basketball games, a cultural pavillion and more. Indiana Convention Center and
RCA Dome. For information, call 317-925-2702.
Mid-Late July—Tennis. The RCA Championships is a hard-court
tournament that showcases some of the top male professional tennis players in
the world. Indianapolis Tennis Center, 150 University Blvd. (at New York
Street). For information, call 317-632-8000. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at
317-239-5151, or toll-free 800-622-5683.
September
6 Sep—Labor Day. Public holiday.
21-30 Sep—Art Exhibit. Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan
Road. Phone 317-923-1331 or 317-920-2660. Continues through 2 Jan
24-26 Sep—4-Wheel & Off-Road Jamboree Nationals. One of the best
truck shows in the U.S. features monster truck and NMRO racing, a Mothers Polish
Car Show Series event and manufacturers exhibits. Indiana State Fairgrounds,
1202 E. 38th St. For information and tickets, call 317-236-6522.
Late September—Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat
Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets,
call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through late April
Early-Late September—Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
presents classical music concerts and features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert
Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-262-1100. For
tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free 800-366-8457. Continues through late
June
Early-Late September—Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre
presents a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington
St. For information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD
317-236-0722.. Continues through late May
Early-Mid September—Penrod Art Fair. This annual art fair presents
works by 300 artists and craftsmen, live musical performances on five stages,
fare from 20 restaurants, and special children's activities and entertainment.
Indianapolis Museum of Art, 400 Michigan Road. For information, call
317-252-9895.
Throughout September—Art Exhibit Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000
Michigan Road. Phone 317-923-1331 or 317-920-2660. Continues through mid- Oct
Early September—Oktoberfest. Bratwurst, beer, oompah bands and
dance are part of the state's largest festival celebrating German culture.
German Park, 8600 S. Meridian St. For information, call 317-888-6940.
Throughout September—Exhibit. Children's Museum of Indianapolis,
3000 N. Meridian St. Phone 317-334-3322. Continues through 31 Dec
October
Early-Mid October—Circle City Classic. The second-largest college
bowl game between two historically black colleges. It's grown from a football
game into a festival, featuring a parade, princess pageant, golf tournament,
cabaret shows and college fair. RCA Dome, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Phone
317-237-5222. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151.
Early-Late October—Opera. The Indianapolis Opera presents four
productions each season at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University campus, 4600
Sunset Ave. For information, call 317-283-3531. For tickets, call Ticketmaster
at 317-239-5151. Continues through early May
2nd week in
Oct—Columbus
Day. Public holiday.
Late October—NBA Basketball. The Indiana Pacers play home games at
Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-917-2500.
For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151, or toll-free 800-462-2849.
Season continues through mid April
Mid-Late October—Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice play
home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., and
Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-925-4423.
For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through mid March
Mid-Late October—Heartland Film Festival. Established in 1991, the
festival recognizes filmmakers whose work artistically represents hope and
respect for positive values of life. Screens features, shorts, dramas,
documentaries, animations and works by students. Various cinemas. For
information, call 317-464-9405. For tickets, call toll-free 866-433-1010.
Throughout October—Art Exhibit.. Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000
Michigan Road. Phone 317-923-1331 or 317-920-2660. Continues through 2 Jan
Throughout October—Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat
Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets,
call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through late April
Throughout October—Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
presents classical music concerts and features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert
Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-262-1100. For
tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free 800-366-8457. Continues through late
June
Throughout October—Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents
a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington St. For
information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD
317-236-0722. Continues through late May
November
Early Nov—Indy's International Festival. Cultural demonstrations,
customs and food presented by the more than 50 ethnic groups represented by the
Nationalities Council of Indiana. Exposition Hall, Indiana State Fairgrounds,
1200 E. 38th St. For information, call 317-236-6515 or 317-638-9510
11 Nov—Veterans Day. Public holiday.
4th Thursday in Nov—Thanksgiving Day. Public holiday.
Late November—Circle of Lights. The traditional unveiling of the
Circle of Lights on Monument Circle ushers in Indianapolis' holiday season. More
than 50 strands of colored lights are strung from the top of the Soldiers and
Sailors Monument to its base, 1 Monument Circle. For information, call
317-237-2202. Continues through early January
Throughout November—Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice
play home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St.,
and Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call
317-925-4423. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through
mid March
Throughout November—Opera. The Indianapolis Opera presents four
productions each season at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University campus, 4600
Sunset Ave. For information, call 317-283-3531. For tickets, call Ticketmaster
at 317-239-5151. Continues through early May
Throughout November—Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
presents classical music concerts and features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert
Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-262-1100. For
tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free 800-366-8457. Continues through late
June
Throughout November—NBA Basketball. The Indiana Pacers play home
games at Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call
317-917-2500. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151, or toll-free
800-462-2849. Season continues through mid April
Throughout November—Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat
Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets,
call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through late April
Throughout November—Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre
presents a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington
St. For information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD
317-236-0722. Continues through late May
December
25 Dec—Christmas. Public holiday.
Throughout December—Circle of Lights. The traditional unveiling of
the Circle of Lights on Monument Circle ushers in Indianapolis' holiday season.
More than 50 strands of colored lights are strung from the top of the Soldiers
and Sailors Monument to its base, 1 Monument Circle. For information, call
317-237-2202. Continues through early January
