$0 tickets are always popular, and Indianapolis artists are generous enough to showcase their talent for free at several events throughout the fall.
Museums will welcome the masses to tour their collections and participate in interactive activities. Monument Circle will continue to invite everyone to a pop-up mini-park to explore a mobile art museum, play ping pong and other games, and eat snacks. And world-class musicians will treat listeners to music they’ve perfected over years at concerts.
Here are eight free events you won’t want to miss. Be sure to register in advance if you wish, and donate if you can to keep the art going.
PlayFest Indy
September 9-15 at various venues. Tickets and more information at newharmonyproject.org/pfi
This initiative from the New Harmony Project will see eight playwrights develop plays with Indianapolis theater groups. Concert-style public readings will take place September 13-15, and audiences can stay for a post-performance conversation with the author at each reading.
Levitt Vibe Indianapolis Music Series
Several Sundays from September 1 to October 20 on the lawn behind the Garfield Park Art Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive. Schedule at bigcar.org/project/vibe
A group of creative folks — including Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Big Car Collaborative — are bringing in musicians, vendors, artists and poets for afternoon concerts designed to chase away Sunday dread. The events are meant to be family-friendly and neighborly, as they utilize a part of the park you may not have explored yet.
Free museum days
Discover exhibits, gardens and activities at these Indianapolis museums offering free admission:
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3000 N. Meridian St. Fiesta de la Familia is a celebration of Latin American cultures with special programs throughout the museum. Reservations are required at childrensmuseum.org.
- New fields: 4000 N. Michigan Road. Admission is free during regular hours on the first Thursday of each month, September 5, October 3, November 7 and December 5. Reservations are required at discovernewfields.org/visit. Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and US Trust cardholders receive a free general admission ticket the first weekend of each month. For more information, visit discovernewfields.org/about/community.
- Eiteljorg Museum: 500 W. Washington St. On October 14, the museum will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day by featuring Native American performers and presentations. On October 26, the museum will feature music, dancing, activities and a marketplace as part of its Día de Muertos community celebration. Admission is free both days. For more information, visit eiteljorg.org.
Sparks on the circle
11 a.m. to dusk, through November 3, at Monument Circle. circlespark.org
Spark is back for its second year in an expanded form, temporarily transforming a quadrant of Monument Circle into a city park—complete with lawn, yard games, and plenty of space to relax and soak up the city’s vibe. For a full schedule of artist workshops and special events, visit circlespark.org. (Swifties should look for announcements about the planned festivities during Taylor Swift’s residency in Indy, Nov. 1-3!)
Jazz after-party on the first Friday
9 p.m. on First Fridays at McGowan Hall, 1305 N. Delaware St. mcgowanhall.org
With an atmosphere that combines talented musicians, inventive experimentation, and the atmosphere of a speakeasy bar, these jam sessions, led by pianist Christopher Pitts, are the perfect end to your First Friday visual arts explorations.
You can’t miss this exhibit: Mandela exhibition at the Children’s Museum aims to bring children closer to his childhood
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
September 4th, 7:30 p.m. in Garfield Park. September 5th, 7:30 p.m. in Riverside Park. September 6th, 7:00 p.m. in Holliday Park. Please register for the events at icomusic.org..
Enjoy classical programs from a stunning group of musicians who swap the concert hall for three green parks. Bring a picnic and a blanket and let the music envelop you.
Opera in the Park
September 7 at the MacAllister Amphitheater in Garfield Park. Register at indyopera.org.
Renowned soprano Angela Brown, Maestro Alfred Savia and other Indianapolis Opera stars and guests will perform at the annual event that kicks off the institution’s 50th anniversary season.
Free concert series in Indy Parks
Until October in the city’s parks. parks.indy.gov/free-concert-series
Cathy Morris, the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra, PsyWrn Simone and Premium Blend are among the artists providing the soundtrack for balmy summer and fall evenings. Check back often as Indy Parks adds new dates.
Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at [email protected].
Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or [email protected].
