The saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” so as we look forward to spring weather and viewing the upcoming total solar eclipse, here are a few things to do around Indianapolis in April’s edition of This Weekend in the Arts.
Unfortunately, we could not cover everything in one calendar. So, if there is something we missed this weekend, please let us know at newsroom@indyrecorder.com.
Friday, April 5
Desi Banks
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W. Georgia St.
7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
$32
Actor, comedian, podcaster and entrepreneur Desi Banks is coming to Indianapolis for five sets at Helium throughout the weekend. Having just come from a 51-city tour in 2023, Banks is a well-known performer at both colleges and comedy clubs as well as theaters and arenas.
First Friday Art Show – “Indiana Waterways: The Art of Conservation”
Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave.
6-9 p.m.
Free
“Indiana Waterways: the Art of Conservation” is a traveling exhibit featuring five Indiana-based artists, whose work depicting Indiana waterways aims to call attention to conservation and restoration efforts of the state’s rivers, streams and tributaries. The exhibit is on display at Indiana Landmarks until May.
indianalandmarks.org/event/indiana-waterways
MELI Presents: “First Friday Sip & Shop”
The Murphy Art Center, 1043 Virginia Ave.
7-11 p.m.
Free
Join Meli for First Friday to shop their selection in person and preview new releases while interacting with featured artists and businesses. Featuring live music from SOUNDS BY CAM and DJ NEW, Meli also offers the opportunity to network and win free garments through a raffle.
Spring Awakening Festival
The Basile Cultural Center, 2608 Shelby St.
5 p.m.
Free
Featuring window art installations from six local artists, the Basile Cultural Center’s Spring Awakening Festival will include live music by Nashville native Purser, Keith Beatty and Electric Sunshine as well as “La Vida Es Una Fiera” in the Basile Gallery and Michele Burns’ photoluminescent work “Glow in the Box.”
READ MORE: There’s a solar eclipse next month: Here’s what that means
Saturday, April 6
Eclipse Weekend
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$32-$37
Hands-on eclipse-themed activities and fun for the whole family are in full swing throughout the weekend, featuring solar and lunar STEM equipment, NASA programming and resources, family workshops and a lightshow.
Indy Winter Farmers Market
The Amp at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd.
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free
Founded by Growing Places Indy, the annual Indy Winter Farmers Market is home to vendors such as AppeThai, Bowater’s Farm, Cookie Snatchers, Earth & Fire, Guys Cooking Creation and more. This season the market is open from Nov. 11, 2023 to April 27, 2024, and SNAP benefits are being accepted. Parking for farmers market guests is free.
Katt Williams
Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St.
8 p.m.
$125
Nationally recognized comedian Katt Williams is making a stop in Indianapolis as part of “The Dark Matter Tour.” The show is open to all ages, and parking is $10 at the gate.
Sunday, April 7
Author Reading: Erin Pringle
Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.
Noon
Free
Celebrated author Erin Pringle will stop by Indy Reads for a reading from her fourth and latest collection of stories,” Unexpected Weather Events.” Following the reading, Pringle will do a brief Q&A and book signing. The event is recommended for guests ages 17 and older.
indyreads.org/event/author-reading-erin-pringle/
Circle City Orchestra Spring Concert
The Athenaeum Basile Theatre, 401 E. Michigan St.
4:15 to 5:30 p.m.
$10 suggested donation
The Circle City Orchestra presents “From Our Roots: Part III,” the third concert of their third annual season. The concert will feature a few pieces, including the premiere of a new composition by local composer Daniel Dorsett. Doors open and the preconcert chat with conductors and the guest composer begins at 3:55 p.m.
Eclipse Celebration featuring “Star Wars: A New Hope” (dubbed in Navajo)
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$12-$20
The Eiteljorg will feature a full day of eclipse-themed programming ahead of the April 8 eclipse, including a screening of “Star Wars: A New Hope” dubbed in Navajo and eclipse stories by storyteller Perry Ground (Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy).
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
Contact Arts & Culture writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
