While April coincides with the unofficial start of spring storm season in the Midwest, it’s also the start of cultural celebrations such as Jazz Appreciation Month and National Poetry Month.
In fact, Hoosiers have a lot to celebrate this month as April marks the beginning of several spring productions, festivals, events and more activities to do with the whole family. The Recorder put together a list of free and low-cost things to do around Indianapolis, whether or not the skies are clear and the sun is shining.
Thursday, April 2
Storytelling Drawing Session — FREE
Indianapolis Public Library, Spades Park Branch, 1801 Nowland Ave.
Neighbors are invited to this special Storytelling Drawing Session collaboration between IndyPL and the Harrison Center. Artists of all levels and mediums are invited to engage with long-term residents of Indianapolis as they share their stories.
attend.indypl.org/event/15855080
Friday, April 3
April Scrap Social — $21.96
Maker’s Alley, The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave.
Presented by Connection Club and Writings from Her Corner, this First Friday pop-up is designed to bring Hoosiers together to express themselves — whether through junk journaling, zines, mood and vision boards or intuitive collage. From 6-8 p.m., guests will be provided with an 11×14’’ poster board, art supplies, magazines and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage.
Moving Forward: A Veteran Art Exhibit — FREE
Christel DeHaan Artspace, The Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St.
Curated by the IUI Herron School of Art and Design’s Art Therapy program and the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs Recreation Therapy Service, Moving Forward features artwork submitted by veterans across central Indiana. The exhibition showcases the many journeys taken by veterans, from 6-8 p.m., along with remarks from some of the artists, refreshments and a cashless cash bar.
“Time and Texture” — FREE
The Full Circle Nine Gallery, 1125 Brookside Ave., Ste B21
First Friday at FC9 celebrates the opening of Rochelle Vega’s “Time and Texture,” an exhibition that explores the mixed-media artist’s journey through the grief and mourning of her friend Jessica Hackler Shipley. The exhibit is on view from 6-9 p.m.
Saturday April 4
Connected by Heritage — FREE
The Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
Entering its last weekend on display, Connected by Heritage is an art exhibition by Indy Latina Artists (ILA) celebrating their contributions in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. The exhibition is on display to view for free during regular museum hours through April 5.
Epicurean Market — FREE
The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave.
Presented by the Indiana Sports Corp, the 2026 Epicurean Market will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Final Four weekend. This year, the market will celebrate the capital of sport, food, art, music and culture.
Masks of Resilience Exhibition Opening — FREE
Cafe Oztara, 1446 E. Washington St.
Masks of Resilience takes guests on a journey through the visuals born from collective artmaking, lived experience and “survivor-to-thriver” storytelling related to substance use disorder and identity exploration. Open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the exhibition will be on view through July 17.
Peanut Butter & Jam: Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre — $10
The Studio Theatre, 1 Carter Green, Carmel
Families and kids are invited to join the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in “an adventure of movement and music,” beginning at 10:30 a.m. Following a brief performance, the dancers will engage with audience members as they explore basic dance concepts.
Tuesday, April 7
“Come from Away” — $27+
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
Making its regional debut, the IRT’s production of “Come From Away” details the story of the passengers of the 38 planes grounded in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada, and the community that cared for them during the events of 9/11.
Thursday, April 9
A Stage Reading: “Lasting” — $13
The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
Community members are invited to a stage reading of Angeline Larimer and Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha’s full-length play, “Lasting.” Based on Donald Fuller’s oral histories and Sidney Fuller’s writings, “Lasting” details three brothers growing up Black in the Midwest in the late 20th century, featuring themes of healing, connection and love.
indydistricttheatre.vbotickets.com
Friday, April 10
Artful Purpose Gallery Charity Event — FREE
Gennesaret Free Clinics, 615 Alabama St.
Curated by Mattie Lee Jones, Artful Purpose invites Hoosiers to view and purchase art in a special auction event benefiting Gennesaret Free Clinic’s Health Recovery Home and mobile medical services. The event will feature artists from across Indiana, live music, refreshments and wine from 6-8 p.m.
Artist Talk with Alex Webb & Rebecca Norris Webb — FREE
Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis, 1230 Greyhound Lane
In conjunction with the “Finding your Vision Weekend Workshop,” the creative couple, Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb, will present a talk about and present a selection of their work at UIndy from 4-5:30 p.m. The talk is required for all workshop students, but also open to the public.
GPAC Second Friday — FREE
Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive
This month, A Night for the Kids takes over the main gallery, starting with a reception for the IPS Student Show from 4-6 p.m., followed by an Arts for Learning Student showcase with ballet, paper shadow puppets and West African dance performances from 6:30-8 p.m. Alicia Christine, Nual and Cambel Castle are this month’s solo show artists.
Saturday, April 11
Ahora: A Latino Art Fair — $12-$20
Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
This biennial showcase will bring together artists, designers and creatives from across the state for a celebration of Latino Visual arts. The pop-up is included with museum admission and takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with artist talks with Joy Hernandez at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Bashiri Asad presents The Tender Lover Suite — $30
Theatre at the Fort, Arts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave.
Bashiri Asad is returning to Arts for Lawrence to present an evening of live music inspired by R&B legends and reimagined through Asad’s signature IndySoul sound. The Tender Love Suite is a soulful interpretation with a live band and vocals from 6:30-8 p.m.
Sunday, April 12
Basile Opera Center Music Fest — FREE
The Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis Opera is hosting a free two-day performing arts festival in honor of its local community. This multigenerational event begins with family day from noon to 4 p.m. on April 11, with feature vocal, orchestral and dance performances and experiences for families, neighbors and music lovers of all ages from 2-5 p.m. on April 12.
Art & Soul Sundays: Mr. Tony Styxx — FREE
Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St.
On April 12, Art & Soul Sundays presents Indy-based Mr. Tony Styxx, alongside longtime friend and collaborator DJ Boogie Bang. Beginning at 3 p.m., the performance will feature an hour-long curated hip-hop set featuring energetic, rhythm-driven selections from Styxx’s past, present and upcoming work.
Thursday, April 16
“Blood at the Root” — $18-$28
The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
The Indianapolis Black Theatre Company presents Dominique Morisseau’s “Blood at the Root,” a bold, lyrical play inspired by the real events of the Louisiana Jena Six, onstage at the District Theatre through April 26.
The Sacred Center: Remembering Black Art & Artists — FREE
Indiana Landmarks, 1201 N. Central Ave.
Lasana Kazembe, Emmy Award-winning poet, educator and scholar, will present The Sacred Center: Remembering Black Art & Black Artists, a visual journey through the work of Black writers, poets, visual artists and performers from Indiana and the Midwest. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The discussion and livestream begin at 6 p.m.
Friday, April 17
American Sound with Dance Kaleidoscope — $55.60
Schrott Center for the Arts, Butler University, 610 W. 46th St.
Dance Kaleidoscope and the Indy Chamber Orchestra present a Christel DeHaan Legacy Concert, featuring John Adams’ “Shaker Loops,” Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” and more. Conducted by Matthew Kraemer with choreography by Joshua Black Carter, the performance begins at 7 p.m. on April 17-18 and at 2 p.m. on April 19.
Indianapolis Rare Book Fair — $40
The Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle
The Indianapolis Rare Book Fair will bring dozens of booksellers to the Columbia Club in the heart of the city. The Opening Night party will feature wine, canapes and first access to the books from 4-8 p.m. On April 18, guests are invited back to browse from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 18
Funky Junk Trashion Show — $42
Phoenix Theatre and Cultural Center, 705 N. Illinois St.
This one-night-only fashion show begins at 6:30 p.m. and features local artists who have upcycled trash into wearable art. The event is a fundraiser to support the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center’s efforts to make theater more sustainable and eco-friendly.
phoenixtheatreorg.vbotickets.com
Cowboy Couture: Bolo Tie Workshop — $30-$40
Eiteljorg Museum 500 W. Washington St.
Local artist Amber Gyselinck invites Hoosiers to come learn how to make their own bolo tie in a workshop as part of the Cowboy Couture exhibition. The workshop is designed for those aged 18 and older; supplies are provided.
Friday, April 24
After Dark: Mardi Gras Masquerade — $45-$50
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St.
Beginning at 7 p.m., Hoosiers aged 21+ are invited to celebrate Mardi Gras with the Children’s Museum, featuring live music by Groovesmash, themed food and drinks, a second line parade, bourbon tastings, immersive exhibits and more.
DiscOH — $30
Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St.
The Indy Art Center invites the community to hit the dance floor for a night celebrating all things disco, featuring a live band paying homage to the sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, the Bee Gees and more while models bring disco fashion to life on the stage.
Saturday, April 25
Día del Niño at Be My Neighbor Day! — FREE
Indianapolis Public Library, Central Branch, 40 E. St. Clair St.
IndyPL is celebrating Be My Neighbor Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games, art activities, concerts, free books and giveaways and storytimes in both English and Spanish. Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate and donate new or opened diapers to the Indiana Diaper Bank.
Sunday, April 26
NAATC Staged Readings: Willa B’s Letter — FREE
Flanner House Arts Stage Academy Morningstar (Cloud) Stage, 2424 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
Based on the life of Black aviator, educator and activist, Willa Brown, the Naptown African American Theatre Collective will stage a reading of Darrell Morton’s play, “Willa B’s Letter,” beginning at 7 p.m. as part of its 2026 season, “Freedom Reimagined.”
Thursday, April 30
An Evening with Sphinx — FREE
Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Sphinx Organization, a national nonprofit for Black and Latinx classical musicians, are teaming up again for an evening highlighting undiscovered, silenced, forgotten contemporary or cross-genre classical works.
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
For more arts and culture news, visit indianapolisrecorder.com. Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
