‘Disney’s The Lion King,’ Afroball, Daptoberfest and more to do in Indianapolis this October
Fall is here and temperatures may be cooling soon, but there’s still plenty to do in and around Indianapolis. Check out the Recorder’s list of things to do around Indianapolis during the month of October.
Sept. 30 through Oct. 18
Disney’s The Lion King – The Musical
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
Ticket prices vary
‘Disney’s The Lion King’ has been seen by more than 130 million people worldwide and has received six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved production features direction by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor, with fan-favorite music by Elton John and Tim Rice.
Tickets available through Broadway in Indianapolis.
Saturday, Oct. 3
ArcFest powered by Free Press Indiana
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hine Hall at IU Indianapolis, 875 W. North St.
Free
Marking America’s 250th anniversary, ArcFest examines civic participation by bringing together speakers and cultural activities through the lens of journalism and storytelling. Activities include local performances, live podcast recordings, a Walk-and-Talk Tour of Indiana Avenue with Sampson Levingston.
Visitors can also spend time in the Mintea Lounge, watch local artists perform and attend live podcast recordings. The event also includes a Walk And Talk Tour of Indiana Avenue with Sampson Levingston and opportunities to connect with community organizations.
fpinews.org/arcfest/
Rooted Together: Harvesting Legacy, Growing Community
5-9 p.m.
P30, 3039 N. Post Road
Free
This pop-up art exhibition and gathering centers on shared experiences and connections between Black and Brown communities. Presented by Ama Dionysus productions.
The event is free. Registration is available through Eventbrite.
Saturday, Oct. 10
Risky Business
5-8 p.m.
Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMI), 1125 Cruft St.
Free with registration
Risky Business features nine artists working in music, dance, visual and literary arts. Their experimental work addresses subjects such as environmental sustainability, displacement, systemic racism, substance use disorders, disability and anti-violence.
The Indianapolis Creative Risk Fund is a program of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation that supports individual artists, artist collectives and artist collaborations pursuing experimental work.
Tickets available through Eventbrite.
Cultural Connections Fall Fest 2026
2-6 p.m.; Jazz Concert 6-8 p.m.
Aspire House, 1002 Udell St.
Free with registration
Aspire House presents this family-oriented celebration of culture and community. Guests can gather with neighbors and friends, experience different cultures and visit the marketplace.
The festival will include free food, games, a marketplace, petting zoo, giveaways, global foods and cultural activities. A jazz concert is scheduled for 6-8 p.m.
Please sign up on Eventbrite using the QR code on the flyer to reserve your spot and help us prepare for the event.
DL + DL ‘Anything Goes’ with Don Lemon and D.L. Hughley
7 p.m.
Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Avenue
Tickets starting at $49.70
“Anything Goes” promises a lively conversation with award-winning journalist Don Lemon and D.L. Hughley, one of the original Kings of Comedy covering topics such as race, current events and politics.
Tickets available via ticketmaster.
Sunday, Oct. 11
The RESET: An Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase
6-9:30 p.m.
Tickets – $12.51 (includes $2.51 fee)
Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
The 2026 Art & Soul Featured Artists will interpret the theme THE RESET through personal performances developed in partnership with the Indy Arts Council.
Four artists will present original music, poetry, storytelling and theater in an evening centered on reflection and starting anew. The Reset features performances from Austin Dean Ashford, Kenn.wav, Auboni Essence and D’yshe Mansfield.
Tickets available through Eventbrite.
Tuesday, Oct. 13
The War and Treaty: Country Baptism Tour
7:30 p.m.
Payne and Mencias Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel, IN
Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter formed musical duo The War and Treaty in 2014, a powerful and unique combination of soul, country and other musical influences. The duo received 2024 Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song and earned CMA Duo of the Year nominations for two consecutive years.
The War And Treaty: Country Baptism Tour
Friday, Oct. 16
Russell’s Building Camp Fall Harvest Festival 5
6-9:30 p.m.
Free
Bethel Tabernacle Apostolic, 2002 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Avenue
Presented by Tikur Solutions, this free fall festival features family-friendly activities, food, music and more.
Tickets available through Eventbrite.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Afroball Indy
7-11 p.m.
Radius, 723 S. Capitol Avenue
Tickets – $55.20
Indy Black Professionals presents the fifth annual Afroball Indy as the concluding event of the 2026 AfroBall Indy Event Series. Guests are invited to wear black tie or African attire. The theme, “Bridging Cultures. Building Legacy,” marks five years of culture, connection and community.
Tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite.
Sista Strut Indianapolis
10 a.m.
Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225
The fifth annual Sista Strut 3K Walk will be held at Victory Field on Oct. 17. Participants who register receive the official T-shirt and backpack, while team members also receive a team souvenir and may have a team photo taken.
Sista Strut focuses on breast cancer awareness among women of color and connects participants with community resources. The event also honors survivors and their families while promoting early detection and the search for a cure.
Registration fees: Sept. 28-Oct. 17: $25 per individual / $30 per team member
Gates open at 9 a.m., rally starts at 10 a.m., walk starts at 11 a.m.
Register here.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Daptoberfest: Homecoming ‘26
4-10 p.m.
Warren Central High School, 9500 E. 16th St.
Daptoberfest creates a marketplace and networking opportunity for Black-owned businesses, connecting them to the surrounding community.
Entertainment will be presented on the Black Onyx Management SoundStage, along with a Homecoming Court presentation. The program also includes an HBCU-style battle of the bands featuring the BRAVE INC. and Sounds of Legacy drumlines.
The Food Court will feature food trucks and snack vendors, including A&A Taste the Flavor Catering, Guys Cooking Creation and Londos Flameade.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Goldie Ingram
6:30 p.m. show; doors open at 5 p.m.
The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Avenue
Goldie Ingram, an Indy Jazz Fest alumna, will perform a mix of jazz, neo-soul, R&B and blues at The Jazz Kitchen.
Ingram has more than two decades of experience and has performed with Rachelle Ferrell and opened for Lalah Hathaway, Eric Benét, Sheila E. and Shirley Murdock.
Her performance will draw from jazz standards, neo-soul, blues and classic R&B.
Tickets available here.
Friday, Oct. 30
Asante Art Institute Signature Showcase
6-8 p.m.
Free
Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Avenue
The Asante Art Institute Signature Showcase will feature live performances, interactive art activities and a silent auction centered on the arts and supporting young people.
Proceeds from the silent auction will support education and youth programs.
The event will take place at the Madam Walker Legacy Center.
Register for tickets through Eventbrite.
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
