Welcome to April!
Spring has sprung and the rainy season has begun, but that’s not stopping Hoosiers from getting outside to enjoy the weather and festivities all month long.
Whether you’re looking for a poetry open mic, an art show opening, writing workshop, concert or Earth Day celebration, we’ve got you covered! The Recorder has compiled a list of free and low-cost things to do this month.
READ MORE: 2025 Kroger Symphony on the Prairie promises a summer of unforgettable music
Friday, April 4
First Friday Opening: Kierra Ready: “From the Inside Out” — Free
Featured Art & Soul artist Kierra Ready’s solo show aims to be a testament to the beauty and resilience of women, combining elements of connection, community, solitude and joy.
indyarts.org/programs/from-the-inside-out/
“Rekindled on the Mic” — Free
Curated by the Sapphic Social Club Indy, Rekindled hosts a night of live entertainment and creative achievements from the city’s visual and performing artists.
MC Lyte with special guests DJ Lady Locs and Allison Victoria — $30
The Vogue will host hip hop and rap trailblazer MC Lyte for a one-night-only, 21+ performance, alongside is joined by DJ Lady Locs and Indy-based musician and emcee Allison Victoria.
thevogue.com/events/mc-lyte-april-4-2025
Saturday, April 5
The World We Share: voices United for Indiana’s Environment — Free with registration
Led by the Indianapolis Women’s Chorus and Hoosier Environmental Council, the community is invited to spend an afternoon singing and engaging in meaningful conversation about Indiana’s environmental challenges.
https://secure.everyaction.com/ev90LC9fEEaPEiA_-AX6Ug2
“Land in the Music” with ICO Chorus — $35-$40; free for students and children
The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra is teaming up with Reinaldo Moya and guest soloists for a performance exploring universal themes of the homeland, displacement and resilience.
Sunday, April 6
Art & Soul Sundays: Josiah Ray McCruiston presents “Folks: The Fire, the Fight, and the Freedom” — Free
Join Josiah Ray McCruiston in the Indianapolis Artsgarden as he shares Afro-folk tales through the lens of social issues.
eventbrite.com/e/art-soul-sundays-2025-tickets-1219761843509?aff=oddtdtcreator
Friday, April 11
soul • real • ism – An Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase — $5-$10
Curated by the Madam Walker Legacy Center, the Art & Soul featured artist showcase will highlight the multi-disciplined talents of Akili Ni Mali, Brandon Lott, Monique Burts and Kierra Ready.
eventbrite.com/e/soul-real-ism-an-art-soul-featured-artist-showcase-tickets-1251810371519
Saturday, April 12
Back to the Future in Concert — $15-$144
Join the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for a thrilling music experience as they perform Alan Silvestri’s musical score of “Back to the Future” live in sync with the movie.
indianapolissymphony.org/event/saturday-back-to-the-future/
“Radical Stitch” exhibition opening — $12-$20
Curated by the MacKenzie Art Gallery of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, “Radical Stich” explores the evolving story and styles of beadwork and its and cultural significance in Native and Indigenous art.
Writing Workshop and Open Mic with IndyUntitled — Free
Indy Reads is hosting a hybrid writing workshop and open mic in partnership with IndyUntitled. All writers 13 years or older, professional or novice, are invited to participate.
Thursday, April 17
Conversations in Indiana’s African American History — Free
Freetown Village is back for another monthly conversation with historians, researchers and educators to discuss topics concerning Indiana’s African American heritage.
eventbrite.com/cc/conversations-in-african-american-history-2171279
2025 Indiana Libraries and Literacy Symposium — Free
This year, the symposium will highlight the importance of gaming and play, as well as the ways local libraries can support their communities in their understanding of and engagement in gaming and play.
library.indianapolis.iu.edu/events/indiana-library-symposium
Free Community Movie Series: Encanto — Free
Butler University’s Free Community Movie Series returns with a showing of Disney’s “Encanto” at the Schrott Center for the Arts.
butlerartscenter.org/performances/encanto/
Monday, April 21
Mary J. Blige: For My Fans Tour with NE-YO — $59.50+
Award-winning “Queen of Hip Hop Soul,” Mary J. Blige is coming to Gainbridge Fieldhouse after adding four new shows to her “The For My Fans Tour” alongside R&B artist NE-YO.
gainbridgefieldhouse.com/events/detail/mary-j-blige
Tuesday, April 22
Live at the Center: PsyWrn Simone — $10
Indy-based performing artist and activist AshLee “PsyWrn Simone”
Baskin is bringing her Neo-Afro Soul and funk musical stylings to the Center for Performing Arts. The performance will also be streamed live.
Wednesday, April 23
2nd Annual Melanin Table Talk: State of the Black Community — Free
Powered by the Let Them Talk Coalition in partnership with Indiana Black Expo, the second annual Melanin Table Talk will feature a dynamic and data-driven community discussion about key issues impacting Indianapolis’ Black youth and families.
Friday, April 25
The U.S. Air Force Band’s “Airmen of Note” — Free
Ranging from big band hits of the 1940s to new compositions, the Airmen of Note tour celebrates the traditions of Major Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces dance band while honoring those who have served.
music.af.mil/USAFBand/Events/National-Tours/BABN-Spring-Tour/
Saturday, April 26
Black Violin — $25
Grammy-nominated violinists Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste, known for blending classical style with modern hip-hop beats and tones, are coming to the Palladium as part of Black Violin’s “Full Circle” tour.
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
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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 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.
