Community Arts Calendar: September

Monthly Community Arts Calendars will be updated regularly, replacing the Recorder's previous series This Weekend in the Arts

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The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra will perform three free concerts in Indianapolis Parks Sept. 4-6. (Photo provided/Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra)
The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra will perform three free concerts in Indianapolis Parks Sept. 4-6. (Photo provided/Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra)

We are doing something a little different with our Arts and Culture Calendars this month.

This Weekend in the Arts is one of our most popular series, so we have decided to expand it to include pop-ups, festivals, concerts and ongoing art and museum exhibitions throughout the month. Welcome to the first edition of our monthly Community Arts Calendar.

September sees the last few days of summer before the leaves start to turn and although kiddos are back in school, there’s still plenty to do in and around Indianapolis.

Thursday, Sept. 5

Indianapolis’ True Oktoberfest 2024

German American Klub Indianapolis, 8602 S. Meridian St.

4-10 p.m. (Recurring through Sept.7)

$5; children 12 and under are free

Presented by the German American Klub, the 50th annual Indianapolis Oktoberfest boasts a weekend full of family fun, live music, dancing, vendors and of course, local craft beer, wein, food and desserts to enjoy.

indianapolisgak.com/gakevents/oktoberfest

ICO at Riverside Park

Taggart Amphitheatre, Riverside Park, 1856 Burdsal Pkwy

7:30 p.m.

Free

The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra is performing a free concert alongside students from Global Prep Academy at Riverside Park. In celebration of Brazil’s independence in September, the ICO will also perform Barroso’s “Brazil.”

ci.ovationtix.com

Friday, Sept. 6

57th Annual Penrod Arts Fair

Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road

9 a.m. to 5 p.m (Recurring through Sept. 7)

$15-$20

One of the largest single-day art fairs in the U.S., the 55th Annual Penrod Art Fair is returning to Newfields this year with live music, food and drinks, and more than 100 artists to browse and shop from. 

penrod.org

First Friday Artist Market 

Fountain Square, 1101 Virginia Ave.

6-9 p.m.

Free

Celebrate September’s First Friday with a line up of 16 local artisans, including a live mural painting, at Fountain Square Plaza and College Avenue Plaza.

facebook.com/FFDAIndy

Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival

Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN

5-10 p.m.

$13 for members, $26 for nonmembers; children 2 and younger are free

Complete with hot air balloon rides, live music, food and drinks and activities for the kids, the annual Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival is an entire weekend of fun for the whole family. 

connerprairie.org

Saturday Sept. 7

“Shining a Light” Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Monument Circle, 1 Monument Circle

6-9 p.m.

Free

Returning for a third year in a row, Shining a Light aims to celebrate Hoosiers of hispanic heritage by projecting a video of “Our Light. Nuestra Luz” on the AES building downtown in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

indianalatinoinstitute.org

2024 French Market

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4217 N. Central Ave.

Noon to 10 p.m.

Free 

This free, one-day festival aims to honor French culture and heritage, complete with traditional French cuisines prepared on-site, French wines, live music, a craft fair and Mass a the 100-year-old French Cathedral. 

sjoa.org/about-french-market

Sunday, Sept. 8

Levitt VIBE Indianapolis Music Series Concert

Garfield Park, 2432 Conservatory Dr.

Noon to 3 p.m.

Free

Levitt VIBE concert series is bringing a variety of live music, poetry, food trucks and kids activities to Garfield Park each Sunday in September and October.

bigcar.org/project/vibe

Rock for Riley concert 

Rathskeller at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St. 

5-8 p.m.

$20

Featuring artist Hank Ruff, Rock for Riley is a 21+ fundraising concert for Riley Children’s Health. Admission includes a T-shirt and silent auction bidding runs from 9 a.m. Sept. 3 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 11.

give.rileykids.org

Monday, Sept. 9

Canal Calm: Monthly Monday Sound Bath 

Orange Bridge, 701 Canal Walk

7-8 p.m.

Free

Every second Monday of the month, join The Hot Room along the Canal for an hour of relaxation via a sound meditation.

indyculturaltrail.org

Tuesday, Sept. 10

Concert & Jam hosted by Emma Hedrick & Christopher Pitts featuring Brandon Meeks Quartet

Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St.

7-8:30 p.m.

Free

On Tuesday’s Emma Hedrick and Christopher Pitts put on a lively jam session featuring a variety of musical styles in addition to Indy’s top local jazz musicians as guests.

indyarts.org

Wednesday, Sept. 11

The Original Farmers’ Market

Monument Circle, 1 Monument Circle

10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Recurring every Wednesday)

Free

Originally located at the Indianapolis City Market, the Original Farmers’ Market temporarily relocated for the 2024 growing season. The announced market lineup features returning businesses such as Flying Dirt Farm, Kim’s Key Lime cookies and Moonlight Baking Co.

indycm.com/original-farmers-market

Sunrise Yoga on the Canal

Admiral Spruance Basin, 410 W. 10th St.

6:30-7:30 a.m. (Recurring every Wednesday)

Free

Find your breath as the sun comes up, for one hour every Wednesday morning. Presented by The Hot Room and Indy Cultural Trail, guests are invited to join a guided outdoor yoga flow session along the canal.

thehotroom.com

Poetry & More Open Mic Night

Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.

6 p.m.

Free

Each second Wednesday, Indy Reads opens the stage to local poets, storytellers and more to read and perform their work in a family-friendly environment. Dancers, singers, songwriters and all types of performances are welcome.

indyreads.org/event/poetry-more-open-mic-night-11

Friday, Sept. 13

Hip-Hop on the Water

Urban Wilderness Trail, 600 Porto Alegre St.

7 p.m. (Recurring through Sept. 14)

Free

Presenting a weekend full of live music, Hip-Hop on the Water will bring a variety of new, emerging and professional artists, DJs and dance performers for the community to support and enjoy while relaxing along the White River. There will be food and beverage vendors onsite, but guests are encouraged to bring their own seating.

indyarts.org/event/hip-hop-on-the-water

New Harmony Project presents PlayFest Indy

Locations vary, check website

7:30-9 p.m.

Free; reservations encouraged

The Inaugural PlayFest Indy invites theater lovers to engage with playwrights and their new works during a showcase of eight concert-style readings followed by an optional post-performance discussion.

newharmonyproject.org/pfi

Saturday, Sept. 14

AfroStylez Fashion Show: Heritage and Harmony

Global Village Welcome Center, 4233 Lafayette Road

6-10 p.m.

$20-$30

Presented by Indy Black Professionals, the third annual Afrostylez Fashion Show will uplift African fashion, culture and community through a runway show, designer showcase, food, music and live entertainment.

eventbrite.com

Celebrating Latino and Hispanic Heritage

Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Recurring through Oct. 12)

$5-15

In honor of Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month, the Indiana Historical Society’s traveling exhibit, “Be Heard: Latino Experiences in Indiana,” will be on display for the next four weeks. Visitors are encouraged to engage with special programing celebrating the rich culture, fashion and art of Hoosier Latinos.

indianahistory.org/events/celebrating-latino-and-hispanic-heritage

Indy Night Market

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.

5 p.m.

Free

Hosted at the Bicentennial Unity Plaza, the Indy Night Market aims to bring the community together through food, art, music and culture. The event is family friendly and offers interactive activities, giveaways and prizes throughout the night.

gainbridgefieldhouse.com

Sunday, Sept. 15

2024 Festival of Faiths

University Park, 307 N. Meridian St.

1-5 p.m.

Free

The 11th annual Festival of Faiths is Indiana’s largest one-day celebration of the Hoosiers’ religious diversity. Since its conception, the festival has grown steadily, showcasing local organizations and business vendors, activities and discussions across faith traditions.

indycic.org/festival-of-faiths

Roots Music Festival Presented by Underground Sound

The Park at the Phoenix, 712 N. Illinois St.

1-10 p.m.

$30

Come together to enjoy a festival showcasing the “next generation” of hip-hop, R&B and neo soul musicians and artists with performances by a variety of Midwestern artists and DJs with local vendors to shop from.

eventbrite.com/e/roots-music-festival-presented-by-underground-sound-tickets-994054121637

Friday, Sept. 20

“Toni Stone”

Indianapolis Black Theatre Company, 627 Massachusetts Ave.

7:30 p.m.

$30

“Toni Stone” follows the life of Indianapolis Clowns first Black woman player and premieres on The District Theatre’s Mainstage Sept. 19-Oct. 6. The show contains adult language and content and is recommended for audiences 16 years and older. 

indyblacktheater.org

Indy Jazz Fest Sunset Series: Lakecia Benjamin

The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N College Ave.

7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

$35-$65

Jazz fanatics can catch two intimate, nighttime sets from Lakecia Benjamin, a three-time Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist as part of Indy Jazz Fest’s Sunset Series.

indyjazzfest.net

Saturday, Sept. 21

The cast and volunteer spellers in the IRT’s 2024 production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” (Photo/Zach Rosing)

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St

5 p.m.

$24

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a quirky musical comedy about a group of young students eager to become the next spelling bee champion. The show is approximately one hour and 55 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.

irtlive.com

Eiteljorg Kids Workshop with Artist in Residence Ephraim Anderson

Eiteljorg Museum,500 W. Washington St.

10-11 a.m.

$20; free for kids

This hands-on workshop allows kids of all ages to embrace their creativity while learning about ancient Southwestern weaving traditions. Artist in Residence Ephraim Anderson will guide kids through basic weaving techniques and help them create their own mini looms while sharing stories and history behind the art form.

eiteljorg.org/eiteljorg-events

Sunday, Sept. 22

Art in the Park with a Splash of Fashion Free Comm

Garfield Park Pagoda, 2345 Pagoda Dr.

Noon to 6 p.m.

Free

Sponsored by The Indianapolis Foundation, the 8th annual Art in the Park will feature a variety of activities for the whole family, including an Outdoor Sip n’ Paint, outdoor fashion show, a Kid’s Zone and Talent Showcase. There will also be resource vendors, resale and food vendors available as well as a live band and entertainment.

eventbrite.com

2024 Miss Circle City Classic Coronation

Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road

5 p.m.

$20

During the program, each of the participants is celebrated for their accomplishments. Once crowned, Miss Circle City Classic, alongside the First and Second Runner-up, will receive scholarships totaling $10,000.

circlecityclassic.com/coronation

Tuesday, Sept. 24

Dissin’ Black Women | Black Women’s Readers Theatre

Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.

6-8:30 p.m.

Free

Black Women’s Readers Theatre is set to perform a dramatic reading of the original script of “Dissin’ Black Women: The Stories Behind Our Disappearance, Dismissal, Disqualification, Disenfranchisement and Disposability.” The production will be performed by community leaders Mercédès Cannon, Tabitha Hardy, Ronda Henry, Nouri McLucas, Khalilah Marbury and Jennifer Thorington Springer.

eventbrite.com

Network of Women in Business Downtown Lunch

Maven Space, 433 N. Capitol Ave., Ste 100

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

$19.50

NOWib members and guests are invited for a casual conversation over lunch focused on expanding your network and growing professionally. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards.

nowib.com

Friday, Sept. 27

NAACP 53rd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet

Indianapolis Public Library, Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.

6:30-8:30 p.m.

$125

This year’s theme is ALL IN: Addressing Inequities, Disparities & Public Health, featuring keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, Founder of the Freedom Institute for Economic, Social Justice and People Empowerment Member of the NAACP National Board of Directors.

indynaacp.org

Saturday, Sept. 28

Mara Menzies (Photo provided/Storytelling Arts of Indiana)

“Echoes of the Ancestors”

Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana History, 450 W. Ohio St.

$10-$20

Storytelling Arts of Indiana returns for its 37th season with Kenyan-based artist Mara Menzies. “The event, “Echoes of the Ancestors” which will be held in person and via Zoom, will feature the mythology, legends and folklore of Menzies’ Scottish-African heritage.

storytellingarts.org

Loudmouth Books Presents: Boozy Book Fair

The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd, #Container 1

Noon to 4 p.m.

$16-$25

Grown-ups are invited to experience the adult version of the scholastic book fair. Presented by Loudmouth Books, the fair will feature a curated selection of books from the store, pens, prints, candles, tote bags and more.

indypride.org/event/loudmouth-books-presents-boozy-book-fair

We Survive and Rise: A Conversation with Ashley C. Ford

Martin University Hardin Gathertorium, 2186 N. Sherman Dr.

3-5 p.m.

Free

Presented by Coburn Place, guests are invited to an author talk — “Surviving Trauma and the Path to Healing” with Ashley C. Ford and a panel discussion with therapist Hazel Owens, MDiv, LMFT. The event will also feature a book signing, mental health resource fair and live music from Allison Victoria.

coburnplace.org/events/surviveandrise


The calendars will be updated weekly at Indianapolisrecorder.com.

Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.

Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.

1 COMMENT

  1. I’m thrilled to see the September Community Arts Calendar! It’s great to have a comprehensive list of upcoming events that highlight the rich artistic culture in our community and encourage participation.

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