Porches, start your parties! It’s officially May, Hoosiers are wasting no time getting outdoors to celebrate with neighbors, family and friends.
Whether you’re looking for free workshops, festivals, live music or Indy 500 Festival programming, Indianapolis will be busy leading up to race day. The Recorder has compiled a list of a few free and low-cost things to do this May.
Friday, May 1
First Friday Porch Party Kick-Off w/ IMS — FREE
Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St.
The Harrison Center is inviting its neighbors to celebrate the beginning of Porch Party season during May First Friday from 6-9 p.m.
harrisoncenter.org/first-fridays
Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater: 25th Anniversary — $25
Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
The Revival: Djembe in the New Millennium kicks off its national tour, celebrating 25 years of award-winning African and contemporary dance. The concert takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and blends traditional rhythms of Guinea, Mali and Senegal choreographed by Yao Ababio.
“Take a Walk Down Whimsy Lane” — FREE
Full Circle Nine Gallery, 1125 Brookside Ave. Ste. B21
Join Full Circle Nine Gallery for May’s First Friday, featuring Baley Murphy’s “Take a Walk Down Whimsy Lane,” an exhibition showcasing mixed-media pieces combining pyrography and watercolor paint.
Saturday, May 2
Free Comic Book Day — FREE
Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hoosiers may stop by any Indianapolis Public Library branch to pick up a free comic book. The event is open to guests of all ages while supplies last.
attend.indypl.org/event/13489062
Indianapolis Cultural Trail Porch Party — FREE
Indianapolis Cultural Trail, 132 W. Walnut St.
TrailMixer invites Hoosiers to kick off National Celebrate Trails Day with a week full of adventure, community and discovery. TrailMixer features a variety of pop-up activations, trailside deals, exclusive merch and “unforgettable experiences” for Indy Hikers.
“The Marriage of Figaro” — $42-$102
The Tobias Theatre, Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road
The Indianapolis Opera presents “The Marriage of Figaro,” Mozart’s farcical and comical tale of class conflict featuring familiar music, such as “Sull’aria,” “Porgi, amore” and “Non più andrai.” The opera is on stage for two performances, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. and May 3 at 3 p.m.
Writing True Stories: An Introduction to Creative Nonfiction with John Strauss — FREE
Indianapolis Public Library–Lawrence, 7898 Hague Road
In partnership with Butler University’s MFA Creative Writing program, John Strauss will lead a free community workshop on creative nonfiction. The workshop takes place from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and will help adult writers of all skill levels to generate new work.
butler.edu/arts-sciences/master-fine-arts/community-workshop-series
Sunday, May 3
2026 Levitt VIBE Indianapolis Music Series: May Concert — FREE
Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis, 1125 Cruft St.
This month, the Levitt Vibe Music Series concert coincides with the grand opening of the Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis. Community members and neighbors are welcome to enjoy live music, food and art activations from noon to 3 p.m.
bigcar.org/event/2026-levitt-vibe-indianapolis-music-series-may-concert
“Fighting the Good Fight” — $15 in advance; $20 at the door
District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
Presented by the Asante Art Institute’s Prep4Life Initiative, “Fighting the Good Fight” invites audiences to experience this blend of storytelling, music and visual art inspired by the role youth played in the Civil Rights Movement. The production features three showtimes May 1-3.
Tuesday, May 5
Writing for Wellness Workshop — FREE
The Whispering Shelf, 414 N. College Ave.
This month, the Whispering Shelf invites community members to join a free workshop focused on writing for wellness. Prompts will be provided, and writers of any experience are welcome to participate in an hour-long session beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 7
“Kiss Me, Kate” — $15-$25
Footlite Musicals, 1847 N. Alabama St.
Footlite Musicals presents Cole Porter’s ambitious play within a play musical based on and featuring Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Set in June 1948, the story follows leading lady Lilli Vanessi and her ex-husband and actor/director Fred Graham in a chaotic, comedic off- and onstage romance.
footlite.org/show/kiss-me-kate
Friday, May 8
“Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage” — $15-$20
Fonseca Theatre Company, 2508 W. Michigan St.
Set in a Pennsylvania truck stop, word begins to spread about the culinary talents of a group of formerly incarcerated cooks, working to earn their redemption through the art of sandwich-making under the watchful eye of their boss, Clyde. Running through May 17, performance times vary.
fonsecatheatre.org/buy-tickets
Reels & Roots Presents: Delivering while Black — FREE
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 W. Maryland St.
Directed by Amanda Rostic, “Delivering While Black” addresses the Black maternal health crisis from the Midwest perspective. Beginning at 6 p.m., the screening will be followed by a discussion with Dr. Brownsyne Tucker Edmond, Nicole Carey and Tamara Winfrey-Harris.
Sunday, May 10
Mother’s Day Event at Easley Winery — Prices vary
Easley Winery, 205 N. College Ave.
Easley Winery is celebrating Mother’s Day weekend with $8 Pink Wine Flights, sparkling Grape Juice Flights and Wine Slushies and free bracelet making with each purchase. Guests of all ages are welcome and may bring their own food or have food delivered for indoor and outdoor seating in the wine garden.
easleywinery.com/events/mothersday2026
Tuesday, May 12
In-Choir-ing Minds – Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory: Songs & Stories of the American Civil War — FREE
Butler University, Lilly Hall 112, 4600 Sunset Ave.
As part of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Voices of the Spirit” program, In Choir-ing Minds offers Hoosiers a free educational forum to engage with the themes of conflict, reconciliation and national identity as reflected in the American Civil War. The forum begins at 7 p.m. in person and via livestream.
Sullivan Fortner Trio presented by the American Piano Awards — $32-$42
The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
Sullivan Fortner Trio, the 2015 winner of the American Piano Award’s Cole Porter Fellowship, brings playful improvisations, lush harmonies and innovation to the Jazz Kitchen with performances at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Unearthing the Past at Henry Street Bridge — FREE
Indiana Landmarks, 450 W. Ohio St.
Indiana Landmarks is hosting a conversation on the archaeology of the Henry Street Bridge project as well as a preview of the upcoming Greenlawn Cemetery documentary by Studio Auteru. Afterward, there will be a panel discussion with the filmmaker, Jerald Harkness, archaeologists who managed the project and members of the community Advisory Group.
READ MORE: Butler University to host free spring and summer writing workshop series for community
Wednesday, May 13
Allison Victoria — $18.87-$34.33
The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
Singer, songwriter and Indianapolis-based musician Allison Victoria is bringing her refreshing rawness to the Jazz Kitchen stage for a 21+ performance beginning at 7 p.m. Victoria aims to be a “true voice for others, and her style blends soul, hip hop, R&B, folk, gospel and jazz.
Friday, May 15
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson — $17-$32
Frank & Katrina Basile Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, 705 N. Illinois St.
Presented by Summit Performance Indianapolis, “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson” is a dark feminist comedy following two women who, after surviving the pandemic and personal crises, need roommates.
phoenixtheatreorg.vbotickets.com
Panda Fest — $10 or $15 at the gate
Military Park, 601 W. New York St.
One of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S. is coming to Indianapolis, complete with experimental activities, tastings and street food and market vendors showcasing vibrant Asian food, art and cultural traditions.
Saturday, May 16
“The Chevalier: A Musical Play” — $45-$55
Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
Presented by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Madam Walker Legacy Center, “The Chevalier: A Musical Play” is a retelling of the life and music of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Written by Bill Barclay, “The Chevalier” blends a live orchestra, costumed actors and solo violinist Brendon Elliott for a single performance at 7:30 p.m.
icomusic.org/concerts/the-chevalier-a-musical-play
OneAmerica Financial Foundation Broad Ripple Art Fair — $6.59-$17.10
Indianapolis Art Center, 820 67th St.
The annual Broad Ripple Art Fair is back for two days of live music, one-of-a-kind art, food and live demonstrations from local, regional and national artists. The art fair is open to guests of all ages from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 16-17.
Sunday, May 17
Art & Soul Sundays: Auboni Essence — FREE
Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St.
This month’s Art & Soul Sunday artist is Auboni Essence, a poet and performer whose work blends personal experience with universal truth. Performing from 3-4 p.m., Essence is known for their authenticity and magnetic stage presence, having headlined That Peace Open Mic recently.
indyarts.org/event/art-soul-sundays-auboni-essence
Wednesday, May 20
Community Collage Workshop — FREE
The Archivist, 805 S. Meridian St.
Once a month, the Archivist opens its doors to the community to host a free collage workshop from 7-10 p.m. Guests of all skill levels are invited to let their imaginations run wild in a hands-on, make-it-and-take-it experience. Supplies are provided.
Dance Kaleidoscope open rehearsal — FREE
Dance Kaleidoscope Studios, 1125 E. Brookside Ave., Suite D5
Hoodies are invited in for a behind-the-scenes look at Dance Kaleidoscope’s creative process during a free lunch-break experience beginning at noon. Reservations aren’t required, and parking is free.
Thursday, May 21
Conversations in Indiana’s African American History- Memorial Day: A History Worth Remembering — FREE; registration required
Indiana Landmarks, 1201 N. Central Ave.
Local historian and veteran Leon Bates will speak in honor of Memorial Day and the lesser-known stories behind Indiana’s Black soldiers and veterans. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the event starts at 6 p.m. in person and via livestream.
Friday, May 22
“Romeo & Juliet” — $40
The Tarkington, 1 Carter Green, Carmel
Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents the ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.” The Star-crossed, thrilling drama takes the stage for three performances May 22-23.
Friday, May 29
Appalachian Spring — $15-$41
Hilbert Circle Theatre, 41 Monument Circle
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra welcomed conductor Robert Spano and classical saxophonist Steven Banks for a performance of “Appalachian Spring Suite” alongside “Love Returns” and Vaughn-Williams’ “Symphony No. 5.” Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on May 29 and 5:30 p.m. on May 30.
indianapolissymphony.org/event/appalachian-spring
Saturday, May 30
NAATC Collaborative Storytelling Slam — $17.85
Arts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave.
Hosted in collaboration with Flanner House Literacy, the NAATC’s 2026 season, Freedom Reimagined, invites the community to experience new stories from actors, writers and storytellers from across the city.
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 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.
