As the 2024 NBA All-Star approaches, the city is gearing up for a jam-packed weekend of events, parties and activations.
Returning to Indianapolis for the first time since 1985, NBA All-Star Weekend will feature a variety of things to do for basketball fans of all ages — from NBA events to music, art exhibitions, live entertainment and more all throughout Downtown area. The Recorder put together a list of just a few can’t-miss events to check out throughout the weekend.
Thursday, Feb. 15
Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
7-9 p.m.
Tickets start at $75
The award celebration and gospel concert kicks off a jam-packed weekend of parties. Honoring NBA players, legends, community leaders, hometown heroes and more, the All-Star Gospel Celebration includes performances from Grammy Award-winning musical artists, NBA chaplains and celebrity guest appearances.
Indy’s Home Court, Downtown Indianapolis
Free
On view around Downtown Indianapolis throughout the weekend, the public art installation features 24 “All-Star” moments in Indiana basketball history painted onto six-foot sculptures by artists from across the state.
nba.com/pacers/nba-all-star-2024-indianapolis/24artists
Friday, Feb. 16
“A Touch of Glory” premiere
Crispus Attucks High School, 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
8 p.m. (Recurring Feb. 17-18)
$20
GANGGANG and Deborah Asante & Artists partnered to present the original play “A Touch of Glory” during Black History Month and All-Star Weekend. The production aims to highlight the story of Oscar Robertson and his 1955 championship basketball team. Guests are also abled to catch a free preview showing of “A Touch of Glory” Feb. 9-11.
“BUTTER” at the Home Court
Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St.
11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Recurring Feb.18)
Free
Curated by GANGGANG especially for the All-Star weekend, the first BUTTER expansion features a basketball-inspired pop-up art fair highlighting 30 local and national Black artists.
Indy All-Star Walk & Talk
Plaid and Pearls, 6 W. Washington St.
1 p.m., 2 p.m. 3 p.m., 4 p.m. 5 p.m. (Recurring Feb. 17-18)
Free
Through2Eyes Indiana invites people of all ages, abilities and interests to learn about historic moments in Hoosier basketball. Led by Sampson Levingston, the 25–30-minute Walk & Talk will explore the connection between basketball, art and culture.
Mike Epps All-Star Throwback Concert
Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
7 p.m.
Tickets start at $75
From comedian Mike Epps, the All-Star Throwback Concert promises a night of laughter and entertainment from the likes of Rakim, Kwamé, Monie Love, Greg Nice, Dana Dane and Chubb Rock.
NBA Crossover
Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave.
3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Recurring at noon and 3 p.m. Feb. 17-18)
$35 for adults, $20 for kids
The NBA is bringing basketball culture to the forefront with player appearances, live performances and art, music, fashion and technology-based activations in a multiday interactive fan event leading up to the All-Star game.
NBA Crossover Concert Series
Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave.
9 p.m. (Recurring at 3 p.m. Feb. 17-18)
Tickets start at $75
With three days of entertainment and activations, the NBA Crossover Concert Series features Grammy Award-winning artists Zedd T-Pain, Keith Urban, Lil Wayne and country singer-songwriter Walker Hayes.
NBA Rising Stars
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.
9 p.m.
Tickets start at $76
The annual showcase premieres four teams of young talent as part of the NBA All-Star — including 11 NBA rookies, 10 second-year NBA players and seven NBA G League players — in a three-game mini-tournament. Tamika Catchings, Pau Gasol and Jalen Rose are set to coach.
nba.com/news/2024-nba-rising-stars
Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave.
7 p.m.
Tickets start at $25
TV, movie and music stars come together and test their skills with NBA and WNBA legends for an exciting and entertaining basketball game. A full list of players and coaches for the All-Star Celebrity Game has yet to be announced. nba.com/news/2024-all-star-celebrity-game
The Perfect Match: Midwest All-Star Sneaker Ball Expo
The Speakeasy, 5255 Winthrop Ave.
7:30-11:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Boasting the ultimate sneaker experience, the Midwest All-Star Sneaker Ball Expo offers exclusive sneaker vendors with the latest and rare finds, live music, food and drinks, and a chance to compete for more than $5,000 in cash prizes. Free HIV/STD testing and additional health resources are also available onsite.
indypride.org/event/the-perfect-match
Saturday, Feb. 17
Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
5:15 p.m.
Free
The 36th annual Meet the Artists spotlights Black artists from around the city for Black History Month. The opening reception features art on each floor of the library, live entertainment, food and drinks, kids’ activities and a fashion show inspired by the 2024 NBA All-Star.
indypl.org/programs-events/meet-the-artists
NBA HBCU Classic
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.
2 p.m.
$20
Winston-Salem State and Virginia Union men’s basketball programs were selected to go head-to-head at Gainbridge Fieldhouse ahead of the All-Star. The HBCU matchup is also simulcasted on TNT, ESPN2 and NBA TV.
NBWA Women’s Empowerment Summit & Men’s Panel
NCAA Conference and Events Center, 700 W. Washington St.
11:00 AM until 3:00 PM
$250
The National Basketball Wives Association will host its 5th Annual Women’s Empowerment Summit & Men’s Panel during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend with guest panelists Gayle King, Stephen A. Smith, Matt Barnes and Indy’s own Vivica A. Fox.
eventbrite.com
Sunday, Feb. 18
Jack Daniels “All-Star” Live Day Party
Slippery Noodle, 372 S. Meridian St.
3-8 p.m.
Free
Presented by DJ Geno, this day-long event is for “grown and sexy” adults, featuring Damon Karl and a fashion show curated by Nicole Rene of Passion 4 Fashion Week. The All-Star watch party begins at 8 p.m.
facebook.com/passion4fashionweek
NBA G League Up Next Game
NBA Crossover at Indiana Convention Center, 500 S. Capitol Ave.
1:30 p.m.
$35 for adults, $20 for children
Coached by a member of the Indiana Mad Ants Up coaching staff, up-and-coming NBA talent will compete to be crowned the 2024 NBA G League AT&T Slam Dunk Champion in a new tournament-style format.
Getting around town
Exclusive to the All-Star weekend, from Feb.15-18, IndyGo is offering fare-free rides. Extended hours are available for frequently-used routes leaving from the Julia M. Carson Transit Center (CTC) Downtown with the latest departure at 12:30 a.m. The CTC is located within walking distance of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the site of this year’s NBA All-Star game on Feb. 18. For more information, visit indygo.net.
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 or chloegm@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
