2026 CONNECTIONS theme invites Central Indiana residents to explore what brings us together through arts, humanities and religion
What connects us — to one another, to our communities, to our histories, and to the places we call home?
The 31st annual Spirit & Place Festival, taking place Nov. 5–15, 2026, will explore those questions through more than 30 events across Central Indiana inspired by this year’s theme, CONNECTIONS.
From music, dance and storytelling to film, community conversations, contemplative experiences, hands-on activities and more, the 11-day Festival brings together artists, congregations, cultural institutions, nonprofits, educators, and community organizations to explore connection through the arts, humanities and religion.
Events will take place throughout Marion, Johnson, Hamilton and Boone counties, offering Central Indiana residents opportunities to gather, encounter new perspectives, and explore the relationships that shape individual and community life.
Connection can mean so many things — connection to another person, to a place, to our history, to a belief or to a community. This year’s Festival gives people opportunities to explore those connections in ways that are creative, thoughtful and, above all, shared. At a time when so many people are experiencing isolation and division, creating spaces where we can encounter one another feels especially important.
Festival Opens with PUBLIC CONVERSATION: Connections in a Divided Time
The Festival opens Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6:30–8 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., with the 31st annual Spirit & Place PUBLIC CONVERSATION: Connections in a Divided Time.
Nationally recognized voices Eddie S. Glaude Jr. and Eric Liu will explore a central question: What does it take to rebuild connections in ourselves, our communities and our democracy?
Glaude, the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor at Princeton University and author of “America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation’s Anniversaries,” brings a perspective grounded in American history, race and democracy. Liu, co-founder of Citizen University and author of “Live Like a Citizen,” focuses on the habits, responsibilities and shared purpose that sustain civic life.
The evening will also feature opening remarks from Bernice Pescosolido, Indiana University Distinguished Professor of Sociology, jazz piano by Christopher Pitts, and moderation by IU Indianapolis religious studies scholar Joseph Tucker Edmonds.
This event is a partnership between Spirit & Place, The Center for the Study of Religion & American Culture, Health by Design, and League of Women Voters of Indianapolis. The event is free but registration is recommended.
30+ Ways to Explore CONNECTIONS
Following opening night, the Festival expands throughout Central Indiana with community-created programs designed to approach connection from a wide range of perspectives.
Festival-goers can experience musical performances and community sing-alongs, storytelling, lectures, dance, hands-on creative experiences, conversations and other gatherings.
While the events differ widely in format and subject matter, each uses the Festival’s civic tools — the arts, humanities and religion — to invite participants to consider what connection means, what strengthens or strains it, and why it matters.
The Festival events are created by community partners, reflecting Spirit & Place’s longstanding model of inviting organizations, artists, and individuals to develop programs around a shared annual theme. The entire line-up of all the Connection-themed events can be found here.
Festival Closes at Heartland Film with Join or Die
Spirit & Place will close the 2026 Festival on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 4:30–7 p.m. at Heartland Film, 8950 Otis Ave., Indianapolis, with a screening of the award-winning documentary “Join or Die.”
The film explores the role that clubs, congregations, neighborhood groups, volunteer organizations, and other forms of community play in individual well-being and civic life —and what can happen when people stop joining them.
Before the film, attendees can connect with local membership organizations during a casual “Join Fair,” enjoy complimentary movie snacks and a cash bar, and participate in activities exploring the communities that have shaped their lives.
Following the screening, Spirit & Place will close the Festival by inviting the audience to consider one final question: What happens when we choose to show up for one another?
The closing event is presented by Spirit & Place in partnership with Heartland Film. It is free, but registration is recommended.
For the complete Festival schedule and registration information, visit events.iu.edu/spnpl-indianapolis/.
Erin Kelley is the executive director of the Spirit & Place Festival.
