Whether you’re looking to go out with family or friends this weekend, enjoy live music, visit a museum, art gallery or try out a new restaurant, the Indianapolis Recorder has you covered. We’ve put together an extensive list of just a few of the events and activities going on in and around Indianapolis in This Weekend in the Arts.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t cover everything going on in one calendar. So, if there’s something going on that we and other Hoosiers should know about this month, feel free to let us know! Send an email to newsroom@indyrecorder.com so we can include it in the next edition.
Friday, May 19
Martindale Brightwood 150-Year Community-Wide Porch Party
Historic Martindale Brightwood Neighborhood
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free; registration required
Celebrating a 150-year community tradition, the Harrison Center and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are partnering to “shine a light and share the rich and resilient history” of Martindale-Brightwood. Invite friends, prepare favorite foods and drinks and connect with neighbors!
Search “Martindale Brightwood 150 Year Community Wide Porch Party” on Eventbrite.
MLK Center Indy 50th Celebration Block Party
Martin Luther King Center Indy, 40 W. 40th St.
4-7 p.m.
Free; registration required
The MLK Indy Center is turning 50! Featuring food trucks, live music, bounce houses and more, the MLK Indy Center invites the community to join them in celebrating 50 years of educating youth, empowering families and strengthening the community.
Search “50th Celebration Block Party” On Facebook.
Writing Workshop with Ashley Mack-Jackson
ArtMix, 1505 N. Delaware St.
1-2:30 p.m.
Free
Presented by ArtMix in partnership with Indiana Authors Awards, the co-founder of Word is Bond, Ashley Mack-Jackson, will host a free writing workshop for aspiring writers ages 12 and up. The workshop will explore themes of identity, inclusion and marginalization. Supplies will be provided.
Search “Writing Workshop with Ashley Mack-Johnson” on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 20
African Unity Festival
Global Village Welcome Center, 4233 Lafayette Road
Noon to 5 p.m.
Free
Kicking off with a parade featuring flags from several African countries, the annual African Unity Festival will host a day filled with entertainment, traditional clothing, music and dance, authentic cuisine and art from African countries. The festival is family-friendly, open to all and aims to unite people in celebration of African culture.
imcoalition.org/events-1/african-unity-festival
Broad Ripple Art Fair
Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets start at $10
The 51st annual Broad Ripple Art Fair kicks off with a VIP preview May 19 and spans the entire weekend, with 150 local, regional and national artists, live music organized by Indy Jazz Fest — featuring both the Carmel and Fishers School or Rock — hands-on activities, and lots of local food and drinks to choose from.
Sound Healing and Meditation with Se7ven and 3BFIT
Ujamaa Community Bookstore, 2424 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
10-11 a.m.
Free; registration required
Led by sound healer Se7ven with 3BFIT’s Tiffanie, this sound healing experience aims to help ease the mind, body and spirit of participants through the use of music and frequencies. For the guided meditation, participants need only bring a yoga mat or blanket, a journal, tools for prayer or meditation, if needed, and an open mind and heart.
Search “Sound Healing and Meditation” on Eventbrite.
Sunday, May 21
3rd Sunday Jazz Concerts
Black Leaf Vegan Cafe, 335 W. 9th St.
4-6 p.m.
Free
Sponsored by the Indianapolis Jazz foundation, 3rd Sunday Jazz Concerts are all about inspiring the new generation of music lovers. This free family-friendly live music experience includes some of Indy’s most well-known musicians, such as Brandon Meeks, Rob Dixon, Josh Strange and Cassius Goens.
Search “3rd Sunday Jazz” on Facebook.
Indy Pride Hoosier 250 presented by Tactive
Massachusetts Ave. & Park Ave. intersection
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free to attend; $35 to participate
Celebrating Indy 500 traditions in true Pride Style, Indy Pride presents the annual Indy Pride Hoosier 250. The event features a tricycle race around the track off Massachusetts Ave. Following the race, attendees are invited to join the after party, network with vendors and build community.
indypride.org/event/indy-pride-hoosier-250-2023/
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 or chloegm@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx. For more weekend in the arts events courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here. You can also check out stories catalyzed by the weekend in the arts via the Indiana Minority Business Magazine by clicking here.
