How to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Indianapolis, IN
One half of the Landmark for Peace Memorial. | Photo via the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and we’re breaking down his presence in the Circle City and what you can do to honor his life and legacy.
How is Dr. King connected to Indianapolis?
He visited the Circle City several times, often staying with his friend and fellow civil rights leaderRev. Andrew J. Brown. He also spoke downtown in 1958 at the Cadle Tabernacle on Ohio and New Jersey streets. The church was demolished 10 years later and townhomes have taken its place.
Does the city have a dedication to Dr. King?
The Landmark for Peace Memorial — located within Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park on the near north side — is a memorial to both Dr. King and Robert F. Kennedy, who gave an improvised speech about unity to a large crowd in Indianapolis upon hearing the news of Dr. King’s assassination. He was in the city on April 4, 1968 for his campaign tour.
What can I do to celebrate?
Service and community were essential themes to Dr. King’s work, so many of Indy’s public attractions are free on this day. Pro tip: Keep in mind that the celebrations at the Madam Walker Legacy Center and Children’s Museum are already sold out and some others require registration in advance.
Disney On Ice presents: Find Your Hero | Wednesday, Jan. 18-Sunday, Jan. 22 | Times vary | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $20-$77 | See this adventure on ice filled with tales of heroism from your favorite Disney stories.
Thursday, Jan. 19
Led Zeppelin 2 | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 8 p.m. | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis | $15 | Rock out with this Chicago-based Zeppelin cover band that recreates the “Led magic.”
Friday, Jan. 20
Stroller Club hosted by Fountain Fletcher District | Friday, Jan. 20 | 10-11 a.m. | Tuggle’s Gifts & Goods, 1029 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Join this monthly Stroller Club walk in Fountain Fletcher to grab coffee and meet new people.
Saturday, Jan. 21
2023 AAA Vacation Expo | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | JW Marriott Indianapolis, 10 South West St., Indianapolis | Free | Plan your next vacation and find travel deals to make it happen.
Sunday, Jan. 22
Indy Fuel vs. Wheeling Nailers | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 3 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $16-$60 | Enjoy this Family Fun Day where kids 12 and under eat free and you can join a post-game skate with the team.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Heads up. All Indianapolis Public Library locations (except InfoZone at the Children’s Museum) will be closed today in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 🏫
Traffic
INDOT reopened the eastbound lanes of I-70through the North Split in downtown Indianapolis over the weekend. Westbound lanes of I-70 aren’t expected to reopen until the end of January. 🚧 (IBJ)
Development
The City of Fishers and the Indy Fuel are getting ready to break ground on a $650 million expansion plan that we told you about back in September. The project includes a new event center where the hockey team will be the anchor tenant. 🏒 (CBS4)
Arts
The developer of The Stutz building downtown is working with Public Art for Neighborhoods to commission a highly visible design element for the pedestrian alleyway on the building’s east side. The budget is $100,000 for a qualifying artist or team. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Feb. 5 at 11:59 p.m. 🎨
Sports
The Pacers announced that guard Tyrese Haliburton will be out for at least two weeks after suffering elbow and knee injuries during Wednesday’s loss to the New York Knicks. The team faces off against the Bucks in Milwaukee today. 🏀 (FOX59)
Read
With the increased use of digital books in today’s world, the Indiana Digital Library announced it reached a milestone of four million digital book checkouts. The top five titles borrowed in 2022 include “Verity” by Colleen Hoover and “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. 📚
Eat
Skip the meal hassle with Sunbasket, a meal kit delivery service that makes healthy eating beyond easy. Sunbasket offers 10 different meal plans that work for those with dietary preferences and specific restrictions (think: paleo, gluten-free, veg, diabetes-friendly + more). Bonus: Sign up for $100 off your first four deliveries. 🥕 *
If you’ve got sticker shock from your winter energy bills, it’s time to break out the space heater. Solve chilly mornings the energy efficient way with the Dr. Infrared Heater that warms objects, not the air. Hello, cozy legs. Bonus: Heat your patio with infrared, too. 🔥*
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THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Nicole.
Editor’s pick: Today, I’m showing some out-of-town relatives around Indy. It’s a great day to take family to a museum while attractions are free in honor of MLK Day. Are you also playing Indy tour guide?Check out our itinerary for out-of-towners.
Editorial:Anna Bowman, Nicole Hernandez, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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