Mass Ave. comes alive during Pride. | Photo via @larsmillermedia
Now that Pride Month has officially kicked off, we thought it was time to fill you in on some of the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history and share some of our best pro tips for embracing Pride year-round.
Herron-Morton neighborhood
For years, the near north side area between 16th + 22nd streets has served as a hub for LGBTQ+ life. Betty K’s — a popular hangout in the mid-60s located in an old Victorian house — could be found in the neighborhood. Plus, Baby’s was once a bar called Talbott Street, which was one of Indy’s most iconic drag bars until its closure in 2016.
Want to learn more about the neighborhood? You’re in luck. Indiana Landmarks is giving a historical tour on Saturday, June 24. Get tickets.
Monument Circle
Just last year, a new historical marker was installed on Monument Circle to commemorate the first public Pride festival in Indiana, which took place 33 years ago. The sign, which is titled, “Indiana LGBTQ Pride,” also has information about the 1984 Stonewall protest.
Go to one of Indy’s many drag shows. The number of venues hosting these performances is ever-growing. Pro tip: don’t forget to bring a stack of dollar bills.
Are you a local business owner? Learn about how you can become part of the Indy Rainbow Chamber.
Indy Pride doesn’t just exist in June. Join the organization as a member or apply to be on the board of directors.
Want the scoop on this year’s Pride Festival schedule? We have a story for that, too.
Asked
What’s your favorite way to get into the Pride spirit around the Circle City?
Container Gardening | Tuesday, June 6 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library — Martindale-Brightwood Branch, 2434 N. Sherman Dr., Indianapolis | Free | Learn from two Master Gardeners about how to grow a flourishing garden without in-ground space.
THE LUME Indianapolis Featuring Van Gogh | Tuesday, June 6 | 11 a.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $20-$29 | You asked, Newfields listened — THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Van Gogh is back by popular demand for a limited time only.*
Wednesday, June 7
Canal Nights | Wednesday, June 7-Wednesday, July 26 | 5-7 p.m. | Indiana State Museum canal entrance, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Free | This Canal Night’s theme is “Nature Play Day” — interact with the natural world + take part in family-friendly activities.
Thursday, June 8
Pilates on the Plaza | Thursday, June 8-Thursday, Aug. 10 | 6-7 p.m. | Richard G. Lugar Plaza, 200 E. Washington St., Indianapolis | Free | Bring your own mat and get free instruction from The Hot Room instructors to strengthen and stretch your body.
Friday, June 9
Totally Tiki: Silent Disco | Friday, June 9 | 11 a.m. | The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | $10-$15 | Dress tropical + sing as loud as you want without anyone hearing you at this silent disco featuring three DJs.
Saturday, June 10
Indy Eleven vs. Hartford Athletic | Saturday, June 10 | 7 p.m. | Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St., Indianapolis | $15-$75 | It’s family night — bounce around with inflatables, lawn games, and other kid-friendly activities.
Sunday, June 11
Das GartenGrillFest | Sunday, June 11 | 4-7 p.m. | The Rathskeller, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Grab a plate and get in line for a special feast, featuring pork hot off the spit, traditional sides, and drinks to put you in that festive German spirit.
📅 Add to cal: See Bluey, Mickey, Minnie + more live (plus other Disney fun)
These shows will be a night to remember. | Photos by Phil McCarten and Darren Thomas; graphic by 6am City
Looking for something new to do with the fam?
Going to see a live production is a great way to shake things up. Old National Centre has three productions coming to the Murat Theatre that everyone can enjoy:
A 5,000-seat arena is in the works just north of the NCAA headquarters downtown. Lawmakers approved $89.5 million to build a midsize facility for IU Indy to house indoor athletic programs for the school and bring more NCAA championships to the city. Construction could start as early as mid-2024. (IBJ)
Closed
Foundation Coffee Company has served its last cup of joe — for now. The SoBro spot announced its indefinite closure on Saturday, June 3 to transform into training grounds for the “future generation of food and hospitality professionals.” Follow the Patachou Foundation for updates.
Sports
Bird is back. Larry Bird was spotted courtside last month at a pre-draft workout and the Pacers confirmed that he would be acting as a consultant. The French Lick native is the only person in the league who’s achieved Coach of the Year, NBA MVP, and Executive of the Year. (IndyStar)
Active
It’s time to start training, Hoosiers. Indiana Sports Corp’s Indy Ultimate is returning on Saturday, Sept. 9, winding around some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Waves of 100 participants will take off every five minutes and activities like shooting hoops will be scattered throughout the course. Sign up.
Health
Want to be a part of the conversation when it comes to health equity in Indianapolis? International Marketplace is hosting a second public meeting about the west side’s proposed Health Equity Zone. The event will take place at the Global Village Welcome Center (4233 Lafayette Rd.) on Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m.
Festival
“The only thing to fear is fear himself.” That’s right, nightmare maker Freddy Krueger (AKA Robert Englund) will be stepping out of your dreams and into the Indiana Convention Center Aug. 18-20 for HorrorHound Weekend. Sanderson sister Kathy Najimy will also stop by. Get tickets, if you dare.
Travel
It’s time to plan that last summer hurrah for Labor Day weekend. May we suggest a coastal getaway to the Outer Banks? Or maybe your dream destination is a rustic treehouse in the Adirondack Mountains. Wanna splurge? This modern farmhouse in Napa Valley is sure to be unforgettable.*
Plan Ahead
🗓️ Juneteenth events around the Circle City
Juneteenth events around Indianapolis, IN
The Juneteenth Foodways Festival is back for its second year at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Mark your calendar — Juneteenth is just around the corner and there’s a number of events to attend throughout the city.
Juneteenth Foodways Festival | Friday, June 16 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site | Free | A wide array of diverse food vendors will come together to honor the story of Dolly Johnson.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration | Saturday, June 17 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Tarkington Park | Free | Community info tables, poetry, African dance, food, drumming, storytelling, a blood drive, and a basketball clinic will all be included at this third annual event.
Juneteenth Jubilee | Saturday, June 17 | 4-9 p.m. | Arts for Lawrence FBCC Amphitheater | Free | This festival will feature musicians, dancers, singers, actors, and visual artists from across the city.
Juneteenth Brunch | Sunday, June 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Madam Walker Legacy Center | $45 | Experience the rich history of Juneteenth with interactive activities, educational exhibits, and soul food.
Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 24 | 12-4 p.m. | Global Village Welcome Center | Free | Head to the west side for live performances, fashion, and stories lifting Black voices.
When I was looking into Indy’s LGBTQ+ history, I stumbled upon Queer Circle City — an Instagram account that acts as a collaborative history blog of Indy. If you’re interested in seeing old newspaper articles and photos from bygone LGBTQ+ spots around Naptown, you should give them a follow.
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