Two major placemaking projects set for downtown Indianapolis
The city’s plan is to have free programming on the Circle seven days a week. | Rendering via the City of Indianapolis and Merritt Chase
You might remember seeing banners last year that asked the question: “Hey Downtown, what do you want your vibe to be?” Well, the results are in.
Yesterday, Mayor Hogsett announced two major initiatives for the downtown area: a temporary closure of Monument Circle’s southwest quadrant + a revitalization project for Georgia Street.
Starting on Saturday, July 8, SPARK on the Circle will be returning for its second year in collaboration with Downtown Indy + arts nonprofit Big Car Collaborative, among other organizations. If you recall our story last year, you’ll remember that the pop-up project aims to bring more Hoosiers downtown by providing free programming like live music, public art, food and drinks, and storytelling.
Mayor Hogsett said SPARK would be “bigger and better than ever before.” With the closure of one of Monument Circle’s quads, a new greenspace will be created and two-stall shipping container restrooms will be installed.
An evening stroll on Georgia Street sounds nice, doesn’t it?
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Rendering via the City of Indianapolis and Merritt Chase
Georgia Street
Beyond the Circle, a complete redevelopment of Georgia Street will also take place with the goal of creating a pedestrian-friendly, vibrant public space. If you’ve ever stopped by when it’s been closed for larger events like GenCon, you’ll understand the vision.
Expanded sidewalks + patio space for adjacent businesses on the west block will be the first phase of the project, with the aim of creating a “new front door” for the Indiana Convention Center and Hilton Signia Hotel.
Stay tuned, the connectivity plan has also outlined recommendations for re-envisioning City Market, another Convention Center expansion, and a Union Station Underpass project.
Events
Thursday, June 8
Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibit | Thursday, June 8-Friday, Aug. 4 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis | Price varies | Hop aboard the Dinosaur Train, based on Jim Henson’s show on PBS, to learn more about paleontology + natural history.
Classical Pairings Live at Hotel Tango | Thursday, June 8 | 7:30-9 p.m. | The Foxhole at Hotel Tango, 702 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | $45 | Enjoy four tasting-sized craft cocktails paired with live performances by members of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
Friday, June 9
Pride Block Party | Friday, June 9 | 6 p.m.-1 a.m. | Downtown Olly’s, 822 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis | Free | Live entertainment, a drag race, games, and a dunk tank are just some of the festivities at this year’s block party.
Saturday, June 10
Family Flow Yoga | Saturday, June 10-Saturday, Aug. 12 | 10-11 a.m. | Colts Canal Playspace, 701 Canal Walk, Indianapolis | Free | Find your flow with the fam at this free yoga class taught by Hot Room Yoga instructors — registration is required.
Death In The Roaring Twenties | Saturday, June 10 | 6-9 p.m. | The Library Restaurant & Pub, 2610 S. Lynhurst Dr., Indianapolis | $68 | Escape reality and immerse yourself into this four-act murder mystery — participation is optional.
Sunday, June 11
Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury | Sunday, June 11 | 5 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $15-$170 | Watch the Fever bounce back with a new head coach and newly added talent.
🍹 Warm-weather getaway: See JW Marriott Nashville’s tropically-reimagined pool
Photo provided by JW Marriott Nashville
Picture this: You’re in the heart of Nashville with music, food + cowboy boots at your fingertips — the weather is warm, there’s nothing you “have” to do, and a waiter brings you a chilled cocktail as you sit, poolside, beneath a cabana and soaking in the summer vibes.
Experience a getaway like none other while being among the first to luxuriate in JW Marriott Nashville‘s newly-renovated rooftop Pool Deck. Open to hotel guests and private-function reservations, the 12,000-sqft space pulls from global inspirations, providing a calming and tropical ambiance with a sophisticated, lux-resort feel, as well as:
A spacious freshwater pool surrounded by the Nashville skyline, greenery walls, and plants.
Eight private, reservable cabanas for up to six with plush seating, a dedicated server, mini-fridge, seasonal fruit plate + television.
Chaise lounges, rocking chairs, and canopy-covered two-seater daybeds.
Azzip Pizza (we see what they did there)announced it will open a 2,500-sqft location in the new College Park Crossing retail center near the Pyramids. The chain received top honors for its menu innovation at the International Pizza Expo this year + could open as early as August. (IBJ)
Announced
The countdown is on. We’re a little over 50 days until the Indiana State Fair, and the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage announced its first wave of acts, including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Buddy Guy, country music icon Clint Black, and “Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure.” (WRTV)
Award
The Garage Food Hall has been nominated as the “Best Food Hall in the Country” by USA Today. Just over two years old, a representative of the hall claims it “vet[s] the best of the best” to achieve its recognition. You can vote for the Garage once daily for the next 24 days. (WISH)
Sports
Break out those bags, Hoosiers. The country’s largest single-day cornhole tournament is coming just south of the American Legion Mall. As part of a festival supporting veterans, there will also be a silent auction, food trucks, and free games. The Indy Cornhole Classic will take place on Saturday, Aug. 19.
Outdoors
The White River Alliance is launching its first-ever White River Report Card, which will work on improving the river’s health. To celebrate, it’s hosting two canoe races on Friday, June 23 in Noblesville + Friday, June 30 in Daleville. Register to participate by Friday, June 16.
Kids
Teens ages 15-19 will have the opportunity to learn more about entrepreneurship, therapy + culinary work, thanks to the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety. The “Summer in the City” program will also host dodgeball tournaments. Parents have until Monday, June 19 to sign up. It’s free with transportation provided. (WTHR)
Drink
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Travel
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Event
🧘 We’re down, dog
Monumental Yoga is returning to Indianapolis, IN
Largest yoga event in the city? You got that right. | Photo via C Todd Creations
Speaking of Monument Circle, we wanted to give you plenty of notice to attend this upcoming event.
BYOM (bring your own mat) to this year’s Monumental Yoga gathering on Wednesday, June 21 from 4 to 9 p.m. The largest yoga event in the city is celebrating its 10th year and will bring together both experienced yogis and newbies alike.
Never been?Indy Yoga Movement hosts this event with the goal of serving Indianapolis youth and communities through yoga + mindfulness and a donation-based class is given right on the Circle. A vendor village will be selling everything from yoga mats to art and clothing to jazz up your vinyasa practice.
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