Indianapolis

• Eagle Creek Park, 7840 W. 56th St. | This park, located on the northwestern outskirts of the city, is the largest park in Indianapolis. With ~3,900 acres of land, the park offers lots of green space by day + some protection from light pollution by night. The park is generally open from dawn to dusk, depending on time of year, but occasionally it hosts stargazing events. Check online or its Facebook page.
• Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium, 4600 Sunset Ave. | Holcomb Observatory at Butler University is one of the largest public observatories in the world — housing a 38-inch Cassegrain reflector, in addition to smaller telescopes and a fully immersive digital planetarium. It’s offering limited group tours this week (Aug. 14-18) or you can schedule a private group tour.

Within ~1 hour of Indianapolis

• McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Rd., North Salem | This nature park offers 232 acres of land, featuring hiking trails, year-round nature center programs, an art gallery, and a historic iron bridge. The park has become a popular spot to escape city light pollution by partnering with the Indiana Astronomical Society to hold sky seminars + viewings on Saturday nights. The next free astronomy program is on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 8:30 p.m.

• Meditation for Everyday People | Monday, Aug. 14-Monday, Sept. 11 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Eagle Branch, Indianapolis | Free | You’re invited to practice quiet meditation with IndyPL and Indy Community Yoga — suitable for beginners, Zen masters, and everyone in between.

• Live Music Tuesdays @ Circle Centre Mall | Tuesday, Aug. 15-Tuesday, Dec. 26 | Times vary | Circle Centre Mall Dining Pavilion, 49 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis | Free | Wind down with colleagues + grab a bite to eat after work or bring the whole family for an evening of live local music.

• Original Farmers’ Market | Wednesday, Aug. 16-Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market St., Indianapolis | Free | From fruits and vegetables to meats and cheeses — you can find in-season, fresh foods from locals.

• 2023 Indiana State Fair Championship Rodeo | Thursday, Aug. 17-Friday, Aug. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Hoosier Lottery Grandstand, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis | $3 | Come and watch amazing rodeo skills at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand.

• 2023 Colts Horseshoe Classic | Friday, Aug. 18 | 6 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis | $10-$13 | The Colts will help kick off the Indiana high school football season by hosting two marquee matchups.

• Meet Me at the Market | Saturday, Aug. 19, Saturday, Oct. 21 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Fountain Square Plaza, 1101 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Explore a rotating vendor list every third Saturday featuring art, food, and vintage goods.

• Merchants Bank is planning to expand in Carmel with a 111,000-sqft headquarters building as part of a $133 million redevelopment project in Midtown. The plan and design approval will be discussed at the Carmel Plan Commission’s meeting on Thursday, Aug. 24. (IBJ)

• IND and Delta Airlines announced that nonstop flight service between Indianapolis and Salt Lake City is returning early next year on March 10, 2024. In addition, existing nonstop service to San Francisco through United Airlines will be moved, with red-eye flights shifting mostly to daytime hours. Flights are now available for booking. (IBJ)

• Haven’t seen “Oppenheimer” yet? The IMAX theater at the Indiana State Museum announced it’s added additional showings of the movie. The theater is one of the only places in the world where you can see the film in 70 mm film. There will be showings every day throughout the month of August. Get tickets. (WRTV)

• Soon Buc-ee’s will only be two hours from Indy. The convenience store, known for its immense selection of products and cleanest restrooms for a gas station pit stop, is planning to open a location in Huber Heights, Ohio, which is just north of Dayton. (WRTV)

• Last chance: MANSCAPED’s annual Summer Sale ends in just two days. Now’s your chance to take advantage of 20% off + free shipping site-wide to save big on their best-selling electric trimmers, premium grooming kits, and UltraPremium formulations. Activate your discount.*