During the summer, the Cultural Trail also hosted Viernes Cultural: Latin Night at Lugar Plaza. | Photo by @indyculturaltrail
Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month starts Friday, Sept. 15 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 15 — spotlighting the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central + South America.
Sept. 15 coincides with the date when five Latin American countries declared independence from Spain in 1821 — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras + Nicaragua. Mexican Independence Day is Sept. 16, while Chile’s is Sept. 18.
In Indy, Hispanic Heritage Month events will get rolling Friday + this weekend. Here’s a sampling of the many fiestas around town. Vamos, amigos y amigas.
Hoosier Latino Celebration Opening | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St. | Free | Kick off the celebrations at the Indiana Historical Society with artist Justin Favela + complimentary food, drinks, and music.
Hoosier Latino Celebration | Sept. 16-Sept. 30 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St. | Museum admission | Celebrate with the first annual Hoosier Latino Celebration — through music, art, food, and scholarship, visitors will experience a blend of activities to help deepen their understanding of Latino culture + celebrate the role and influence of Latino communities in the state.
FIESTA Indianapolis 2023 | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 12-8 p.m. | Richard G. Lugar Plaza, 200 E. Washington St., Indianapolis | Free | Enjoy a day of music, dancing, food, children’s activities, a health and wellness fair, and information booths.
Latino Heritage Celebration | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 12-4 p.m. | Global Village Welcome Center, 4233 Lafayette Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Check out the multicultural exhibit highlighting 27 countries across the Americas through art from Latino and non-Latino artists, artifacts, and interactive displays — plus enjoy music, dance, food, and a health fair.
Endless Summer Music Series | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 7-9:30 p.m. | North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Come out for local bands and musicians, hammocks, and a beer bike in the courtyard.
Thursday, Sept. 14
IndyVolved presented by AES Indiana | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis | Free | Check out the largest civic engagement event in the state where you’ll meet and connect with 100 nonprofit and civic-minded organizations who are making a difference in Indy.
Friday, Sept. 15
Noah Kahan: The Stick Season Tour | Friday, Sept. 15 | 8 p.m. | TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St, Indianapolis | $30.50-$99.50 | Noah Kahan partnered with PLUS1 so that a portion of the Make A Difference proceeds go towards organizations delivering access to mental health treatment and care.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Conner Prairie Free Admission Day | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers | Free | Conner Prairie is pleased to announce a free admission day this coming Saturday, made possible by Hamilton County Community Foundation.*
Ales for Adoptable Tails Beer Festival | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 12-4 p.m. | Opti Park Broad Ripple, 780 E. 66th St., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Ales for Adoptable Tails is bringing together a few of our favorite things — food, beer, and dogs — with a fun event that celebrates pets and helps to raise funds for their care at IndyHumane.
Sunday, Sept. 17
50th Benton House Home Tour and Classy Car Show | Sunday, Sept. 17 | 12-5 p.m. | The Benton House, 312 S. Downey Ave., Indianapolis | $20 | Join in the 50th tour of the Benton House + a showcase of some of Irvington’s most beautiful homes and classy cars of all kinds.
Several Indianapolis streets will be getting much-needed improvements, thanks to a $25 million funding request that was approved by the City-County Council. The money will go toward repairing + redesigning neighborhood streets across Indy and work will begin in the spring. (WTHR)
Development
The city has secured a loan for more than $24 million as part of a so-called “confidential” development project downtown. The loan was approved by the city’s Metropolitan Development Commission and is expected to be used for “downtown redevelopment efforts.” No details have been released. (IBJ)
Opening
Loudmouth Books, owned by local author Leah Johnson, is getting ready to open its doors at 212 E. 16th St. on Saturday, Sept. 30. The shop will sell diverse titles from Indy authors + award-winning author Julian Winters will be signing books at the grand opening from 12 to 1 p.m.
Sports
Slam dunk. The Indiana Fever’s Aliyah Boston has been named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year. She was the No. 1 pick overall pick this year and helped the team double its win total from last year — averaging 14.5 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 57.8% from the field. (WRTV)
Active
This is going to be a big dill. Grand Park in Westfield is scheduled to host a five-day pickleball event in January that could draw 5,000+ people. The Association of Pickleball Players announced that its inaugural APP Collegiate Championships and Midwest Open will take place Jan. 3-7, 2024. (IBJ)
Concert
Country music artists George Strait and Chris Stapleton plan to kick off their 2024 stadium tour with their first show at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, May 4, 2024. The last time Strait performed in Indy was in 2011. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22. (IBJ)
Eat
Saraga International Grocery is hosting its first-ever food festival this Sunday, Sept. 17 from 12 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of its Castleton location at 8448 Center Run Dr. The free family-friendly event will feature international flavors with food tents and trucks, as well as live music and entertainment.
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Home
Dramatic and moody, yet tranquil and grounded. Are we describing ourselves, or Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Month for September 2023? Discover the colorfor your next home project.^
A trip to the library is a nice date idea for a couple of bookworms. | Photo by @vanelkco
There are many benefits to reading in your free time — such as reducing stress and strengthening your brain, so there’s nothing quite like finding a cozy spot to dive into a good book.
Reader Ashley C. asked us for a list of the best places to read throughout Indianapolis and here’s what we think:
Central Library | This one is a no brainer — but if you haven’t been here, it’s worth the visit. There’s no shortage of corners to curl up with a book, plus it’s a clean and quiet environment with impressive structures throughout.
Indianapolis Artsgarden | If you work downtown, this is a perfect spot to bring your lunch and a book. The glass dome is in the heart of the city and offers natural light and a quiet atmosphere (when there are no special events or performances scheduled).
Canal Walk | If the weather is nice, take your book outside and get some fresh air. There are plenty of benches to sit on. Bonus: You can also get your steps in by taking a stroll along the canal to find the perfect spot to stop.
Coat Check Coffee | Coffee and books are a perfect pairing. We think any local coffee shop would make a good reading spot, but we chose this one specifically because of its location in the historic Athenaeum building + the many different seating options around the space.
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Arts
Kathyphantastic items are perfect for spicing up your wardrobe, water bottle, or fridge. From unique magnets to art prints, shop the collection.
Drink
The internet’s favorite tumbler — the 40-oz. Stanley Quencher — is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.
Travel
Love flying first class? Snag an Elite membership from Going and get emailed when first + business class flights are 40-90% off (hello, European vacation).
Wellness
It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.
Reading outside is my favorite. You can soak up the last few days of outdoor reading weather at any of our Indy parks. I personally think the Parks Alliance at 3001 N. White River Pkwy Dr. W. would be another great spot to read because it has a deck that overlooks the river with several rocking chairs.
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