The South Street trail expansion officially cut the ribbon on Oct. 29, 2024. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Just in time for 200,000+ people to visit downtown this weekend, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail officially cut the ribbon on its South Street expansion — improving access to Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center.
The 0.6-mile segment is the second phase of the trail’s first expansion, extending from New Jersey Street to Capitol Avenue.
In addition to improving connectivity, the South Street expansion adds beauty and greenspace + includes more than 12,000 sqft of public gardens with trees, shrubs, grasses, perennial plants, and stormwater planters. It also adds lighting, benches, and bike racks.
The South Street expansion also added bike racks.
Photo by INDYtoday team
During the ribbon cutting, Mayor Hogsett announced the groundbreaking of the Henry Street bridge, which will take place the following day.
“Once the bridge is completed, the Cultural Trail will cross the White River for the first time and will directly connect the Valley neighborhood and the Near Westside to the rest of downtown,” Hogsett said.
ICYMI: This year, the Cultural Trail added two miles and started design on a new segment that will span the White River and connect to the expansion of White River State Park and Levee, Elanco’s new innovation district. In May, the organization added 330 e-bikes to the Pacers Bikeshare program and launched IndyRides Free, a free annual pass program for Marion County residents.
The Cultural Trail recently announced a $2 million fundraising campaign to support its vision for the future of the Cultural Trail’s headquarters, including increased operational and programming capacity + a welcoming location for trail users.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Fright Night | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 6-8 p.m. | The Fowling Warehouse | $25+ | Have a hauntingly good time with thrilling games, fantastic food, and ghostly good company in support of Riley Children’s Hospital.
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $19+ | Cheer on the Blue and Gold during their second home game of the regular season.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Scare in the Square | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 4:30-7 p.m. | Fountain Square | Cost of purchase | This event provides a safe place for families to trick-or-treat and engage with local businesses.
Candles & Charms: Eras Tour Edition | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 12-3 p.m. | Francis + Fern Boutique | $60 | Create a custom blend as enchanting as your night with Taylor, along with a charm bracelet to wear to the concert.
Swiftie Par-TAY | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 10-5 p.m. | The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | Museum admission | Swifties big and small can celebrate with friendship bracelets, a Taylor-themed dance party, and more.
Saturday, Nov. 2
The Eras Bake Sale | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 12-2 p.m. | 4 Birds Bakery | Cost of purchase | Get some goodies at this Taylor Swift-themed bake sale featuring talented bakers from across Indianapolis.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Mirror Indy Votes Pre-Election Party | Sunday, Nov. 3 | 2 p.m. | The Vogue Theatre | Free | Enjoy free food, drink specials, and music by DJ Sounds by Cam + grab a voting zine that has all the info you need to make an informed decision at the polls.
For safety purposes, Lucas Oil Stadium and Convention Center officials have banned “Tay-gating” — aka tailgating outside of the stadium to try to listen to the concert without tickets. There are plenty of Swiftie events around Indianapolis to enjoy if you’re not going to the concert. (WRTV)
Closing
Soulshine Vegan Cafe’s last day will be Saturday, Nov. 2. Keep an eye on its Instagram for its last menu. Merch to commemorate the beloved cafe will also be for sale.
Biz
Art supply store Mystery Fun Club in Fountain Square announced it’s closing at the end of the year. Beginning Friday, all art supplies will be 30% off and select items will be up to 50% off. The shop is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sports
According to ESPN sources, the Colts are benching QB Anthony Richardson and turning to Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback. The benching came just two days after Richardson asked to sit out of Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans for one play because he “was tired.” (ESPN)
Show
The “We Them Ones” comedy tour hosted by Indianapolis native Mike Epps will return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, Feb 2. Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. (IndyStar)
Eat
Meet me at midnight. If you’re attending one of “The Eras Tour” shows this weekend, your post-show food options will be limited as concerts wrap around around 11 p.m. or later. We’ve got a guide of restaurants open late.
Giveaway
Colts owner Jim Irsay announced two winners for the upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Indianapolis — when he was originally picking just one. Both winners will get two tickets each and a dinner. See their stories. (WTHR)
Listen
The Pacers dropped a tight game to the Orlando Magic on Monday, and some familiar themes popped up. Locked On host Tony East discusses the Pacers’ clutch play, stars getting outplayed, free throw struggles, and much more from an otherwise positive game for Indiana.
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Answered
Answered
We asked if you’ll be taking part in “The Eras Tour” excitement downtown and here’s what you said:
The majority of you (70%) said you’ll be “avoiding downtown during the heavy traffic weekend.” Nearly 17% of you said you got tickets to the concert and only 14% of you said you’ll be attending other Swiftie events around town or visiting the merch store.
Since most of you will be avoiding downtown, here are some non-Swiftie activities you can do this weekend:
It’s your last chance to visit Harvest Nights at Newfields. The last day is Saturday, Nov. 2.
Close out spooky season with one last haunt at Indy Scream Park. Its last day is Saturday, Nov. 2.
Bank of America cardholders can receive free general admission to Conner Prairie Nov. 2-3. Saturday, it’s hosting a Holiday Heritage Market. (Newfields also applies to the Bank of America free admission offer.)
The Buy
The Buy
A great deal for the holidays ahead — get 18 bottles of wine for $79 plus shipping. Choose from red, white, or a variety pack of red, white, and rosé. Hello, stocked bar for holiday hosting season.
I honestly don’t know how I’m going to spend my Swift City weekend, but I do know I’ll be catching up on sleep. Friendly reminder, daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 3 — when we “fall back” and gain an extra hour of sleep.
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