The Circle City has a variety of organizations with volunteer opportunities. | Photo by @gleanersfbindy
Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Indy to support with your time.
If you’re an animal lover
Paws & Think | This nonprofit organization focuses on the at-risk community — both human and canine. Its programs, including pet therapy and youth canine programs, serve Marion and the surrounding counties.
For the outdoorsy types
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful | You can volunteer to pick up trash in neighborhoods around the city or join a group of volunteers planting trees to beautify our streets.
Second Helpings | This group not only creates more than 4,500 nutritious meals from rescued food each day, but its job training program prepares adults with barriers to employment for culinary careers.
Indy Design Week 2025 Preview Night | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | COhatch Polk Stables | Free | Join for the live unveiling of the official Design Week dates + theme, plus connect with the board to share your ideas.
Christmas Nights of Lights | Tuesday, Nov. 19-Friday, Nov. 22 | 6 p.m. | Indiana State Fairgrounds | $35+ | Marvel at the drive-thru holiday lights spectacle.
Silent Book Club | 6-9 p.m. | Studio10 Indy | $5+ | Bring your favorite book or a craft project, or just come for the cozy atmosphere.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Indianapolis Monthly Presents: Fall Savor | Wednesday, Nov. 20-Friday, Nov. 22 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Biltwell Event Center | $125 | Join an unforgettable dinner series featuring one-time only menus from two Indianapolis chefs each night.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Speed Dating for Singles Ages 21-35 | 7-9 p.m. | The Hangar | $25 | Find love with in-person speed dating and matchmaking events curated by locals.
Local concert company MOKB Presents announced that it plans to open a 1,200-capacity venue in early 2026. After one more season of outdoor concerts in the parking lot behind the Murphy Arts Building, Hi-Fi Annex will become a year-round indoor venue. The 2025 season at Hi-Fi Annex is scheduled to begin in April. (IBJ)
Development
The city is eyeing a 1.8-mile section of a soon-to-be abandoned rail line on the west side to be turned into a recreational trail. It runs along Kentucky Avenue, from the Eli Lilly campus to the Rolls-Royce Training Center. The city hasn’t had any conversations with CSX yet. (Mirror Indy)
Try This
Visit Indy has launched a Holiday Adventure Pass that gives you the opportunity to earn prizes for celebrating the holidays. It includes 15 iconic seasonal attractions across Indianapolis and Hamilton County — all you have to do is check in at the spots on the list to start earning prizes.
History
In case you missed it, we’re running our historical marker contest this month, and submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Make a submission for a chance to be featured on our national map of readers’ landmarks.
Sports
Myles Turner helped the Pacers beat the Heat on Sunday. How did they get it done? Locked On host Tony East breaks it all down.
Holiday
Prepare to sleigh your next Instagram post at these immersive, themed pop-ups at The HC Tavern + Kitchen and Harry & Izzy’s Northside. Think: Life-sized replicas from the beloved “Miracle On 34th Street,” a whimsical adventure through the Land of Sweets, and more.*
This the last call to secure your spot in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. Get your giftable product or service in front of 54,000+ potential shoppers before the season ends.
Category
The Buy
The Buy
This 3-in-1 portable charger. Ditch your knot of clunky charging cords for Anker’s ultra-compact charger that includes a built-in USB-C cord, power bank, and foldable charger.
ICYMI:Alamo Drafthouse Cinema celebrated its grand opening on the west side yesterday — becoming the first location in Indiana. My colleague Sondra and I got to check it out before it opened to the public, and I’m already planning my next movie date.
