Francis + Fern is all decked out for the holidays with great gifts for the girlies in your life. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally-owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in, check out our list of some of City Editor Nicole + Shea’s favorite small businesses in town:
Francis + Fern | Although it’s now known as the “Taylor Swift store,” you don’t have to be a Swiftie to love this shop on Mass Ave. City Editor Nicole loves coming here for cute charms, accessories, and good vibes.
Half Moon Brow Studio | Extra self-care is a necessity during the holiday season for City Editor Shea. She loves getting a keratin lash lift here and shopping their selection of celestially-inspired beauty products.
Loudmouth Books is one of our favorite places in town to shop small and support local authors.
Check out these small businesses our followers love:
Loudmouth Books | "[It] has the best selection of queer, Black, and other POC-written books of every genre and all the other little things in the shop are cute too.” — @ourvectorviktor
Arabella Home | “The most beautiful home decor store I’ve ever seen.” — @thegirlwithatattoo
Salt and Ash Market | “Super cute spot. Tons of awesome goods, the soap is 🤩.” — @samjoe94
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
Festival of Trees | Wednesday, Nov. 27-Saturday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | Indiana Historical Society | $20 | Take part in this holiday tradition that features 85 elaborately decorated trees, special programs, holiday-themed dining, and shopping.
Turkey Burn Thanksgiving Run + Walk | 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Craig Park, Greenwood | $15+ | Gather your family and friends for this fun 5K + kids run to celebrate community and family.
Friday, Nov. 29
Black Friday Blood Drive | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | CRG Event Center, Plainfield | Donation | Do some good and while you’re there, take a photo with a live reindeer.
Miracle on 82nd Street | Friday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 22 | 4 p.m. | Harry & Izzy’s Northside | Free | Step into a classic New York Christmas with life-sized replicas from the beloved “Miracle On 34th Street” movies, festive holiday cocktails, fresh-roasted nuts from street-style vendors, and more.*
Cirque Dreams Holidaze | 4 p.m. | Old National Centre | $34+ | This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.
Circle of Lights at Skyline Club | 5-8 p.m. | Skyline Club | $120 | Experience the ultimate holiday tradition with the best views in the city + a special visit from Santa.
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If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, weather will likely have the most impact Wednesday afternoon through the early morning hours Thursday. A slushy snow mix is expected in central Indiana with light accumulation possible + colder air in the 20s for the Circle of Lights. (WTHR)
Seasonal
Speaking of Circle of Lights — Get there early. The show starts at 6 p.m. with the arrival of Santa + the flipping of the switch will happen just after 6:50 p.m. Due to construction, the stage for this year’s event will be on the north side of the Circle. (WTHR)
Civic
The city could be changing its plans to create protected bike lanes at Pennsylvania from Westfield Boulevard to 46th Street. Officials sent a letter to residents and businesses along the 1.5-mile stretch after concerns about the loss of street parking. Read the letter. (Mirror Indy)
Closed
Game over. Tilt Studio arcade unplugged its games for the final time at Circle Centre Mall — adding to the list of attractions closing in advance of the planned redevelopment. The movie theater + arcade were the final entertainment businesses on the mall’s fourth floor. (IBJ)
Closing
After 13 years in business at Fort Ben, Triton Brewing Co. announced it’s closing in December. The brewery known for its Rail Splitter IPA said in a social media post that its final day of operations will be on Saturday, Dec. 14. (IBJ)
Try This
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.
Feel Good
There’s a new of-fur-cer in town. IMPD swore in Officer Grace Luna as the department’s new therapy dog this week. The one-year-old Golden Retriever will work in the Victim Assistance Unit. (WRTV)
Sports
Tyrese Haliburton had his second best game of the season as the Pacers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 114-110 Monday night. Is he turning a corner? Locked On host Tony East breaks it down before looking at other stars in their role.
Arts
We recently got a sneak peek of “Preston Singletary’s Raven and the Box of Daylight,” a critically acclaimed exhibition currently on display at the Eiteljorg Museum. Featuring 60+ Native American glass sculptures, it brings to life the story of the Raven from Tlingit oral tradition. Immerse yourself in the exhibition.*
Try This
Make this holiday season memorable with a trip to the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky to explore creative workshops and craft one-of-a-kind treasures like stained glass ornaments, table runners, holiday wreaths + more. Psst…These make perfect handmade gifts.*
You know how awesome your business is, but do our 54,000+ readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how INDYtoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (Yes, it sounds peppermint-mocha nuts. But it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
The Buy
The Buy
A really good pickleball paddle — it’s rated 4.8 stars and is 62% off for early Black Friday. Notable features include: a larger sweet spot on the paddle + a handle with sweat-wicking ventilation for an anti-slip grip.
Another one of my favorite local businesses is Nuova Vita Vintage located in The Stutz. Owner Macey is so sweet + she has such a natural gift of finding the best, high quality vintage clothing, jewelry, and decor pieces.
