Even if you’re not a fan of snow, it still brings a beautiful sight in Indianapolis. | Photo by @aaron.creates
Who else felt like they were suffering during the cold snap + light snowfall last week? Perspective is always key — so let’s look back at the biggest snowstorm in Indy history.
ICYMI, here’s what happened: On Jan. 26, 1978, the city woke up to a blizzard and wind chills that plummeted to -51°F. Strong, gusty winds lasted for nearly two days, creating snowdrifts as deep as 10 ft. The total January snowfall hit 30.6 inches that year — setting a record for Indianapolis.
While the three-day snow emergency brought its fair share of injury, illness, and property damage, it also highlighted Hoosiers’ trademark hospitality, with many sharing stories of neighborly acts of goodwill that helped them survive.
Here are some more snowtable local fast facts for trivia night:
Story Hour | 10-11 a.m. | Hattie’s Coffee House, Zionsville | Free, RSVP | Bring along a blanket, grab a coffee, and gather on the lawn in the crisp winter air for a story, songs, and a simple craft.
“Game of Thrones” Trivia | 5:45-8:30 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Company | $5 | Winter is coming — and so are challenging trivia questions that only true GoT fans will know the answer to.
Winter Joy Community Sing | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Riverside Park Auditorium | Free | Sing away the winter blues to secular tunes with other community members.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Indiana’s State Bird | 11 a.m. | Zionsville Nature Center | Free, RSVP | Learn about the Northern Cardinal + other animals native to Indiana.
Open Rehearsals | 12-1 p.m. | Dance Kaleidoscope | Free | Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and see how a dance piece comes together.
The Ugliest Sweater Party of All Time | 7 p.m. | Turntable | $20 | Enjoy live music and friendly competition as the world’s ugliest sweater is chosen.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Holiday Hullabaloo | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Newfields | Cost of purchase | Wrap up your holiday shopping with giveaways and flash sales.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Indy Fuel vs. Kalamazoo Wings | 7 p.m. | Fishers Event Center, Fishers | $24+ | Teddy Bear Toss is back for the first time at the Fishers Event Center — Bring a stuffed toy to throw on the ice when the Fuel score their first goal.*
☕ You’re invited to a beary good time at afternoon tea
Presented by St. Richard's Episcopal School
Explore what early childhood education looks like at St. Richard’s Episcopal School during this par-tea. | Photo courtesy of St. Richard’s Episcopal School
You and your best bear are invited to St. Richard’s Episcopal School for tea + fun on Jan. 25 at 9:30 a.m.
Families will enjoy a memorable morning with crafts, a trip to the “vet,” pictures at the Paddington Station, a par-tea, and much more.
Popular Mass Ave pub 9 Irish Brothers has quietly shut down, with Google reporting the location as permanently closed. No reason was given for the closure, but its prime location will surely attract real estate attention. (WTHR)
Hoosier
Joey Chestnut is champion once again. The Westfield resident downed 21 pounds of shrimp to reclaim the St. Elmo’s Shrimp Cocktail Eating Championship title — and set a world record in the process. Our friend Hanna at CBUStoday got the scoop on the victory straight from Joey himself.
Concert
Missed seeing “America’s Got Talent” winner Richard Goodall perform at the Circle of Lights kickoff? He’s returning to central Indiana with a performance at The Paramount Theatre in Anderson on Thursday, April 17. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Dec. 13. (WTHR)
Mocha mousse. That’s Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, which was selected through global research and analysis to reflect “our desire for comfort” and “the indulgence of simple pleasures.” Check out local spots we think fit the mocha mousse vibe.
History
Talk about historical — check out the finalists for our INDYtoday historical markers contest. Vote for your favorite historic location by Wednesday, Dec. 11 + be sure to read our newsletter on Friday, Dec. 13 to see which location you, our readers, determined should get the recognition it deserves.
Sports
It’s official: Notre Dame is facing IU in the first round of the CFP, the teams’ first meeting since 1991. Locked On host Tyler Wojciak breaks down everything you need to know ahead of the historic game.
Arts
Prepare to have your mind blown, the next time you visit the Eiteljorg Museum. Journey through an immersive sensory experience at “Preston Singletary’s Raven and the Box of Daylight.” Explore Singletary’s glass sculptures as they tell the story of how the Raven helped transform the world from darkness into light.*
Shop
To help you find the best local gifts this season, we’re sharing our INDY Holiday Picks — including a holiday sweets box from Sweet Minis, a wreath-making class at Brightly Art Studio, and more from the Town of Brownsburg. Read: Holiday shopping just got easier.*
Arts
Whether you’re an experienced artist or exploring a new hobby, the Indianapolis Art Center is your go-to destination for curiosity, imagination, and inspiration in Indy. Looking to channel your creativity? Explore one of their 1,750 hands-on art experiences(yes, you read that right).*
Finance
6AM City COO Ryan Heafy here — we’re referring friends to American Express’s The Business Platinum Card®. Join the AMEX family + receive up to 150,000 member points.*
Plan Ahead
There are only a few weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
The Buy
The Buy
A meaningful gift that will surprise and delight: a hidden photo bracelet. Customize with the photo of your choice — the gift recipient can hold it up close to their eyes to see it, or project it on the wall with their phone’s flashlight.
Want to help your neighbors survive any future blizzards? Check out The Giving Machine. Instead of having to round up a bunch of your own supplies to donate, you can simply swipe your credit card to choose a gift (from winter clothing to hot meals to emergency assistance) to be distributed to Hoosiers in need through local charities.