The Red Cross website makes it easy to find a blood drive near you. | Photo by Joe Andrucyk via Creative Commons
Sometimes, the easiest way to give back to your community is already running through your veins. Whether you’re an experienced donor or looking to give for the first time, here’s how to donate blood in Indy.
Where to donate
American Red Cross, 1510 N. Meridian St.
Schedule an appointment to donate blood, platelets, or plasma at this permanent location. It’s open for appointments one day every week.
For more flexible options, find a Red Cross blood drive close to you, then choose an available time.
Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, locations vary
With seven locations in Indiana, you’re never too far from a Versiti center. Bonus: The Indianapolis facility is open seven days a week.
Complete a questionnaire ahead of your appointment or on-site.
When you arrive to donate blood, expect a short physical (temperature, pulse, blood pressure check, and a finger prick to check your hemoglobin levels).
History On Stage | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | IPL East 38th St. Branch | Free | Experience the incredible stories of Madam C.J. Walker and Ida B. Wells with live actors and a Q+A.
Herron Spring Market | 12-5 p.m. | Eskenazi Hall | Cost of purchase | Support student clubs by shopping affordable artwork created by Herron School of Art and Design artists.
College Basketball Trivia | 5:45-8:30 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Company | $5 | March Madness meets malty beers at this competitive trivia night.
Science on Screen | 7-9 p.m. | The Basile Event Center | $7 | Settle in for a screening of “Radium Girls,” the story of female factory workers in the early 20th century.
Wednesday, March 26
Conversations + Cocktails | 5:30 p.m. | Dance Kaleidoscope Studios | $25 | Learn about guest choreographer Autumn Eckman’s creative process over drinks + light bites.
CNC Catch All Tray Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | Machyne at 16 Tech | $55 | Craft a personalized tray out of high-quality hardwood — beginners and experts welcome.
Don’t get caught on the bench — secure your tickets before they’re gone. | Photos courtesy of NCAA
March Madness® is taking over Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, March 28 + Sunday, March 30 for the NCAA Men’s Midwest Regional — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Now that the brackets are set, don’t miss a shot at witnessing history in the making. Be there for every buzzer-beater, high-flying dunk, and game-winning moment as the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight bring the action to Indianapolis.
Four teams will battle it out, but only one will punch their ticket to the 2025 Final Four at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.
Secure your seats and be part of the madness. Tickets are on sale — grab yours before they’re gone.
Last week, local development company 1820 Ventures broke ground on an $84 million redevelopment of the historic Cole Motor Car Company building. The mixed use project will include 213 residential units + 30,000 sqft of commercial space. See the renderings. (WTHR)
Sports
The madness marches on, and several Indiana teams are going strong. The Purdue men’s team and the Notre Dame women’s team are both headed to the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29 respectively. Follow along with WTHR’s sports coverage.
Edu
The Indianapolis Public Schools board approved a $472 million operating budget for next school year. The sum was influenced by several proposed bills moving through the Statehouse. Learn more about what’s included. (Chalkbeat Indiana/IBJ)
Sports
Swish swish. The WNBA announced the national broadcast schedule for its 2025 season, featuring 41 of the Fever’s 44 regular season games. The total sets a new record for the most nationally-aired games for a single team in WNBA history.
Cause
Looking for a more, um, blood-free way to give back to Indy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is teaming up with IMS to recruit 500 volunteer mentors, or “bigs,” by the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 25. Learn more and apply. (WISH)
Mansion Monday
Forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and live downtown. This 3-bedroom condo features a massive wraparound balcony, home theater, fitness room, and what we can only describe as... glossy alligator print wallpaper.
Listen
Debates are raging over the NFL’s most recently proposed rule changes. Learn how they could affect the Colts’ gameplay with Locked On.
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Calling all nurses: What if you could earn your master’s while working and complete the program in just eight consecutive semesters? You can, thanks to this new local MSN program. Get the details — and enroll for the fall intake.*
Shop
Looking to save on groceries? Through March 31, new Sam’s Club Members can join for $25 — half off the regular price — plus get a free 16” pizza on their first visit.*
Ruoff is the perfect low-key setting to gather with friends and listen to the (impressively loud) music. | Photo courtesy of Eric Church
Slightly colder weather is back on the menu (sigh), but we’re still dreaming of spring + summer concert season. Until then, why not cozy up to your neighbors at one of these intimate live music venues around town?
Healer | Capacity: 300 How do you describe Healer? It’s both experiential and experimental art, and the talented musical acts that perform here are just as unique.
Hoosier Dome | Capacity: 200
Don’t be deceived by the bare bones interior at this all-ages venue. It may look like you’re at an underground warehouse party, but the sound quality and acts that come through the doors are nothing less than top-notch.
The Jazz Kitchen | Capacity: 125
Nothing pairs better with world-class live jazz than etouffee and crab cakes. You can catch the Jazz Kitchen slinging both in a casual yet sophisticated listening room setting.
The Melody Inn | Capacity: 125
One of the oldest bars in Indy, the historic Melody Inn features diverse musical lineups — with an unfailing Punk Rock Night every Saturday.
A set of really good kitchen shears. Cut meat, fish, vegetables, and more with these scissors designed with a heavy-duty blade, built-in fish scraper, steel compression spring, and non-slip handle.
Basketball season is going strong, and I’m feeling a competitive urge coming on. But with my limited athletic skills, I’m thinking Urban Apples’ cornhole spring league might be the fit for me. Sign ups end on Thursday, March 27.
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