If you’ve been to The Commodore before, you might notice a new mural by artist Justin Cooper. | Photo via @thecommodore_indy
We’ll let you in on a secret… or 10. We’re a solid 100 years out from the time speakeasies flourished in the Prohibition Era — but the more things change, the more they stay the same. Today, speakeasy-style bars act as a nod to the past. Except now, they’re totally legal.
🍸 For speakeasy vibes
The Exchange
Right at the gateway to Mass Ave, The Exchange — what used to be Hammond Block built in 1874 — is now part of one of the oldest original buildings still standing in the city. It houses 450+ of the best whiskeys in the country.
Thieves
This craft cocktail bar has a speakeasy-like environment, and it’s moving to a larger space in June at 6302 Guilford Ave. The new location will double as a coffee shop during the day.
🗝️ For the real deal
Prepare to pull up with a password or do a little searching to find these spots.
Commodore
Listen for tunesif you want to see what’s shakin’ at this Fountain Square favorite. If you find it, no password is required to enter.
Bootleggers
This speakeasy is on point with underground catacombs — password required. If you’re looking for a snack while you’re there, there’s a restaurant upstairs.
Sparta: “Porcelain Anniversary Tour” | 7 p.m. | Hoosier Dome | $25+ | The rock band celebrates two decades of their second LP with guests Moondough, Pithec + Explicit Timeless Culture.
The Making of “Our Planet” with Dan Tapster | 7:30 p.m. | The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel | $25 | The showrunner discusses the creative process behind Netflix’s “Our Planet” and how the program captures eye-catching footage.
Wednesday, April 30
Spring Book Sale | Wednesday, April 30-Saturday, May 3 | Times vary | Speedway Public Library | Free | Check out this gently used book sale where you can take home books at bargain prices — no due dates.
Riverdance | 7:30 p.m. | Clowes Memorial Hall | $35+ | Celebrate 30 years of the fast-moving phenomenon with a new generation of dancers.
The Gen C(omedy) Show | 7:30 p.m. | Helium Comedy Club | $31+ | This special event features four comedians from different generations going head-to-head in a battle for laughs.
Thursday, May 1
“Champions of the Golden Valley” | 7-9 p.m. | Heartland Film | $8+ | Watch the award-winning film following villagers from different ethnic groups as they come together for a mountain race in Afghanistan.
“Red Velvet” | Thursday, May 1-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Shelton Auditorium | $25 | Set in 1883, this play follows the story of a young Black actor who replaces an acclaimed performer in “Othello.”
Mark your calendars for this exclusive Angel’s Envy dinner
Presented by Clancy's Hospitality
You’re in for a good time, Indy. | Photo courtesy of Clancy’s Hospitality
Calling all bourbon enthusiasts: Angel’s Envy is pouring up some fun at The Fountain Room on Thursday, May 8.
Hoosiers are invited to this exclusive four-course dinner where Executive Chef Ricky Martinez has paired a different Angel’s Envy bourbon with each course.
Get a sneak peek at what you’ll be sipping on, plus secure your seat at the table below. Pro tip: For those opting for a bottle, custom engraving is available — a perfect keepsake or gift.
“Now You Know.” That’s the slogan for the Fever’s 2025 season. The WNBA team chose the mantra to celebrate Indiana’s importance in basketball after reaching the playoffs last season. Since you’re in the know, tickets are on sale for upcoming games. (WTHR)
Announced
The city isn’t a contender to host the 2026 or 2027 NFL draft, but Indianapolis is working to submit a bid to host a future draft — which would bring thousands of tourists to the city. Officials haven’t submitted a bid since 2021 + their exact plan hasn’t been revealed. (IBJ)
Plan Ahead
Indianapolis’ Juneteenth parade has been canceled this year, but there are still celebrations ahead. Organizers were unable to secure a location for the procession, so they will host this year’s Juneteenth Celebration at Indiana State Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 21. (IndyStar)
Seasonal
Excitement is audible for “the Soundtrack of Summer.” That’s the theme for this year’s Indiana State Fair from Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 17. Guests will be able to visit the “Vinyl Revival” experience that features a pop-up record store, a partnership with Indy CD & Vinyl. (IBJ)
Read
Whoosh — Free Comic Book Day is soaring to all Indianapolis Public Library Branches this Saturday, May 3. The all-ages initiative aims to spread the love of reading by offering free comics. Many popular franchises will offer freebies, including “Star Wars,” “Minecraft” + “Spider-Man.” (WISH)
Feel Good
Local volunteers helped feed Hoosiers by assembling 15,000 meals at the Indiana State Rotary District Conference over the weekend. The meals will help those facing food insecurity and will be distributed by nonprofit Pack Away Hunger. (WRTV)
Listen
How did the Blue + Gold reverse their luck to win Game 4 against the Bucks? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Indiana Pacerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Announced
You’re awesome — thank you so much for taking a moment to participate in our Asked survey we ran on April 10. We’re excited to announce our winner. Drumroll please. Congrats to Karen W. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to share your thoughts and enter for a chance to win.
Happy 27th birthday, Second Helpings. For nearly three decades, this local nonprofit has been tackling hunger in central Indiana. Want to support their mission? Whether you’re looking to volunteer your time or make a donation, every contribution can make a difference. Explore how you can get involved now through the end of the month.*
We’re on the hunt for a bold, driven Sales Executive to help grow our sister market, LOUtoday’s ad game and bring in the big wins. If you’re all about local love, killer pitches, and commission that’s as uncapped as your ambition — let’s talk. We offer a competitive benefits package, including matching 401K and unlimited PTO. Apply to join our team.
Category
Edu
🧪 A ground-breaking development
This is what the STEM Lab Building is expected to look like on the IU Indianapolis campus. | Rendering via IU Capital Planning and Facilities
IU Indianapolis is engineering a new building that will improve its research opportunities and infrastructure. Construction on its interdisciplinary STEM Lab Building project has broken ground at a site on North Blackford and West New York streets.
The 52,000-sqft development will be an addition to the existing Science and Engineering lab building. Once the $60 million project is completed, the “STEM Lab Building” will include both the existing and new spaces. The project will add modern research labs, a 3D bioprinter lab, and spaces for biomedical work.
The building will be a site for the Science and Technology Corridor that aims to expand STEM degree options and research offerings for IU students, in alignment with the university’s 2030 strategic plan.
The new facility is expected to be completed in 2026.
The Buy
The car tech upgrades you need ahead of summer road trips for better, safer driving:
🗺️ No more phone in your cup holder — keep navigation instructions in your eyeline with a suction cup phone mount equipped with one-button release.
🔊 Skip plugging in your phone to activate CarPlay and use this wireless CarPlay adapter for a faster, more reliable bluetooth connection.
🚙 A front and rear dash cam can make all the difference in a fender bender — this one captures crystal-clear footage even at night.
📲 Everyone gets to charge their devices at once with a four-port car charger that’s here to end road trip squabbles.
🌸 Looking for an air freshener upgrade? This No. 1 best-selling wood air freshener looks chic on your sun visor.
As a vinyl lover, I’m a big fan of this year’s Indiana State Fair theme. I hope to see some artists with Indianapolis roots on display — I’m looking at you, Babyface + Adam Lambert.
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