Did you know Indy is a Tree City? If that trivia tidbit leaves you puzzled, don’t worry — we’re here to explain what the title means and why Indy has held the designation for 37 years.
A Tree City USA must meet four standards, including having a tree ordinance and an active tree board. More than 3,500 communities across the country — including nearby Carmel, Noblesville, and Beech Grove — have made the same commitment.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful plants 3,000+ trees across the city each year. In addition, a partnership between the nonprofit, Indy Parks, and AES Indiana has planted 15,000 trees since 1990.
Indy is home to several notable arboreta (read: botanical collections of trees). One of the largest is Crown Hill Cemetery, which has 11,000+ inventoried trees on its grounds.
June First Friday Gallery Opening | 6-9 p.m. | Harrison Center | Free | Enjoy six new gallery openings, live music, and a community art experience.
Spice Up Your Pride | 7-11 p.m. | Plat 99 | $15 | Dress in totally awesome 90s glam for this night of bubbles and beats — ticket price goes toward your food + beverage purchases.
Saturday, June 7
Strawberry Festival + Handmade Market | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Madison Avenue and Wiley Street, Greenwood | Cost of purchase | Nibble on strawberry shortcake as you shop from 60 handmade vendors, eat at food trucks, and enjoy an all-day lineup of family activities.
Juneteenth Jamboree | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | Free | Celebrate freedom with live dance + musical performances, a community marketplace, and interactive activities.
Indiana vs. Kentucky High School All Stars | 5 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $19+ | Cheer on Indiana’s top graduating seniors as they face their Kentucky counterparts in a basketball doubleheader.
Sunday, June 8
Beauty of Butterflies | 1-2 p.m. | Dammann’s Garden Center & Greenhouse, Inc. | $18 | Learn how to attract beautiful butterflies to your garden with native perennials.
Sticker Movie in SlapTown | 3-5 p.m. | Upland Brewery, Fountain Square | $10 | Join other art lovers for a screening of a documentary celebrating global sticker culture.
Saturday, June 14
Rock the Ruins | Saturday, June 14-Saturday, Aug. 16 | Locations vary | Rock the Ruins returns to Holliday Park with a can’t-miss lineup this season — and for the first time ever, it’s expanding to Broad Ripple Park, bringing even more live music to the heart of the city.*
Each bartender from various Clancy’s Restaurants will sample a special Tito’s Cocktail, and the winning cocktail will be added to all restaurant menus this fall. | Photo provided by Clancy’s Hospitality
What’s that sound? Ah, it’s some of Indy’s best bartenders stirring and shaking up some delicious cocktails for a good cause.
You’re invited to Clancy’s Hospitality Bartender Battle on Thursday, June 26 from 6 to 8 p.m., at the patio of Grindstone on the Monon. For just $40 per person, you’ll enjoy top-notch cocktails, friendly competition, and unbeatable vibes — all while supporting Gleaners Food Bank.
Sip, cheer, and help make a difference. Tickets are limited, so grab yours and get ready to toast to a cause.
An out-of-state development firm is planning a two-building, 275-unit apartment complex adjacent to the Stutz. The $101 million project will also include 19,000-sqft of retail space, 350+ parking spaces, a pedestrian plaza, and a rooftop pool — all to be completed by mid-2028. See renderings. (IndyStar)
Edu
Due to state funding changes, IPS announced that it will begin charging for its previously free pre-K program in the 2025-2026 school year. See how the income-based sliding scale may affect your family. (WTHR)
Kids
In the meantime, if you need to get your middle schooler off Fortnite and out of the house, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s inaugural summer camps still have openings. Learn about the Robo Racers + Racing Careers programs. (WTHR)
Open
Indiana Golf’s new headquarters is now open in Lawrence, featuring the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame and a short-game practice facility. The org is also set to tee off on the construction of an on-property youth golf academy this summer. (IBJ)
Gallery
Remember the 2000 NBA Finals? Whether you were courtside for the Pacers’ shot at the championship or still a twinkle in your parents’ eye, check out these photos from the team’s run against the Lakers. (IndyStar)
Correction
We were thiiiiiis close. Yesterday we shared that Thieves’ new address is 6302 Guilford Ave., but the correct address is actually 854 Broad Ripple Ave., on the same corner.
Concert
Summer evenings in the Circle City just got better. Indy Parks’ free concert series brings live music to parks across the city now through Wednesday, June 25. Grab a picnic blanket and unwind outdoors. Up next? Lester Johnson and MUSICBOX this Sunday, June 8. Start planning.*
Want a sweet way to celebrate the Pacers’ long-awaited return to the NBA Finals? Pick up a pack of themed macarons from Filigree Bakery. Psst... keep an eye out for Pride-themed and Taylor Swift-themed treats too.
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Thrifters and treasure seekers, don’t forget: The Woodruff Place Flea Market is this weekend, running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Here’s some of the weird and wonderful stuff I found at the market last year.
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