At least eight live performers and dance groups will share their talents during the festival. | Photo via Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum is teaming up with Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos to bring a taste of Mexican culture to Indianapolis with the Indianapolis Mariachi and Folklore Festival.
Here’s what you can expect from the family-friendly event happening this Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
Live music and dance performances from local groups like Indy Folklore Academy and Mariachi Son de Mi Tierra
Street food favorites like tacos, quesadillas, and churros
Nearly 30 vendor booths from local artisans and community groups
Admission is free + includes parking validation.
Events
Events
Monday, Aug. 18
Lineage Genealogy Research Workshop | 3-7:45 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Beech Grove Branch | Free | Unravel your family history with the help of representatives from Daughters of the American Revolution.
Connect + Chill | 6-8 p.m. | Punch Bowl Social | Price of purchase | Step outside your comfort zone at this casual networking night filled with guided icebreakers and free socializing.
Trivia with The QuiZZler | 7-8:30 p.m. | The Garage Food Hall | Price of purchase | Participate in team trivia at this Indy food mecca with prizes for top teams from rotating vendors.
Tuesday, Aug. 19
Morning Bird Walk | 8-9:30 a.m. | Holliday Park | Free | Grab your binoculars and study up on your bird calls for this guided hike by park staff and members of the Amos Butler Audobon Society.
Family Game Night | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Central Library | Free | Round up the whole family for a night of board, card, and dice games, including giant-sized chess, checkers, Jenga, and Connect 4.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
International Marketplace Lunch Tour | 12-1 p.m. | La Guanaquita | Price of purchase | Take your tastebuds on an adventure at this monthly lunch meet-up — this month will feature Salvadoran cuisine.
Indy Eleven vs Greenville Triumph | 7 p.m. | Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium | $20+ | Don your best red, white, and blue and cheer on the Eleven to a victory over this South Carolina-based team.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Third Thursdays | 6-9 p.m. | Broad Ripple Village | Price of purchase | Explore the neighborhood and curate your perfect evening with live music from local performers, a vendor market, creations by local artists, and health + wellness hubs.
Friday, Aug. 22
Create Your Own Blown Glass Ruffle Bowl! | 4-6 p.m. | GRT Hot Glass Studios | $120 | It’s getting hot in here (2,100º to be precise), but you won’t need to sweat as glass blowing experts help your create your own ruffle bowl.
Saturday, Aug. 23
19th Annual Run for World Water 5K | 9 a.m. | NCAA Hall of Champions | $35 | Help Indy Runners surpass its record of $400,000 raised for Water for People by lacing up your shoes and taking a run along the canal.
From Percheron horse sightings to indulging in authentic Amish-baked goods, the adventure promises rich memories in every corner. | Photos courtesy of Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB
Tucked in Indiana’s Amish Country near Shipshewana, the LaGrange County Barn Tour offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural history through its striking barns. Happening only during the weekend of Sept. 12-13, this event transforms a simple outing into an immersive journey through time.
This one weekend-only event will feature open houses at eight heritage barns in the scenic countryside found in the heart of Amish Country. Buy your ticket either in advance online or at the Pretty Valley Barn event headquarters, then enjoy the self-guided tour at your own pace.
Each stop presents a story told by the barn owners themselves, with some delightful extras along the way — think bison ranch tours, Amish baked sales, antique tractor displays, bunnies, and farm animals.
Extend your stay by arriving on Friday, Sept. 12, when most activities are complimentary, creating a perfect prelude to the ticketed Saturday event.
The average AES Indiana customer could be looking at a ~$21 monthly increase to their bill, according to the utility company’s latest proposal. Share your voice online by Tuesday, Sept. 2, or attend a public hearing — there’s one tonight at Indianapolis Public Library’s West Perry Branch at 6 p.m. (Axios)
Number
$1.2 billion. That’s how much Indianapolis’ Department of Public Works expects to invest into roadways, trails + sidewalks, stormwater management, and bridges over the next five years. The City-County Council’s Public Works Committee will further review and analyze the proposed budget on Sept. 25. (WTHR)
Coming Soon
Downtown Noblesville is about to get a new rhythm. The Pretender — a hi-fi listening bar inspired by Jackson Browne’s 1976 album — is moving into 818 Logan St. Expect vinyl-era nostalgia, small plates, and serious sound design. Follow along on social media for more opening news.*
Sports
The Pacers 2025-2026 schedule has been set. The season will open on Thursday, Oct. 23 with the team hosting their rivals from last year’s finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Can’t wait until opening day? Pacers Guard TJ McConnell will be signing autographs before the Wednesday, Aug. 27 Indianapolis Indians game. (WISH + WTHR)
Development
Construction is progressing hand-over-hand for North Mass Boulder’s expansion. In case you missed it, the 55,000-sqft gym is growing its existing location by another 4,820 sqft to include a new fitness studio and event space in the Box Factory building. A completion date for the expansion is TBA.
Quoted
“Where Miami heat meets Indy vibes.” That’s how one patron described Mass Ave’s newest eatery, Dusk Lounge — a spot that’s combining Mediterranean flavors with speakeasy-style nightlife + cocktails. Snag a reservation and try it for yourself.
Eat
Who says you need to leave Indy to get a taste of global cuisine? The 18th annual Taste the Difference Festival returns to town from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Global Village Welcome Center, featuring international dishes from 25+ Indy restaurants. See the participating spots. (Indianapolis Recorder)
Mansion Monday
Lakeside living? Don’t mind if we do. This 5-bed, 5-bath home nestled on the shores of North Fork Fall Creek not only has 135 feet of private waterfront with a boat slip, but also screened-in + covered porches overlooking the lake.
The Word
Kaleidescope — the official term for a group of butterflies, and an apt descriptor for Carmel’s latest public art installation, “Butterflies on the Monon.” Join the unveiling on Friday, Aug. 22 at 1:30 p.m. behind Midtown Flats to see the 14 new mosaics created by artist Nancy Keating + community members.
Listen
Myles Turner is on the Milwaukee Bucks after leaving the Pacers. How much does his swap impact the rivalry between the two teams? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Indiana Pacerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Shop
Attention, shoppers. More storefronts are joining the halls of Fashion Mall at Keystone. Most recently, the mall welcomed Amorino Gelato Al Natural and Knight’s Tailoring + by the end of the year, retailers like Four Seasons Flowers, Homegrown Indiana, Marine Layer, Ana Luisa Jewelry, and Aroma360 are also expected to open.
Read
Sick of political drama in the news? Tangle skips the theatrics + delivers independent, non-partisan reporting on major political stories. Subscribe to the newsletter for free.*
Jobs of the Week
Today, we’re focusing on jobs in the healthcare sector.
Let us know what you’d like to see more of by replying to this email.
The INDYtoday team chose Morning’s Breakfast & Brunch for a team outing with its Summer 2022 intern. | Photo by INDYtoday team
It might only be Monday, but it’s never too early to plan your weekend and make brunch plans with the group chat. Not sure where to start? Allow us to give some recommendations.
The Garden Table | Menus at the Broad Ripple + Mass Ave. locations differ slightly, but no matter which restaurant you visit, make sure to order a fresh pressed juice flight.
Gather 22 | This brunch spot serves classic brunch food like eggs benedict alongside specialty lattes named after Indy neighborhoods.
Rize | Rize offers a selection of farm-to-table breakfast + lunch options that feature fresh ingredients from Indiana farms.
Amelia’s | For a quick grab-and-go option, stop by Amelia’s for coffee + a pastry. Or if you feel like having dessert for breakfast, try the gelato.
The treat yourself organization staples you need to celebrate back-to-school season in style. No kids? No problem:
🗃️ This best-selling clear plastic drawer organizer set comes with 25 pieces — split them up around the house, or create the most organized office + desk system there ever was.
🌈 These legging organizers (yup, that product exists) save space in your closet and allow you to rainbow-fy your workout clothes.
🗂️ Speaking of rainbow-fy… grab a chic acrylic paper tray and a collection of rainbow file folders for a polished desktop look.
🗒️ Always writing to-do lists? You’ll probably love this one.
🖊️ Snag an instant mood-boosting purchase: rainbow felt-tip pens by Papermate.
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.
Last week, one of my friends gifted me a loaf of homemade bread (which was absolutely delicious). While I do enjoy cooking + baking, I have yet to hop on the bread-making train. If you’re a fellow bread-curious baker like myself, here’s how you can get in on the fun around Indy.
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