Irving Theater hosts acoustic-only open mic nights every Monday. | Photo by @ramediallc
Tap tap... *mic screech*
Will you take the stage or a seat? Either way, these open mic nights in Indy are your ticket to a few more summer memories. Psst — some are happening tonight.
Just for laughs
Fountain Square Brew Co. | Every Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Not a joke: During comedy open mic night, pints are $5. Pro tip: The brewery hosts events (like karaoke and game night) most nights of the week, so follow along on Instagram for the lineup.
We all just wanna be big rockstars
The Red Lion Grog House | Every Wednesday, 7-10 p.m.
Treat yourself after your feat of bravery with some fish and chips or bangers and mash.
Indy Read’s open mic nights welcome poets, prose writers, musicians, and even dancers.
Irving Theater | Every Thursday, 7-9 p.m.
Local poets are invited to share original pieces on the historic stage (or outdoors on the deck in nice weather).
The Red Clay Strays | 8 p.m. | Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park | $55+ | Blending gospel, country, and gritty Southern rock, this band will leave you “Wondering Why” you didn’t start listening to them sooner.
Thursday, Aug. 14
IndyFringe Festival | Thursday, Aug. 14-Sunday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | Multiple locations | $12+ | It’s the 20th edition of this eclectic theatre, dance, comedy, and visual arts festival.
Friday, Aug. 15
Pints & Paddles | 5-8 p.m. | Stephens Park, Brownsburg | Cost of purchase | Play pickleball, then unwind with a glass of wine or a refreshing pint.
Little Big Town | 7 p.m. | Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville | $27+ | We’ve got a “Girl Crush” on this vocal group known for “Better Man” and “Boondocks.”
The festivities kick off with Wine on the Wabash on Saturday, Aug. 16, and Music at the Crossroads on Friday, Sept. 5, featuring vibrant local performances and family-friendly fun. Don’t miss the Terre Haute Balloon Fest on Friday, Sept. 12 + Saturday, Sept. 13, with its magical balloon glow and tethered rides.
Continuing the excitement is the inaugural Wabash Valley Pepper Fest & Hot Sauce Expo on Sunday, Sept. 28. Spice enthusiasts will delight in live music, a fiery taco challenge, and the daring League of Fire Hot Pepper Eating Contest — promising a fiery experience for food lovers.
Step into history at Old Fashion Days in Collett Park on Sunday, Sept. 14, and experience the charm of Pioneer Days at Fowler Park on Saturday, Oct. 4 + Sunday, Oct. 5, where historical demos and classic fall treats await.
A new curfew ordinance is now in effect in Indy. The Indianapolis City-County Council passed Proposal No. 232 during Monday evening’s meeting, altering the times when children and teens can be in public. Plus, parental fines were proposed for repeat violations. Get the details. (13 WTHR)
Outdoors
Tree-mendous news for park-goers: City officials will gather this morning to celebrate the completion of a $3.5 million project at Washington Park. Improvements include a new playground, splash pad, event lawn, parking lot, and more.
Development
About 312 new apartments with ground-floor retail space could be coming to East 46th Street, thanks to local firm Arrow Street Development. The ~$75 million project would combine moderate-income and market-rate housing and is awaiting rezoning approval. (Indianapolis Business Journal)
Real Estate
Central Indiana’s housing market just got a little roomier — the region saw a 24.8% jump in available homes this July compared to July 2024. Put in perspective, that’s about 1,215 more houses on the market.
Traffic
Heads up, northwest Indy drivers — the Lafayette Road bridge over Interstate 465 is currently closed due to damaged steel beams. Crews are assessing the repairs needed, and a reopening date has not yet been determined. (CBS 4)
Number
$800,000. That’s the amount set to be distributed across 18 nonprofits and organizations in Indiana, thanks to Jim Irsay’s Kicking the Stigma Action Grant Program. Created by the family of the late Indianapolis Colts owner in 2020, the initiative aims to raise awareness about mental health. (13 WTHR)
Sports
Hoosiers hoops are heating up, with players like Tayton Conerway and Lamar Wilkerson delivering standout performances. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Indiana Pacerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Two local legends took a pit stop at the Indiana State Fair yesterday to serve up smiles and snacks.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles and 2025 Indy 500 Fastest Rookie and Polesitter Robert Shwartzman got behind the Dairy Bar to work as surprise servers and give out free treats.
Fairgoers who visited the shop also had the opportunity to fuel a good cause by donating to the Winners Give Milk campaign.
This summer, make every weekend count with Groupon. Score up to 70% off chef-curated experiences, wine tastings, riveting tours + attractions, spa days that melt the dress away, and more.
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.
Swifties, how we doing? Taylor Swift announced her newest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” and the excitement is real. Looking to celebrate? Buy tickets to Turntable’s “Uncruel Summer” dance party on Thursday, Aug. 21.
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