It’s the most wonderful time of the year — football season is back. | Photo by @coltsevents via Twitter
As the weather cools down, Indy’s event scene is heating up. Grab your planner and text the group chat — these are the top events we’re fall-ing for this September.
58th CBIZ Penrod Arts Fair | Saturday, Sept. 6 | Newfields | Don’t miss the largest single-day arts fair in the US featuring more than 1,000 visual and performing artists + local bites and bevs.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Miami Dolphins | Sunday, Sept. 7 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Bleed blue and help the Colts open up the NFL season by sending the Dolphins back to the ocean.
Alex Warren | Tuesday, Sept. 23 | Everwise Amphitheater | This viral singer-songwriter known for songs like “Ordinary” and “Carry You Home” will bring his “Cheaper Than Therapy” tour to Naptown.
Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 26 | Monument Circle | Raise a stein to this 14th annual Bavarian block party featuring German-inspired fare, games, photo ops, and live music by the Indianapolis Liederkranz German Band.
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.
“Waitress” | Tuesday, Aug. 26-Sunday, Aug. 31 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre | $57+ | This Tony-nominated musical featuring music by Sara Bareilles is baking its way into Circle City — your ticket includes a buffet + beverages.
Fanfest: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” | Times vary | Flix Brewhouse, Carmel | $12+ | Revisit the wizarding world of Harry Potter during this film screening featuring themed food specials like Death Eater pizza and butterbeer for purchase.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Wednesday Wine Tasting: The Weekly Pour | 1-2:30 p.m. | Niemann Harvest Market, Carmel | Free | Sip and savor curated wine selections and snag 50% off featured bottles.
True Crime Book Club | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library, Zionsville | Free | Meet up with fellow armchair detectives each month to discuss a different true crime book and the latest updates on noteworthy cases.
Beginner Woodburning Class | 8 p.m. | Speedway Artist Collective, Speedway | $61 | Learn the art of the burn, including how to use different tools and transfer images, in this beginner-friendly class.
Thursday, Aug. 28
BUTTER Fine Art Fair | Thursday, Aug. 28-Saturday, Aug. 30 | 6 p.m. | The Stutz | $55 | This no‑commission fair highlights Black visual artists — and all proceeds go to the creators.
Seoul Food Adventures Cooking Class | 6-9 p.m. | A Cut Above, Carmel | $135+ | Discover the flavors of Korea in this guided, hands-on workshop.
Friday, Aug. 29
Movies in the Park | 6:30 p.m. | Arbuckle Acres Park, Brownsburg | Sit back and relax with your own blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for this free, family-friendly screening of “Kung-Fu Panda 4".
Saturday, Aug. 30
Indiana’s Women’s Running Festival | 7:30 a.m. | Carmel Courthouse Gazebo, Carmel | $50+ | Let’s go girls — join the largest women’s-only running event in the state while raising money for various charities.
The State of Indiana is joining Elanco Animal Health in developing a global innovation district by agreeing to sell the former GM Stamping Plant in downtown Indianapolis. Plans for the district call for the fusion of scientific and animal care facilities with offices, housing, retail, and green spaces. (WISH)
Real Estate
Former Eli Lilly and Co. executive Rene Lewin’s 18-acre Clay Township estate has hit the market. The 14,200-sqft Georgian-style home not only has five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, but also a wine cellar, theater room, pool, and tennis court — just to name a few. See inside. (Indianapolis Business Journal)
Number
21. That’s how many games Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has scored 20+ points in this season, breaking a franchise record. Mitchell is also currently the Fever’s record-holder for most three-pointers made. See for yourself if she’ll extend her records during tonight’s game against the Seattle Storm. (WISH)
Travel
This could be your cue to plan a Labor Day getaway. The average cost of domestic round trip flights is 6% lower this year than it was last Labor Day weekend, averaging $720. Next stop, get familiar with Indianapolis International Airport before booking your trip. (AAA)
Read
Now in Books recently made a guide of what novels to read based on your state. To be read in Indiana? T. Newyear’s “Starfall” — a young adult historical sci-fi with a dual timeline and utopian experiment. Check for the title at a local book shop.
Kids
Calling all Olivers — it’s your time to shine. This name ranked as Indiana’s most popular for babies born last year, with names Liam, Charlotte, Amelia, and Theodore rounding out the top five. No matter the name of the little munchkin — or munchkins — in your life, good thing Indy is chock full of kid-friendly activities.
Sports
Hoosiers football has kicked off — is Indiana ready for Big Ten play? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Indiana Hoosierswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Edu
Juggling work and life? Same. That’s why UIndy’s flexible graduate programs are built for busy professionals. Choose from 40+ programs — including five nationally-ranked doctoral options — with evening, weekend, and online courses available. Learn more and apply.*
Biz
Need to fill your open role fast? Post your job listing on our hyper-local Job Board + get connected with top local talent. Did we mention it’s free?
Home
How smart homeowners preserve their property (and their weekends): using Homebuddy for a one-time install of top-rated gutter guards that require zero maintenance. Compare local offers now.*
Category
Mailbag
⛓️💥 These restaurants are off the chain
We’ll toast a boat of Animal Style fries to these reader recs. | Photo by INDYtoday
We asked readers what chains they hope will join the Circle City dining scene, and as per usual, they delivered.
In-N-Out Burger | Nearest location: Rockwall, TX (~877 miles)
Numerous readers wrote in sharing their love for this West Coast-based burger joint. For now, those craving a Double-Double prepared Animal Style are in for a hefty road trip — or a nonstop flight to Dallas.
Whataburger | Nearest location: Hermitage, TN (~287 miles)
Burgers are on the brain, because this fast food chain was also a top request; to quote reader Lisa M., “please!!!”
Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom | Nearest location: Lexington, KY (~175 miles)
Our readers still crave this chain’s deep-dish style pies. The last Indiana location closed earlier this year.
While specific restaurants varied, other cuisines readers hope to see in Naptown included Mexican, barbecue, and salad-forward spots.
Bonus: These restaurants may not be opening in Indianapolis...
The perfect stadium accessory: this clear crossbody bag for all your gameday essentials. We love this option’s adjustable strap, smooth zipper, and chic hardware.
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.
Spoiler alert: I (unfortunately) am not local to Indianapolis, but our September Plan Ahead has me wishing I was. I mean really, talk about an absolutely stacked events calendar.
}})
}})
