Autumntide pumpkin cider is an Ash & Elm fan favorite. | Photo by @ashandelmcider
Oh, tidings of cider and corduroy.
One of fall’s definitive festivals, Ash & Elm’s Autumntidings, is back this Saturday, Oct. 18. Your ticket to the celebration includes samples from 15 Indiana cideries, distilleries, and breweries, with a tasting passport and commemorative cup.
Bonus: The free, family-friendly Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest is happening next door at the same time, so you can hop over to browse artisan wares, buy food from local vendors, and participate in fun fall activities.
Purdue University is spending $70.1 million to buy the 320-unit Canal Square Apartments complex in downtown. The property will be eventually used for student housing, but the university reportedly will honor all existing leases first. (IBJ)
Closing
File this under “does not spark joy.” Mochi Joy Donuts announced that it will be permanently closing its doors on Sunday, Nov. 2. Swing by before then to show your support and grab one last donut, malasada, or matcha.
Travel
Southwest Airlines announced it’s adding a new nonstop flight from IND to San Juan, Puerto Rico from June 6 through Aug. 1, 2026. Consider this your sign to start planning your summer vacation. (WTHR)
Mansion Monday
From a vintage swan tile mural to an all-wood paneled library to marble windowsills, this 8,000-sqft home that originally belonged to a famous inventor has been lovingly preserved and restored. Take a look before it’s off the market.
The Word
Noctourism. That’s the name of one of this year’s hottest travel trends, in which people soak in experiences after dark. Think: stargazing, night markets, dinner cruises. Given that it’s October, a local ghost tour is the perfect way to join the fun. (The Traveler)
State
Looking for a pizza the action? The Food Network’s foodie experts rounded up their favorite slices in all 50 states, and Giorgio’s came out on top for Indiana. But when one slice isn’t enough, we’ve got plenty more great pizzerias in town.
Read
The nominees are out for this year’s National Book Awards, with some stellar books on the docket. Categories include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and translated works. Whatever your favorite genre is, we recommend picking up something written by a Hoosier. (NPR)
Eat
Fall is the season for flavor on Alabama’s Beaches, from waterfront seafood to local brews. Start planning a culinary getaway for bites with a view, and seasonal favorites like the 52nd Annual Shrimp Fest.*
Sports
With T.J. McConnell out for at least a month with a hamstring injury, how will the Pacers adjust their strategy? Locked On explores the options.
Tired of wading through resumes from applicants that are states away? Ditch oversaturated national job boards for our locally focused Job Board. Get started at no cost — post unlimited job listings for free.
Number
1 million+. That’s how many men use Particle Face Cream, a six-in-one formula that tackles eye bags, wrinkles, and puffiness. Save 20% with code 6AM20.*
Live
City Guide
🥬 Lettuce romaine calm
Try the vegan loaded nachos from Black Leaf Vegan for a wonderful mix of flavors — including teriyaki sauce. | Photo by @nyah.tries.things
Happy Meatless Monday, Indy. Need a perfect plant-based meal that doesn’t break your piggy bank? Check out these local spots where a lunch for one costs $10 or less. Black Leaf Vegan, 335 W. 9th St.
Try the one-of-a-kind Black Leaf Burger (which is 100% plant-based with no soy or GMOs) for $10.95, or a hearty bagel sandwich for under $7.
Yats, multiple locations
This iconic Indy spot offers three plant-friendly options — Vegetarian B&B, Vegetarian Spinach and Mushroom Étouffée, and Vegan White Chili — for a clean $9.98.
The Tamale Place, 5226 Rockville Rd.
Score a delicious poblano chile, sweet corn, or black bean tamale for just over $5. Pro tip: This spot also has veggie tacos for the same price.
A set of non-slip stair carpet treads. We love that they feature a peel off backing for easy installation and no leftover residue. Bonus: They’re ultra-soft, durable, and easy to clean.
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.
I checked another item off my October bucket list this weekend: Visiting a local pumpkin patch. We went to Russell Farms in Noblesville and had a blast, but if that’s far away from you, you can find a closer option with our guide.
There’s something for everyone at Russell Farms, from massive inflatable slides to friendly horses to a 10-acre corn maze.
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