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🎷 Let the good times roll
The signature fèves in Bake Sale Indy’s king cakes are tiny croissants. | Photo by @bakesaleindy
Keep calm and Mardi on. Mardi Gras is Tuesday, Feb. 17, and while Indy’s celebrations might not be as bustling as New Orleans, these spots have Big Easy flair to spare with traditional desserts, tunes, and more.
King cakes
Get your cake stuffed with the filling of your choice from Taylor’s Bakery, or preorder a traditional cinnamon bake from Bake Sale Indy.
Live music
What better place to be on Fat Tuesday than The Jazz Kitchen? Enjoy lively music from Pork & Beans Brass Band as you dine on crab cakes, etoufee, and other traditional fare.
If you want to experience the sounds of Mardi Gras from beyond The Big Easy, attend Indiana Wind Symphony’s Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball on Sunday, Feb. 15, which will spotlight music from the Carnival festivities in South America as well.
Weekend happenings
Who says Fat Tuesday can’t be on a Friday? The Quarter is hosting its celebration on Friday, Feb. 20, complete with a buffet meal of beignets, creole mac and cheese, po’ boy sliders, and more.
President’s Day is this Monday, Feb. 16, and The Indiana State Museum and The Children’s Museum are both offering free admission. Pro tip: Make sure you sure reserve tickets in advance for the latter.
Eat
USA Today released its 2026 Restaurants of the Year list, and one Indy favorite made the cut. Can you guess which one? Hint: It has one of our favorite patios in the city.
Number
$47. That’s how much the price of the average ticket to a Colts game increased between 2006 and 2023 — and they aren’t the only team in Indy that’s become more expensive to support. Here’s how you can save money on pro sports tickets. (Axios Indianapolis)
History
Who’s the best player in IU basketball history? If your answer wasn’t Ox, you need to learn the incredible story of the man who led Indiana to its first two undisputed Big Ten championships. (IndyStar)
Hoosier
Congrats to fifth-grader Benjamin Lee, who won the Indianapolis Public Schools Spelling Bee this week. See what the winning word was. (WTHR)
Sports
Did you know that two Team USA luge athletes, while not living in Indiana, are students through Purdue Global? Meet Ashley Farquharson and Chevonne Forgan, the honorary Hoosiers we’ll be cheering on this month.
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.*
At “Tiana’s Joyful Celebration,” kids will be able to decorate parade floats, design costumes, cook gumbo, and more. | Photo by @childrensmuseum
Speaking of Mardi Gras, the dinos at The Children’s Museum are celebrating in style — but for a dual purpose, commemorating the arrival of “Tiana’s Joyful Celebration,” a new exhibit opening on Saturday, March 7.
In the name of self-care, treat yourself to a little early Valentine’s Day gift. We think you’ll love these five picks, ordered by price.
💸 Under $15: This viral collagen face mask hydrates, evens skin tone, and improves elasticity.
💸 Under $30: A top-rated plush robe that makes every day feel like a spa day.
💸 Under $50: Moroccanoil’s hydrating hair mask leaves hair feeling noticeably softer + hydrated.
💸 Under $75: This pair of freshwater pearl earrings are perfect for every occasion.
💸 Under $150: A cozy cardigan by Barefoot Dreams that’s crafted from the brand’s famously soft yarn.
Still need a last minute Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetheart? Midland Arts & Antique Market will have four kittens available for adoption exclusively on Saturday, Feb. 14. I’m guessing they’ll get snatched up quickly — which is a good excuse to visit a local cat cafe too.
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