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🤝 Your city needs you
Getting involved in making important decisions in the Circle City is easier than you think. | Photo by @danielgrosephotography
Want to become a more engaged citizen? One way to get involved is by serving on one of Indy’s 48 boards and commissions.
These groups advise city leaders on a wide range of issues, from land use and development to parks, historic preservation, housing, and transportation. Board members review proposals, offer recommendations, and help guide policies that affect day-to-day life in Indy.
Not ready to join a board or commission just yet? Bookmark the meeting schedule to participate in public hearings. If you want to dip your toes in even further, sign up as an Indy Documenter and get paid to attend meetings, take notes, and ask questions.
Can’t-miss spring celebrations to add to your calendar
Presented by 500 Festival, Inc.
Consider your May booked and busy. | Photos courtesy of 500 Festival
Spring in Indy hits a little differently. If you feel like you’ve been stuck in hibernation mode — we feel you.
Luckily, there are a number of ways to celebrate the new season this May. Consider this your sign to get back out there.
For nearly 70 years, the 500 Festival has kicked off May with can’t-miss events celebrating the energy of the iconic Indianapolis 500. From the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon to one of the largest parades in the country, there’s something for everyone in Circle City, whether you’re running, cheering, or just soaking it all in.
Mark your calendars for these can’t-miss events:
Wednesday, April 29 | 500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank
Saturday, May 2 | IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K
Saturday, May 9 | JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day and the 500 Festival Rookie Run, presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital
Saturday, May 16 | 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by CHA
Friday, May 22 | American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service
Saturday, May 23 | Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade
Join the celebration, experience the traditions, and see why “This Is May” in Indianapolis.
So long, 29-story hotel, condo, apartment, art museum, and office tower.
Rendering via City of Indianapolis
Development
The $249 million planned redevelopment of Old Indianapolis City Hall has been canceled by the city, citing delays and funding concerns. While we wait for updates on a new request-for-proposals process, here’s what could have been. (IBJ)
Sports
Amid a busy week of negotiations, the Fever signed a new hometown hero: Fishers’ own Tyasha “Ty” Harris. Learn more about her experience, plus review which other stars will return to our court — including one scoring the largest contract in team history. (WTHR)
Closing
The family behind Café Babette announced on Instagram Stories that the bakery’s last day will be Saturday, April 25 as they prepare to move abroad. But good news: The cafe is up for sale. Someone please bake it happen.(IBJ)
Concert
Reality awaits at Ruoff Music Center. The venue will host The Strokes on Wednesday, July 15. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 17 at 10 a.m. (WTHR)
Open
The library is open — for now. Central Library has reopened following the fracture + successful removal of a glass panel in the atrium. It will temporarily close again for roughly a week to install new glass, the dates for which are TBA.
Eat
Just one more battered bracket to wrap up: Central Indiana’s favorite fried chicken spot. The winner may surprise you. (IndyStar)
Shop
Nordstrom’s end of season saleis on. Save up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like Sanctuary’s top-rated The Perfect T-Shirt. Hurry — the sale ends tomorrow, April 15.*
The Buy
This No. 1 best-selling jelly tote bag that we’re low-key obsessed with for spring and summer. The tip-proof design keeps your tote upright, but it still folds flat to pack or store. It’s also waterproof, easy to clean, and carry-on approved — hello, beach vacay bag. Grab your favorite color (we like iridescent) and let the compliments pour in.
For those of us sporting a sunburn right now, I have good news: There are two free community pool days coming up next month on Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14. Kids 18 and under can learn water safety skills while parents relax poolside — no sunscreen required.