Indianapolis Culture & Arts

Culture vultures, never fear. Moving to Indianapolis offers a rich array of cultural events and the arts—from top-notch theaters and museums to popular art fairs to fun street and film festivals. In Indy, you’ll find it all!

Something for everyone

From trendsetters to the most refined patrons, Indianapolis holds artistic and cultural wonders for all:

• Tour the renowned Newfields (which includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art galleries) and its beautiful grounds.
• Lose yourself in the trendy galleries of the Mass Ave. Cultural District.
• Be a kid again—check out the world’s largest Children’s Museum or the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo.
• Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy a performance by the Indianapolis Symphony at Symphony on the Prairie.
• Every four years, be a part of the excitement at the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, “the ultimate violin contest,” which attracts young, talented musicians from all over the world.
• Vote for your favorite painting at Art vs. Art and hope that it doesn’t get destroyed in the ensuing face-off.
• Join in the book club discussion at the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library.

And so much more!

Music and theater

If music and theater are your thing:

• Get classical with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
• Sit back for a night of blues at the Slippery Noodle or the latest jazz sensations at The Jazz Kitchen.
• Put some drama in your life with diverse productions at Clowes Hall, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Murat Theatre, Indy Fringe Theatre and the Phoenix Theatre.
• Love opera? Satisfy your inner diva at the Indianapolis Opera.

Shall we dance?

• Head over to The Vogue in Broad Ripple for live acts and deejayed tunes.
• Try swing dancing at Fountain Square Theater.
• Put some sizzle in your step with Latin Expressions.
• Prefer to watch? Be sure to check out Dance Kaleidoscope’s contemporary dance performances.

Annual cultural festivities

As the seasons change, so does the variety of cultural events offered in Indianapolis:

• Prepare and dine on a 19th century dinner during one of Conner Prairie’s hearthside suppers weekends January through March.
• Wine connoisseur? Don’t miss the annual Indianapolis Wine Festival in September.
• Celebrate spring at the Broad Ripple Art Fair every May.
• In June, don your formal attire and mingle with the animals during Zoobilation.
• Each July, the Indiana Black Expo celebrates African-American culture with a variety of activities and events.
• Fiesta Indianapolis, Indiana’s premier Latino cultural event, draws crowds with colorful food, art and performances every September.
• For 10 days in October, be moved by the films of the Heartland Film Festival.
• Creativity, ideas and fun are the focus during November’s Spirit & Place festival.

This listing just scratches the surface. View a full line up of Indianapolis cultural and arts events at indyarts.org.

Indianapolis Cultural Districts

Want to see what’s unique about Indy and its cultural scene? Check out Indianapolis’ six designated Cultural Districts, which showcase distinct pockets of culture in the city. You’ll find delightful public art, unique galleries, inspiring museums, quaint shops and engaging recreation. Satisfy your appetite at eclectic restaurants, ethnic eateries and cafes. Laugh out loud or dance the night away at one of dozens of night clubs and theaters.

• Broad Ripple Village Cultural District
• Fountain Square Cultural District
• Indiana Avenue Cultural District
• Mass Ave Cultural District
• The Canal & White River State Park Cultural District
• Wholesale District Cultural District

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick brings it all together. The trail, a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path that connects neighborhoods, Cultural Districts and entertainment amenities, serves as the downtown hub for the entire central Indiana greenway system.

Completed in 2012, the trail features Indiana Pacers Bike Share stations all along its route, making it easy to explore. Downtown visitors can also easily access Broad Ripple Village via a connection to the Monon Trail.

Learn more about this vibrant part of the Indy cultural scene.

Next article: Dining & Nightlife in Indianapolis