Priority list: Million-dollar light fest, ‘Rent’ stars, more

Summer may be winding down, but not its arts offerings.

Here are some choice choices for the week.

IN Light IN

Don’t let it rain. Don’t let it rain. Don’t let it rain. You can almost hear the chanting from the offices of the Indianapolis Foundation as it does the final planning for this potentially jaw-dropping collection of works that will brighten the night along the canal from Bugg’s Temple to the Indiana History Center. The free festival, staged in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis Foundation, runs from 8:52 to 1:02 each night and, yes, you can rent paddle boats to experience it by water. Canal restaurants, supplemented by food trucks, provide the dining options.  Aug. 26-27 Downtown Canal Details

Adam Pascal/Anthony Rapp

The duo that burst on the Broadway scene as the original cast stars of “Rent” team up again for a cabaret concert. While I can’t imagine them leaving the stage without having sung “Seasons of Love,” their concert appearances recently have included their original songs, covers (“Losing My Religion”), and rock-tinged songs from other shows. Here’s hoping we hear a bit of Pascal’s work from “Aida.” Aug. 26 Cabaret at the Columbia Club Details

Street of Dreams Music Festival

House band Native Son and DJ Mr. Kinetik anchor an evening of music, food and fun in the parking lot of the Madame Walker Theatre. Artwork will be displayed–and created live–on site. Bring some extra bucks to purchase handmade goods at this event, described as a “thank you to the community.” Aug. 26  Madame Walker Theatre Details

Also this week

On Aug. 27, the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s first Day of Flight program looks at bees, butterflies, native plants, and more.

Chicago plays Hoosier Park Aug. 27.

Rachel Platten closes the season at the Lawn at White River State Park Aug. 28.

The Dixie Chicks, Aug. 25, and Hank WIlliams, Jr., Aug. 26, take turns at Klipsch Music Centre.