A&E Preview: 130+ must-see exhibits, concerts and events for the 2025-26 season

AUGUST

Alison Krauss
Aug. 21
Everwise Amphitheatre at White River State Park
Illinois native Alison Krauss is on tour to promote “Arcadia,” the first album credited to Alison Krauss & Union Station since 2011’s “Paper Airplane.” Krauss, a 27-time Grammy Award winner, made her Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival debut in Brown County as a preteen in 1983.

Torchfire Film Festival
Aug. 21
The Historic Artcraft Theatre
Co-founded last year by siblings Dustin Brenton and J.D. Brenton, the Torchfire Film Festival selects winners in Indiana categories and open categories. This year’s Indiana feature-length winner is “Never Not Yours,” which was made in Brown County. Lafayette-based director Autumn Libengood made “Bleeding Heart,” the Indiana short film winner.

Second Century Soiree
Aug. 22
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
After 100 years of educating and entertaining visitors, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis looks ahead to a second century with this black-tie fundraiser. The museum was founded in 1925 in a carriage house behind the Propylaeum, 1410 N. Delaware St. In 1926, the museum opened to the public in Garfield Park. It moved to its present location at the intersection of 30th and Meridian streets in 1946.

“Shifting Canvas”
Aug. 22-23
Basile Opera Center
New work “Shifting Canvas” explores connections between contemporary dance and visual art. Amanda Browning, founder of Pulse Dance Theater, choreographed “Shifting Canvas,” which features contributions of visual art by Elaina Robins and Liz Hamstra. The show represents a collaboration of Pulse Dance Theater, Indy Movement Arts Collective, Indy Convergence and the Indianapolis Opera.

Chreece
Aug. 23
Fountain Square
Rappers Smino, Mavi and Audrey Nuna headline this year’s Chreece hip-hop festival. More than 70 artists, including Indiana’s 81355, Distinct and Keyze Arizona, are scheduled to perform on stages at Hi-Fi Annex, Hi-Fi, White Rabbit Cabaret, Square Cat Vinyl, Atomic Bowl, Wildfyre Tap and Fountain Square Plaza.

Signs of Life: The American Pink Floyd
Aug. 23
The Arena at Innovation Mile
Tribute band Signs of Life: The American Pink Floyd opens new Noblesville venue The Arena at Innovation Mile. Admission is free with a ticket reserved online. Concerts aren’t expected to be a main attraction at the 4,000-capacity venue, which will serve as the home of NBA G-League team the Noblesville Boom.

Hoosier Art Salon Exhibition
Aug. 23
Indiana State Museum
The 101st edition of this art show offers awards of more than $50,000 to artists, including $5,000 to a best-of-show winner. To be eligible for the Hoosier Art Salon Exhibition, artists must be Indiana residents for at least one year in their lives.

Let’s Fest
Aug. 28-31
Fountain Square
Stand-up comedian Ron Funches, known for his work on Apple+ series “Loot” and NBC sitcom “Undateable,” headlines Let’s Fest—an event founded in Fort Wayne in 2017. Scheduled at Fountain Square Theater, White Rabbit Cabaret and Indy String Theory, this year’s Let’s Fest also brings Joe Pera (star of “Joe Pera Talks with You”) to Indianapolis.

Butter
Aug. 28-31
The Stutz
The fifth annual Butter fine art fair showcases 50 artists, including 29 based in Indiana. The signature event for cultural firm GangGang welcomes first-time participants such as Houston’s Kaima Marie Akarue, London’s Sonia E Barrett and Southern California’s Jakia Monique March. In July, a pop-up version of Butter debuted in Los Angeles.

Dieselboy
Aug. 28
Mousetrap
Weekly theme night “Altered Thurzdaze” continues its 15th-anniversary celebration at the Mousetrap, 5565 N. Keystone Ave., with this special event starring Dieselboy, a prominent drum-and-bass DJ. Promotions company IndyMojo Presents has organized dance-themed “Altered Thurzdaze” since August 2010.

“Sign o’ the Times”
Aug. 28-31
Downtown Imax
“Sign o’ the Times,” a 1987 concert film starring Prince, receives a jumbo-screen showcase at the Imax theater inside the Indiana State Museum. Three smaller Imax-designated sites in Indianapolis—AMC Castleton Square, AMC Showplace Indianapolis 17 and AMC Showplace Traders Point 12—will present four days of screenings of “Sign o’ the Times.”

Dead Formats VHS Convention
Aug. 30
Black Circle Audio
This annual celebration of vintage videotapes (VHS and Beta), audio cassettes and collectibles focuses on horror, sci-fi, action and martial arts genres. Dead Formats’ guest of honor is Hugh Gallagher, who directed his “Gore” trilogy of shot-on-video films in the 1990s.

SEPTEMBER

“The Rocket Men”
Sept. 4-21
Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre
“The Rocket Men,” a play by Crystal Skillman, explores the story of German scientists who worked on NASA’s rocketry program after World War II. Featuring an all-women cast, the play will be presented at the Phoenix as part of a rolling world premiere that launches in Indianapolis before visiting other cities.

Quest for the West Art Show and Sale
Sept. 5-6
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Quest for the West, the Eiteljorg event that attracts art collectors from across the country, gives attendees the chance to purchase works in two luck-of-the-draw sales. Paintings and sculptures in the 20th annual Quest for the West depict Native American culture, landscapes, ranchers and wildlife.

“Beehive:The 1960s Musical”
Sept. 5-21
The Studio Theater
Actors Theatre of Indiana launches its season with this showcase of 40 hits popularized by Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Lesley Gore and other female stars of the 1960s. The Studio Theater is part of the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Grace Potter
Sept. 5
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater
Known for collaborating with Kenny Chesney on the singles “You and Tequila” and “Wild Child,” Grace Potter visits Fishers following the May release of “Medicine”—a “lost” album she recorded with producer T-Bone Burnett in 2008.

Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
Sept. 5-7
Conner Prairie
More than 40 hot-air balloons take flight at Conner Prairie. This festival is named in honor of John Wise and his balloon, Jupiter, that made the first U.S. Post Office airmail delivery from Lafayette to Crawfordsville in 1859.

Mike Epps’ Community Concert
Sept. 6
Washington Park
Known for telling jokes to arena-sized crowds and for starring in popular Netflix sitcom “The Upshaws,” Indianapolis native Mike Epps hosts a free community concert for the second consecutive year. Funk music icons Zapp and Bootsy Collins share a bill with R&B vocalist Carl Thomas.

Penrod Arts Fair
Sept. 6
Newfields
More than 300 artists display their work at this annual outdoor event billed as “Indiana’s Nicest Day.” Through its annual grant program, the Penrod Society awarded $300,000 to nearly 90 central Indiana organizations this year.

Artomobilia
Sept. 6
Carmel Arts & Design District
See classic Indiana cars made by Duesenberg, Auburn, Cord, Marmon and Stutz at Artomobilia, an event that showcases nearly 500 original and period-correct cars on the streets of Carmel.

“The Color Purple”
Sept. 6-7
Athenaeum
Indianapolis-based Urban Musical Theatre presents its version of “The Color Purple” at the Athenaeum before taking the show to Nashville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina, in November. “The Color Purple,” based on the novel by Alice Walker and a movie directed by Steven Spielberg, made its Broadway debut in 2005.

“Landmarks Off the Beaten Path”
Sept. 10
Indiana Landmarks Center
Evan Finch is an Indiana road tripper, advertising copywriter and guitarist in rock band the Lovemeknots. For “Landmarks Off the Beaten Path,” Finch will present an illustrated talk inspired by muffler men, myopic pink elephants and limestone cartoon prizefighters.

“Equivocation”
Sept. 11-21
Shelton Auditorium
This production by Southbank Theatre Company focuses on the aftermath of Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot of 1605. “Equivocation,” written by Bill Cain, initially was presented at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2009.

“A Jukebox for the Algonquin”
Sept. 11-21
Hedback Community Theater
This production by Epilogue Players explores themes of aging, identity and the search for meaning later in life. “A Jukebox for the Algonquin,” written by Paul Stroili, won 2023’s best new play award at the Michigan Wilde Awards.

“Wad”
Sept. 12-28
Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre
This production by American Lives Theatre in conjunction with the New Harmony Project features a pen-pal relationship between a death-row inmate and a young woman. Last year’s Indy PlayFest included “Wad,” written by Keiko Green, as a work in progress.

“Volume 1: Launch”
Sept. 12-14
Schrott Center for the Arts
Dance Kaleidoscope opens its season with “Volume 1: Launch.” The program includes “Cloudline,” by guest choreographer Robyn Mineko Williams, and “Quorum,” by rehearsal director Sean Aaron Carmon.

“Opera in the Park”
Sept. 13
MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park
Soprano Angela Brown and conductor Alfred Savia host this free event presented by the Indianapolis Opera. Attendees can participate in a picnic contest at the venue, where vocalists Rafael Porto and Cara Collins are part of the concert lineup.

Roger McGuinn
Sept. 13
The Tarkington
Roger McGuinn, who studied banjo and guitar as a teenager at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, shares stories and songs from a 60-year career. McGuinn is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer thanks to his work in the Byrds.

“The Paramount: Then and Now”
Sept. 13
Hilbert Circle Theatre
Ken Double, former organ player at Paramount Music Palace, serves as host for this presentation by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association and the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. From 1978 to 1995, Paramount Music Palace was a destination for Indianapolis fans of “Mighty Wurlitzer” pipe-organ tunes and pizza.

Momma
Sept. 15
Hi-Fi
Brooklyn-based band Momma, led by founding members Allegra Weingarten and Etta Friedman, makes a Fountain Square tour stop to promote 2025 album “Welcome to My Blue Sky.” Momma’s spring tour featured Indianapolis band Wishy as the supporting act.

Lucy Dacus
Sept. 16
Murat Theatre in Old National Centre
Lucy Dacus, otherwise known as one-third of indie supergroup Boygenius with Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker, headlines this “Rock to Read” benefit presented by radio station WTTS-FM 92.3. Dacus issued her fourth solo album, “Forever is a Feeling,” in March.

Mdou Moctar
Sept. 16
Hi-Fi Annex
Guitarist Mdou Moctar brings the sounds of the Saraha to Hi-Fi Annex, a venue that’s scheduled to close after the outdoor concert season. In 2026, concert company MOKB Presents plans to open a new venue inside the Murphy
Arts Building.

Gunhild Carling
Sept. 17
The Cabaret
This Indy Jazz Fest concert stars Gunhild Carling, who’s known as Sweden’s “Queen of Swing.” Carling’s old-school presentation frequently includes her playing trombone, trumpet, harmonica, harp and bagpipes.

Outlaw Music Festival
Sept. 18
Ruoff Music Center
American music icons Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan grace the stage at Ruoff Music Center once again. Nelson and Dylan made their debuts at the venue, originally known as Deer Creek Music Center, during separate shows in 1989—the venue’s first summer.

“The Mountaintop”
Sept. 18-28
The District Theatre
This production by the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company revisits Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night in Memphis, Tennessee, before his assassination on April 4, 1968. “The Mountaintop,” written by Katori Hall, features Daniel A. Martin in the role of King.

“Legacy in Motion”
Sept. 19-21
Tobias Theater at Newfields
The Indianapolis Ballet pays tribute to George Balanchine (1904-1983), co-founder of the New York City Ballet, by performing two of his signature works: “The Four Temperaments” and “Concerto Barocco.” Victoria Lyras, founding artistic director of the Indianapolis Ballet, studied at the School of American Ballet—an academy co-founded
by Balanchine.

Cinema Scares Rock ’n’ Roll Ball
Sept. 19
Fountain Square Brew Co.
Presented by film festival Cinema Scares, this event showcases Indianapolis bands Cairo Jag, Wet Denim and Bingo Boys. The horror-themed film festival is scheduled for Sept. 26-28 at Shelbyville’s Strand Theatre and Skyline Drive-In.

Indy Jazz Fest Grand Finale
Sept. 20
Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Seven-time Grammy Award winner Terence Blanchard, keyboard player Brian Culbertson, guitarist Judith Hill and vocalist Nicole Henry highlight the grand finale of this year’s Indy Jazz Fest. The festival, which opens Sept. 9, uses four venues: Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, the Jazz Kitchen, Schrott Center for the Arts and the Cabaret.

The Center Celebration
Sept. 20
Payne & Mencias Palladium
Boasting a new title sponsorship thanks to support from Eric and Leah Payne and Ron and Suzanne Mencias, Carmel’s Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts hosts 1980s hitmaker Richard Marx for the venue’s black-tie fundraiser.

Art Squared
Sept. 20
Fountain Square
The 12th edition of Art Squared combines an art fair, block party and the Masterpiece in a Day competition. Masterpiece in a Day, a concept launched in the 1990s in downtown Indianapolis, invites anyone to create artwork in Fountain Square on Sept. 20.

Sara Caswell Quartet
Sept. 20
Madam Walker Legacy Center
Bloomington native and Indiana University graduate Sara Caswell leads her quartet in this free community concert presented by the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. Caswell earned a Grammy nomination in the category of best improvised jazz solo in 2018.

The Elms
Sept. 20-21
Hi-Fi
This two-night event serves as a 25th-anniversary celebration for Indiana rock band the Elms. Formed in Seymour in 2000, the Elms issued a 2006 album, “The Chess Hotel,” on major label Universal Records South and performed as part of the 2008 edition of Farm Aid.

Stella Cole
Sept. 21
The Cabaret
Illinois native Stella Cole revives the Great American Songbook at the Cabaret. In 2023, Cole toured the United States, Australia and New Zealand as a featured vocalist in Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Her third album, “It’s Magic,” is scheduled for release on Aug. 22.

Inhaler
Sept. 24
Hi-Fi Annex
Irish quartet Inhaler brings its brand of guitar rock to Fountain Square. Featuring vocalist Eli Hewson (son of U2’s Bono), Inhaler is on tour to promote 2025 album “Open Wide.”

I Love the ’90s Tour
Sept. 26
The Arena at Innovation Mile
Vanilla Ice, Color Me Badd, Young MC and Rob Base make up the first lineup of original hitmakers to play new Noblesville venue The Arena at Innovation Mile (following a free show in August headlined by a Pink Floyd tribute act).

Harvest Nights
Sept. 27 to Nov. 2
Newfields
The sixth edition of Harvest Nights blends the agrarian bounty of autumn with the arrival of spooky season. Look for tens of thousands of pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns to take over the Newfields campus.

Circle City Classic Parade
Sept. 27
Downtown
Before Miles College and Morgan State University square off in the Circle City Classic football game, the event’s parade energizes the streets of downtown. The annual showcase for historically Black colleges and universities debuted in 1984.

Gathering of Writers
Sept. 27
Indiana State Library
Ashley C. Ford, author of best-selling memoir “Somebody’s Daughter,” delivers the keynote address at this annual conference presented by the Indiana Writers Center and the Indiana Center for the Book. The roster of authors leading sessions includes Barbara Shoup, Sarah Layden, Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Agata Izabela Brewer.

Midwest Fear Fest
Sept. 27
Kan-Kan Cinema
The second edition of this film festival focuses on short films in the horror, thriller and sci-fi genres. Midwest Fear Fest, founded by Indiana-based filmmaker Victoria Harris, featured titles such as “Wellness Check” and “Dark Roads” in 2024.

Durand Jones & the Indications
Sept. 30
Hi-Fi Annex
Formed on Indiana University’s Bloomington campus in 2012, Durand Jones & the Indications return to Indiana for this show to promote the band’s current album, “Flowers.” In March, Durand Jones & the Indications played six shows in Europe as the supporting act for Lenny Kravitz.

OCTOBER

Catherine Lacey
Oct. 1
Shelton Auditorium
Author Catherine Lacey visits Butler University to talk about her critically acclaimed works “The Möbius Book” (2025) and “Biography of X” (2023). Lacey’s awards and honors include the Whiting Award for Fiction and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Jim Gaffigan
Oct. 2-5
Clowes Memorial Hall

Jim Gaffigan, who grew up in Chesterton and attended Purdue University, returns to his home state for four nights of stand-up comedy. Gaffigan has a role in upcoming film “Maintenance Required,” which stars fellow Indiana native Katy O’Brian.

Headless Horseman Festival
Oct. 2-26
Conner Prairie
Corn mazes, hayrides, midway games and live music are fixtures of this Conner Prairie attraction inspired by Washington Irving’s 1820 short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Attendees can check out performances of fire art and learn folklore surrounding a true-life Indiana circus train accident of 1918.

Lainey Wilson
Oct. 3
Ruoff Music Center
Lainey Wilson, who collected entertainer of the year awards from the Country Music Association in 2023 and the Academy of Country Music in 2024, headlines Ruoff Music Center for the first time.

“Something Rotten”
Oct. 3-18
The Tarkington
This production by Civic Theatre finds the funny among fictitious playwrights working in the shadow of William Shakespeare in the 16th century. “Something Rotten,” created by John O’Farrell, Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick, debuted on Broadway in 2015.

ISO Gala
Oct. 4
Hilbert Circle Theatre
Grammy Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich makes a guest appearance with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as the state’s largest performing arts organization presents its annual gala. Hadelich will perform “Violin Concerto” by Johannes Brahms.

GermanFest
Oct. 4
Athenaeum
GermanFest attendees can catch live music performances, sample varieties of German beer and select their favorite four-legged competitors in dachshund races. This annual event at the 130-year-old Athenaeum debuted in 2009.

Drew Powell
Oct. 4
Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael
Actor and Indiana native Drew Powell tells stories and sings during this event moderated by “Bob & Tom Show” host Tom Griswold. Powell’s acting resume includes roles in Fox series “Gotham,” HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and HBO Max’s “The Pitt.”

The Beaches
Oct. 4
Egyptian Room in Old National Centre
This Toronto-based band visits Indianapolis as part of a tour to promote “No Hard Feelings,” an album scheduled for release on Aug. 29. The Beaches reached No. 1 on Canada’s modern rock singles chart with 2025 song “Last Girls at the Party.”

Adam Sandler
Oct. 6
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Adam Sandler is generating Academy Award buzz for his role in upcoming film “Jay Kelly,” in which he portrays the manager of a famous actor played by George Clooney. In Indianapolis, Sandler will present his stand-up comedy show titled “You’re My Best Friend.”

Eric Church
Oct. 9
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Country music star Eric Church showcases songs from this year’s “Evangeline vs. The Machine” album at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Church has described the recording as an examination of creativity (represented by Evangeline) and the grind of modern life (billed as “the machine”). The Marcus King Band appears as the concert’s supporting act.

Heartland International Film Festival
Oct. 9-19
Multiple venues
In recent years, the Heartland International Film Festival bolstered its reputation for showcasing movies before they became award-season darlings. “A Real Pain,” “The Holdovers,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” “King Richard” and “Parasite” all played Heartland.

Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest
Oct. 10-11
Harrison Center
Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest expands to two days following 2024’s single-day debut. Presented by Indiana Humanities and co-founded by poets Chantel Massey and Mitchell L.H. Douglas, Proof offers author readings, workshops, a book fair with local vendors and an open mic for spoken-word artists.

“Decades: 175 Years of American Music”
Oct. 10-26
McGowan Hall
Cabaret revue “Decades,” created by Indianapolis theater icon Claude McNeal, made its New York City debut in 1974. Claude McNeal Productions, founded by the Maine native and Yale University alum, presents the latest edition of “Decades” at Old Northside venue McGowan Hall.

Tracie Thoms
Oct. 10-11
The Cabaret
Before she appears in 2026 film “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” Tracie Thoms makes her debut at the Cabaret, 924 N. Pennsylvania St. The singer and actress, known for her work in 2005’s film adaptation of “Rent,” is expected to perform hits popularized by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and other artists.

“Egypt: Footsteps in the Past”
Oct. 11
Pike Performing Arts Center
Iibada Dance Company, which offers classes for ages 3 to 18, presents “Egypt: Footsteps in the Past.” Founded in 1989 by Sabra Logan, Iibada takes its name from Swahili language. Translated to English, “iibada” means worship.

“Spooky Stories”
Oct. 11
Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre
This Storytelling Arts of Indiana event helps usher in Halloween vibes with six to eight storytellers taking the stage.

Bonnie “Prince” Billy
Oct. 12
Tube Factory
Folk musician Bonnie “Prince” Billy, who’s toured as a supporting act for Bjork and performed at Chicago’s Millennium Park, headlines the closing date of this year’s Levitt VIBE Indianapolis Music Series organized by Big Car Collective. Admission is free.

Elvis Costello
Oct. 12
Murat Theatre in Old National Centre
On his current tour, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Elvis Costello focuses on songs from the early stages of his career. Costello made his Indianapolis debut with a 1978 show at Hilbert Circle Theatre—known at the time simply as the Circle Theatre.

Indigenous People’s Day
Oct. 13
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
The Eiteljorg invites the public to a free commemoration of the histories, cultures and contributions of Native Americans. South Dakota became the first state to officially celebrate an Indigenous People’s Day in 1990. The city of Indianapolis observes Indigenous People’s Day on the second Monday in October and not Columbus Day—which became a federal holiday in 1971.

Craig Finn
Oct. 13
Turntable
Taking a break from leading rock band the Hold Steady, Craig Finn visits Broad Ripple’s Turntable venue to showcase songs from “Always Been”—a 2025 solo album featuring the War on Drugs vocalist-guitarist Adam Granduciel in the role
of producer.

“Uncharted: Beethoven X Beyoncé”
Oct. 15
Hilbert Circle Theatre
Conductor Steve Hackman returns to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to pair “Queen B” with a king of classical composers. Hackman’s “Uncharted” series fuses modern hitmakers such as Beyoncé with historic icons such as Beethoven. His experiments initially gained attention when he unveiled “Brahms v. Radiohead” in 2013.

“Tootsie”
Oct. 16 to Nov. 23
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
This production by Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre draws inspiration from 1982 film “Tootsie,” directed by Indiana native Sydney Pollack. The “Tootsie” musical made its Broadway debut in 2019.

“American Mariachi”
Oct. 17-19, 24-26
The District Theatre

“This is Halloween”
Oct. 17-31
Murat Shrine Center
This production by Downtown Dinner & Theatre revisits popular songs associated with Halloween, including “I Put a Spell on You” and “Move Toward the Darkness” (from “The Addams Family” musical). Downtown Dinner & Theatre presented its first show in May.

“Ben-Hur”
Oct. 18
Schrott Center for the Arts
The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra performs the score to accompany a 100th-anniversary screening of silent film “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.” Based on a novel written by Indiana native Lew Wallace, “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ” was made for $3.9 million—making it the most expensive film of the silent era.

“Considering Matthew Shepard”
Oct. 18
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir presents an oratorio written in response to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student beaten by two men. Carmel’s St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church will host this performance of “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a work by Texas-based composer Craig Hella Johnson that premiered in 2016.

Brandy & Monica
Oct. 19
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
R&B singers Brandy and Monica celebrate the legacy of “The Boy is Mine,” their 1998 chart-topping duet, with an arena tour that includes an Indianapolis date. The song spent 13 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard magazine’s Hot 100 chart and earned a Grammy Award in the category of best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals.

Rosamunde String Quartet
Oct. 21
Indiana Landmarks Center
Indianapolis native Nathan Vickery is one-fourth of all-star ensemble Rosamunde String Quartet. Vickery, who studied with Indiana University’s Summer String Academy from the age of 12 to 18, now plays cello in the New York Philharmonic. The Ensemble Music Society and International Violin Competition of Indianapolis present this performance by Rosamunde String Quartet, which includes violinists Noah Bendix-Balgley and Shanshan Yao as well as viola player Teng Li.

Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts
Oct. 22 to Nov. 12
JCC Indianapolis
The annual Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts brings together authors, filmmakers, performing artists and fine artists for a three-week cultural arts event. Past featured guests include B.J. Novak (cast member of “The Office”) in 2024, Alan Zweibel (member of the original “Saturday Night Live” writing staff) in 2019 and Delia Ephron (co-screenwriter of “You’ve Got Mail”) in 2012.

Eric Johnson
Oct. 22
Hendricks Live!
Texas native Eric Johnson showcases his esteemed guitar skills at Plainfield venue Hendricks Live! In the 1990s, Johnson toured with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai in a trio billed as G3.

Taylor Tomlinson
Oct. 23-24
Clowes Memorial Hall
Stand-up comedian Taylor Tomlinson headlines three shows in two days at Clowes Hall. Tomlinson, who served as host of CBS late-night show “After Midnight” from January 2024 through June 2025, surveys fans via text messages for a “Crowd Confessions” segment at each show of her “Save Me” tour.

Indiana Conference for Women
Oct. 23
JW Marriott
The roster of keynote speakers includes former “Today” co-anchor Hoda Kotb, former “Good Morning America” weekend co-anchor Dan Harris and fashion designer Tina Knowles at the Indiana Conference for Women, a gathering for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Nimesh Patel
Oct. 23-25
Helium Comedy Club
Former “Saturday Night Live” writer Nimesh Patel brings his razor-sharp observations to Helium Comedy Club. Patel, co-host of the “Gucci Turban Podcast,” is spending the fall working on material for an upcoming Netflix comedy special.

“Young Frankenstein”
Oct. 24 to Nov. 9
The Studio Theater
This production by Actors Theatre of Indiana combines elements of horror, sci-fi, comedy and music. Mary Shelley’s 19th-century novel “Frankenstein” is the source material responsible for the horror and sci-fi. Mel Brooks added comedy with 1974 film “Young Frankenstein” and then songs with 2007’s Broadway adaptation of the movie.

“The Casket Girls”
Oct. 24-25
The Tarkington
This production by Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is billed as a “modern gothic vampire ballet.” The story originated in New Orleans and spans two centuries of romance, intrigue and murder.

Steve Martin & Martin Short
Oct. 25
Murat Theatre in Old National Centre
Comedy greats Steve Martin and Martin Short present two shows, one at 4 p.m. and one at 8 p.m., at the historic Murat Theatre. The duo initially performed together at the venue in 2015, or six years before the arrival of their Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building.”

Irvington Halloween Street Fair
Oct. 25
Irvington
More than 60,000 Halloween enthusiasts routinely attend this event’s parade, costume contest and battle of the bands. Founded in 1870, Irvington is named after “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” author Washington Irving. The neighborhood hosted its first Halloween festival in 1927, and the event’s modern version debuted in 1946.

Otis Gibbs
Oct. 25
Hi-Fi
Singer-songwriter Otis Gibbs, who grew up in the Wanamaker community of Franklin Township, performs songs from his latest album, “The Trust of Crows.” Gibbs recorded the album in Nashville at the former Studio A of Columbia Records, where Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn also made recordings.

“Marie and Rosetta”
Oct. 28 to Nov. 23
Indiana Repertory Theatre
The 1940s artistic collaboration between Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as the “godmother of rock ’n’ roll,” and vocalist Marie Knight inspired this story by playwright George Brant. “Marie and Rosetta” debuted off-Broadway in 2016. Meanwhile, Lizzo is scheduled to portray Tharpe in an upcoming Hollywood biopic.

NOVEMBER

Safiya Sinclair
Nov. 5
Shelton Auditorium
Author Safiya Sinclair visits Butler University to talk about her critically acclaimed memoir “How to Say Babylon” (2023). Sinclair’s awards and honors include the National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography and the Whiting Award for poetry.

Spirit & Place Festival
Nov. 6-16
Multiple venues
“Nature” serves as the theme for this year’s Spirit & Place Festival, which has examined connections between the arts, humanities and religion since 1996. Most Spirit & Place events begin as ideas pitched by organizations and individuals.

Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival
Nov. 7-16
Kan-Kan Cinema
This annual festival, which raises funds for Indiana Youth Group, debuted in 2001. Movies such as “The World According to Allee Willis,” “Studio 54” and “I Am Divine” have been showcased as part of the Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival.

OnyxFest
Nov. 7-9, 14-16
Multiple venues
OnyxFest, the state’s first theater festival dedicated to the work of Black playwrights, showcases five new plays: “The Sassy Seniors,” by Ebony Chappel; “Antinika,” by McKenya Dilworth Smith; “The Dormant Spring,” by Junie Edwards; “The Hands of Banneker,” by Malique Guinn; and “Paint! Dance! Espresso! Repeat!” by Brandi Metzger. Onyxfest is presented by the Africana Repertory Theatre of Indiana University Indianapolis, IF Theatre and Herron School of Art & Design at Indiana University Indianapolis.

Percussive Arts Society International Convention
Nov. 12-15
Indiana Convention Center
Outdoor performance art piece “Inuksuit” and a concert headlined by New Orleans-based band Galactic highlight the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention, or PASIC. The event is billed as the world’s largest gathering exclusively focused on all forms of percussion, from bass drums to xylophones.

“Clue”
Nov. 12
Clowes Memorial Hall
This screening of 1985 comedic whodunit “Clue” features an in-person appearance by Lesley Ann Warren, who portrayed Miss Scarlet in the film. The “Clue” movie was inspired by the Clue board game, which debuted in 1949.

Bands of America championships
Nov. 13-15
Lucas Oil Stadium
Music for All’s Bands of America grand national championships can be described as the Super Bowl for high school marching bands. Avon High School is the event’s two-time defending champion. Avon also took top honors in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Samara Joy
Nov. 14
Payne & Mencias Palladium
Five-time Grammy Award winner Samara Joy headlines Carmel’s Payne & Mencias Palladium and showcases songs from her 2024 album, “Portrait.” The 25-year-old jazz singer performed this summer at Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival, the Netherlands’ North Sea Jazz Festival and London’s Royal Albert Hall.

“Rigoletto”
Nov. 14-15
The Tarkington
Mark Rucker, an acclaimed baritone who sang with Luciano Pavarotti in a 1986 production of “Un Ballo in Maschera,” leads the cast of this Indianapolis Opera production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” Chicago native Rucker made his Indianapolis Opera debut in 1987, when the company staged “Rigoletto.”

Guenther Steiner
Nov. 14
Clowes Memorial Hall
Before a Cadillac team based in Fishers joins the F1 racing series in 2026, Netflix “Drive to Survive” star Guenther Steiner shares stories from his career as an F1 engineer, team manager and TV analyst in this onstage conversation titled “Unfiltered Live.” This summer, Steiner made a cameo appearance in the “F1” film starring Brad Pitt.

Tom Chapin
Nov. 15
Unitarian Universalist Church
Indy Folk Series presents three-time Grammy Award winner Tom Chapin, who issued his first album in 1976. Chapin played folk songs and worked as a camera operator in 1971 documentary “Blue Water, White Death”—a film that influenced fictional works “Jaws” and “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.”

John Legend
Nov. 16
Fishers Event Center
R&B singer John Legend brought his “Get Lifted” tour to Old National Centre in November 2005. Two decades later, Legend celebrates the legacy of his debut album by visiting Fishers Event Center for a stop on his “Get Lifted: 20th Anniversary Tour.”

Tonic Ball
Nov. 21
Multiple venues
This year’s Tonic Ball fundraiser for Second Helpings features Indiana musicians covering songs popularized by Marvin Gaye, Green Day, the B-52s and Britney Spears. Five Fountain Square venues will host the performances.

Bert Kreischer
Nov. 22
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Stand-up comedian Bert Kreischer stays on brand with the title of his current tour, “Permission to Party.” Back in 1997, Rolling Stone magazine crowned Kreischer—then a sixth-year student at Florida State University—as party king at the No. 1 party school in the United States.

Jerry Seinfeld
Nov. 22
Murat Theatre in Old National Centre
Indianapolis is one of 17 cities on Jerry Seinfeld’s current stand-up comedy tour. In 2024, Seinfeld directed and starred in the film “Unfrosted,” and he helped Larry David wrap up 12 seasons of HBO sitcom “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

Sharon Isbin
Nov. 22
Schrott Center for the Arts
Classical guitarist Sharon Isbin performs with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra on Butler University’s campus. The evening’s centerpiece will be Isbin’s performance of “Miami Concerto,” a new work by composer Karen LeFrak.

DECEMBER

David Foster & Katharine McPhee
Dec. 2
Payne & Mencias Palladium
Songwriter-producer David Foster and singer-actress Katharine McPhee, husband and wife since 2019, perform holiday songs in Carmel. In 2023, Foster and McPhee issued an album titled “Christmas Songs,” featuring a rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” with guest trumpet player and Indiana University alum Chris Botti.

Amy Grant, Cece Winans and Michael W. Smith
Dec. 4
Fishers Event Center
Amy Grant, Cece Winans and Michael W. Smith, each a member of the Gospel Hall of Fame, unite for a tour titled “Christmas Together.” Among five Christmas albums in Grant’s discography, her 1992 release “Home for Christmas” sold more than 2.5 million copies.

Tiny XIV reception
Dec. 5
Gallery 924
The annual “Tiny” exhibition presented by Indy Arts Council at Gallery 924 features artwork no larger than 6 inches by 6 inches. More than 100 central Indiana artists contribute original pieces that are available for purchase.

Chris Isaak
Dec. 13
Payne & Mencias Palladium
Chris Isaak, a good-natured star of retro rock, reliably includes Christmas songs when he performs in December. When Isaak headlined Brown County Music Center during the final month of 2019, his holiday repertoire ranged from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Pretty Paper” to “Mele Kalikimaka” and “Christmas on TV.”

The Lemonheads
Dec. 18
Hi-Fi
The Lemonheads, a Boston-based rock band that broke through to mainstream success in the 1990s, bring their comeback journey to Fountain Square. Bloomington native John Strohm co-wrote a song scheduled to appear on upcoming album “Love Chant,” the first Lemonheads collection of original songs since 2006.

Straight No Chaser
Dec. 19-21
Murat Theatre in Old National Centre
Straight No Chaser, the vocal group founded on the campus of Indiana University, remains a hot ticket when temperatures drop. Four Straight No Chaser shows are scheduled at Old National Centre across three days in December.

JANUARY

“Heathers, the Musical”
Jan. 16-25
Hedback Community Theater
This production by Footlite Musicals revisits the teenage angst depicted in “Heathers,” a 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. The musical adaptation of “Heathers” made its off-Broadway debut in 2014.

“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”
Jan. 27 to Feb. 22
Indiana Repertory Theatre
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” becomes the sixth play of August Wilson’s “Century Cycle” to be staged by the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Of Wilson’s 10 stories mostly set in Pittsburgh during the respective decades of the 20th century, the IRT produced “Gem of the Ocean” (set in the 1900s) in 2007, “The Piano Lesson” (1930s) in 2008, “Fences” (1950s) in 1996 and 2016, “Jitney” (1970s) in 2004, and “Radio Golf” (1990s) in 2012. “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is set in 1911.

Mihaela Martin with Chih-Yi Chen
Jan. 27
Indiana History Center
Mihaela Martin, the first gold medalist in International Violin Competition of Indianapolis history, returns to Indianapolis for a performance in tandem with pianist Chih-Yi Chen. Romanian violinist Martin took top honors in 1982, when the IVCI handed out its inaugural prizes at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

FEBRUARY

Michelle Cann with Indianapolis Youth Orchestra
Feb. 1
Payne & Mencias Palladium
In 2024, Michelle Cann became the first Christel DeHaan Artistic Partner of the Indianapolis-based American Piano Awards. This performance will feature Cann’s piano interpretations of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Florence Price’s “Piano Concerto.”

“Ado”
Feb. 12 to March 1
Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre
This production by Indianapolis Shakespeare Company focuses on the character Hero, who is treated poorly in Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” Hero, daughter of Leonato, is reconsidered in this world premiere by playwright Lavina Jadhwani.

MARCH

“Chanson Française”
March 7
The Studio Theater
The Indiana Wind Symphony, featuring instruments ranging from flute to tuba, focuses on work by Charles Gounod and other French composers in this concert.

“Jubilate Deo”
March 8
Hilbert Circle Theatre
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir celebrates its 40th anniversary by revisiting “Jubilate Deo,” a piece composed by New York native Dan Forrest for the choir’s 30th anniversary in 2016. “Jubilate Deo”
features singing in Latin, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Zulu, Spanish and English across
seven movements.

“The Hispanic/Latino/Latinx/Latine Vote”
March 12-29
Fonseca Theatre Company
This play, based on the pitfalls of stereotyping millions of people from diverse backgrounds, is part of a rolling world premiere facilitated by the National New Play Network. Written by Bernardo Cubría, “The Hispanic/Latino/Latinx/Latine Vote” will be presented by the Fonseca Theatre Company after stops in Texas, Oregon and California.

“The Scarlet Letter”
March 13-28
The Studio Theater
This production by Civic Theatre represents a reimagining of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 novel. Playwright Kate Hamill crafted this stage adaptation, which premiered at a New Jersey theater in 2024. Previous works inspired by “The Scarlet Letter” include a 1995 film starring Demi Moore and a 2010 film (titled “Easy A”) starring Emma Stone.

“Phenomenal Queen: Coretta Scott King”
March 13-14
Hilbert Circle Theatre
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to civil rights activist Coretta Scott King with a world premiere by composer James Lee III.
Soprano Angela Brown will sing, and Anthony Parnther—music director and conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra and the Southeast Symphony and Chorus in Los Angeles—will serve as guest conductor.

“The Wiz”
March 17-22
Clowes Memorial Hall
“The Wiz” musical eases its way to Indianapolis as part of a tour that followed a 2024 Broadway revival of the mid-1970s phenomenon. After “The Wiz” collected seven Tony Awards in 1975, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson starred in a 1978 film adaptation.

“Nordic Nights”
March 21
Payne & Mencias Palladium
This performance by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra features works by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). Kelly Kuo, music director of the Reno Chamber Orchestra, will serve as
guest conductor.

APRIL

March Madness Music Festival
April 3-5
To be announced
Three free concerts accompany the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball Final Four. Although venues and performers have yet to be announced, the March Madness Music Festival is known for presenting big names. When Indianapolis hosted the 2015 Final Four, the lineup of free concerts included performances by Rihanna, Weezer and Kacey Musgraves.

“Come From Away”
April 7 to May 10
Indiana Repertory Theatre
This Indiana Repertory Theatre production is billed as the regional premiere of “Come From Away.” The musical by Irene Sankoff and David Hein won a Tony Award (for direction) and three Drama Desk Awards (including best musical) in 2017. The story was inspired by the true stories of 7,000 airline passengers who were stranded in Newfoundland following the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Mandy Patinkin
April 9
Payne & Mencias Palladium
Actor-singer Mandy Patinkin presents “Being Alive,” an
evening of music that borrows its title from a Stephen Sondheim composition. Chicago native Patinkin starred as a disgraced private investigator in 2024 Hulu series “Death and Other Details.”

Chris Thile
April 10
Payne & Mencias Palladium
Four-time Grammy Award winner Chris Thile showcases his mandolin skills in Carmel. Thile’s most recent studio recording, a Nickel Creek album titled “Celebrants,” was released in 2023.

Michael Davidman
April 23
Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center
New York City native Michael Davidman, winner of 2025’s American Piano Awards competition for classical artists, returns to Indianapolis. This concert presented by the American Piano Awards pairs Davidman with members of the University of Indianapolis music faculty.

“Freedom Reimagined”
April 24-26
Flanner House
This Naptown African American Theatre Collective production offers three staged readings by local playwrights. Admission is free.

“The Golden Record”
April 24, 26
Hendricks Live!
This performance by the Hendricks Symphony Orchestra features music included on the “Voyager Golden Record,” a compilation of music sent into space with two Voyager interstellar probes in 1977. Compositions by Mozart, Bach and Stravinsky were selected for the phonograph records plated in gold.

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