There’s no better place to be in May than Indianapolis. From the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” to sound bath meditations at westside’s Belmont Beach to the groundbreaking I Made Rock ‘n’ Roll festival, Indy’s May calendar is jam-packed.
May 1-5 | May 6-12 | May 13-19 | May 20-26 | May 27-31
May 1-5
Monument Circle Historic Walking Tour
6-7 p.m., May 1, 125 Monument Circle, $10
Join Indiana Landmarks for this half-mile walking tour to learn about the city’s history, architecture and art, and how the historic district has helped define the city.
“TINA – The Tina Turner Musical”
May 1-5, Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., prices vary
Playwright Katori Hall’s musical follows the life, career and hit songs of rock icon Tina Turner. The show, recommended for audiences ages 14 and above, details the 12-time Grammy winner breaking barriers in her professional and personal life.
Visions of Softness: Embracing Queer Domesticity by Warner Ball
Through May 25, Indy Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., free
Michigan-born multimedia artist Warner Ball’s work centers queerness and domesticity through symbols like doilies and vases, juxtaposed with harnesses and Truvada pills. His works will be on display in the Allen W. Clowes Gallery through May 25.
“Platanos y Collard Greens”
May 2-4, District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave., $25
In “Platanos y Collard Greens,” an African American man and a Latina woman fall in love, and discuss cultural differences and family dynamics.
It’s the first production of the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company, and it opens at the District Theatre at 7:30 p.m. May 2.
Seniors and students can get $18 discounted tickets. After the final show on May 4, audience members can stick around to discuss the play’s themes and what can be done to address cultural tensions in our own communities.
Artist Industry Night: Welcome Race Fans Edition
6 to 8 p.m. May 2, Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St., free
Five local artists will help kick off Indy 500 celebrations by unveiling their Welcome Race Fans artworks. The artists — Anna Afshar, Lindsey Lord, Miracle Hall, Jaylei Marie Osting and Carlos Sosa Pagán — will have their works displayed throughout the city, but will make a pit stop at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. This project is a collaboration between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Arts Council.
Art Saves Lives First Friday Showcase
6-9 p.m. May 3, The Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., Free
For Mental Health Awareness Month, the Athenaeum Foundation and the Indiana chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention present an artist showcase that explores mental health, suicide prevention and survival. The gallery will include 2D, 3D and performance art.
First Friday with Alley Cat Ceramics
6-9 p.m. May 3, Alley Cat Ceramics, 2209 E. Michigan St., free
To celebrate First Friday, Alley Cat Ceramics is bringing in food from The Handshake — an endeavor from local artist and foodie Dominic Senibaldi — floral arrangements from Fridas Flowers and massage therapy from Auradelic. Visitors can also check out the expansion of Alley Cat’s private members studios, try clay activities and buy pottery from Alley Cat members.
Comic Book Day
10 a.m.-10 p.m. May 4, Hero House Comics, 1112 E. Prospect St., free
April has Record Store Day and Independent Bookstore Day, but May 4 is the day for comic book lovers to support their favorite comic book spots. To celebrate, Hero House Comics will have deals, cosplayers, contests, and special guests, and will be selling $5 “comics by the pound.” The shop will also have freebies and mystery raffle items awarded at 5 p.m. May the Fourth be with you!
Indy Taco Fest
Noon, May 5, 3585 Commercial Drive, free
Fans of Mexican cuisine are in luck! Indy Taco Fest will bring over 20 food vendors from around the city to serve up tacos, tamales and more. The festival is located next to the Indiana Discount Mall, which houses over 100 stores.
May 6-12
Dine to Donate for Mirror Indy
May 6-12, Cluster Truck + Mirror Indy promotion
Two things you love: Local journalism + delicious food. When you order May 6-12 and use the code “MIRROR-24,” Cluster Truck will donate 20% of all proceeds to our newsroom so we can continue sharing the real, full and multi-faceted story of our city. Place your order here or through the app.
“Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives”
May 5-6 and May 8, Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie, 1258 Windsor St., $12
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with special screenings of director Aphichatpong Weerasethakul’s “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.” The film follows the story of Boonmee, a man who is dying of kidney disease. He spends his last days with his family on a farm in northern Thailand, including the ghost of his wife and a forest spirit who used to be his son.
Indiana Primary Election Day
6 a.m.-6 p.m., May 7, polling locations vary
Vote for democracy by casting your ballot in the 2024 primary election. Among the candidates – who are vying for a spot in the Nov. 5 general election – are those running for governor, the Indiana State Senate, Indiana House of Representatives, U.S. House of Representatives, county treasurer and more.
Indianapolis Primary Election 2024: Everything you need to know to vote
Booth Tarkington’s Indianapolis
6 p.m. May 7, Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., $5
The dawn of the 20th century brought major changes to Indianapolis, many of which Hoosier author Booth Tarkington captured in his novels; “The Turmoil,” “The Magnificent Ambersons” and “The Midlander.”
Architectural historian Benjamin L. Ross will use Tarkington’s work to explore the history of Indianapolis’ transformation into an industrial hub in the 1920s.
Look/See/Listen/Hear Celebration
6 to 9 p.m. May 8, Eskenazi Hall, 735 W. New York St. and Eskenazi Fine Arts Center, 1410 Indiana Ave., free
Graduating Herron School of Art and Design students will present their work at the 14th annual Look/See/Listen/Hear celebration. See paintings, installations, sculptures, research and more. Appetizers and drinks will be served, and a free shuttle bus service will travel to each building.
Porch Concert Series presents Pavel & Direct Contact
6-8 p.m. May 10, Indianapolis Propylaeum, 1410 N. Delaware St., free
Concert season is back! Pavel & Direct Contact, a Latin jazz and salsa band, will perform on the Indianapolis Propylaeum’s porch. Four more concerts are planned through August. While the concerts are always free, a $15 donation is suggested.
World Collage Day presented by Big Car / Tube Factory
Noon to 3 p.m. May 11, Tube Factory Artspace, 1125 Cruft St., free
World Collage Day was started by Kolaj Magazine in 2018. Join local artists Beth Hall and Emily Scott to make your own collage, meet new people and grab a snack from Normal Coffee. Some collage tips and supplies will be provided, but you’re encouraged to bring materials of your own, including magazines, old books, paint swatches, stamps and string.
Puppy Prom
7-10 p.m. May 11, Mayfair Taproom, 2032 E. 10th St., free
Bring your canine friends for a magical night of yearbook superlatives, puppy punch, a photo booth and a crowning of a queen and king at the Mayfair Taproom. This is an outdoor event, and four-legged prom-goers are not allowed in the taproom.
Mother’s Day Gospel Concert
5 p.m. May 11, James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy, 4352 N. Mitthoeffer Road, $30 & up.
Make Mother’s Day memorable with a concert series featuring Harvey Watkins Jr. & and Canton Spirituals, Shawn Brown & The Boys, STANDARD and comedian Donald “Fosho” Martin. A dinner buffet will be held before the concert, and carry-out dinners will be available following the show.
May 13-19
Sustainable Saturday
11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 13, Belmont Beach, 2020 N. White River Parkway W. Drive, free
For generations, Belmont Beach on the westside has been a hub of family fun, particularly for African Americans in Indianapolis. Friends of Belmont Beach continue that tradition with events happening in May, including a day to learn about healthy food preparation and listen to guest speakers, hosted by the Ma’at Urban Agriculture & Industry and MA’AT 9 Inc.
Indy Story Slam
7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. May 15, Aristocrat Pub & Restaurant, 5212 N. College Ave., free
Storytellers of every skill level can take the stage and tell stories about their “Broken Bones or Hearts,” the theme of the night. Host Celestine Bloomfield will draw from a basket to determine the order of performers, who will get up to five minutes. The event, sponsored by Maestro Organizing and WFYI in collaboration with Freetown Village, will also be live-streamed on YouTube.
Cesar Chavez: Film and Lecture on Latino Labor Rights in America
7 p.m. May 16, Garfield Park Arts Center, 2505 Conservatory Drive, free
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library will host public historian and preservation activist Glory-June Grieff at the Garfield Park Arts Center for “Cesar Chavez: Film and Lecture on Labor Rights in America.” Grieff will talk about the history of labor movements before a screening of the 2014 film “Cesar Chavez,” which follows the life and work of the labor organizer and civil rights activist.
Indianapolis Women’s Chorus 30th Anniversary Concert
May 18-19, Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, 1230 Greyhound Lane, $25 and up
The Indianapolis Women’s Chorus celebrates 30 years of music and community with nearly 100 singers and a new song written specifically for Indianapolis Women’s Chorus. The music program celebrates love in all its forms; friendship, romance, self-love and more.
I Made Rock n’ Roll Festival
Noon May 18, American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania St., $80
It’s 2024 and Big Mama Thornton has finally been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This long overdue recognition is one of the many examples of Black musicians not getting the credit they deserve for creating and sustaining rock ’n’ roll.
The I Made Rock’n’Roll Festival plans to change that. In its inaugural year, the festival — put on by GANGGANG and Forty5 — brings Janelle Monae, Gary Clark Jr., Meet Me at the Altar and more to Indianapolis to celebrate Black artists who have helped shape the genre. Along with musi, the festival will feature denim jacket decorating booths, food trucks and more.
Want to hear some tunes before the show? Check out this I Made Rock’n’Roll Spotify playlist here.
Storytelling S.T.E.W. (Soul Transforming Embracing Wellness)
4-6 p.m. May 19, Christel House West Academy, 55 N. Tibbs Ave., free
Families are invited to share their stories through art or other forms of expression. This month’s workshop will be facilitated by local singer and lyricist AshLee Baskin, better known by her stage name, PsyWrn Simone. Presented by the Asante Art Institute, the workshop aims to promote wellness, community and connection.
May 20-26
Melanin in May Festival
11 a.m. May 25, Community Alliance of the Far Eastside, 8902 E. 38th St, free
The Melanin in May Festival returns for another year of celebrating Black businesses, chefs and artists. This year’s music lineup includes The Tony Bryant Project, Shae Sparks, and PsyWrn Simone. Over 100 vendors will be onsite, plus food trucks including Shy Girl Sweets, Bougie By Tarah, Guys Cooking Creation and The Coney Lady.
Firestone Legends Concert
7 p.m. May 25, Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., $29.50 and up
Indy 500 celebrations go far beyond the Speedway! Platinum-selling country singer Riley Green headlines the Firestone Legends Day Concert at the Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park the night before the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500.
May 27-31
Club Boss Babe All Pink Party
8 p.m. to midnight March 31, HI-FI, 1043 Virginia Ave., $35
End the month with a girls’ night out in Fountain Square. Club Boss Babe hosts an All Pink Party with a packed lineup of women DJs, games, custom cocktails, giveaways and more.
Mirror Indy reporter Breanna Cooper covers arts and culture. Email her at breanna.cooper@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @BreannaNCooper.