Because March can be wet and snowy or filled with sunny days, we made a list of events that will most likely not be canceled because of unpredictable clouds. From Irish kisses and drag brunch to a book crawl and lenten fish fry, there’s a little bit of everything.
March 4-10 | March 11-17 | March 18-24 | March 25-31
Week of March 4-10
Frankie’s Flicks presents BETTER OFF DEAD at The White Rabbit Cabaret
8 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, The White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 Prospect St. — Free
Join local film buff Frankie JJ Holliday Jr. for a screening of the 1985 cult classic “Better Off Dead.” The event offers themed drinks and door prizes based on the film. RSVP is required. 21+.
One Wednesday for All Souls: Hoosiers Reading Frederick Douglass Together
5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, All Souls Unitarian Church, 5805 E. 56th St. — Free
A group reading and discussion of the written works of abolitionist Frederick Douglass will follow a song and meditation service at 5:30 p.m. and a dinner at 6 p.m. The reading and discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. Free, with free childcare provided.
“Surfacing” MFA Exhibition Reception
5-7 p.m., March 7, Eskenazi Fine Arts Center, 1374 Indiana Ave. — Free
Four arts students – Lisa Cooreman, Andie Geiken, Matthew Maloney and Sajal Siwakoti – will showcase their work addressing gender expression, generational grief and seeking connection.
OLL’s Lenten Fish Fry
5-7 p.m., Friday, March 8, Our Lady of Lourdes Church and School, 5333 E. Washington St. — Prices vary
Add this one to your fish fry Rolodex — this one includes a breaded fish sandwich and shrimp as a side, all served in the school’s cafeteria. Dinner for adults is $10 and kids pay $7 for a cheese pizza with sides. Parking is available behind the school.
TOTALLY 80s DRAG BRUNCH
Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 9, One American Square, 1 W. Ohio St. — $65 and up
One American Square hosts the Totally 80s Drag Brunch, which includes a buffet, bottomless mimosas and a costume contest.
People We Meet On The Bus Community Pop-Up
11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, March 9, Tea’s Me Cafe, 3967 N. Illinois St. — Free
Fans of public transit have a unique opportunity to grab a cup of locally-made tea and share their appreciation through communal poems, stories and mini-murals.
International Violin Competition of Indianapolis Community Day Concert
2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 9, Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave. — Free
Jinjoo Cho, 2014 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis gold medalist, will be accompanied by collaborator and pianist Hyunsoo Kim. Two other violinists will join the duo to celebrate works from African American composers Coleridge-Tayler Perkinson and Florence Price.
International Women’s Gathering
Noon to 3 p.m., March 9, Global Village Welcome Center, 4233 Lafayette Road — $25 and up
Women from around the world will gather at the Global Village Welcome Center for a day filled with inspirational guest speakers, foods from over 10 countries and a day full of performances. The Latinas Welding Guild, a local non-profit offering welding training and job placement, will receive a donation during the event. Attendees are asked to wear purple or cultural attire.
Neighbor Power Indy
9 a.m., Saturday, March 9, Martin University, 2162 Station St. — Free
From using art as a means to build community to using community gardens to combat violence, this Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center-sponsored event helps neighbors come together to make their communities the best they can be. To register, click here.
Indianapolis Women’s Chorus “Awakening” Concert
5 p.m., Sunday, March 10, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian St. – Pay what you can
In its 30th season, the Indianapolis Women’s Chorus welcomes internationally acclaimed soul-folk musician Lea Morris for a night of song and spoken word. The chorus will also perform songs and will be joined by local poet and musician Manon Voice, who will read an original poem.
Week of March 11-17
Skating for Self
6 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, Skateland, 3902 N. Glen Arm Rd.
The first 200 visitors to Skateland on March 12 will have free entry, not including the $5 skate rental. Three partnering organizations, NAMI Greater Indianapolis, Genesys Solutions and Stop the Violence Indianapolis, are also offering giveaways. After the first 200 people have joined the fun, entry is $6 per person and $3 for every parent or guardian.
Building Indianapolis: The Jungclaus-Campbell Company
6 p.m., Thursday, March 14, Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave. — $5
Indiana Landmarks hosts a discussion about the history of Indianapolis’ oldest general contractor, the Jungclaus-Campbell Company. Founded in 1875, the company sparked the creation of several Indianapolis businesses and institutions.
Kiss Me, I’m Irish: Indianapolis St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
March 15-18, times and locations vary — $15 and up
Throughout St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, “Barcrawlerz” is hosting a three-day bar crawl throughout downtown Indianapolis. With stops at Agave & Rye, 336 S. Delaware St; Nevermore Union Station, 302 S. Meridian St.; and Whistle Stop Inn, 375 S. Illinois St., the green-clad bar crawl offers participants deals on drinks and food. 21+.
“Charlie Parker’s Yardbird”
7 p.m. March 16, Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave. — $15 and up
Local opera icon Angela Brown will reprise her role as Addie Parker, mother to jazzman Charlie Parker in “Yardbird,” presented by Indianapolis Opera. Set against the backdrop of the 1950s, “Yardbird” tells Parker’s story, along with his experiences with the opioid epidemic and the racial injustice he faced throughout his life and career.
Irvington Oddities Market
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, March 16, Marine Barracks, 550 S. Audubon Road — Free
The Irvington Oddities Market features items and services from over 40 vendors. From taxidermy to obscure jewelry and tarot readings, the Oddities Market has something for everyone.
Week of March 18-24
Asian & Queer Social Discussion
7 p.m., March 19, The Philippine Cultural Community Center, 4141 S. East St. — Free
This free community conversation will help participants explore the intersection of being a part of both the Asian American Pacific Islander and the LGBTQ+ communities.
Open Mic Night 2024 at Playground Production Studio
7-9 p.m., Thursday, March 21, Playground Production Studio, 5545 Bonna Ave. — Free
Local musicians, poets, actors and other creatives will have an opportunity to share their talents with audiences during Playground Production Studio’s open mic night. Performers hoping to take the stage should plan to arrive at the venue at 7 p.m. to be put on the list.
Eat and Thrive Family Dinner Series
6 p.m. March 21, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6050 North Meridian St. — Free
This month’s dinner series will offer up a discussion on LGBTQ+ family dynamics and tips for families navigating the challenges they and their loved ones may face. This event was organized by the BU Wellness Network, the largest African-American AIDS service organization in the state of Indiana.
Indy Book Crawl
March 21-24, locations vary — Free
In its first year, Indiana Humanities’ Indy Indie Book Crawl invites bookworms to visit 23 local bookstores throughout the state for a chance to win prizes. Book crawl participants have the chance to win five $25 bookstore gift cards, five bookstore merchandise items or a collection of books supplied by participating stores. Sign up here.
Gnomes on Spring Break at the Garfield Park Arts Center
March 22-April 7, Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive — $14 per family
Who says spring break is just for college students? Over four weeks, families can get some fresh air and find gnomes scattered throughout the 10,000 square foot conservatory.
Elf’N’Moon Grand Opening
10 a.m., Saturday, March 23, Elf’N’Moon, 1354 S. Shelby St. — Free
Gaming enthusiasts can check out Elf’N’Moon, a new tabletop gaming store, and win giveaways and prizes.
Family Spring Party
Noon Saturday, March 23, Ujamaa Bookstore, 2424 Doctor Martin Luther King Junior St. — $10
This collaboration between local design and photography businesses gives families an opportunity to snap a fun photo together, decorate cookies and paint together.
Growing Shiitake: An Introduction to Mushroom Cultivation
2 p.m., Sunday, March 24, location disclosed after registration — $40
From coffee to seafood, shiitake mushrooms can serve as a convincing – and healthy – substitute for many dietary staples. Local artist Graham Marshall will lead a class on how to cultivate your own mushroom garden.
Week of March 25-31
Pride Skate
6-9 p.m., Thursday, March 28, Fun Factory, 175 Southern Plaza Drive — Free
The Fun Factory is bringing back Pride Skate due to popular demand. This free event is open to skaters of all experience levels. Skate rentals, glow sticks and food and drinks (as supplies last) are included. RSVP required.
10th Anniversary Party at Books & Brews
Noon to 11 p.m., Saturday, March 30, Books & Brews, 9402 Uptown Drive — Free
Books & Brews celebrates a decade of sharing up good reads and good beer during its 10th Anniversary Party. Starting at noon, the celebration will include live music and menu specials.
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ at Beef and Boards
Now through March 30, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Rd. Ticket costs vary.
This off-Broadway production tells the story of Carole King, a trailblazer who wrote her own songs along with songs for some of the biggest acts of the 60s and 70s. Through the end of the month, actress Devon Perry leads the cast in telling King’s life – from growing up in Brooklyn to writing 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100 throughout her career. Dinner begins two hours before the show. Children ages 3-15 can get a $6 discount on tickets.
Hip-hop brunch with Mike Graves
11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, March 31, Upland FSQ, 1201 E. Prospect St. — Free with food purchase
Join local musician and producer Mike Graves for nearly five hours of hip-hop hits, complete with beer and brunch drink specials. If you can’t make it, you’re in luck: you can catch Graves and good deals on local beer and Bloody Mary’s every Sunday.
Mirror Indy reporter Breanna Cooper covers arts and culture. Contact her at breanna.cooper@mirrorindy.org.
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