If you believe in the importance of democracy, justice and freedom — and you’re a fan of improv comedy, live music and history — join Mirror Indy and FPI News for ArcFest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Hine Hall on the IU Indianapolis campus.
If you go
ArcFest
🗓️ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 3, 2026
📍 Hine Hall – Indiana University Indianapolis
🎟️ Free and open to all ages
The live journalism and storytelling event is all about reflecting on America’s first 250 years and dreaming up how to make our future better. You’ll get to hear from and interact with journalists, historians, artists, bestselling authors, political candidates and community members. Plus, there will be performances all day on the Play List stage.
ArcFest is a free event open to all ages, and it’s hosted by Free Press Indiana, the support organization for Mirror Indy and FPI News. You can register for your free ticket today.
Here are five reasons to join us:
1. Get inspired to do something for democracy
On Nov. 3, Indiana will elect its next Secretary of State in a highly contested battle. Two candidates — former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, from the new Lincoln Party, and Libertarian Lauri Shillings — will participate in a forum and Q&A.
Plus, a panel of journalists from Mirror Indy, Capital B Gary, the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette and the Indianapolis Recorder will share the story of how Black news publications have shaped America’s story.
If all that leaves you feeling inspired, you can visit MADVoters’ table and register to vote.
2. Learn about the Indianapolis of days gone by
You can join in on one of two free Walk & Talks with historian Sampson Levingston, who will take you on a tour of Indiana Avenue, an area that was once thriving with jazz clubs and Black businesses.
Have specific, weird questions about why Indy is the way it is? Stop by the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis table at ArcFest and go down the rabbit hole of the city’s history.
3. Hear from young people giving us hope
Some days, the news can feel like a lot of doom and gloom. But there are young people everywhere full of the confidence that they can change their corner of the world.
Cameran Drew was only 19 when he ran for a local office in Virginia. He won, beating his high school government teacher, Kenneth Bell. Mirror Indy K-12 reporter Carley Lanich will sit down with Drew and Bell to learn how the next generation’s influencing politics. Mirror Indy’s kid correspondents will lead the Q&A that follows.
At ArcFest, you can also listen to spoken word from Jayda Dawn, a Carmel High School junior and the national winner of Poetry Out Loud. Her love of poetry started with writing original productions at the Asante Children’s Theatre when she was 7.
4. Share your vision of Indy’s future (and get a Polaroid to-go)
What do you think Indiana’s going to be like in 250 years? You can hear from Madam C.J. Walker’s granddaughter, a professor, a historian and a museum curator as they share their dreams in a conversation led by Tamara Winfrey-Harris, president of Women’s Foundation of Indiana.
Then, share your own ideas and predictions about Indy’s future (flying cars? More data centers?) at a photobooth with Mirror Indy photojournalist Brett Phelps. He’ll take two Polaroid photos — one for us to share as part of our America’s 250th coverage and one for the place of honor on your fridge.
5. Listen to mariachi, R&B and hip-hop
Every Thursday, Mirror Indy arts & culture reporter Mesgana Waiss kicks off a social media video with these words: “Contrary to popular belief, there are things to do in Indianapolis.” Then she shares the scoop on some of the coolest, lesser-known events.
Waiss and Troy Freeman, a musician and founder of TroyTrack Select, used their knowledge of the city’s arts and culture scene to curate the PlayList stage, named after Mirror Indy’s weekly podcast and newsletter.
You can stop by the stage to see local artists performing — Clint Breeze playing jazz, Rebel Noire and the Accomplices rocking out, Mariachi Sol Jalisciense bringing us Mexican tradition, Pam Blevins Hinkle leading communal folk singing and more.
To get your free ticket to ArcFest, please register here.
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Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.
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