In August, the school supply shelves are nearly bare. Teachers and children grasp onto their last days of freedom while parents count down the days to predictable schedules and a sense of order.
But, you don’t have to be a kid to jam out, head to gym class or doodle the day away this month. Families, adults and even childless cat ladies can “go back to school” and expand their mind while doing something fun.
Ride the Reading Rainbow with Indianapolis Public Library
Beyond a treasure trove of books, CDs, movies and other physical media, the Indianapolis Public Library offers enriching programming for people of all ages. From a classic literature book club at the Spades Park Branch, to teen Dungeons & Dragons events at the Wayne Branch to chair aerobics and basket weaving classes, the public library is a great resource for anyone hoping to broaden their horizons in August.
Head to gym class with Circle City Athletics
Just because you’ve aged out of Little League doesn’t mean you have to give up group sports. Circle City Athletic League has teams for flag football, dodgeball, softball and much more. After your games are done, Circle City Athletics also offers discounts for group outings to local bar crawls.
Jam out like a school mascot
To celebrate school spirit je ne sais quoi, I put together a playlist of marching band covers of popular music. From Aretha Franklin to AC/DC to Chicago, it seems there’s very little a marching band can’t pull off. Listen on Spotify.
Bang a gong (er, drum) at Spark on the Circle
From noon to 1 p.m., Aug. 23, take your lunch to Monument Circle’s Spark on the Circle for an opportunity to try out a drum with the Percussive Arts Society and Rob Funkhouser. If drumming isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of other events at Spark on the Circle to check out. Artist workshops and Chreece pregame events are also on the lineup for August.
Hone your drawing skills at an open studio!
Indianapolis Figure Guild hosts $10 figure drawing classes for artists of all skill levels ages 18 and up starting at 5 p.m. every other Sunday at the Storefront Theater, 2416 E. 55th St. For a three hour block, participants can try their hand at drawing, share their work (though that’s not required!) and make new friends. Plan to bring your own supplies, but a limited amount of easels are available to use.
Learn something new at a local museum
A new exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum celebrates the works of painter Alfred Jacob Miller, featuring works created when Miller went on an expedition to capture scenes from the American West in the early 19th Century.
Looking for more exhibitions to visit? Check out what’s new at the Indiana State Museum or The Children’s Museum — there’s no shortage of exciting ways to learn in our city.
Mirror Indy reporter Breanna Cooper covers arts and culture. Email her at breanna.cooper@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @BreannaNCooper.
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