If you’re not a Swiftie (or you are, but you have Ticketmaster resentment), you might want to avoid downtown from Nov. 1-3. That’s when Indy turns into Taylor Town.
The “Anti-Hero” singer will pull massive crowds into Lucas Oil Stadium, spike the city with $100 million in economic impact — and very likely remind her fans to vote on Nov. 5.
But who are we to fight the alchemy? We’re glad she’s here – and hat’s off to those who scored tickets. But if you want to have a lower-key, lower-cost weekend, here are 11 fun things to do:
November 1
Find gratitude. Celebrate the Spirit & Place Festival, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Nov. 1 at Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive, with interactive storytelling. The festival runs through Nov. 10. Free.
Explore art studios. First Friday exhibits at the Factory Arts District, 1125 E. Brookside Ave. — formerly known as the Circle City Industrial Complex — start at 6 p.m. with Andrea Townsend’s exhibition of her paintings. Wander around the galleries until 9 p.m. Free.
Electile dysfunction? Burn off any anxiety as we head into election week and check out the new fitness space and offerings at MVMT’s opening party, 6 p.m. at 1011 Mass Ave. Free.
November 2
Celebrate Día de Muertos. Enjoy tamales, hot chocolate, live mariachi, ofrenda exhibits and a Catrina contest from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Indiana Discount Mall, 3585 Commercial Drive. Free.
Barbecue, barriers and bike lanes. It’s not often that homemade brisket and traffic safety merge at one event. But they do at this Community Heights Neighborhood Organization meetup, 6 p.m. at 1010 N. Bolton Ave. Learn about the new plans for East 10th Street, including median islands and bike lanes. Free.
Bosart Brown Vintage Movie Night. Watch “It’s a Bird” (1930) starring Charley Bowers and “One Body Too Many” (1947) starring Bela Lugosi from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Love Handle on Mass Ave. Optional $5 donation.
Spooky Salsa/Bachata Social. Put on your best costume and prepare to dance at 9 p.m. at Latin Expressions Dance Company, 502 N. Capitol Ave. DJ Mambo Sound will provide the soundtrack. $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
November 3
Reminder: Daylight savings time starts today!
Using her mom voice. After her two sons were born, Jennifer McClee became a stay-at-home mom. But she had tales to tell — about motherhood, marriage and community. See her at “My Life in Parables,” 4 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Indiana History Center. (Or watch online.) $5-$15.
Honor your ancestors. Bring items to represent those you want to remember at a community altar, along with food from your family or ancestral cultures. This annual gathering is hosted from 10 to 11:15 a.m. by the Church Within. Free.
Rock the vote. Join Mirror Indy staff and your neighbors from 2-6 p.m. at Turntable, 6281 N. College Ave. for a Mirror Indy Votes! Pre-Election Party. The free event allows voters aged 18 and older to speak with other community members about the issues and grab a free copy of the Mirror Indy voting zine, created by service reporter Sophie Young and illustrated by artist Nathaniel Russell. Free food and drinks will be available, with music provided by DJ Sounds by Cam.
Glow-in-the-dark pajama jam. Wear your favorite pajamas to Skateland and get a free glow stick. Spin around in your sleepwear from 6-8:30 p.m.; $10 admission.
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