Ever wondered how we put these “things to do” lists together? It’s a mix of sifting through emails we get, searching through social media and running into a good ol’-fashioned flyer at a restaurant or bar.
We then make sure we have all the details correct (so we don’t send you on a wild goose chase to some random parking lot) – then we confirm the place, day and time, and voilà!
I say all this so that if you have a little glimmer in your eye while skimming these events, and you are thinking of planning a film screening, dance party or art exhibition, you know that you can always email me to tell me about it. We’re here to celebrate your good ideas.
Use these buttons to jump down the list to events in a specific week.
Feb. 1-2 ↑
Joyful Solidarity
🗓️ 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
📍 Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University, 610 W. 46th St.
🎟️ $35-$45
See the premiere of “Solidarity Symphony” by composer Jorge Muñiz, whose music is inspired by the poetry of Pope Francis, Maya Angelou, Gwendolyn Brooks and Langston Hughes. The International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, featuring Sirena Huang, will perform the concert, which is also a collaboration with Classical Music Indy and ICO Living African American composer Brian Raphael Nabors.
Hispanic Cultural Club
🗓️ 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
📍 The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd.
🎟️ Free
Learn a new art skill with Centro Cultural Hispano. Several Latine artists will teach a free art class that includes materials.
Community Sing: Celebrating the Black Experience
🗓️ 2 p.m. (rehearsal) 3 p.m. (watch) Saturday, Feb. 1
📍 Shelton Auditorium, 1000 W. 42nd St.
🎟️ Free
You don’t have to be a professional singer to participate in this event by the Butler University Black Alumni Association and the Indianapolis Women’s Chorus. All ages are invited to sing Black music — gospel, pop and Broadway selections. If you want to rehearse, arrive at 2. If you just want to hear the show, then show up at 3 p.m.
“Unconventional”
🗓️ Now through October 31
📍 Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St.
🎟️ Free for members; $6 for nonmembers
Learn about how three very different people from the Harrison era – Andrew Carnegie, May Wright Sewall and Frederick Douglass – became civil rights champions.
Groundhog Day All Day
🗓️ 1-10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2
📍 Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant, 1258 Windsor St.
🎟️ All-day pass is $20
A full day of the same film, in the name of good fun. Take a seat and catch the story of a self-centered Pittsburgh weatherman who finds himself inexplicably trapped in a small town as he lives the same day over and over again, just like you.
Feb. 3-9 ↑
History On Stage: A Presentation from Ida B. Wells & Harriet Tubman
🗓️ 6-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3
📍 Indianapolis Public Library’s Fort Ben Branch, 9330 E. 56th St.
🎟️ Free
Donnice Robinson and Tracey Middlebrooks Wynn of Soulful Journeys of Women perform live as journalist Ida B. Wells & abolitionist Harriet Tubman. After the 45-minute show, stick around and ask the women questions about their lives and history.
Hear Our Stories: The Life & Afterlife of Incarceration
🗓️ 7:15-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6
📍 Golden Hour Books, 5208 N. College Ave.
🎟️ Free, but donations welcomed
Hear stories from people who have spent time in prison and what it’s like to adjust to life on the outside. At the event, hosted by Storytelling Arts of Indiana, you’ll also learn how you can get involved with organizations that provide services both inside and outside of prisons.
Learn more
‘Life After Incarceration’ event will feature community storytellers
People will share their stories about life after release at a Golden Hour Books event.
First Friday Opening
🗓️ 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb 7
📍 Full Circle Nine Gallery, 1125 Brookside Ave.
🎟️ Free
Puerto Rican artist Mirvia Sol Eckert’s “Color & Contrast” highlights her love for painting in bright colors and the drama of black, white and gray.
More First Friday gallery Events
Your February First Friday art show guide
Indy’s art galleries are showing photography that explores AI and group shows by Latine women and Black artists.
Best of Fest 2025: Indy Shorts Edition
🗓️ 7 p.m. Feb. 7-8
📍 Heartland Film HQ, 8950 Otis Ave.
🎟️ $10 per night, plus fees
Heartland Film is giving independent film lovers a second chance to watch two #IndyShorts2024 programs.
Spanish Conversation Circles
🗓️ 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9
📍 Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.
🎟️ Free
Spanish language practice happens on the second Sunday of each month and is open to all ages.
Feb. 10-16 ↑
Anthony Davis
🗓️ Feb. 10-11
📍 University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave.
🎟️ Free
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis – known for “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X,” and “The Central Park 5” – will visit UIndy for talks, concerts and community engagement activities at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center.
At 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, music sociologist Joshua Thompson will host an interview with Davis. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, see a live concert of Davis’s music, featuring his crossover classical-jazz chamber works and a powerful baritone aria responding to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Indy Actors’ Playground
🗓️ 7-9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10
📍 Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.
🎟️ Free
Join playwright Lou Harry and friends for the monthly reading series, Indy Actors’ Playground. Instead of actors picking a play to read, one is selected for them. The actors have no idea what it is until they open sealed envelopes on stage.
Politics Update with Pierre Atlas
🗓️ 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11
📍 Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis (JCC), 6701 Hoover Road
🎟️ Tickets: $8 members; $12 non-members
Confused or curious about what’s happening in the world? Pierre Atlas, opinion columnist for the Indianapolis Business Journal, will take on the task of explaining important political news.
Butler Ballet’s Midwinter Dances
🗓️ 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12
📍 Butler Arts & Events Center, 4602 Sunset Ave.
🎟️ $10
Performances will feature Paul Taylor’s modern masterpiece “Cloven Kingdom,” staged by Susan McGuire. More show times are available.
T Kira Madden at Butler University
🗓️ 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13
📍 Shelton Auditorium, 1000 W 42nd St.
🎟️ Free
Madden is a diasporic Kanaka ‘Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) writer, photographer and amateur magician. Her debut memoir, “Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls,” was a New York Times Editors’ Choice selection and a finalist for the LAMBDA Literary Award for lesbian memoir.
Chikondi Rhythm and Poetry
🗓️ 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13
📍 MXP Shop (Ms. Franklin Candle Co. & Phiri), 7826 N. Michigan Road
🎟️ $10
Chikondi means “love” in the Chichewa language. It can also symbolize affection and compassion. This open mic, on the day before Valentine’s Day, celebrates the spirit of Chikondi.
Let’s Make A Date! Dating game show
🗓️ Doors and drinks: 8 p.m.; show 9-11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
📍 The White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 Prospect St.
🎟️ $15 advance tickets
Are you in a relationship? Single? Confused? At this fun and flirty night of laughs, hosted by Ms. Torta and Desiree De Carlo of The Rocket Doll Revue, audience members can win prizes and dates.
Romance & Remembrance
🗓️ 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
📍 Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 North Delaware St.
🎟️ Tickets: $21.95 for members and $26.95 for non-members
A combination of Valentine’s Day and Black History Month, this event invites poetry and art lovers to celebrate culture and creativity at the home of the 23rd U.S. President.
FU Valentine’s Day Market
🗓️ 5-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
📍 5515 E. Washington St.
🎟️ Free
Small businesses in the historic Irvington neighborhood are celebrating by preparing special goods, including bakery pop-ups, tarot readings and comedy shows. Plus: guest vendors.
Bad Bunny Night: Debí Tirar Más Fotos
🗓️ 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
📍 Estereo Nightclub, 6378 E. 82nd St.
🎟️ $15-$20
If you’ve been jamming by yourself to Bad Bunny’s latest album, at this party you can dance and celebrate at Indy’s hottest Big Bunny party — on Valentine’s Day!
Coffee and Conservation
🗓️ 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15
📍 Garfield Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive
🎟️ Registration is $10
Learn about the history of coffee and how it can be grown in harmony with the rainforest while protecting Indiana native migratory birds. In this workshop, you will also decorate a take-home ceramic coffee mug.
Naptown Sweethearts
🗓️ 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16
📍 Gregg’s Our Place, 231 E 16th St.
🎟️ Free
One of Indy’s favorite gay nightclubs is having a pageant — couples will compete in several dress-up categories. The participation fee is $150 per couple.
Feb. 17-23 ↑
President’s Day Skate
🗓️ Noon to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17
📍 Fun Factory Skating, 175 Southern Plaza Drive
President’s Day weekend is really just an excuse to dance on wheels with your community.
Lunch Tour at Barry’s African Restaurant
🗓️ Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19
📍 Barry’s African Restaurant, 4253 Lafayette Road
🎟️ Free
Join the International Marketplace Coalition staff for their monthly lunch tour. You’ll hear stories about the food on the menu and have discussions. While the class is free, attendees must purchase their own food.
Akili Ni Mali: Nina Simone Tribute
🗓️ 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19
📍 The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
🎟️ $15-$30
Akili Ni Mali, who was recently announced as a 2025 Art & Soul Featured Artist, will celebrate the music of the legendary Nina Simone with a tribute concert.
ASMR Live with artist Jessica Dunn
🗓️ 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22
📍 Tube Factory artspace, 1125 Cruft St.
🎟️ Free
This audiovisual series is part of the exhibit by Julie Xiao, “A Journey,” on display in the Tube Factory’s galleries. The live Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) events invite creative voices to lead a meditation experience for visitors.
Opening day: “Voices from the Arctic: Contemporary Inuit Art”
🗓️ Feb. 22 to March 22, 2026
📍 Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 West Washington St.
🎟️ Tickets: $12-$20
Experience the evolution of Inuit art, from art about hunting, dogsledding and spiritual narratives to art about technology and climate change.
Clothing swap at Fountain Square Theater
🗓️ 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22
📍 Fountain Square Theater, 1111 Prospect St.
🎟️ Free
How it works: Drop at least 5 gently used items off at the door when you get to Fountain Square Theater, look around to see what you like, and start swapping. The vibe will be casual, with maternity, professional and glam clothes, but kids clothing and accessories will be available as well. Food vendors will be on site.
Indy Winter Farmer’s Market
🗓️ 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb 22
📍 The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 W Waterway Blvd.
🎟️ Free
The longest-running and only winter market near downtown Indianapolis has fresh produce, smoothies, baked goods, jewelry, skincare products and things you didn’t even know you needed.
The Indy Reads Book Club
🗓️ 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23
📍 Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.
🎟️ Free
Two Indy bookstores intersect in February’s book club meeting at Indy Reads — Leah Johnson, who is the owner of Loudmouth Books, is also the author of “Rise to the Sun,” the book that will be discussed.
Feb. 24-28 ↑
Christopher Pitts: “Unconditional Love”
🗓️ 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26
📍 The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
🎟️ Tickets: $15-$30
Pitts connects the music of Geri Allen with the more personal complexities of love. Expect an evening of dance, romance and drama.
Final Friday
🗓️ 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
📍 10 East Arts, 3137 E. 10th St.
🎟️ Free
Make something nice and creative with artists from Herron School of Art and Design. Everyone is welcome and art supplies are available so you can try new things.
Jennifer Delgadillo edits and writes arts and culture stories for Mirror Indy. You can reach her at jennifer.delgadillo@mirrorindy.org.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
