November is all about food and family time as we celebrate Día de Muertos, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday.
Grab a ticket to see “Abbott Elementary” star funny guy Zack Fox on the 1s and 2s at Old National Centre Nov. 5.
Explore visual art, poetry and music inspired by the centuries-old folktale “One Thousand and One Nights” at an exhibit at RE:PUBLIC on Nov. 14.
As we get into the thick of fall weather and a lot of events move indoors, run to your nearest theater and grab a seat to see “Marvin: The Marvin Gaye Musical,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Holiday: Black and Wrapped” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.”
Need to decompress? Watch “The Princess and the Frog” at the Madam Walker Legacy Center Nov. 27.
Use this list to stay busy all month long.
November 1-7 🔝
Artist Talk with Andre Parnell
🗓️ 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1
📍 Arts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave.
🎟️ Free, but must RSVP.
Painter Andre Parnell will discuss his new artwork and booklet made in partnership with Artists At Work and Arts for Lawrence.
Día de Muertos Celebration
🗓️ 6-9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2
📍 Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive
🎟️ Free
Día de Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday that honors family members who have died with music, storytelling, food and decorated altars. Watch Grupo Folclorico Macehuani perform.
Manga Book Club
🗓️ 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3
📍 Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
🎟️ Free
Teens ages 13 to 18 can meet other manga fans and gush about their favorite titles like “Naruto,” “Case Closed” and “Glogo 13.”
Naptown Storyhour
🗓️ 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5
📍 Golden Hour Books, 5208 N. College Ave.
🎟️ Free, but must RSVP
Three local actors — Jan Lucas, John Thomas and Jolene Mentink Moffat — will perform three short stories in one hour in an “energetic, non-stodgy atmosphere.” Content is rated PG-13 and older.
Zack Fox DJ Set
🗓️ 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5
📍 Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
🎟️ $42.50-$94.40; 18+
Zack Fox has a recurring role on the TV sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” but did you know he DJ’s as a side hustle? Grab your fellow music enthusiasts and hit the club to hear him spin.
‘Describe the Night’
🗓️ Nov. 5-15
📍 Shelton Auditorium, 1000 W. 42nd St.
🎟️ $24.90-$31.15
This Obie Award-winning thriller, presented by Southbank Theatre Company, traces the stories of seven men and women connected by history, myth and conspiracy theories set in Russia over the course of 90 years.
Spirit and Place Festival
🗓️ Nov. 5-15
📍 Varies
🎟️ Some events are free
This year’s festival asks: What connects us — to one another, to our communities, to our histories and to the places we call home? Explore those questions through more than 30 events across Central Indiana.
Spirit & Place will kick off with a public conversation featuring author Eddie S. Glaude Jr. and Citizen University founder Eric Liu.
San Leandro in Concert
🗓️ 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
📍 Irving Theater, 5505 E. Washington St.
🎟️ $10-$15
Denver-based band San Leandro blends psychedelic funk, R&B and contemporary indie songwriting. On Sept. 18, the band released its debut album, “Dive.” San Leandro will be joined by local artists Funkbud Johnny and Carter Shelburne.
Indy Sketch Club
🗓️ 3-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
📍 Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis, 1125 Cruft St.
🎟️ Free
If you love sketching and are feeling social, hang out and draw with CAMi long-term artist-in-residence India Hines. This event is for all artists — including beginners.
First Friday: Factory Arts District
🗓️ 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
📍 Factory Arts District, 1125 E. Brookside Ave.
🎟️ Free
It can be overwhelming to choose where to go on First Friday. A stop at the Factory Arts District means you can see works from artists at more than 20 studios and galleries.
In the Schwitzer Gallery, you’ll see glass fruit, giant milkshakes, hamburger sculptures and drawings of green garden beds in the “Take a Big Bite” exhibit.
You can also check out the latest from We are Indy Arts Collective in Marmon Gallery and the small show “Deck the Hall,” featuring video and animation by Eighty Something Pictures production company.
First Friday: Harrison Center
🗓️ 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
📍 Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St.
🎟️ Free
Walk around the Harrison Gallery to view oil paintings by artist Kyle Ragsdale in his exhibit, “Magic Mountain.” The people and animals in each work float, surrounded by thick paint in rich colors.
Head to Hank & Dolly’s Gallery to see Chad Campbell’s collection of wire figures in the “Strings Attached” exhibit, where they take on the shape of marionettes.
‘Cinderella’
🗓️ Nov. 6-8
📍 Clowes Memorial, 4602 Sunset Ave.
🎟️ Tickets start at $23.50
The Indianapolis Ballet brings the classic fairytale to life with choreography and Sergei Prokofiev’s score performed live by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Holiday Food Drive and Hat Sewing Party
🗓️ Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
📍 First Mennonite Church, 4601 Knollton Road
🎟️ Free
The Indianapolis chapter of Food Not Bombs is hosting this community event. Bring your hats, gloves, coats and pants to donate to Circle City Mutual Aid.
Vintage Market
🗓️ Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
📍 The Stutz, 924 N. Capitol Ave.
🎟️ Free entry
Is your closet feeling a little boring this season? Shop for clothes, jewelry, art and handmade goods from over 20 vintage clothing shops.
Friendsgiving Bonfire
🗓️ 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
📍 H.E.R. Living Campus, 3624 Five Points Road
🎟️ $15
There will be a guided art workshop, music and snacks including s’mores around a toasty bonfire.
World Oddities Expo
🗓️ Nov. 7-8
📍 Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St.
🎟️$20-$35
This traveling festival is a sort of peculiar paradise. Shop the showroom floor, where you’ll find taxidermy, insects, macabre art, jewelry and home decor.
VonnegutFest
🗓️ Nov. 7-11
📍 Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, 543 Indiana Ave.; Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave.; Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
🎟️ Free, but must RSVP
The multi-day celebration of Indy native and acclaimed author Kurt Vonnegut includes cultural, literary and community events.
See Emmy Award-winning comedian Jordan Klepper receive the Kurt Vonnegut Humor Award, attend a “So It Goes” journal release party, hear author talks, see a piano performance and check out the grand opening of the new “Slaughterhouse-Five” exhibit.
November 8-14 🔝
Unsung Giants
🗓️ 4:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8
📍 Arts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave.
🎟️ Free, but must RSVP
Musician Brandon Meeks’ Unsung Giants honors Indiana jazz legends like drummer Kenny Phelps, trumpet player Clifford Ratliff and pianist and composer Billy Foster. Enjoy a concert, be part of a music workshop and listen to a conversation between Meeks and Ratliff.
Related
Jazz musician to honor Indy legends with new concert series
Brandon Meeks was Indiana’s winner of the new, national $10,000 State of the Art Prize.
Holiday Whimsy Workshop
🗓️ 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8
📍 Eagle library branch, 3905 Moller Road
🎟️ Free, but must register
Listen to a short story and create whimsical art using everyday objects and art supplies.
Monday Night Occasion
🗓️ 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9
📍 Martindale-Brightwood library branch, 2434 N. Sherman Drive
🎟️ Free
An art and game night for families.
Intro to Paper Bead Making
🗓️ 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10
📍 West Indianapolis library branch, 1216 S. Kappes St.
🎟️ Free, but must register
Transform recycled newspaper and old book pages into handcrafted, eco-friendly jewelry. Students will learn how to roll, shape and seal into different styles and sizes of paper beads.
Wednesday Matinee
🗓️ 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11
📍 East Washington library branch, 2822 E. Washington St.
🎟️ Free
Catch a matinee showing every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Movies are selected by your votes, so call into the library today to choose.
‘Moving with the Spirit’
🗓️ Nov. 13-28
📍 Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive
🎟️ Free
Chris Wilborn is letting people into his world as a photographer and filmmaker. See how he’s documenting art and preserving stories in his show about his new feature-length documentary, “Moving With the Spirit.”
Join the opening night celebration for the show 6-8 p.m. Nov. 13 on the second floor of the center.
re-mark-able Perseverance: Tattoos
🗓️ Nov. 13-Feb. 21, 2027
📍 Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
🎟️ $5-$20, free with museum pass
For generations, Indigenous communities in North America have used tattooing to mark identity, honor spiritual beliefs, celebrate rites of passage and signify social status. In this exhibit, explore the tools, techniques and designs used by some of the best Native tattoo artists on the continent.
‘The Pirates of Penzance’
🗓️ Nov. 13-15 and 20-22
📍 Arts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave.
🎟️ $10-$25
This Agape Theater Company musical comedy is a farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers and an eccentric major general.
One Thousand and One Nights
🗓️ 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
📍 Re:Public, 2301 E. 10th St.
🎟️ $12.51
“One Thousand and One Nights,” also known as “The Arabian Nights,” is a collection of folk tales and stories from many centuries and by various authors, translators and scholars across West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia and North Africa.
Curator Fauzi Isaac of Proper Indy is offering an experience that combines poetry, music and visual art created by local artists to tell the stories of those who wandered through the desert.
November 15-21 🔝
ISO Woodwind Quintet
🗓️ 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15
📍 Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1530 Union St.
🎟️ Free
The woodwinds of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra perform Samuel Barber’s “Summer Music,” August Klughardt’s “Wind Quintet, Op. 79,” Jacques Ibert’s “3 Pièces Brèves” and Kenji Bunch’s “Changes of Phase.”
Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival
🗓️ Nov. 16-22
📍 Kan Kan Cinema & Bar, 1258 Windsor St.
🎟️ $13-$25; $125 (for festival pass)
Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival is back for its 26th year and its film selections highlight the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience. Don’t miss the documentary about Ohio’s longest-running lesbian bar or a screening of the controversial 1980 film “Cruising.” Local drag performer Vanity Rex will host a screening of the cult classic “Xanadu.”
‘Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy’
🗓️ Nov. 17-22
📍 Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave.
🎟️ Tickets start at $71.80
Based on the classic film, this play tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids.
‘Mary Poppins’
🗓️ Nov. 20-Dec. 13
📍 Hedback Theatre, 1847 N. Alabama St.
🎟️ $27
This supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep.
‘The Holidays: Black and Unwrapped’
🗓️ Nov. 20-22
📍 The District Theatre, 627 Mass Ave.
🎟️ $18-$23
What do the holidays really look like inside our homes and families? “The Holidays: Black & Unwrapped” is a collection of six original stage works exploring how Black families celebrate, navigate and reinvent the holiday season.
Swap Sesh
🗓️ Noon-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
📍 Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive
🎟️ Free
Bring winter clothes you’re no longer wearing and swap them for something you will. There’s a 10-item limit. Do your best to remove any pet hair and smoke before donating.
Late Night Libations
🗓️ 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
📍 Monon 30, 1120 E. 30th St.
🎟️ $33.85
Enjoy live hip-hop headlined by Detroit native Boldy James with support from DisTinct, Baby Ebony and Looni. Sign up to perform one song during the open mic portion. It’s first come, first serve.
November 22-28 🔝
Town Talk with Dar Williams
🗓️ 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22
📍 Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis, 615 W. 43rd. St.
🎟️ $10
Singer-songwriter Dar Williams will sing and share the stories she uncovered while travelling and writing her book, “What I Found in a Thousand Towns.” Williams explores the creative ways people build stronger, more connected communities.
Masterworks Concert
🗓️ 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22
📍 Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road
🎟️ $10-$30
Experience music by the masters, such as Saint-Saens’ “Danse Bacchanale” from Samson and Delilah, Sam Wu’s “Aerial Silk Roads” and Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 2” conducted by Orcenith Smith.
‘Marvin: The Marvin Gaye Musical’
🗓️ 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22
📍 Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
🎟️ Tickets start at $69.50
This new musical chronicles the life of the Prince of Soul, also known as Marvin Gaye. The story follows Gaye’s meteoric rise at Motown, his musical genius and his personal battles. Musical numbers will include Gaye’s greatest hits and Motown classics.
‘The Last Waltz’
🗓️ 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24
📍 Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St.
🎟️ Free
The Last Waltz, released in 1978, is widely considered one of the greatest concert films ever made. The documentary — directed by Academy Award-winner Martin Scorsese — captures the farewell performance of The Band on Thanksgiving Day in 1976.
The film features performances and backstage interviews with legends like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Eric Clapton.
Paper Collage Workshop
🗓️ 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25
📍 The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St.
🎟️ Free with museum admission
Artist Christina Hollering will teach you how to create your own cut paper collages inspired by nature. You will experiment with color, shapes, patterns and composition.
‘Twas the Night Before…’
🗓️ Nov. 25-29
📍 Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
🎟️ Price varies
It’s a thrilling interpretation of the classic Clement-Clarke Moore poem, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.” This is Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever holiday production.
‘The Princess and the Frog’
🗓️ Noon Friday, Nov. 27
📍 Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
🎟️ $7.16-$12.50
After stuffing your belly the night before, watch a Disney classic about more food, love and dreams. The screening is in partnership with The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and its “Tiana’s Joyful Celebration” exhibit.
Native Sun’s Live Album Recording
🗓️ 7 p.m.;9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
📍 The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
🎟️ $18.87-$44.64
Native Sun returns with a special live recording performance of their newest LP, “A Dream Without a Plan.” This album fuses modern jazz, hip-hop and electronic music. Be part of the audience capturing the moment live.
‘A Christmas Carol: Unscripted’
🗓️ 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
📍 The Wit Theater, 3808 Shelby St.
🎟️ $20
Watch skilled improvisers take Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption and turn it on its ear. ComedySportz has been doing this tradition for over 20 years.
Victorian Porcelain Ornament Workshop
🗓️ 1:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
📍 Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St.
🎟️ $50 (children), $60 (adults)
Create a holiday keepsake inspired by the artistry of First Lady Caroline Scott Harrison. Guests will learn the basics of china painting and paint their own porcelain Christmas ornament. There will be coffee, tea, hot chocolate and seasonal charcuterie.
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Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
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