Whew! Summer 2025 went by so quickly, huh?<\/p>\n
As we welcome the (slightly) cooler weather and usher in a new school year, Indianapolis is bustling with family-friendly activities, events and festivals \u2014 including food, music and arts \u2014 in addition to Labor Day, Hispanic Heritage month celebrations and Indy Do Day.<\/p>\n
The Recorder compiled a list of free and low-cost things to do with family and friends around Indianapolis this September.<\/p>\n
Thursday, Sept. 4<\/strong><\/h3>\nSummer Courtyard Session with Reggie Bishop <\/strong>\u2014 FREE<\/p>\nThe Stutz, 1060 N. Capital Ave.<\/em><\/p>\nReggie Bishop, an Indy-based jazz musician and keyboardist, is next up in The Stutz\u2019s summer music series.<\/p>\n
thestutz.com\/events\/summer-courtyard-session-with-reggie-bishop<\/a><\/p>\nFriday, Sept. 5<\/strong><\/h3>\nBlack Sheep by Sam Penaloza <\/strong>\u2014 FREE<\/p>\nThe Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St.<\/em><\/p>\nOn view in the Harrison Center\u2019s Underground Gallery, Sam Penaloza\u2019s \u201cBlack Sheep\u201d explores the shadows of human experience and challenges societal norms. Penaloza emphasizes the necessity of \u201cembracing life\u2019s uncomfortable truths\u201d through dark, confrontational pieces.<\/p>\n
harrisoncenter.org\/first-fridays\/2025\/8\/7\/september-2025-modern-baroke<\/a><\/p>\nEpicurean Night Market<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\nThe Stutz, 1060 N. Capital Ave.<\/em><\/p>\nEpicurean Indy is back, taking over The Stutz courtyard featuring a free late-night street food market with local vendors, live music, art and performances by Mass Ave Process.<\/p>\n
thestutz.com\/events\/epicurean-night-market<\/a><\/p>\nPicnic in the Park with Mo Gio \u2013 A Wearable Art Performance<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\nThe Tube Factory Artspace, 1125 Cruft St.<\/em><\/p>\nMo Gio\u2019s First Friday performance outside the Tube Factory asks guests to explore the unpredictable nature of life, turning a perfectly sunny picnic into a moment of chaos. Mexican food truck 3 Marias and Juicy Pop-up will be onsite, but guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and snacks.<\/p>\n
bigcar.org\/event\/picnic<\/a><\/p>\nRemembrance\/Resilience Exhibition Opening<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\nCafe Oztara, 1446 E. Washington St.<\/em><\/p>\nPresented by the Damien Center alongside Cafe Oztara, Remembrance\/Resilience showcases artwork that amplifies the voices of domestic violence survivors. The exhibition has also partnered with local advocacy groups to highlight creativity as a tool for healing and empowerment.<\/p>\n
facebook.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\nSaturday, Sept. 6<\/strong><\/h3>\n58th Annual CBIZ Penrod Arts Fair<\/strong> \u2014 $15<\/p>\nNewfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cIndiana\u2019s Nicest Day\u201d is back. The 58th annual Penrod Arts Fair returns to Newfields, featuring approximately 350 artist booths and 50 community organization booths, live music, dance performances, food vendors and more.<\/p>\n
penrod.org<\/a><\/p>\nCareer Charting: Design Your Professional Path<\/strong> \u2014 FREE (Recurring Sept. 13 and Sept. 20)<\/p>\nMartindale-Brightwood Branch, 2434 N. Sherman Dr.<\/em><\/p>\nIndyPL\u2019s three-part workshop series aims to help community members start down a meaningful career path, featuring sessions designed to navigate challenges and create a plan for success.<\/p>\n
attend.indypl.org<\/a><\/p>\nFestival 451Indy: Writing Workshop: Letters from the Edge<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\nIndy Type Shop, 261 Shelby St.<\/em><\/p>\nHosted by the Ray Bradbury Center in partnership with Genesis Literature and Art Magazine, guests are invited to this hands-on speculative writing workshop to craft letters from the edge of time, space and self. Writers of all ages and experience levels are invited to participate.<\/p>\n
eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cThe Color Purple\u201d <\/strong>\u2014 $40-$48 (Recurring through Sept. 7)<\/p>\nBasile Theatre, The Antheneum, 401 E. Michigan St.<\/em><\/p>\nUrban Theatre and KaidyDid Productions are bringing \u201cThe Color Purple\u201d to the stage for a handful of performances. The show follows 14-year-old Celie in an emotional story of love, resilience and self-discovery.<\/p>\n
ipacindy.org\/box-office.html<\/a><\/p>\nTuesday, Sept. 9<\/strong><\/h3>\nArtist talk with Madiha Siraj <\/strong>\u2014 FREE<\/p>\nGallery 924, 924 N. Pennsylvania St.<\/em><\/p>\nMixed media artist Madiha Siraj will discuss her work, life and exhibition, \u201cSacred Garden, American Soil,\u201d which is currently on view at Gallery 924.<\/p>\n
eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\nIndy Jazz Fest Sunset Series: Kenny Garrett<\/strong> \u2014 $30-$60 (Recurring through Sept.10)<\/p>\nThe Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.<\/em><\/p>\nGrammy Award-winning Jazz saxophonist Kenny Garrett will bring an electrifying performance to The Jazz Kitchen as part of Indy Jazz Fest\u2019s Sunset Series.<\/p>\n
instantseats.com<\/a><\/p>\n\nBashiri Asad performs at \u201cBLACK: A Festival of Joy\u201d on Aug. 7, 2022, at Riverside Park. (Photo\/Wildstyle Paschall)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nSaturday, Sept. 13<\/strong><\/h3>\nBLACK: A Festival of Joy<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\nRiverside Park, 2420 Burdsal Parkway<\/em><\/p>\nReturning for its 4th year, Black: A Festival of Joy brings the community together in the summer to celebrate Black joy, featuring live music, DJs and performances, interactive art, Black-owned vendors and food trucks in addition to wellness spaces and community conversations.<\/p>\n
blackjoyindy.com<\/a><\/p>\nNaptown Block Party<\/strong> \u2014 $50<\/p>\nThe Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.<\/em><\/p>\nIndy Jazz Fest is honoring established and emerging Hoosier artists during the Naptown Block Party, which features one-off performances from local favorites across two stages throughout the night.<\/p>\n
indyjazzfest.net<\/a><\/p>\nFriday, Sept. 19<\/strong><\/h3>\nDo Good, Read Scrolls: D&D at Indy Reads <\/strong>\u2014 FREE<\/p>\nIndy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.<\/em><\/p>\nJoin Dungeon Master Logan Taylor for Indy Reads\u2019 new D&D night. Taking place on the first Thursday of the month, players of all levels, aged 13 and up, are welcome to learn and participate in the program.<\/p>\n
indyreads.org\/event\/do-good-read-scrolls-dd-at-indy-reads<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cThe Prom\u201d <\/strong>\u2014 $15-$25 (Recurring through Oct. 5)<\/p>\nHedback Theatre, 1847 N. Alabama St.<\/em><\/p>\nFootlite Musicals presents this heartfelt musical comedy about a group of washed-up Broadway stars who rally in support of a high school girl banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom.<\/p>\n
footlite.org\/show\/the-prom<\/a><\/p>\nSaturday, Sept. 20<\/strong><\/h3>\nHispanic Heritage Month Festival<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\nHolliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road<\/em><\/p>\nCelebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with SADCO, featuring international food, live music, dancing, trampolines and more. The family-friendly event aims to cultivate community and culture.<\/p>\n
facebook.com\/sadcoindy<\/a><\/p>\nRice & Beans Festival<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\nFonseca Theatre Company, 2508 W. Michigan St.<\/em><\/p>\nFonseca Theatre hosts the Rice & Beans Festival, a community event welcoming everyone to the table with plenty of food and a live band. All are welcome; no ticket needed.<\/p>\n
fonsecatheatre.org\/shows\/rice-beans-festival-2024<\/a><\/p>\nSaturday, Sept. 27<\/strong><\/h3>\nD\u00eda Latino de Lawrence<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\nArts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave.<\/em><\/p>\nA local tradition since 2022, D\u00eda Latino de Lawrence aims to celebrate culture, build community and inspire students. The district-wide, school-based celebrations highlight Latino culture, food, music and family traditions.<\/p>\n
msdltf.org\/events\/dia-latino-de-lawrence\/dia-latino-de-lawrence.html<\/a><\/p>\nIndy Reads\u2019 Author Expo<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\nIndy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.<\/em><\/p>\nIndy Reads\u2019 Author Expo offers Hoosiers a free opportunity to meet and engage with local authors, discover and purchase new books and get those books signed.<\/p>\n
indyreads.org\/event\/author-expo-at-indy-reads<\/a><\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/b2140504.smushcdn.com\/2140504\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brian-McKnight-Sept-26-267x400.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1\")
Brian McKnight takes the stage at the Palladium for a one-night-only performance later this month. (Photo provided\/Center for the Performing Arts)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nSunday, Sept. 28<\/strong><\/h3>\nAn Evening with Brian McKnight <\/strong>\u2014 $46<\/p>\nPayne & Mencias Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel<\/em><\/p>\nContemporary R&B singer-songwriter Brian McKnight takes the Palladium stage for one night only, serenading guests with his smooth tenor voice and hit songs across his 19 studio albums.<\/p>\n
The Stutz, 1060 N. Capital Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n Reggie Bishop, an Indy-based jazz musician and keyboardist, is next up in The Stutz\u2019s summer music series.<\/p>\n thestutz.com\/events\/summer-courtyard-session-with-reggie-bishop<\/a><\/p>\n Black Sheep by Sam Penaloza <\/strong>\u2014 FREE<\/p>\n The Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St.<\/em><\/p>\n On view in the Harrison Center\u2019s Underground Gallery, Sam Penaloza\u2019s \u201cBlack Sheep\u201d explores the shadows of human experience and challenges societal norms. Penaloza emphasizes the necessity of \u201cembracing life\u2019s uncomfortable truths\u201d through dark, confrontational pieces.<\/p>\n harrisoncenter.org\/first-fridays\/2025\/8\/7\/september-2025-modern-baroke<\/a><\/p>\n Epicurean Night Market<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\n The Stutz, 1060 N. Capital Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n Epicurean Indy is back, taking over The Stutz courtyard featuring a free late-night street food market with local vendors, live music, art and performances by Mass Ave Process.<\/p>\n thestutz.com\/events\/epicurean-night-market<\/a><\/p>\n Picnic in the Park with Mo Gio \u2013 A Wearable Art Performance<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\n The Tube Factory Artspace, 1125 Cruft St.<\/em><\/p>\n Mo Gio\u2019s First Friday performance outside the Tube Factory asks guests to explore the unpredictable nature of life, turning a perfectly sunny picnic into a moment of chaos. Mexican food truck 3 Marias and Juicy Pop-up will be onsite, but guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and snacks.<\/p>\n bigcar.org\/event\/picnic<\/a><\/p>\n Remembrance\/Resilience Exhibition Opening<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\n Cafe Oztara, 1446 E. Washington St.<\/em><\/p>\n Presented by the Damien Center alongside Cafe Oztara, Remembrance\/Resilience showcases artwork that amplifies the voices of domestic violence survivors. The exhibition has also partnered with local advocacy groups to highlight creativity as a tool for healing and empowerment.<\/p>\n facebook.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\n 58th Annual CBIZ Penrod Arts Fair<\/strong> \u2014 $15<\/p>\n Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIndiana\u2019s Nicest Day\u201d is back. The 58th annual Penrod Arts Fair returns to Newfields, featuring approximately 350 artist booths and 50 community organization booths, live music, dance performances, food vendors and more.<\/p>\n penrod.org<\/a><\/p>\n Career Charting: Design Your Professional Path<\/strong> \u2014 FREE (Recurring Sept. 13 and Sept. 20)<\/p>\n Martindale-Brightwood Branch, 2434 N. Sherman Dr.<\/em><\/p>\n IndyPL\u2019s three-part workshop series aims to help community members start down a meaningful career path, featuring sessions designed to navigate challenges and create a plan for success.<\/p>\n attend.indypl.org<\/a><\/p>\n Festival 451Indy: Writing Workshop: Letters from the Edge<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\n Indy Type Shop, 261 Shelby St.<\/em><\/p>\n Hosted by the Ray Bradbury Center in partnership with Genesis Literature and Art Magazine, guests are invited to this hands-on speculative writing workshop to craft letters from the edge of time, space and self. Writers of all ages and experience levels are invited to participate.<\/p>\n eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe Color Purple\u201d <\/strong>\u2014 $40-$48 (Recurring through Sept. 7)<\/p>\n Basile Theatre, The Antheneum, 401 E. Michigan St.<\/em><\/p>\n Urban Theatre and KaidyDid Productions are bringing \u201cThe Color Purple\u201d to the stage for a handful of performances. The show follows 14-year-old Celie in an emotional story of love, resilience and self-discovery.<\/p>\n ipacindy.org\/box-office.html<\/a><\/p>\n Artist talk with Madiha Siraj <\/strong>\u2014 FREE<\/p>\n Gallery 924, 924 N. Pennsylvania St.<\/em><\/p>\n Mixed media artist Madiha Siraj will discuss her work, life and exhibition, \u201cSacred Garden, American Soil,\u201d which is currently on view at Gallery 924.<\/p>\n eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n Indy Jazz Fest Sunset Series: Kenny Garrett<\/strong> \u2014 $30-$60 (Recurring through Sept.10)<\/p>\n The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n Grammy Award-winning Jazz saxophonist Kenny Garrett will bring an electrifying performance to The Jazz Kitchen as part of Indy Jazz Fest\u2019s Sunset Series.<\/p>\n instantseats.com<\/a><\/p>\n BLACK: A Festival of Joy<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\n Riverside Park, 2420 Burdsal Parkway<\/em><\/p>\n Returning for its 4th year, Black: A Festival of Joy brings the community together in the summer to celebrate Black joy, featuring live music, DJs and performances, interactive art, Black-owned vendors and food trucks in addition to wellness spaces and community conversations.<\/p>\n blackjoyindy.com<\/a><\/p>\n Naptown Block Party<\/strong> \u2014 $50<\/p>\n The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n Indy Jazz Fest is honoring established and emerging Hoosier artists during the Naptown Block Party, which features one-off performances from local favorites across two stages throughout the night.<\/p>\n indyjazzfest.net<\/a><\/p>\n Do Good, Read Scrolls: D&D at Indy Reads <\/strong>\u2014 FREE<\/p>\n Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n Join Dungeon Master Logan Taylor for Indy Reads\u2019 new D&D night. Taking place on the first Thursday of the month, players of all levels, aged 13 and up, are welcome to learn and participate in the program.<\/p>\n indyreads.org\/event\/do-good-read-scrolls-dd-at-indy-reads<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe Prom\u201d <\/strong>\u2014 $15-$25 (Recurring through Oct. 5)<\/p>\n Hedback Theatre, 1847 N. Alabama St.<\/em><\/p>\n Footlite Musicals presents this heartfelt musical comedy about a group of washed-up Broadway stars who rally in support of a high school girl banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom.<\/p>\n footlite.org\/show\/the-prom<\/a><\/p>\n Hispanic Heritage Month Festival<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\n Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road<\/em><\/p>\n Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with SADCO, featuring international food, live music, dancing, trampolines and more. The family-friendly event aims to cultivate community and culture.<\/p>\n facebook.com\/sadcoindy<\/a><\/p>\n Rice & Beans Festival<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\n Fonseca Theatre Company, 2508 W. Michigan St.<\/em><\/p>\n Fonseca Theatre hosts the Rice & Beans Festival, a community event welcoming everyone to the table with plenty of food and a live band. All are welcome; no ticket needed.<\/p>\n fonsecatheatre.org\/shows\/rice-beans-festival-2024<\/a><\/p>\n D\u00eda Latino de Lawrence<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\n Arts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n A local tradition since 2022, D\u00eda Latino de Lawrence aims to celebrate culture, build community and inspire students. The district-wide, school-based celebrations highlight Latino culture, food, music and family traditions.<\/p>\n msdltf.org\/events\/dia-latino-de-lawrence\/dia-latino-de-lawrence.html<\/a><\/p>\n Indy Reads\u2019 Author Expo<\/strong> \u2014 FREE<\/p>\n Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n Indy Reads\u2019 Author Expo offers Hoosiers a free opportunity to meet and engage with local authors, discover and purchase new books and get those books signed.<\/p>\n indyreads.org\/event\/author-expo-at-indy-reads<\/a><\/p>\n An Evening with Brian McKnight <\/strong>\u2014 $46<\/p>\n Payne & Mencias Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel<\/em><\/p>\n Contemporary R&B singer-songwriter Brian McKnight takes the Palladium stage for one night only, serenading guests with his smooth tenor voice and hit songs across his 19 studio albums.<\/p>\nFriday, Sept. 5<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Saturday, Sept. 6<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tuesday, Sept. 9<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Saturday, Sept. 13<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Friday, Sept. 19<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Saturday, Sept. 20<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Saturday, Sept. 27<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sunday, Sept. 28<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/b2140504.smushcdn.com\/2140504\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/McGowanChloe_0017TT-scaled-e1741786480398-150x150.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1\")
<\/a><\/div>\n