April brings a variety of exciting activities to Indianapolis, from sports events to concerts, release parties, celebrations, and retreats. Whether you are a fan of the arts, literature, crafts, or cinema, there is something for everyone this month! These events will offer unique opportunities to get engaged with the community, learn, and have fun this April.
National Invitational Tournament
Hinkle Fieldhouse, April 1 & 3
Butler’s historic Hinkle Fieldhouse will host this year’s National Invitational Tournament where teams from across the country have been invited to participate in postseason matchups. This tournament is a separate opportunity from March Madness where fans can see their teams participate in the postseason festivities.
Brooks and Dunn Concert
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, April 3
Brooks & Dunn are bringing the Neon Moon Tour to Gainbridge Fieldhouse where they will perform with special guest Molly Tuttle. The American country duo have been performing since 1991 when they released their first album Brand New Man. The duo has won two Grammys together and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2019.
Burning Red: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Clowes Memorial Hall, April 4
The Burning Red Tribute To Taylor Swift is a Sing-Along Party for a night of making friends, singing, and dancing. This is a show made by Swifties for Swifties that plays hit songs and fan favorites from all of Taylor’s eras.
Kierra Read: From the Inside Out — An Art & Soul Exhibition
Gallery 924, April 4 – May 22
Joy is not something that can be manufactured; it is grown, nurtured, and radiated. From the Inside Out is an exploration of joy as a deeply personal and spiritual force that begins within and flows outward into the world. Through this collection, Kierra Ready invites viewers to experience joy as a divine gift—one that transcends life’s challenges and flourishes in community, faith, and self-discovery.
IndyHuman Mutt Strut
White River State Park, April 5
This 5K fun run (or short walk) is a family-friendly event raising lifesaving funds for homeless animals in desperate need. Even if you are unable to attend the event, you can support IndyHumane’s mission by donating. With your support, IndyHumane can save lives and make a difference for people and their pets.
Shane Gillis
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, April 5
Comedian Shane Gillis is kicking off the new year with his biggest tour yet: Shane Gillis Live. Gillis will embark on a global arena tour hitting 27 cities bringing his unmistakable comedic style to some of the biggest venues across North America and Europe. Gillis’ tour, in partnership with Outback Presents, includes a stop at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The highly-anticipated tour comes on the heels of his acclaimed Netflix special “Beautiful Dogs,” which reached the Netflix Top 10 in five countries and spent two weeks in the US Top 10 list.
Sensory Friendly Day
Indianapolis Zoo, April 6
In honor of National Autism Acceptance Month, the Indianapolis Zoo will be hosting a Sensory Friendly Afternoon on April 6th. Adaptations will be made to the zoo experience in order to help accommodate people with sensory needs including quiet rooms for guests, lowered sound in some areas of the zoo, and in some cases no music. The Carousel will run without lights and music, sound will be turned off in the Shark and Ray exhibits and sound will be reduced in the Dolphin presentation.
Tchaikovsky x Drake
Hilbert Circle Theatre, April 9
Tchaikovsky X Drake is a symphonic synthesis that blends the music of two composer-romanticists separated by almost a century. Twenty-two songs of Drake are woven into Tchaikovsky’s epic Fifth Symphony, as the lyrics of the former serve to advance the narrative program of the latter. We hear Drake’s melodies soaring in tandem with Tchaikovsky’s; his raps mirror almost impossibly Tchaikovsky’s rhythmic figures. Every possibility of synthesis is joyfully and beautifully explored.
The Play That Goes Wrong
Indiana Repertory Theatre, April 9 – May 11
The intrepid thespians of the Cornley Drama Society are more or less ready to raise the curtain on the grandest production the village has ever seen, The Murder at Haversham Manor—until things go from bad to calamitous. There’s an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that won’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines)—and that’s only the first act. It’s nothing you want in a show—and everything you want in a show!
Candles & Jewelry at Woven Co.
Woven Co. Candle Studio, April 10
Join us at Woven Co. Candle Studio to create your own custom candle and design a piece of jewelry using flowers and epoxy. Tickets are $70 and all candle and jewelry materials are included.
MORE’s Issue X Pre-launch Happy Hour
The House: 1922, April 10
Join the writers of MORE Magazine for their pre-launch happy hour to celebrate the release of the tenth issue. MORE Magazine is focused on connecting people who value content pertaining to Fashion, Conscious Living, Sustainability, Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Philanthropy. Each issue is curated with a mission to inspire, educate, and call people to action.
Cinemania 2025
Crane Bay Event Center, April 11
Cinemania, Heartland Film’s signature fundraiser, is back with the theme “A Tribute to Dance Films of the ’80s”. This epic one-night celebration is inspired by classic films like “Flashdance,” “Purple Rain,” “Fame,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Footloose” and “Xanadu”! Come out in eclectic ’80s chic and get ready to cut loose with radical drinks, legit food, electric entertainment and bitchin’ activations!
Soul • Real • Ism: A Featured Artist Showcase
Madam Walker Legacy Center, April 11
The Art & Soul 2025 Featured Artists—Monique Burts, Brandon Lott, Akili Ni Mali, and Kierra Ready—invite you to soul • real • ism: An Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase. This multimedia experience will feature an unconventional wearable art fashion show, a visual art display, and live music performances. The event is curated and hosted by the iconic Madam Walker Legacy Center and is presented by the Indy Arts Council with generous support from Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Cereal Cinema: Night at the Museum
Newfields, April 12
Cereal Cinema combines two of the best things about Saturday mornings: cereal and a great movie. Newfields invites all to attend their movie nights with some of the funniest, most captivating, and kid-friendly movies from all generations. Enjoy a buffet of cereal options that are included in the purchase of your ticket along with drip coffee that will be available for purchase. Prepare for this ultimate after-hours adventure as Newfields screens Night at the Museum. Don’t miss this action-packed, laugh-out-loud journey where history leaps off the exhibits!
Hoosier Handmade Craft Fair
Whiteland Community High School, April 12
Shop from a variety of handmade vendors for a truly unique experience with more than 120 local artisans that will feature leatherworks, pottery, jewelry, wood carvings, personalized charcuterie, and cutting boards, hand-poured soy candles, goat milk products, farm décor, handmade rugs and so much more. There will also be a mini makers section where kids can sell their own handcrafted products. You can also stop in for lunch from one of the local food trucks. Kids 10 and younger can enjoy the free scavenger hunt game throughout the event (prizes included). Parking and admission is free.
JCPL Local Author Fair
Johnson County Public Library, April 12
Meet local authors, find great spring reads, and enter to win prizes during JCPL’s Annual Local Author Fair.
Voices of the Spirit: An American Celebration
Indiana Landmarks Center, April 12
Featuring the glorious sounds of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the 2025 Voices of the Spirit performance focuses on texts with a powerful message of promise, hope, and faith. They believe that singing is for everyone, and therefore, this performance is the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s first pay-what-you-can event in hopes of dismantling inequities in the arts and making choral singing truly accessible for all.
Indy Maven April Meetup: Pivoting in Your Professional Journey
West Elm, April 17
Join us on Thursday, April 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at West Elm in Indianapolis as Colleen Hungerford and Leslie Bailey share their personal experiences and insights on the importance of adaptability, resilience, and strategic decision-making in today’s ever-evolving world.
Butler Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty
Clowes Memorial Hall, April 18 & 19
The most magical of all the fairy tale ballets! A beautiful princess, an evil fairy, a curse that dooms everyone to sleep for a hundred years, and a magical kiss—what more can you ask? Tchaikovsky’s very first ballet score—full of soaring melodies and sparkling variations—is performed live by the Butler Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Richard Auldon Clark. Indulge yourself in the fantasy of dreams that come true.
National Park Week
All National Parks, April 19
Kick-off National Park Week with free admission to any national park. Indiana is home to 3 National Parks, including Indiana Dunes National Park, George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.
Indy Design Week
Various Locations Across Indy, April 21 – 26
Indy Design Week’s mission is to celebrate and strengthen the Indianapolis design community while increasing awareness and building appreciation for design and the impact it has on business, culture, society, and people. Participate in Indy Design Week by volunteering, hosting a workshop, joining a panel, or sharing your ideas. Your voice helps share this vibrant celebration of design.
Indianapolis Children’s Museum’s Earth Day Celebration
Indianapolis Children’s Museum, April 26
Celebrate Earth Day with the whole family at The Indianapolis Children’s Museum with special hands-on activities where children can talk with local experts and explore ways to take action and take care of the environment.
Indy Maven Lunch & Learn: Bouncing Back: Harnessing Rejection for Growth
The Stutz, April 22
Join Indy Maven CEO Leslie Bailey and artist and photographer Faith Blackwell for an insightful conversation on transforming rejection into growth, resilience, and new opportunities. Through personal stories and practical strategies, they’ll share how setbacks have shaped their journeys and led to greater success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or professional navigating challenges, this session will provide the inspiration and tools to reframe rejection and turn it into a stepping stone for your next big win.
Great Big Beautiful Life Book Release Breakfast
The Whispering Shelf, April 22
Join us in celebrating the release of Emily Henry’s new book “Great Big Beautiful Life.” A ticket to The Whispering Shelf book release party includes a copy of the book, coffee and breakfast pastries, trivia games, giveaways, and other surprises.
11th Annual Women’s Business Retreat
The Alexander Hotel, April 24
Join the Central Indiana Women’s Business Center for the 11th Annual Women in Business Retreat, presented by Hirons. This empowering event invites women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect, learn, and recharge. Immerse yourself in a day filled with insightful speeches, engaging breakout sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. Whether you’re an Indy resident, new to the area, or simply passing through, this retreat is a perfect opportunity to escape the everyday hustle, share stories, and strategize about the future. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to making an impact!
Indy Reads Unlocking Our Potential Fundraising Breakfast
Ivy Tech Community College Culinary and Conference Center, April 24
Indy Read’s third annual fundraising breakfast is themed unlocking our potential. Those attending the event will hear from patrons of Indy Reads about their experiences with Indy Reads and what makes the organization special. Indy Reads welcomes everyone to join and participate in a community that believes that literacy matters.
Indianapolis Rare Book Fair
Columbia Club, April 25 & 26
The inaugural Indianapolis Rare Book Fair will host dozens of booksellers at the Columbia Club where participants can explore and browse thousands of books, maps, and prints. The opening night party will feature a special performance by Brian Vander Ark and The Verve Pipe.
Death and Taxes Day
Taxman Brewing Company, April 26
Death & Taxes Day is an outdoor beer release and tasting festival, featuring 40+ Indiana-proud breweries, select wineries, live music and local food trucks. Join them for a day full of sampling the finest beers, wines and ciders from around Indiana. Taxman Brewing Co. will release a special beer for the event, Deadline. Deadline is a rich, roasted and robust Belgian-style stout aged with Indonesian vanilla beans and rested several months on Kentucky-whiskey barrels.
Independent Bookstore Day
Local Bookstores, April 26
This one-day national party is held on the last Saturday of April and celebrates independent bookstores across the country online and in-store. Each bookstore is unique and independent and has its own way of celebrating from offering exclusive books and literary items, to hosting contests and scavenger hunts, and including live music, cupcakes and more!
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