October is packed with can’t-miss moments in Indy—from sparkling album release parties and powerhouse concerts to festive fall openings, theater favorites, and cultural celebrations. Whether you’re ready to raise a glass at midnight, sing along to country hits, dive into spooky season, or immerse yourself in art and tradition, there’s something happening every week to keep your calendar full. Here’s your guide to the best events lighting up the city this month.
Life of a Showgirl Album Release Party
The Indianapolis Propylaeum, Oct. 2
Celebrate the release of Taylor Swift’s brand-new album “The Life of a Showgirl” with a sparkling midnight party at the Indianapolis Propylaeum’s historic Carriage House. The event includes a midnight toast, snacks, a friendship bracelet making station, and more.
Lainey Wilson Concert
Ruoff Music Center, Oct. 3
Something you oughta know: Barring any vocal issues, country singer-songwriter (who we also loved in Yellowstone) Lainey Wilson comes to Indiana Oct. 3.
The Clubhouse Grand Opening
The Clubhouse, Oct. 4
From the crew behind Pots & Pans Indy, The Clubhouse will host its grand opening with a Fall Fest on Oct. 4 with face painting, balloon animals, bubble fun, live music, dog friendly activities, including a costume contest, and non-alcoholic wine tastings with Orangily.
October Meetup with Dance Fam
Dance Fam, Oct. 8
Join us + Dance Fam founder Jaelynn Horton on Wednesday, October 8 from 6–8 p.m. for a night of movement, laughter, and connection. We’ll start with snacks, sips, and mingling, then dive into a fun, beginner-friendly hip hop dance class — complete with a warmup, step-by-step choreography breakdown, and plenty of time to own your moves before we put it all together.
The 39 Steps
Indiana Repertory Theatre, through Oct. 12
See “The 39 Steps” before the show ends on Oct. 12. Directed by the theatre’s own Benjamin Hanna and adapted from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock, the performance will have you laughing out loud and impressed—four actors play more than 40 characters, it’s wild!
Diwali Festival of Lights
Carmel’s Carter Green, Oct. 18
Celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil in a night filled with color, culture, and connection on Carter Green as Carmel comes alive with the spirit of Diwali. Experience the magic of Diwali at this family-friendly festival that includes rangoli art displays, traditional diyas (clay lamps), cultural performances, henna designs, and authentic Indian cuisine from local food vendors.
Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
Irvington: Various locations, Oct. 18-25
Head to the IRL version of Halloweentown for a full week of events from story telling and street fairs to bus tours and blood drives. Irvington is your go-to destination for all things spooky, kooky, and fun.
Boo N Brew Festival
Clay Terrace, Oct. 18
Why wait until October 31 when you can trick-or-treat at Clay Terrace’s annual Boo ‘n Brew Fall Festival. There’s plenty of fun for the kids (and grownups) of all ages including live music, pumpkin patch, a hayride, and a family-friendly beer garden featuring four local breweries: Upland Brewing Co, Bier Brewing, Grand Junction Brewing and Field Brewing.
The Boy is Mine Tour with Brandy and Monica
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Oct. 19
Picture it. The year is 1998. You’re sittin’ up in your room making mixtapes, just waiting for Brandy’s hit new song to come up so you can smash the record button on your boombox and all is right with the world (even if your teen angst prevents you from knowing it). Relive the magic of those moments at The Boy is Mine Tour at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this month.
Marie and Rosetta
Indiana Repertory Theatre, Oct. 28-Nov. 23
Behind a lot of talented men—think Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, and Ray Charles—there was the fierce guitar playing gospel music legend, Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Learn more about her story in Marie and Rosetta. The show kicks off at IRT at the end of the month.
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