Whether you are staying in or running headlong in the flurries, there are several activities to keep you warm Downtown this February.
A celebration of African-American history February is Black History Month. Like all commemorative occasions, it's also a great time to have fun and learn something new! Experience the plight of slaves on a dangerous journey for freedom in Follow the Drinking Gourd, a SpaceQuest Planetarium show at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Feb. 1 - 29. Don't miss FREE entertainment as part of Art & Soul in the Indianapolis Artsgarden, including the Michael Jordan "I am" series. The original fusion techniques of Kool's Bazaar kick off the 16th annual celebration on Feb. 10. To view a collection of African-American culture and history, take a stroll down Indiana Avenue, where you can tour the historic Madame Walker Theatre Center and visit the Crispus Attucks Museum.
Head to the Central Library to observe the works of prominent African-American artists in the 24th annual "Meet the Artists" exhibit Feb. 3 - March 31. Visit the Indiana State Museum to see REPRESENT: Art by African-Americans now - July 15. Family Day, Feb. 11 features public performances, special workshops, lectures and more! Join the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for the FREE 27th anniversary Celebration of Black History Concert Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. conducted by Indianapolis native Kazem Abdullah.
The Indiana Historical Society and Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library invite children and families to learn about Indiana's rich African-American history by participating in the Indiana Black History Challenge. The Challenge encourages contestants to explore famous African-American Hoosiers' contributions to society now - Feb. 29.
XOXO, DowntownWant ideas for the mushiest day of the year? Well, Downtown has a full event lineup guaranteed to fill every heart's desire. Kiss and make up at the Unity Church of Indianapolis with a Valentine Spa Day featuring manicures, facials, makeovers and massage therapy, along with food and music Feb. 11. Romance surely will be in the air when the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents That's Amore, a special event complete with celebrated Italian love songs and classics with pop-opera vocal trio Poperazzi Feb. 11. Don't miss the Art of Love featuring Jagged Edge Jan. 12 at the Old National Centre. Steven Stolen performs a show sure to please the Valentine in everyone with Isn't Love Romantic? at The Cabaret at The Columbia Club Feb. 14. Flying solo for V-day? Grab your friends and head over to the Old National Centre for a Ladies Nite Out Valentine Tour starring: The Whispers, Howard Hewett and more! Have a one-of-a-kind Valentine's experience with the Indianapolis Zoo's dolphin in-water adventure! Purchase the adventure and bring an observer for FREE.
For younger Valentines, delight your little sweethearts with a Valentine's Day Show of high spirited marionettes at Peewinkle's Puppet Studio Feb. 11 & 12. Tickets include a special sweet treat as well. February is also American Heart Month, so splurge on a heart-healthy lunch at the Go Red for Women Luncheon, while participating in health screenings, exhibits and educational sessions at the JW Marriott Feb. 17.
Treat your sweetie to a three-course meal and have a toe-tapping good time at the Rathskeller Valentine's Dinner Dance with Living Proof Feb. 11. Take your special someone to Romance and Remembrance at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to hear presidential love letters and poetry from the Gilded Age followed by dinner in the Indianapolis Propylaeum Feb. 14. Fall in love with food at the Indianapolis City Market, where venders will be host to special offerings like Peas date me? or A Duo of Indiana Filet Mignon at U-Relish Farm. Check out Skyline Club's Valentine's Day menu and present your crush with a romantic candlelit dinner for two and live music.
Taking the traditional approach this year? Score some brownie points with a signature Valentine's Day tin filled with assorted chocolates from The Best Chocolate in Town. Opting to show your love via petals? Stop in to Enflora inside the Chase Tower for unique and traditional designs for your special someone. Planning to stay in and celebrate? Pick up your gourmet dinner essentials at Goose the Market, Indianapolis City Market, New Day Meadery, Mass Ave Wine Shoppe and Easley Winery.
Over here, Mr. President!In celebration of President's Day Feb. 20, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis will be open to the public FREE of charge. Come for a day full of excitement and fun as the museum celebrates our founding fathers. Discover Indiana's presidential heritage, meet Abraham Lincoln and complete fun crafts and activities. It's also President's Day: "LIVE from Delaware Street" at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. On this special day, your tour includes the opportunity to interact with family members and household staff, whose roles are recreated by exceptional actors.
Don't let Pancake Day fall flat!Downtown will have you flipping for its pancakes Feb. 21- it's National Pancake Day! For the sake of not limiting your fun - don't forget the pancake's cousins - Mr.Crepe, Sir Waffle and Monsieur French Toast. Be tempted by Hoaglin to Go's red velvet pancakes topped with cream cheese icing and chocolate chips. Dive into crepes ranging from sweet to savory at Three Days in Paris in Indianapolis City Market. Popular options include "The Twist" and "Red Eggs and Bacon." Sugared pecans and powdered sugar top off Caf Patachou's "Croissant French Toast Patachou." Pancakes. Hotcakes. Flapjacks. Whatever you want to call them - Feb. 21 is the day to celebrate their glorious existence Downtown.
Root for the home teamCatch the Pacers in action as they heat up the home court Feb. 4, 7, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21 & 28 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse! For more basketball action, see your favorite Bulldogs in action at Hinkle Fieldhouse Feb. 2 & 4 and the IUPUI Jaguars Feb. 1 & 4 at the IUPUI Sports Complex. The Indiana Ice will heat up Bankers Life Fieldhouse Feb. 10 vs. Chicago. This year's IHSAA Wrestling Individual State Finals are Feb. 17 & 18 and the team finals are Feb. 25, both at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Also check out the IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving Championship Feb. 24 & 25 at the Indiana University Natatorium.
Star-studded theatreRouse yourself from the couch and make some noise for Downtown's performances all month long! Sister Robert Anne's Cabaret Class, the "One-Nun-Sense" musical event, performs at Theatre on the Square Feb. 10 - March 10. Thaw out at the Phoenix Theatre with the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning August: Osage County Feb. 16 - March 11. Sing along with the 10-time Grammy award winner Janis Siegel as she presents New York Standard Time at The Cabaret at The Columbia Club Feb. 24 & 25. Enjoy A Night Of "Grown & Sexy" With Joe and J. Holiday at the Old National Centre Feb. 25. The Gentlemen of the Cathedral Choir will join the Early Music Institute of the Jacobs School of Music in a performance of The Tudors Feb. 26 at the Christ Church Cathedral. Described as a comedy of manners without the manners, the Tony Award-winner God of Carnage comes to the Indiana Repertory Theatre Feb. 28 - March 24.
Catch a flick all month long as the Indianapolis Museum of Art continues its Winter Nights Film Series with Gentlemen Prefer Blondes & La Cucaracha (Feb. 3,) The Quiet Man (Feb. 10), Charade (Feb. 17) and The Godfather, Part II ( Feb. 24) in the Toby Theater.
Relive the 60s with SPECTRUM: the Magic of Motown joined by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at the Hilbert Circle Theatre Feb. 17 - 19. The ISO will also host Symphonic Dances Feb. 24 & 25 and The Language of Music Feb. 26.
App launched!Grab your iPhones and Androids and get ready to download Indy's best app! Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. recently launched the FREE "Indy Downtown" app. Find everything you need Downtown at your fingertips. The app features Hot Now: featured Downtown events and promotions; Events: everything that's happening to fill your calendar; Latest: up-to-date Twitter news; Find: see what's nearby on a real-time map and search all Downtown destinations including entertainment, performing arts, restaurants, shops, hotels, museums and more. Find the Indy Downtown app in the iPhone App Store or Android Market.
