February fun includes love, laughter and lively entertainment in downtown Indianapolis
Trash Wraps Brighten Up Downtown Indianapolis – Help Visitors Keep Downtown Clean
Beginning in late February, nearly 200 downtown trash receptacles will be covered with colorful trash wrappers. The vibrant wrappers are blue and green with the message “Put trash in its place” and “Keep downtown clean.” The goal of this initiative is to encourage consumers to put their trash away and to increase public awareness of the cleanliness of the Center. The Trash Wrap program originated in 2000 when the Indianapolis Downtown Inc. Cleanup Advisory Committee decided to transform trash receptacles. The program was presented as part of the preparations for the NCAA Final Four in the party scene. The wraps were such a hit with visitors, businesses and the community that they now appear every spring. For more information, call IDI at 237.2222.
Celebrate Black History Month in Downtown Indianapolis
Various events take place in the city center in February to celebrate. Don’t miss 18 FREE performances throughout the month of February as part of Art & Soul at the Artsgarden in Indianapolis. Billy Wooten and the Kenyatta Dance Company kick off the 15th annual celebration on January 1. 27. Find a full schedule on the Indy Art website. Celebrate African-American culture by strolling down Indiana Avenue and touring Madame Walker Theater Center. Check out the Indiana Repertory Theater (IRT) performance of Going Solo: Neat, a sequel to last year’s “Pretty Fire.” Join the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for a celebration of the 26th anniversary of the Black History Concert on February 26. 8 at 7:30 pm hosted by Indianapolis crowd favorite Thomas Wilkins.
The Indiana Historical Society and the Marion County-Indianapolis Public Library invite children and families to learn about Indiana’s rich African-American history by participating in the Indiana Black History Challenge. The Indiana Black History Challenge is a contest that invites participants to investigate famous Indiana African-Americans and their contributions to society, beginning February 1. one.
A new year rings in with great performances in downtown Indianapolis
Theater on the Square Presents A Contemporary American’s Guide to a Successful Marriage Now – February 1. 19. Also, the Phoenix Theater will show Goldie, Max and Milk on February 1st. 3-27. Sing the blues with jazz artist Catherine Russell at the Columbia Club Cabaret or see Grammy-nominated Eric Roberson live at the Athenaeum Theater on February 1. 4. Head to the Hilbert Circle Theater and listen to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Dvorak Cello Concerto on February 1. 4 & 5, Broadway by Ashley BrownFeb. 11 – 13, The Making of Hayden Feb. 18 – 19 or Beethoven 6 and Thibaudet feb. 25 & 26. Learn about being a Shakespearean actor at the Indiana Repertory Theater with Going Solo: In Acting Shakespeare on February 1. From March 19 to 13. Enjoy a night at the Old National Center with United Way’s Oscar Night presents A Night in Bollywood on February 1st. 27. Also Feb. 27 See Grammy Award Winning King’s Singers at Christ Church Cathedral.
Don’t forget Valentine’s and President’s Days.
Celebrate early at the Propylaeum in Indianapolis with Lover’s Night Out on February 1. 5. Take a weekend and head over to the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Winter Nights film series: Kiss me Dearly feb. 11 o Check out The Cabaret at The Columbia club to see Love Bein’ Here With You with Roy Geesa’s Cool City Band, featuring Shannon Forsell and Jimmy Guilford. For younger lovers, head to the Children’s Museum for the My Little Valentine event on February 1. 11. Bring the family to make homemade Valentines and participate in Valentine-themed activities. Cozy up along with the Indiana State Museum’s Frugal and Fancy: Indiana Quilts exhibit on February 2. From July 12 to 17. February is also American Heart Month, so experience “PUMP” at the Stutz Art Space to see artwork featuring a heart, a mechanical pump, shoes, a fire truck, and more.
Take your special someone to Romance and Remembrance: Valentines and Vintages on Benjamin Harrison’s Presidential site to hear presidential love letters and poetry from the Gilded Age. Nourish Café at the IMA will also have a Valentine’s Day brunch on February 1st. 13. Check out the Skyline Club’s special Valentine’s Day menu or visit the Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. website for a full list of downtown restaurants.
Take time to recognize our ancestors on President’s Day on February 1. 21. Enjoy FREE admission to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and meet Abe Lincoln at the President’s Day celebration. It’s also President’s Day: “LIVE from Delaware Street” at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site with the unveiling of “Windows to the Past: Harrison’s Indianapolis” on February 2. twenty-one
family time february
Bring the family together to explore programs, activities and shows designed to keep your family active, fit and healthy at the Dora & Diego Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – Let’s Explore, Opening February 1. 5. The Children’s Museum will also present Engineer’s Day on February 2. 26 & Target’s Free Family Night on February 26 3 from 4-8 pm Go to the Indianapolis Museum of Art on February 1. 12 or 26 for FREE family tours and check out the Indiana Art Fair: Indiana Winter Art Event at the Indiana State Museum on February 1. 18 – 20.
Watch some sports action
When it’s cold outside, it’s nice to be inside watching a heated game between the Indiana Pacers and various visiting teams on February 2. 4, 9, 11, 15, 23, 25 and 27. This year’s IHSAA Wrestling Singles State Finals are on February 1st. 18 and 19 and the team finals are on February 2. 26, both at Conseco Fieldhouse. Also check out the IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving Championships on February 2. 25 and 26 at the Indiana University Natatorium. For a hockey fix, head to the Shoot Out Hockey tournament at Pan Am Plaza on February 1. 19-21. Check out your favorite football stars as they’re in town for the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 1. 23 – March 1.