Budget-friendly events and activities in the arts to enjoy this fall
With school back in session, it can be difficult to find a moment where the whole family can get together and experience some of the arts and entertainment Indianapolis has to offer. However, when the opportunity finally presents itself, it often comes with a hefty bill at the end of the night. But going out doesn't have to be costly.
Whether it be a trip to a museum, art gallery, concert or theater, here are a few budget-friendly events rooted in the arts to enjoy with or without the kiddos this fall.
Arts For Lawrence
Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Cultural Campus and Visual Arts Center, 8920 Otis Ave., Lawrence. Free. More information at artsforlawrence.org
Arts For Lawrence, a nonprofit community arts organization, features free classes and programming throughout the year, but this fall will bring the return of the $2 “Films at the Fort” series onOct. 8 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m. The Visual Arts Gallery will also be free and open to the public every Friday from 6-9 p.m.
In partnership with the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, Arts for Lawrence will host the MSDLT Latin Festival on Oct. 8. In partnership with Theatre Unchained, “Taste” — a chilling play with adult themes — will run Sept. 23 through Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Theatre at the Fort. General admission tickets will be $20 for and $15 for seniors, military and students.
Indy Opera
Sept. 10, 7-8:30 p.m., McCallister Amphitheater in Garfield Park. Free. Additional information at indyopera.org
Celebrating its 48th opera season, the Indianapolis Opera will hold its fifth annual Opera in the Park concert commemorating 9/11 on Sept. 10 at the McCallister Amphitheater in Garfield Park.
The free 90-minute concert will feature performances by the Indianapolis Opera Chorus and resident artists in addition to the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra’s Opera in the Park debut. Indiana-based musicians and special guests for the evening include conductor Alfred Savia, opera singer Angela Brown, baritone Danial Narducci, pianist Joshua A. Thompson and saxophonist Jared Thompson.
Storefront Theatre
Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Storefront Theatre and Gallery, 2416 E. 55th Place. Free. Additional information at storefrontindy.com
Beginning in October, Storefront — a nonprofit black box theater and gallery space — will move into its new home at 2416 E. 55th Place in Broad Ripple. In late October, Ankh Productions will continue its residency with Storefront with “So, Your Soulless (Well, I’ll Be Damn)” by writer and director Jamal McCray. The show will run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m.
Also during the month of October, Indianapolis-based artist Cierra Johnson will have her third exhibition in the new Storefront gallery space. Johnson’s exhibitionwill be free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and during special events and shows.
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
Sept. 8-9. Various locations. Free, but registration is required. More information is available at icomusic.org
Bring the whole family out to enjoy a weekend of free concerts by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. At 8 p.m on Sept. 8, ICO will perform at the Taggart Memorial Amphitheater in Riverside Park, located at 1856 Burdsal Parkway. At 7 p.m. on Sept. 9, ICO will perform at Holliday Park, located at 6363 Spring Mill Rd.
Families are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic to enjoy the performances of classical music as the sun sets over Indianapolis. Admission for both performances is free, however, guests must register for a ticket at bit.ly/3cNSSpm for Sept. 8 and bit.ly/3be9HK0 for Sept. 9.
Smithsonian Day
Sept. 17. Hours and locations vary. Free. Learn more at smithsonianmag.com
Typically celebrated annually on Sept. 18, Smithsonian Day is a national one-day event where participating museums, zoos and educational centers across the country offer free admission to guests presenting a Museum Day Ticket. Museum Day tickets are free to download and can be found at smithsonianmag.com/museumday.
Participating museums in Indiana observing Smithsonian Day include the Children's Museum, The Eiteljorg, Indiana State Museum, Rhythm! Discovery Center, Connor Prairie, the Indiana Historical Society, NCAA Hall of Champions, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections.
Although separate from Smithsonian Day, Newfields offers free admission on first Thursdays including Sept. 1, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3., and their Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Reserve offers free admission every day.
Jazz on the Ave
3:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave. Free. Register in advance at americanpianists.org
Meet and hear five of the country's best young jazz pianists, who are finalists for the prestigious 2023 American Pianists Awards. Caelan Cardello, Esteban Castro, Paul Cornish, Thomas Linger and Isaiah J. Thompson will perform.
Noblesville Movies in the Park
Fridays at dusk, Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St., Noblesville. Free. Additional information at noblesvilleparks.org
The Noblesville Parks Department will screen “Sing 2” on Sept. 2 and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” on Sept. 9 at Federal Hill Commons beginning at dusk as part of its 15th annual Movies in the Park series.
Parking is available onsite as well as to the west of Nixon Street between Bru Burger and Federal Hill Commons. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket and snacks or enjoy concessions including popcorn, candy and soda available for purchase onsite.
Contact IndyStar reporter Chloe McGowan at CWilkersonMcGowan@gannett.com. Follow her Twitter: @chloe_mcgowanxx.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis arts: Ways to enjoy arts in Broad Ripple, Indy on budget
