Come celebrate Black History Month in Downtown Indianapolis! From the Indiana Repertory Theatre's inspiring and powerful production, Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer, to supporting Black-owned businesses, this list has the best things to see, eat, and do while celebrating Black culture. Grab your friends, family, or coworkers and start planning! Be sure to click the links to learn more about each experience.

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Special Programming at Downtown Museums

Black History Month Celebration

Bring your families to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis for a special Black History Month Celebration this Thursday, February 1. Recognize Black heritage and achievements in history, science, art, and music through storytelling, special activities, and performances. Learn the story of American civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, meet the author of My Mom is a Construction Manager Akilah Darden, and discover the usefulness of soybeans inspired by the work of African American chemist and scientist Dr. Percy Julian. Enjoy these engaging topics, activities, and more from 4-8 p.m. with $6 discount admission.

February 1 | 4-8 p.m. | The Children's Museum

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Str8 Up Frederick Douglass in Rhythm, Rap and Jazz

Frederick Douglass is one of history's most celebrated freedom fighters. Now, experience his life and legacy through a rhythm, hip-hop and jazz experience at the Indiana State Museum on February 2 and 23. “Str8 Up Frederick Douglass” features original music and dance inspired by his mission and activism, created by artists at the Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis.

February 2, 23 | Multiple Times | Indiana State Museum

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African American Stories in Art

Come and visit the Eiteljorg Museum on select dates in February to enjoy a special public tour that showcases the works of African American artists featured in the museum's collection. This unique series is available on February 10, 16, 17, and 24, and is included in the price of admission. It is a great way to celebrate Black History Month!

February 10, 16, 17, 24 | Multiple Times | Eiteljorg Museum

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Discover Arts & Culture Opportunities

28th Annual Art & Soul Festival

Returning to Indianapolis for its 28th year, the Indy Arts Council’s Art & Soul festival spotlights Black art, music, dance, and literature throughout Black History Month. Since 1996, Art & Soul has helped advance the careers of Black artists in Indianapolis with support annually from Lilly Endowment Inc. Read below for Art & Soul events in the heart of Downtown Indy:

• Festival Kickoff at Gallery 924 & The Cabaret – This Friday, February 2 from 5-9 p.m., Art & Soul kicks off with a spotlight on Black visual and performance art. Gallery 924 will feature a brand-new exhibition, “Vision Makers: Dreams and Possibilities,” created by Art & Soul alumni and this year’s featured artist, Boxx The Artist. Right next door, The Cabaret will feature musical performances by Shvdy Rollins, jus Will, and Austin Day from 6-7:30 p.m. Tickets are sold out, but standing room may be available upon arrival.
• Celebration + Naptown Tribute at the Indianapolis Artsgarden – This year’s Art & Soul finale, free to attend on Friday, February 23 from 5-7:30 p.m., will feature a Naptown Tribute, highlighting the iconic music of Indiana Avenue from past to present. Enjoy performances by the Art & Soul 2024 featured artists alongside local legends including Queen Delphine, Rob Dixon, and Bashiri Asad.

February 2, 23 | Multiple Times | Multiple Locations

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First Friday Art Show – Black History Month: Then & Now

On Friday, February 2, Indiana Landmarks will host the new free art exhibit “Black History Month: Then & Now.” The group show, curated by Clayton Hamilton of Indianapolis’ InSight Art, highlights Indiana Black artists and their expressions of Black heritage. Guests will also be able to view the stunning architecture of Indiana Landmarks Center’s grand spaces. Complimentary snacks and drinks will be available from 6-9 p.m.

February 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Indiana Landmarks Center

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Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer

Closing this Sunday, February 4, don’t miss your chance to see Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer at Indiana Repertory Theatre. Rising from humble roots as the daughter of a Mississippi sharecropper, Fannie Lou Hamer became a leader in the struggle for voting rights at a time when Civil Rights were far from secure. Her grit and determination to keep fighting, through bad times as well as good, shows what it means to be a true revolutionary. You’ll be clapping and crying and singing along with a show that is part theatre, part gospel revival, and all inspiration.

Closing February 4 | Multiple Times | Indiana Repertory Theatre

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Don’t miss these additional shows featuring Black performers in Downtown Indy:

• We Them One's Comedy Tour at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, February 4
• Veeze at Old National Centre, February 24
• Jon Batiste at Old National Centre, February 27
• An Evening with Sphinx at Central Library, February 27

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Support Local at These Black-Owned Businesses

As part of Black History Month, we would like to show support to Black-owned businesses in Downtown Indianapolis. Whether you’re a foodie, shopping fanatic, or fitness enthusiast, make sure to add these Downtown locations to your list and support local!

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Dine Downtown – Need some new restaurants to add to your rotation? Indy’s first plant-based burger joint, Burgeezy, is now open for business along the Downtown Canal Walk. The Black-owned restaurant features a completely dairy, meat, and egg-free menu with a wide selection of comfort-inspired dishes. Brand new to the Downtown ecosystem, Chicken Scratch specializes in hand-breaded wings, chicken pasta, sandwiches, salads, loaded fries, and vegan sides. For classic American cuisine and patio dining with scenic views of Monument Circle, make sure to try The Block Bistro and Grill on Market St.

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Grab a sweet treat – Searching for a new ice cream spot? Gordon’s Milkshake Bar on the north end of Mass Ave delivers on handcrafted milkshakes and desserts featuring dairy-free and vegan options. Stay up to date on special milkshake flavors by visiting Gordon’s Instagram page. Another favorite, located just minutes away from the Mile Square on 16th Street, is LiftOff Creamery, a small aviation-themed ice cream and dessert shop. Owner and Commercial Airline Pilot Ryan Lynch opened LiftOff in 2020 with two community-driven goals, bring awareness to careers in aviation and cultivate introductory workforce skills for local youth.

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Support Local Retail – For some of the best lifestyle products and fashion pieces Downtown, look no further than these Black-owned retailers. As the first participant in the St’Artup317 program, the lifestyle brand We Don’t Run From Adversity (WDRFA) makes its home in Maker’s Alley at the historic Stutz building with merchandise ranging from leather goods to branded joggers. Nap or Nothing, located in the heart of Mass Ave, delivers on fashion-forward apparel including hoodies, caps, graphic tees, and letterman jackets. Looking for some new scented candles for your home? A Scent of Sunshine on N Delaware St makes homemade soy candles, fragrances, and air fresheners you won’t be able to get anywhere else.

• Also check out: Cargo Streetwear Boutique in Fountain Square

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Practice Well-Being  – Looking for a Downtown community to help you meet your fitness goals? Rise House Fitness Studio is a Black-and-woman-owned studio that will have you burning up a sweat in a fun, community-centered workout incorporating high-energy music with intense cycling and upper body training. Taylor Made Wellness, also woman-owned, brings a total wellness approach around mind, body, and community to empower people of all ages and fitness levels.

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Take Part in Educational Opportunities

Barriers & Breakthroughs: The Long History of Unequal Education in Indianapolis

Visit the Central Library in Downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, February 6 for “Barriers & Breakthroughs: The Long History of Unequal Education in Indianapolis.” Leon Bates and Beth Van Allen with the Indiana Remembrance Coalition will give an in-depth discussion on historical obstacles to equal education faced by African American children in Indiana and Marion County.

February 6 | 10:30-11:45 a.m. | Central Library

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Power and Impact of the Black Press

On Tuesday, February 6 at the Indiana Historical Society, join prominent historians in a panel discussion on the importance of Black newspapers in the construction of the historical narrative. Panelists will examine the advocacy, history, and power of four pivotal Black newspapers: the Christian Recorder, Indianapolis Freeman, Indianapolis Colored World, and Indianapolis Recorder.

February 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Indiana Historical Society

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Conversations in Indiana African American History and Culture

In this recurring series presented by Freetown Village, historians, researchers, and educators discuss topics related to Indiana’s Black heritage, followed by question-and-answer sessions. Be part of the latest installment on Thursday, February 18 available both in person and online. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center and the talk begins at 6 p.m.

February 15 | 6 p.m. | Indiana Landmarks Center

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Looking for events related to NBA All-Star 2024? Stay tuned for more on this historic weekend when Downtown Indianapolis becomes the intersection of sports, arts, culture, and fashion February 15-18. Learn more and purchase tickets to All-Star events HERE.

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