By Keshia McEntire (Originally Published on fafcollective.com)
We all know Labor Day weekend is the unofficial start to fall, so pull those leggings, boots and sweaters out of the back of your closet and prepare to make the most of the season. These 10 events are sure to keep the good times rolling as the air becomes brisk and the leaves change colors.
1. Indulge your senses at Oranje 2018
Festival season isn’t quite over yet! Oranje, an interactive art, music and fashion showcase, is back for one final bash after taking a three year hiatus. Enjoy performances by DJ Gabby Love, Action Jackson and more while browsing local vendors and enjoying libations. The event takes place on Saturday, September 22 at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20. Attendees must be 21+. To view the full artist lineup and ticket information, visit oranjeindy.com.
2. Listen to live music at Jazz in the Grass
Live music, fine wine and good vibes are readily available at the second annual Jazz In The Grass, taking place Saturday, September 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center. This event is a fundraiser for the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center’s services in Pike and Washington Township. Tickets start at $20.00. Learn more at facebook.com/faybiccardglickcenter.
3. Channel your inner artist at Art Squared
Three entertaining events in one, art Squared includes the Fountain Square Art Fair, an Art Parade and art and writing competition Masterpiece in a Day. The festival takes place 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 15 at, 2018, at
1104 Shelby Street. Learn more at discoverfountainsquare.com.
4. Catch a movie at a local theater
Indiana’s unpredictable fall weather lends the perfect excuse to catch a flick indoors. Movie fans have plenty of options, ranging from taking a visit to IMAX or grabbing a bite to eat at Studio Movie Grill. Some local theaters are getting upgrades, such as AMC Perry Crossing 18, which recently unveiled their new Dolby Cinema to offer viewers a more immersive experience.
5. Learn little-known history at Conner Prairie
Every Saturday in September, hoosier have an opportunity to learn the history of the Roberts settlement. The short play titled Black Pioneers tells the story of free 19th century African-Americans who bought land from the U.S. government and fostered a prosperous community in Hamilton County. The play takes place at 12, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Learn more at connerprairie.org. $9.50
6. Visit the Upside Down
Exploration Acres in Lafayette, IN has created a 20-acre corn maze to allow brave explores outside of Hawkins, IN to see if they have what it takes to make it out of the Upside Down. The attraction is available between September 14 and October 28 and tickets start at $9:50. Learn more at explorationacres.com.
7. Experience The Lion King live
Tony Award-winning musical The Lion King is coming to the Murat Theater on September 12 — 28, offering 90’s babies like myself a healthy dose of nostalgia. You best believe I’ll be somewhere in the crowd resisting the urge to sing along to The Circle Of Life. Tickets start at $65.00 and can be purchased at livenation.com.
8. Enjoy chinese culture at the Indianapolis Chinese Festival
Experience dragons, lion dancers, martial arts and mooncakes at the 2018 Indianapolis Chinese Festival taking place September 29, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the IUPUI Wood Plaza. This event offers free admission and free parking. Learn more at indianapolischinesefestival.com.
9. Celebrate Latino Culture at Fiesta Familia
The Children’s Museum is offering free admission, unique performances and family-friendly activities during Fiesta Familia taking place 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on September 23. More information can be found at childrensmuseum.org.
10. Get into the Halloween spirit at the Irvington Halloween Festival.
Food trucks, beer, live music, a parade and some of the best costumes in town are staples of the Irvington Halloween Festival. This event kicks off 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on October 27 at 5600 E Washington St. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/irvingtonhalloween/.