Fall Arts Guide 2015: If you could only do one thing this fall...
Star reporters and editors recommend their not-to-miss arts and cultural events.
"April 4, 1968” world premiere
Oct. 20 to Nov. 15, Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St., $20 to $59, (317) 635-5252, irtlive.com.
This original work by IRT writer-in-residence James Still is a riveting account of one African-American family on the day Bobby Kennedy came to Indianapolis and made a speech on the night of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.
Based on four years of interviews with local residents, “April 4, 1968,” could become an important part of the Indianapolis theater canon. — Wei-Huan Chen, arts reporter, @weihuanchen
Shall We Dance – Indy Stars Dance for DK
7 p.m. Nov. 15, Park Tudor School, 7200 N. College Ave., $10 to $75, dancekal.org.
I’ve always wanted to compete on “Dancing with the Stars” and this November my dream will come true.
After one month of training, my professional dance partner and I will compete against local celebrities and studios at this fundraiser for Dance Kaleidoscope. Here’s to hoping I can rack up a perfect 10.
— Leslie Bailey, the Adventuress, @lesalina
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses – Master Quest
8 p.m. Oct. 2, Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $42 to $96, oldnationalcentre.com.
From the Overworld theme to “Zelda’s Lullaby,” the iconic video game series is filled with great music. To honor the work of composer Koji Kondo (and others), a live orchestra and choir will perform pieces pulled from the series’ 30-year history, highlighted by a four-movement symphony, while video is projected behind them.— Channing King, online producer, @channingking
Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters
7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $39.50 to $125, (800) 745-3000, livenation.com.
It’s been a long time since Robert Plant rock ’n’ rolled in Indianapolis, and that was a supporting-act gig when the Who played Klipsch Music Center in 2002. Plant, who rose to global stardom as Led Zeppelin’s vocalist, is on tour to promote 2014 solo album “Lullaby and ... The Ceaseless Roar” — an amalgam of Americana, blues, soul and African music. — David Lindquist, pop culture writer, @317lindquist
Insider Art exhibition opening
6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23, Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., free, (317) 255-2464, indplsartcenter.org.
Teens in the Marion Co. jail get creative when it comes to art supplies. They’ve made portraits out of Kool-Aid and used pillowcases as canvases.
Jeff Jeffries, a local artist — and former prison guard — gave 50 of these young inmates some studio lessons as part of a new program between the Sheriff’s Office and the IAC. Their works, in a variety of media, will go on display. — Amanda Kingsbury, content strategist, @akingsbury
Indiana Spirits: POP!
8 p.m. Oct. 2, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., $90 to $115, indianamuseum.org/indianaspirits.
A swanky night on the town and an excuse to wear a cocktail dress — yes, please! Be the first to sample cocktails from Indiana’s Bicentennial Cocktail Contest.
Plus, you’ll get to celebrate all things Hoosier — from POP icons to POPcorn.
— Amy Haneline, beverage reporter, @AmyBHaneline
NWA Circle City Wrestling LIVE
6 p.m. Oct. 4, German Park, 8600 S. Meridian St., $5 to $8, (317) 335-4250,facebook.com/CircleCityWrestling.
What do you get when you take theater, lose the stage, keep the tights, up the athleticism and throw in the occasional steel chair? Professional wrestling, of course.
NWA Circle City Wrestling will return to German Park this fall for a family friendly show headlined by two big ticket matches — one a championship showdown, and the other being a casket match that can only end when a competitor is dropped into a pine box and the lid is closed. — Justin Mack, breaking news reporter, @justinlmack
An Evening with David Sedaris
7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, Clowes Memorial Hall, 4600 Sunset Ave., $37 to $55,cloweshall.org.
David Sedaris is a humor writer who’s actually funny — extremely funny — and he also now and then throws in some poignant truths.
His stories are even better when he reads them out loud. — Will Higgins, reporter, @willrhiggins
Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival
Oct. 8-11, Courthouse Square, 120 N. Jefferson St., Martinsville, (765) 342-0332, morgancountyfallfoliagefestival.com.
Head south for this annual festival where a quilt show, art show and harvest market will put you in the mood for warm cider.
The weekend culminates with one of the state’s largest parades at 1 p.m. Sunday. — Cara Anthony, things to do reporter, @cararanthony
Beards and Brews
Noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 24, 839 Conner St., Noblesville,noblesvillemainstreet.org.
You’re not a real hipster if you don’t have a beard on your face and a brew in your hand.
Prove yourself by competing for the Longest Beard, Thickest Beard, Fullest Beard and Most Creatively Groomed.
— Olivia Lewis, Hamilton County reporter, @TheWrittenPeace
Sports isn’t always king in Indy. Here’s proof.
We’ve heard some of you say it: The Indy arts scene gets way less attention than sports in this city. Well, the IndyStar’s Things to Do app, launched this spring, has more downloads than the Colts app. (Not that we’re keeping score, of course, since we’re technically on the same team.)
It’s your insider’s guide to Central Indiana, from music and nightlife to arts and community events. If you haven’t already, download it on Android or iPhone by searching “IndyStar Things to Do” in the app store.
The app has a comprehensive day-by-day calendar, and our staff-curated Best Lists will inspire you to explore and get the most out of your city. And, you can share your own events using the Submit An Event feature. For more info, e-mail thingstodo@indystar.com.