Is March the new May? 20 can't-miss events

We must be itching for spring, because March is the new May this year. That’s right, Marchis absolutely packed with amazing events to get you outside and out of your house with friends and family.

Catch the action at Bankers Life Fieldhouse as the NCAA Women’s Big Ten tournament goes down March 1 through March 5.  Then the first and second rounds of the men’s tournament follow March 17 and 19. Put your lighters in the air for Bon Jovi on March 22, get your folk on for The Lumineers on March 10 or slide side to side toward the Ariana Grande show March 11.

Want more? Of course you do. Here are 20 more March events we can’t wait to attend:

Keeping Hinkle, Hinkle: A Tale of Restoration

5:30 p.m. March 2, Johnson Room, Robertson Hall at Butler University, 4600 Sunset Ave., free, (317) 639-4534 or indianalandmarks.org.

Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse is a National Historic Landmark. And when it underwent a $36 million renovation 2014, many feared its distinct character would be lost among all the modern updates and new coats of paint. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. The latest in the storytelling series, "If These Walls Could Tell: Keeping Hinkle, Hinkle," will feature master storyteller Sally Perkins delivering the tale of how a building is so much more than bricks.

National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

8 p.m. March 3, The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green, Carmel, $33 to $75, (317) 843-3800 or thecenterfortheperformingarts.org. 

Since it was established in 1918, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine has been one of the classiest of its kind across Europe. The Kiev-based orchestra includes more than 100 members, with new players drafted from the best conservatories  in Ukraine. They’ll perform selections by Antonin Dvorak, Yevhen Stankovych, and Robert Schumann. Enjoy a taste of Eastern Europe without traveling far from home.

WFYI Ice Miller Wine Fest

6 p.m. March 3, Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $75 to $150, (317) 636-2020 or wfyi.org.

If there ever was a time the world needed NPR affiliate stations, it’s now. Help WFYI continue to provide news, storytelling and culture with a ticket to the station’s 18th annual Ice Miller Wine Fest. For the first time, the festival will  be held at Old National Centre. Sample delicious wines, nab some great items in a silent auction and, if you’re anything like us, stake out a good spot near the waiter station to ensure maximum hors d’oeuvres consumption.

[Prefer tacos? Get tickets to Indy Taco Fest.]

2017 Polar Plunge

8 a.m. March 4, Eagle Creek Beach, 7602 Eagle Beach Drive, minimum $75 donation, (317) 328-2000 or soindiana.org.

The Ice Bucket Challenge had millions of people dumping icy water on themselves. But Special Olympics Indiana is flipping the script. For their Polar Plunge, people will dump themselves into the icy water. But you’ll be, as they say, freezin’ for a reason. First, make a commitment that you or a team will raise funds for the Special Olympics. The sky is the limit. Then join the other crazy people bright and early on Eagle Beach and start freezing!

Dogs: Faithful and True Opening Day

Opens 11 a.m. March 4, Eiteljorg Museum, $7 to $13, free for members, (317) 636-9378 or eiteljorg.org.

Calling dogs "man’s best friend" isn’t just a cute phrase to make your terrier feel loved. Throughout history, canines have served crucial roles in helping societies develop. Eiteljorg will celebrate these great beasts with a five-month exhibit opening Saturday. Come learn about dogs’ contributions to Western and Native American cultures with photos, art, artifacts, and more. And on opening day, watch “Old Yeller,” adopt a friend, and see dog obedience demonstrations.

Steve Martin and Martin Short with the Steep Canyon Rangers

7:30 p.m. March 5, Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $79 to $325, (317) 231-0000 or oldnationalcentre.com.

The comedy legends have dubbed their show “An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Lives,” but, well, we seriously doubt that. Expect a night of storytelling and conversation from two guys who know how to talk. Stand-up, songs and (fingers crossed) lightly choreographed dance numbers will keep you rapt, and a performance from Martin’s ace string band The Steep Canyon Rangers will get you moving.

WWE Smackdown

7:45 p.m. March 7, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., $20 to $110, (317) 917-2727 or ticketmaster.com.

To the uninitiated, John Cena may be the only recognizable face arriving in Indy this month. But for wrestling fans, there’s a whole gaggle of superstars ready to bulldoze Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Crazy-eyed Bray Wyatt, scrappy but determined Dean Ambrose, former MTV star The Miz and more will be on hand to lay a fictional-but-convincing smackdown on each other. If the current news cycle isn’t a spectacle enough for you, this is your ticket to satisfaction.

Pints for Parks

5 p.m. March 8, Flat12 Bierwerks, 414 Dorman St., free entry, (317) 635-2337 or flat12.me.

Support Indiana’s many beautiful trails and greenways by heading down your own path to beer-inspired happiness. Flat12 Bierwerks will host this event, filled with exciting prizes, T-shirts from Unbranded and original art from Bart Leonard. One dollar from every beer sold between 5 and 8 p.m. will support Indy Greenways, which promotes outdoor activities such as   hiking and running. And we could all use more of that.

AC2: An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen

8 p.m. March 10, Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $58 to $353.50, (317) 231-0000 or oldnationalcentre.com.

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper and Bravo host Andy Cohen are teaming up — and there’s more to discuss than their identical initials and great hair. The two men are hitting the road for a set of unscripted evenings, funny storytelling, pop culture banter, behind-the-scenes videos and much more. Cohen and Cooper have known each other for decades, so their rapport onstage is hard to beat. It’s the Martin/Short evening for those who prefer CNN to SNL.

Laughing Matters with Jay Leno

8 p.m. March 11, Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, $49.50 to $250, (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org.

The annual comedy fundraiser of Cancer Support Community Central Indiana landed themselves a big one in 2017. Late night legend Jay Leno knows a thing or two about stand-up comedy, and he’ll bring his expert wit to Indy on March 11. Leno hosted “The Tonight Show” for nearly 20 years, but he’s kept busy since stepping away from his desk in 2014, picking up the mic for stand-up shows across the country.

[What's so funny about cancer?]

Indiana Flower and Patio Show

March 11-19, Expo Hall and West Pavilion, State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., $12 tp $14, (317) 705-8719 or indianaflowerandpatioshow.com.

Herbs. Cacti. Flowers. Succulents. Terrariums. Do these words make you perk up — maybe even like a plant that’s just been watered? Your heaven has arrived. The annual Flower and Patio Show will fill the fairgrounds with a week’s worth of plants, workshops, exhibitions and speakers covering every topic you’ll need to have the best lawn, garden and patio in Indianapolis — if not the world.

Juicy J: The Rubba Band Business Tour

7:30 p.m. March 12, Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $36, (317) 231-0000 or oldnationalcentre.com.

Memphis rapper Juicy J owned the hip-hop underground with his beloved group Three 6 Mafia through the 1990s and early 2000s before they surfaced in the pop world with 2005's "Stay Fly." He blew up as a solo performer with his smash album "Stay Trippy" in 2013, with it’s absurdly catchy hit "Bandz a Make Her Dance." Fittingly, his Rubba Band Business Tour will likely make everyone in attendance dance, twerk, shuffle, and go wild.

Agent Orange, Guttermouth and The Queers

7 p.m. March 16, The Hi-Fi, 1043 Virginia Ave. #4, $22 to $24, (317) 493-1209 or hifiindy.com.

Mixing East Coast punk rock with a pronounced Los Angeles swagger, Agent Orange were punks long before Hot Topic was setting up shop in suburban malls. The band defined their sound in the late 1970s and have stayed the path ever since. They’re hitting the road with fellow true blue, longtime punks The Queers and Guttermouth, plus relative newcomers The Atom Age. Pogo up front or hang in the back, but go.

The Infamous Stringdusters

7 p.m. March 16, The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., $18 to $20, (317) 259-7029 or thevogue.com.

Bluegrass music doesn’t always provide easy entry points. Those lighting-speed strings and whiskey-swilling vocals may sound old fashioned — or even exclusionary. But The Infamous Stringdusters aim to change that. The Grammy-nominated band has been at the forefront of modern bluegrass for years, creating beautiful, hummable songs that don’t require a beard to enjoy. If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toe in the bluegrass pool, here’s your chance.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

March 16-18, Downtown Indianapolis, free, (317) 498-5299 or indystpats.com.

For a few days each March, this city runs green. And we mean that quite literally. For St. Patrick’s Day, the Downtown Canal waters will actually run green — and so can you in the March 18 Shamrock Run & Walk. The 37th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will wind through Downtown on March 17, full of high school bands, bagpipes, and Irish dancers. Going green never felt so good.

Ballet Hispanico

8 p.m. March 17-18, The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green, Carmel, $15 to $65, (317) 843-3800 or thecenterfortheperformingarts.org. 

What word comes to mind when you think of Latino music and dance? Passion, of course. In March, you can see that fiery passion unleashed onstage in Carmel. For the past 45 years, Ballet Hispanico has been one of the foremost dance companies to explore and celebrate the rich culture of Latinos. The performances in Carmel will include wonderfully energetic Latin dance and more classical styles.

Asante Children’s Theatre: BLACK by Popular Demand

2 p.m. March 18 and 4 p.m. March 19, Madame Walker Theatre, 617 Indiana Ave., $10 to $12, (317) 654-0264 or asantechildrenstheatre.org.

Half theatre, half storytelling, all heart — BLACK by Popular Demand is an exciting performance that dives into culture, history, art, family and community. In other words, it’s something we all need to hear. The show features original stories from Chicago’s Oba William King, who goes by "The Poetic Storyteller." The stories are infused with rap, singing, and even dance to form a dynamic, impactful experience.

Brickworld Indianapolis

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 19, Elements Financial Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the  State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., $9 to $12, (317) 572-5346 or brickworld.com.

Building walls may seem like it’s a newly popular concept this year, but the folks at Brickworld have been stacking blocks for years. The annual Brickworld fills the State Fairgrounds with all things Lego, including play areas, interactive exhibitions, fighting robots, incredible Lego displays and more Lego merchandise than you could possibly build in a lifetime. Join thousands of fans and more than 20 vendors and start building!

Experience Hendrix

7:30 p.m. March 22, Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $36.50 to $96.50, (317) 231-0000 or oldnationaltheatre.com.

To call Jimi Hendrix legendary is one of the more obvious statements a newspaper could make. But it certainly says something when a dozen of rock’s best guitarists launch a full tour to celebrate his music. Experience Hendrix is an all-star throwdown with Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Kenny Wayne Shephard, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa and more. That’s a lot of axe.

Stevie Nicks and The Pretenders

7 p.m. March 29, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., $49 to $275, (317) 917-2727 or ticketmaster.com.

Love her or not, there’s no denying the power of Stevie Nicks’ voice. It’s bewitched millions of fans. It’s inspired countless artists. And it’s responsible for some of the biggest hits in rock ‘n’ roll history. The Fleetwood Mac icon released her eight album, "24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault"  in 2014, and it’s the namesake of her tour. Openers The Pretenders have their own important slice of rock history — largely resting on the similarly powerful voice of Chrissie Hynde. This is one stacked double bill.

[Busy Bankers Life. Billy Joel has announced he's coming Nov. 3]