Guide to Indianapolis shows and free events

The Indianapolis arts and entertainment community will show up big to celebrate the weekend of the WNBA All-Star Game. From July 18 to 20, several spots around downtown will transform into outdoor art galleries and live music stages.

Peppered throughout the entertainment will be stations for sneaker customization, art-making, face-painting and other activities to celebrate women and girls in sports.

Several cultural organizations have partnered with Downtown Indy and the Indy Arts Council to bring the fun, which will be funded by the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee, Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Samerian Foundation and the Capital Improvement Board of Managers of Marion County.

Unless otherwise noted, the events are free. Find more details at indyarts.org and summercelebration.net. And check back in with this story, which will update as more events are announced.

Murals and outdoor art galleries

Tamika Catchings mural: Nate Baranowski of South Bend, with assistance from Indianapolis’ Brooke McGee, is creating the homage to the Fever icon and Indianapolis business owner and philanthropist. (To be completed in late June on a residential building at the intersection of Mass Avenue, New Jersey Street and Michigan Street. Look for the mural of poet Etheridge Knight nearby. The Catchings mural is expected to remain for the next 15 years.)Indianapolis Artsgarden temporary murals: The new art, by Indianapolis artists Phyllicia Carr and Amiah Mims, will have the theme of “Red Hot Summer.” (Up by July 11 on the Artsgarden at Illinois and Washington streets.)Sidewalk galleries: Called the Victory Series, this group of murals and poetry will go up on downtown storefronts. Look for work by Indianapolis artists Tasha Beckwith, Tiffany Black, Christina Hollering, Shaunt’e Lewis, Ashley Nora, and Koda Witsken. (Monument Circle, on and around Meridian and Washington streets, and on the Motto Hotel construction fence at Meridian and Washington streets, McCrea Street and Jackson Place, and Pennsylvania Street.)3D chalk art mural: Baranowski will create the piece. (Location to be announced.)W sculptures: Take a photo with the big works fabricated by Expo Arts, with designs by artists Paula Shoultz and Kwazar Martin. (At Georgia Street, Monument Circle, and Morris Bicentennial Unity Plaza.)

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Music and dance

Indy Dance Council: Dance jam, silent disco, freestyle lessons, street dance battle and salsa dance party. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 18-19. At the south side of Monument Circle and Meridian Street. Also on the All-Star Stage at the Indiana Convention Center, Capitol Avenue and Georgia Street.)Musical Family Tree: Pop-up performances, including DJs organized by production school Deckademics, with Hoosier female musicians. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 18-19. On the Starbucks patio, Meridian Street and Pearl Street. On the All-Star Stage at the Indiana Convention Center.)

This Indy newsletter has the best shows, art and eats

Activities and festivities

Spark on the Circle: The pop-up park will host art-making, face painting, games, live music, a market that highlights women artists and more. (10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 18. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. July 19. On Monument Circle.)The Glow Up Lounge: Chreece, the cultural organization behind the popular hip-hop festival, will host vendors including a sneaker customization station, airbrush tattoos, face gems, nail art and apparel. (Noon-6 p.m. July 18. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 19. Monument Circle.)Cultural Arts Pavilion: Visual and performance-based stories will chronicle barrier-breaking athletes, artists and changemakers. Exhibiting artists include Faith Blackwell, India Cruse-Griffin, Cierra Johnson, and Tanía Michelle Wineglass and Amira Alquraishy. Part of Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration. (10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 18-19. Noon-7 p.m. July 20. At the Indiana Convention Center.)Art Speaks Cafe: Look for spoken word, poetry, music, podcasters, painting sessions , DJ sets and a sneaker customization bar. Part of Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration. (Noon-7 p.m. July 18-20. At the Indiana Convention Center.)

Public art and history tours

Art tours: Rokh Design Studio, which helped map more than 3,000 pieces of public art in Marion County for a 2022 report, will educate people as they explore art on foot on different-themed tours. (10-11:30 a.m. and Noon-1:30 p.m. July 18 and 19. Meet at Spark on the Circle at Monument Circle. Link to RSVP coming soon.)”Walk and Talk” history tours: Learn untold stories about basketball, art and women from Sampson Levingston of Through2Eyes. (8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. July 18 and 19. Meet at Spark on the Circle on Monument Circle. RSVP link coming soon.)

Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Sign up here for the newsletter she curates about things to do and ways to explore Indianapolis. Find her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.