INDIANAPOLIS – This weekend is full of holiday-related activities for the whole family, but if you're not into the spirit just yet, there's always cooking classes and the Internet Cat Video Festival (yes, that's a real thing).
Here are your top six things to do in Indianapolis this weekend:
1. Ride through the yard of bricks
If your favorite part of the holiday season is piling in the car to see the décor on neighbor’s homes, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a holiday light show you won’t want to miss, Lights at the Brickyard. Themed as “Yard of the Bricks,” you’ll experience more than 2 million lights in 400 displays, across 40 scenes. The 1.7-mile driving experience is perfect for adults and children to create a memorable family event. Tickets are $20-$40 for vehicles with up to 14 passengers and $50-$100 for vehicles with 15 or more passengers.
More information can be found at indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
2. It’s the puurfect way to spend the weekend
This may seem a little wild to some people, but to all the cat lovers out there – this one’s for you. I’m sure at some point within the past couple of years, you’ve seen a video of a cute cat doing something so minor, that you couldn’t stop watching. Instead of watching cat videos at your home (for hours, and hours) you can watch them at the fifth annual Internet Cat Video Festival at the Indianapolis Museum of Art this weekend. You’ll be able to join other feline fanatics and enjoy a collection of cat clips on the big screen. Although you’ll be watching cute animals, be sure to leave your furry friend at home as they are not allowed inside the museum. We hear tickets sell out fast so grab them while you can.
More information at imamuseum.org.
3. Up your grilling game
Sure the typical summer grilling season is long gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start sharpening your skills for next season. This Saturday beginning at noon, you can learn new grilling recipes, do a little beer tasting and enjoy four plate style courses at Chef JJ’s Afternoon Holiday Grilling Symposium. The educational class allows you to see all of the prep work involved in crafting a tasty dish. You’ll also have the chance to chat with professional chefs, so bring your notebook and pen. Seating is limited as classes aren’t intended for large parties.
More information cheffjjs.com.
4. It’s a vintage holiday shopapalooza!
Join over 125 vendors featuring their vintage, antique and artisanal goods this weekend during the Indie Arts & Vintage Marketplace event at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It is the perfect opportunity to find memorable holiday gifts. We even hear there is going to be a henna tattoo artist on site. Tickets are $5 for adults and doors open at 10 a.m
More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
5. Get in the holiday spirit
Christmas trees come in a variety of colors and sizes, but the Indiana Historical Society takes tree decorating to a new level. The annual Festival of Trees event kicks off this weekend through Dec. 30, and is growing – with 72 trees in total this year. The new themes will play off recent events such as the World Series and Indiana's Bicentennial Torch Relay, as well as pop culture favorites, such as Disney's Frozen and Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. In addition, you’ll also have a chance to give to those in need by donating new or gently used winter apparel. New to this year is live and local holiday music to help you get into the spirit.
More information can be found at indianahistory.org.
6. Start your shopping early
Get a head start on your holiday shopping before Black Friday sneaks up on you at the WE ARE Indy Holiday Bazaar shopping event Saturday from 3-7 p.m. The event will allow you to discover holiday gifts crafted by small businesses in the community. Expect to find jewelry, art work, woven and wearable art, posters, handmade soaps and much more at the shopping event at WE ARE Indy Studios at 3001 N. New Jersey Street. Admission is free.
More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
