February Fun Includes Love, Laughter and Lively Entertainment in Downtown Indianapolis

Trash Wraps brighten Downtown Indianapolis – help visitors keep Downtown clean

Starting in late-February, nearly 200 Downtown trash receptacles will be dressed up with colorful trash wraps. The vibrant wraps are blue and green with the message “Put Litter in its Place” and “Keep Downtown Clean.” The goal of this initiative is to encourage consumers to put trash in its place and raise public awareness of Downtown cleanliness. The Trash Wrap program originated in 2000 when Indianapolis Downtown Inc.’s Cleaning Advisory Committee decided to transform trash receptacles. The program was introduced as part of NCAA Final Four preparations to the festive scene. The wraps were such a hit with visitors, businesses and the community, that they now appear every spring. For more information, call IDI at 237.2222.

Celebrate Black History Month in Downtown Indianapolis

Several events take place Downtown in February to celebrate. Don’t miss 18 FREE performances throughout the month of February as part of Art & Soul in the Indianapolis Artsgarden. Billy Wooten and the Kenyetta Dance Company kick off the 15th annual celebration on Jan. 27. Find a full schedule at Indy Art’s Web site. Celebrate African-American culture by taking a stroll down Indiana Avenue and touring the Madame Walker Theater Center. Check out the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s (IRT) presentation of Going Solo: Neat, a sequel to last year’s “Pretty Fire.” Join the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for the 26th Anniversary Celebration of Black History Concert Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. conducted by Indianapolis audience favorite, Thomas Wilkins.

The Indiana Historical Society and Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library invite children and families to learn about Indiana’s rich African-American history by participating in the Indiana Black History Challenge. The Indiana Black History Challenge is a contest that invites participants to investigate famous African-American Hoosiers and their contributions to society, beginning Feb. 1.

A new year rings in great performances in Downtown Indianapolis

Theatre on the Square presents A contemporary American’s Guide to a Successful Marriage now – Feb. 19. Also, the Phoenix Theatre will show Goldie, Max and Milk Feb. 3 – 27. Sing the Blues with Jazz artist Catherine Russel at the Cabaret at The Columbia Club or see Grammy-nominated Eric Roberson live at the Athenaeum Theatre Feb. 4. Head to Hilbert Circle Theatre and catch the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Dvorak’s Cello concerto Feb. 4 & 5, Ashley Brown’s Broadway Feb. 11 – 13, Hayden’s Creation Feb. 18 – 19 or Beethoven 6 & Thibaudet Feb. 25 & 26. Learn about being a Shakespearian actor at the Indiana Repertory Theatre with Going Solo: In Acting Shakespeare Feb. 19 – March 13. Enjoy a night at the Old National Centre with United Way’s Oscar Night presents A Night in Bollywood Feb. 27. Also Feb. 27 see Grammy Award winning the King’s Singers at Christ Church Cathedral.

Don’t forget Valentine’s and President’s days

Celebrate early at the Indianapolis Propylaeum with Lover’s Night Out Feb. 5. Make a weekend of it and head to the Indianapolis Museum of Art Winter Nights Film Series: Kiss me Dearly Feb. 11 or check out The Cabaret at The Columbia club to see Love Bein’ Here With You with Roy Geesa’s Cool City Band, featuring Shannon Forsell and Jimmy Guilford. For younger Valentines, head over to The Children’s Museum for My Little Valentine event Feb. 11. Bring the family to make homemade valentines and participate in Valentine- themed activities. Cozy up together with the Indiana State Museum’s Frugal and Fancy: Indiana Quilts Exhibit running Feb. 12 – July 17. February is also American Heart Month, so experience “PUMP” at the Stutz Art Space to see art pieces related to a heart, mechanical pump, shoes, a fire engine and more.

Take your special someone to Romance and Remembrance: Valentines and Vintages at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to hear presidential love letters and poetry from the Gilded Age. Nourish Caf at the IMA will also have a Valentine’s Day Brunch Feb. 13. Check out the Skyline Club’s special Valentine’s Day menu or visit Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.’s Web site for a complete list of Downtown restaurants.

Take time to recognize our forefathers on President’s Day Feb. 21. Enjoy FREE admission at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and meet Abe Lincoln at the President’s Day Celebration. It’s also President’s Day: “LIVE from Delaware Street” at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site with the opening of “Windows to the Past: Harrison’s Indianapolis” Feb. 21.

February family time

Get the family together to explore programs, activities, and performances designed to keep your family active, fit and healthy at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Dora and Diego – Let’s Explore opening Feb. 5. The Children’s Museum will also present Engineer’s Day Feb. 26 and Target Free Family Night Feb. 3 from 4 – 8 p.m. Go to the Indianapolis Museum of Art Feb. 12 or 26 for FREE family tours and check out the Indiana Art Fair: Indiana’s Winter Art Event at the Indiana State Museum Feb. 18 – 20.

Catch some sports action

When it’s cold outside, it’s good to be inside watching a heated game between the Indiana Pacers and several visiting teams Feb. 4, 9, 11, 15, 23, 25 & 27. This year’s IHSAA Wrestling Individual State Finals are Feb. 18 & 19 and the team finals are Feb. 26, both at Conseco Fieldhouse. Also check out the IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving Championship Feb. 25 & 26 at the Indiana University Natatorium. To get a hockey fix, go to the Shoot Out Hockey tournament at Pan Am Plaza Feb. 19 – 21. Catch a glimpse of your favorite football stars while they’re in town for the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium Feb. 23 – March 1.