It’s the other most wonderful time of the year – time to bring on the March Madness! From NCAA basketball, to big-name-concerts, to food (and green beer), this is going to be a rocking month Downtown.
Blarney Bash
Party like the Irish during Jiffy Lube’s Blarney Bash on March 17 on Georgia Street. There will be plenty o’green beer, pints of Guinness, shots of Jack Daniel’s Honey, and other festive drinks and food to go around. Enjoy live music from local bands My Yellow Rickshaw and Zanna-Doo, plus a live DJ in between sets. Attendees must be 21+.
The St. Pat’s celebrations don’t stop there, feel a little less guilty about all that green beer and lace up for a four or seven mile run. The Shamrock Run and Walk takes place on March 18, starting and ending on Monument Circle. And stay for the party after: Shamrockin’ the Circle is a free event on Monument Circle from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. with food, a beer garden and live music. Kick off your weekend with Hoosier Lottery’s greening of the canal on Thursday, March 16 at 5 p.m.
NFL COMBINE
The NFL Combine is opening it’s door to fans – for the first time ever – March 2-5. Join the NFL Combine experience with a free festival with interactive games, youth football clinics, player autograph sessions with NFL Legends, virtual reality sessions, and more! Hey, you may even run into the next Peyton Manning.
NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds
March Madness is kicking off in Indy’s Bankers Life Fieldhouse this year. Although we won’t know what teams are coming until Selection Sunday (March 12) you can still get your tickets now! Plus FREE open practices will be happening from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16.
Concerts + Celebrities
March offers a performance for everyone’s vibe – Steve Martin & Martin Short (3/5) The Lumineers (3/10), Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen (3/10), Ariana Grande (3/11), Bon Jovi (3/22), Stevie Nicks (3/29). Whether you want to jam, rock or laugh, Old National Centre or Bankers Life Fieldhouse has the show for you.
Pattern Launch Party
Some of the coolest people in Indy will unite for the Pattern magazine launch party on March 24 from 7 – 10 p.m. at The Speak Easy Downtown. Be the first to pick up a copy of the new (and most colorful) issue – and mingle with contributors, fellow fashion lovers, and enjoy food, drinks & music! Start planning your outfit now, Pattern throws the best parties with the best, most stylish people. Tickets are $50 or $75 for VIP.
Butterfly Kaleidoscope opens
Butterfly Kaleidoscope returns to White River Gardens on March 17 and this one is fun for kids and adults alike. Get up close and personal with more than 40 species of butterflies. Take in the beautiful scenery and experience your own mini urban getaway – a retreat from all the busyness and chaos of your daily schedule. Butterfly Kaleidoscope is included with Zoo admission. Fly on over!
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast is coming to the biggest movie screen in the state. The much anticipated remake of the Disney classic (staring Emma Watson – hello Hermione Granger) will be sure to please the whole family. Plus, before the Saturday showing on March 18 – the IMAX Theater will be hosting a Disney costume and tea party! There will be shortbread delights from Tina’s Traditional Old English Tearoom, a photo backdrop and activities available for the little princes and princesses dressed in costumes 45 minutes before the Saturday morning screening. Admission to the tea party is free and you can pre-order your movie tickets now!
Dogs: Faithful and True
There’s nothing like a bond between a human and their canine friend. The Eiteljorg museum’s new exhibit Dogs: Faithful and True, opening March 4, explores the enduring presence and contributions of dos as companions, workers and heroes. And the Puppy love doesn’t stop with the exhibit. There will be an opportunity to adopt a dog from the Indy Humane’s Pet Adoption Wagon, learn some pet photography 101, attend the pet portrait workshop or test your dog trivia knowledge.