11 minute read
LOCAL EVENTS
BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD
Note: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. You qualify if you receive:
Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health care program for low-income families, pregnant women and children)
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Apply here: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/hours/access-pass.
Museums
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Santa's WinterFaire WelcomeNov. 29, 9:30 am
Santa's journey brings him to our newest experience, WinterFaire. Join us for a welcome party that will be sure to get your toes tapping and bring a sparkle to your holiday season.
Kick off the season in style with a special WinterFaire dance party
Cheer for Blue, the Indianapolis Colts mascot, as he enjoys a ride on the WinterSlide
Receive an Indianapolis Colts scarf, while supplies last
Celebrate with Santa when he takes his first WinterSlide ride of the season!
For tickets and information: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/562/11-29-2024/09_30
Museum My Way, An adaptive museum experienceDec. 10, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Capacity limited. Registration required.
This special event is an opportunity for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities to experience the museum in a new way. Families and groups of all abilities are welcome to play and learn together! Sensory modifications to the museum environment include:Limited capacity.
Quiet area with sensory items. Some music is turned down or off.Edited lighting effects in some areas Members: Free, Nonmembers: $6 per person/Access Pass: $2 per person. For tickets: . https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/464
First Thursday Night- First Thursday every monthNov. 7, 4:00 pm
On the first Thursday of every month, we open our doors from 4–8 p.m. for just $6 admission per person! Why should you visit?
Admission is just $6 per person for the entire museum. That’s a savings of more than 75% per ticket!
It’s the ONLY time the museum is open to the public in the evening, so it’s a perfect after-hours night for your family.
It’s not as crowded as you might think! We have limited capacity on First Thursday Nights.
Parking is always free!
Our Food Court is open, so you can grab a quick and easy dinner for the whole family. Low cost. Low crowds. Late night play! https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/273
Various Events
Nov. 1- Nov.30, Opens at 10 AM
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000
https://www.childrensmuseum.org
Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum
NOT A TWINKLE OUT OF PLACE
Nov. 29 & 30, Dec. 6 through 22 5:30 pm-9:30 pm
13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038
Join us for Central Indiana's most beloved holiday festival and make the season magical at A Merry Prairie Holiday. Surround yourself amongst thousands of lights and celebrate the holidays in Prairietown with Historic Holidays. Capture picture-perfect moments all around as you celebrate the season. Get updates about the festival by texting MERRY to 317-779-3330
For more information: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday/
Sensory-Friendly Hours
The second Sunday of every month, from 10 AM to noon, are sensory-friendly hours at Conner Prairie! Enjoy a calm environment
Check-in with Guest Relations, stating that you are here for sensory-friendly hours. You will get free admission and may stay as long as you wish.
Various events
Nov. 1- Nov. 30, 10:00 am- 10:00 pm
Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836 https://www.connerprairie.org/events/list
Indiana State Museum
Sensory Friendly Afternoon
Check website for dates in November
650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Experience the Indiana State Museum in a sensory-friendly way! Each month, we’ll lower the lights and reduce distractions to give children and adults with sensory processing differences a chance to enjoy an interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Social narratives will be available at the ticket counter and sensory–based activities will be spaced throughout the museum. Plus, check out a Sensory Bag to make your experience even more enjoyable. Check calendar for dates https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/
Various events
Nov. 1- Nov. 30 check website for events and times.
https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/
Sports
Indianapolis Colts
Nov. 10 Buffalo Bills, Nov. 24 Detroit Lions
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225 https://www.colts.com/
Family Fun
Indianapolis Zoo
Christimas At The Zoo
Nov. 23- Jan. 5, 2025, 5:00 pm- 10:00 pm
A light sprinkling of snow and the glow of twinkling lights will fill the sky, creating a magical nighttime experience that has become one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a lights event. year and year, Christmas at the Zoo continues to grow. For our 57th year, we’re adding beautiful new decor and experiences, to enhance your next holiday trip to the Zoo. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission! Be sure to visit Santa's Village!
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/christmas-at-the-zoo/Various events scheduled daily
Nov. 1- Nov. 30, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/
Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air Noblesville
Nov. 3, 9:00 am- 11:00 am
14450 Mundy Dr, Noblesville, IN 46060
Urban Air’s Sensory Friendly Play day is typically held on the first Sunday of the month. Check the Noblesville calendar for the latest info. https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=hi8j9brk94jgnc71kmslc13js8@group.calendar.google.com
CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Nov. 8- Dec. 31,
Indiana State Fair Grounds Entrance Gate 12, 42 Street, Indianapolis, In
The Indiana State Fairgrounds once again hosts Christmas Nights of Lights, Indianapolis’ largest drive thru light show synchronized to music broadcasting through your car radio!
ONLINE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
No cash or credit will be accepted at the ticket booth. With the new reservation system, wait times should be under an hour.TICKET EXCHANGESWith limited tickets available each night, there are NO REFUNDS. Exchanges for a different night or time slot based on availability. Exchanges can only be made 5 days prior your original ticket date. To exchange your tickets, please call 317-593-4046. To register: https://www.indianastatefair.com/events/2024/christmas-nights-of-lights22
Sensory Friendly Movie Night
Nov. 11, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
3900 Hursh Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Sensory Friendly Movie Night is coming up on March 19th. The movie starts at 5:30 pm and doors open at 5:00 pm for concessions. The event is $5/person at the door or $20/family.
to register: https://www.facebook.com/photo/fbid=802505455228974&set=a.231153492364176
ACC Breakfast With Santa: Registration opens in November
Dec. 21, 9:00 am- 11:00 am
New Hope Church, 5307 W. Fairview Rd. Greenwood, IN
Our annual Breakfast with Santa will have a delicious breakfast, “reindeer” games, holiday crafts, carriage rides, and a chance to meet with Santa Claus! Breakfast with Santa is for families affected by autism. Lots of fun for all ages and everyone in the family to enjoy.
Registration is required to attend Breakfast with Santa and will cost $10 per family. Our carriage rides are limited and will be first come, first served basis. We will email your scheduled time for the carriage ride before the event. Up to six attendees can ride in a carriage at a time. If you have any questions contact Kelli Higgins, Executive Director at k.higgins@autismcc-in.org. to register: https://autismcc-in.org/breakfast-with-santa/
AMC Theatres
Check website for location, date and times
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don't forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly. https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
The Arts
Adaptive Dance
Nov. 7, 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Every first Thursday through May 2025
the Arc of Hancock County, 8535 N Clearview Dr, McCordsville, IN 46055
We are proud to announce that we received a mini-grant from the Community Foundation of Hancock County to turn our Adaptive Dance (Body Rock) classes from March and April into a regular monthly program. These classes will be held at Hancock Wellness Center - McCordsville in the Community Room every first Thursday of the month from August 2024 through May 2025 from 5:00-6:00pm. This class is free, but you must be registered. Parents of participants under 18 years old must be present. We cannot wait to see you there! Please use the link to register: https://arcofhcadaptivedance.eventbrite.com
Sensory-Friendly Performance of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs!
Nov. 10, 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm
122 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404
A musical “tail” that will bring the house down
There are two sides to every story, and when the Big Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century, he finally gets his say. But whether he’ll get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court is anyone’s guess. Will the pigs’ splashy show make a puppet out of justice, or is the wolf’s song and dance about a sneeze gone wrong all razzle-dazzle? Enter the jury box and help decide the fate of Big ‘n’ Bad in this musical adaptation of the hit children’s book. Fun for all ages! https://seeconstellation.org/
Adaptive Ballet Series
Jan. 6, 13, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24 4:00 pm- 4:50 pm Winter Session
4055 Roy Wilson Wy, New Palestine, IN 46163
Come join us for a fun and inclusive ballet class tailored for all abilities! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out, this class is designed to accommodate everyone. This program is designed for individuals with disabilities of all ages. No experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Parents and guardians must stay for participants under 18 years of age. For more information:
Beef and Boards
Fiddler on the Roof
Oct. 10- Nov. 24
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Nov. 29- Jan. 4, 2025
9301 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268
https://beefandboards.com/Online/default.asp
Jubilate Choir
Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133
Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 PM
The Jubilate Choir is for singers with special needs in grades 3-9. Singers with varying abilities meet each week to grow musically. This tuition-free choir focuses on proper singing techniques, music theory and sight-reading, part-singing, and social skills involved in being a member of a musical ensemble.
Though Jubilate has, at its core, the same goals as other choirs in the Indianapolis Children's Choir (ICC), singers in Jubilate engage in additional activities like visual and tactile experiences that are catered specifically to the current members of the choir.
Director: Lauren Southard
For more information, contact Lauren Southard at
317-940-8065 or lsouthar@icchoir.org. https://icchoir.org/special-needs/
Gigi’s Playhouse
Various classes during the week.
5909 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-288-8235
indy@gigisplayhouse.org https://gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis/sfcalendar/
Events
Uniquely You! Fundracing!
Nov. 2, all day, starting at 9:00 am
Indy Cycloplex, 3649 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, get behind the wheel of a state-of-the-art, lithium-ion battery powered Top Kart racing kart and let it rip. In this adrenaline-pumping, time trial event, compete against friends, family and co-workers for top honors while raising funds to help Uniquely You (formerly Special Needs Living) inform more Indianapolis area families about resources to meet their special needs.
Choose from one of four racing sessions throughout the day. Individual registration is $50 with an additional $200 minimum fundraising obligation, or you can just pay $250. A 3-person company racing team can register to compete against other teams for a single, team entry fee of $700. Participation takes about an hour and a half. Follow results in real time on your smart phone, all day long.
It’s a blast! So come on out and put the pedal to the metal, all for a good cause
To register and additional information: https://events.bemilesahead.net/event/uy1
Fall Inspiring Abilities Expo with FUSE
Nov. 2, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm
401 W Meridian School Rd, Indianapolis, IN
Register today for the 2024 Fall Inspiring Abilities Expo! The expo offers families and professionals a great opportunity to network with organizations and service providers who meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Visit the exhibit hall to meet and talk with therapy and service providers, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, recreation programs and other agencies serving adults and children with disabilities. https://www.fuseinc.org/
Richmond Disability Resource Fair 2024
Nov. 2, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
Ivy Tech Community College, 2357 Chester Blvd, Richmond, INConnections Case Management, Self-Advocates of Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College present the 2rd Annual Richmond Disability Resource Fair.This resource fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, raffles, and food vendors.To be a vendor please reach out to info@connections-in.com for more information.
https://www.arcind.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-date=2024-11-01
Lafayette Disability Resource Fair
Nov. 9, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette, 3101 S Creasy Ln, Lafayette, IN
The Arc Advocacy Network, a program of the Arc of Indiana, will have information about Medicaid Waivers, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, guardianship and alternatives, Special Needs Trusts, the Erskine Green Training Institute, and a variety of other topics available for families and self-advocates.
https://www.arcind.org/event/lafayette-disability-resource-fair/
Ask The Arc Webinars
Nov. 14, 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Ask The Arc webinars provide information and discussion on timely topics relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and their support systems. Webinars take place on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. EST. Past webinars are recorded and posted on our YouTube channel and on The Arc of Indiana Academy.
Registration is for the complete webinar series. You can pick and choose which ones you want to attend without having to register each time.
Click here to register https://www.arcind.org/event/ask-the-arc-webinars-2/2024-06-13/
2024 Bartholomew County Transition Fair
Nov. 15, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm
The Columbus Learning Center 4555 Central Ave, Columbus, IN
The Arc Advocacy Network, a program of the Arc of Indiana, will have information about Medicaid Waivers, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, guardianship and alternatives, Special Needs Trusts, the Erskine Green Training Institute, and a variety of other topics available for families and self-advocates. https://www.arcind.org/event/2024-bartholomew-county-transition-fair/
