Enjoy your artsy side with these 8 free things to do in Indianapolis

Tickets that cost zero dollars are always popular, and Indianapolis artists are generous enough to share their talent for free at several events throughout the fall.

Museums will welcome crowds to see their collections and engage in hands-on activities. Monument Circle will continue to invite everyone to a pop-up mini-park to check out a mobile art museum, play ping-pong and other games, and eat snacks. And world-class musicians will regale listeners at concerts full of music they’ve spent years perfecting.

Here are eight free events you won’t want to miss. Make sure to register in advance for those that request it and donate if you can to keep the art coming.

PlayFest Indy

Sept. 9 to 15 at multiple venues. Tickets and more information at newharmonyproject.org/pfi

In this initiative by the New Harmony Project, eight playwrights will develop plays with Indianapolis theater companies. The public concert-style readings will take place from Sept. 13 to 15, and audiences can stay for a post-performance talk with the writer at each one.

Levitt Vibe Indianapolis Music Series

Several Sundays from Sept. 1-Oct. 20 on the lawn behind Garfield Park Art Center,  2432 Conservatory Drive. Schedule at bigcar.org/project/vibe

A group of creative folks — including Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Big Car Collaborative — are bringing in musicians, vendors, artists and poets for afternoon concerts that will fend off any Sunday scaries. The events aim to be family friendly and neighborly as they use a part of the park you might not have explored before.

Free museum days

Explore exhibits, gardens and activities as these Indianapolis museums offer free admission:

• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15. 3000 N. Meridian St. Fiesta de la Familia is a celebration of Latin American cultures, with special programming throughout the museum. Reservation is required at childrensmuseum.org.
• Newfields: 4000 N. Michigan Road. Admission is free during regular operating hours on the first Thursday of every month, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. Reservation is required at discovernewfields.org/visit. Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust cardholders receive one free general admission ticket during the first weekend of every month. Learn more at discovernewfields.org/about/community.
• Eiteljorg Museum: 500 W. Washington St. On Oct. 14, the museum will mark Indigenous Peoples Day by featuring Native American performers and presentations. On Oct. 26, the museum will feature music, dancing, activities and a marketplace as part of its Día de Muertos Community Celebration. Admission is free both days. Learn more at eiteljorg.org.

Spark on the Circle

11 a.m. through dusk through Nov. 3 on Monument Circle. circlespark.org

Back in an expanded role for its second year, Spark temporarily transforms one quadrant of Monument Circle into an urban park — complete with turf, yard games and plenty of space to lounge and enjoy the city’s vibes. See a full schedule of artist workshops and special events at circlespark.org. (Swifties should keep an eye out for announcements regarding celebrations planned during Taylor Swift’s Nov. 1-3 stop in Indy!)

Jazz afterparty on First Fridays

9 p.m. on First Fridays at McGowan Hall, 1305 N. Delaware St. mcgowanhall.org

These jam sessions, led by pianist Christopher Pitts, have a vibe that mixes talented musicians, inventive experimentation and a speakeasy feel. They’re the perfect way to wrap your First Friday visual art explorations.

Can’t-miss exhibit: Mandela exhibit at Children’s Museum takes care to connect kids with his childhood

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra

7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Garfield Park. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Riverside Park. 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at Holliday Park. Registration requested for the events at icomusic.org.

Enjoy classic programs from a stunning group of musicians who are trading the indoor concert hall for three verdant parks. Bring a picnic and blanket and let the music waft over you.

Opera in the Park

Sept. 7 at MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park. Register at indyopera.org.

Renowned soprano Angela Brown, Maestro Alfred Savia, and more Indianapolis Opera stars and guests will perform in the annual event that will kick off the institution’s 50th anniversary season.

Indy Parks Free Concert Series

Through October at parks around the city. parks.indy.gov/free-concert-series

Cathy Morris, the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra, PsyWrn Simone and Premium Blend are among the performers who will lend soundtracks to breezy summer and fall evenings. Check the schedule often as Indy Parks adds more dates.

Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at holly.hays@indystar.com.

Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com.