Indy Insider #22

Good morning, Indy!

Somehow it’s already the end of July, and no one’s sure if we’re supposed to be wearing linen or buying notebooks. This week we found a Thai cocktail bar that makes a strong case for drinking your dinner and a country bar that gives bull riding lessons. Plus, Gen-Con chaos, a live set from a Star Wars metal band, and a margarita & mimosa fest.

Before we get into it, is AI getting too good?

If you’ve never been to 8 Seconds Saloon, just know it’s a little chaotic in the best way. It’s a big country bar and live music venue on the west side that’s part honky tonk, part dance floor, and part rodeo thanks to the mechanical bull in the back. Country cover bands, people two-stepping like they’ve been training for this, and someone definitely yelling “FREEBIRD” at the wrong genre. It’s loud, it’s sweaty, and everyone there is having a great time—even the guy who fell off the bull 12 seconds in.

Bodhi is a Thai craft cocktail bar on Mass Ave that somehow feels like both a night out and a low-key vacation. The drinks are bright, punchy, and way too easy to order one more of—especially anything with lemongrass or chili. The space is moody in the best way (plants, lanterns, that dark wood glow), and the food holds up just as well as the cocktails. If you don’t leave full and slightly buzzed with a new favorite drink, that’s on you.

Meet Andrew, a 2-month-old terrier/pit bull mix who’s looking for his wrestling partner, Boone, a 10-year-old terrier who’s a kind-hearted senior looking for a quiet home, and Big Poppa Pump, a 2-month-old cat who would play well with Andrew 👀 .

This one's got a sleek, modern interior and a fully fenced yard that keeps things tucked in from the street. Inside, it’s all clean updates—hardwood floors, quartz kitchen, and four full baths that actually look good. It’s got some original charm, plenty of space, and a kitchen that’ll have you posting cooking TikToks.

The only problem? - it’s not free... Find it here.

You made it. Let’s dive into all the best events happening in Indy this week.
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HI-FI, Fountain Square – Ben Nichols w/ Cory Branan from 8:00 PM Americana tunes

The Jazz Kitchen, Meridian-Kessler – West Winds Big Band at 7:00 PM swing into jazz

Helium Comedy Club – Indy’s Funniest Person Contest (Semi-Final) at 7:00 PM laugh it up

Newfields - Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas, 10AM check it out

Madam Walker Legacy Center - Art on the Ave, 6PM did you say free?

Turntable - Open Mic Night, 8PM get out of your comfort zone

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Downtown – Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury at 7:00 PM cheer on the home team

HI-FI, Fountain Square – Vandoliers at 8:00 PM indie sounds

Plat 99 at The Alexander – Live Music Summer Series ft. The 78’s at 7:00 PM sip and sway

The Patron Saint – Hooligang Hang Out (EDM/bass party) at 10:00 PM late-night beats

Monument Circle – Original Farmers’ Market from 10:00 AM fresh midweek finds

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium – Gen Con (Day 1) from 10:00 AM get your game on

Ruoff Music Center – AJR: Somewhere in the Sky Tour at 6:20 PM catch the vibes

Old National Centre, Mass Ave – Ty Myers: The Select Tour at 8:00 PM snag your seat

The Palladium, Carmel – Lead Singers of Classic Rock at 7:00 PM rock nostalgia

Helium Comedy Club, Downtown – Gabriel Rutledge at 7:00 PM laugh out loud

The Jazz Kitchen – Latin Dance Party at 6:00 PM salsa the night away

Irving Theater - Poetry Open Mic, 7PM try it out

Old Pro’s Table - Karaoke Nights - Throwback Thursday, 10PM sing it

Indiana State Fairgrounds – Opening Day of the Indiana State Fair from 9:00 AM fun for all ages

Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Dude Perfect: Hero World Tour at 7:00 PM trick shots and shenanigans

Old National Centre – Macy Gray (On How Life Is 25th Anniv. Tour) at 8:00 PM soulful throwbacks

Conner Prairie Amphitheatre, Fishers – Let’s Sing Taylor at 8:00 PM shake it off

The Vogue – 2000s Rave dance party from 9:30 PM party like it’s 2003

Ruoff Music Center - Christ Stapleton’s All-American Road Show, 7:30PM tix

Lucas Oil Stadium – DCI World Championships Semi-Finals from 8:00 AM drum & bugle spectacular

Kilroy’s Bar N Grill – Margarita & Mimosa Fest from 2:00 PM sip and socialize

Victory Field – Indians vs. Storm Chasers at 7:05 PM take me out to the ballgame

Carroll Stadium – Indy Eleven vs. Tampa Bay at 7:00 PM get loud with the BYB

Ruoff Music Center – Chris Stapleton at 7:30 PM country powerhouse

Old National Centre, Mass Ave – Galactic Empire at 8:00 PM the Force rocks

Conner Prairie, Fishers – Let’s Sing Taylor at 8:00 PM encore sing-along

The Vogue, Broad Ripple – Anime Rave from 9:30 PM get animated

Helium Comedy Club – Chris Porter at 7:00 PM no holds barred humor

Indiana Convention Center – Gen Con (Day 4) from 10:00 AM final day frenzy

Bona Thompson Center, Irvington – Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social 1:00–4:00 PM sweet Sunday fun

The Jazz Kitchen – Josh Kaufman & Friends at 6:30 PM smooth R&B grooves

The Vogue, Broad Ripple – Kurt Vile & The Violators at 8:00 PM indie-rock vibes

Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville – RÜFÜS DU SOL at 7:30 PM immersive beats

Punch Bowl Social - Music Bingo, 2PM weekly fun

Black Circle Brewing - The Sunday Show!, 8PM check it out

Grand Park, Westfield – Colts Training Camp at 10:00 AM go horse

The Jazz Kitchen, Meridian-Kessler – Jazz Jam Session at 6:30 PM improv tunes

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre – Waitress at 7:30 PM dinner and a show

The Mousetrap – Monday Trivia & Karaoke from 8:00 PM trivia nerds unite

Square Cat Vinyl - Songwriter’s Open Mic, 6PM monday funday

St. Joseph Brewey - Bingo Music, 7PM weekly fun