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Good morning, Insiders ☕
December is speeding up and our Amazon Prime deliveries are slowing down. This week gave me some belief that the Grinch is actually real based off what he did to our quarterback last week. Not to fear though for Philip Rivers is here! Maybe.
Nevertheless, we’ve got a packed lineup of new spots, new pets, a trivia brain buster, and enough events to keep us busy. Let’s get to it →
Fountain Square’s newest cocktail lounge, The Commodore, brings a moody, polished energy with dim lighting, plush seating, and a bar team that clearly enjoys showing off. It’s an easy stop for a well-built martini or a late-night nightcap before deciding whether you really need tacos on the way home.
Hidden behind Goodfellas Pizza is a personal favorite of mine. Wiseguy Lounge drops you straight into a bourbon-lined speakeasy with deep leather seating and a great cocktail menu. Grab an old fashioned, pair it with a slice & breadstick, and you’ve unlocked a quietly perfect Mass Ave night.
Which Christmas pop-up bar is featuring a Netflix's Drink Masters judge? 🎅
From east to west, north to south, we’ve got you covered.
Hilbert Circle Theatre – AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, 7:30 PM unwrap the fun
Old National Centre (Murat Theatre) – Hamilton (Touring Broadway Musical), 7:00 PM tix here
Indiana Historical Society – Twilight Nights (Festival of Trees After Dark), 5–8 PM sparkle after dark
Planetary Brewing Co - Open Mic Night, 7PM dare to stand up
Newfields (Garden & Lilly House) – Winterlights, entry from 5:30 PM wander the wonderland
Helium Comedy Club – Dedrick Flynn (Stand-Up Special Event), 7:30 PM laugh it off
HI-FI (Fountain Square) – Perpetual Groove (Live Jam-Rock), 8:00 PM catch the groove
Slippery Noodle Inn – Blues Jam, 7:30 PM get the blues
Scottish Rite Cathedral – Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay, 6:30 PM light it up
Helium Comedy Club – Phil Hanley (Comedy Central headliner), 8:00 PM laugh out loud
HI-FI - Joe Jordan, 8PM thursday night music
White Rabbit Cabaret - Rock + Reel: Anna and the Apocalypse, 8PM tix
Palladium, Carmel – Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour, 8:00 PM get jazzy
HI-FI (Fountain Square) – Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Holiday Show, 8:00 PM ho ho hoedown
Jazz Kitchen – Leisure Kings Big Band Holiday Extravaganza, 7:00 PM swing into the season
Butler Arts & Events Center - Rejoice!, 7:30PM see it in action
Tube Factory - Sketch Club with India Hines, 3PM-5PM free fun
Fishers Event Center – Indy Fuel vs. Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL Hockey), 7:00 PM get fired up
The Vogue (Broad Ripple) – Hyryder (Grateful Dead Tribute), 7:00 PM keep on truckin’
The AMP (16 Tech) – Big Gay Holiday Market, 4:00–8:00 PM sip and shop
White Rabbit Cabaret - Yearning: A Queer Burlesdque Show, 9PM tix
The Jazz Kitchen – The Leisure Kings, 10PM tickets still available check it out
Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards, 3:00 PM feel the roar
Clowes Memorial Hall – A Magical Cirque Christmas, 7:30 PM be amazed
Eiteljorg Museum – Jingle Rails (Holiday Train Display), 10:00 AM–5:00 PM ride the rails
Brown Country Music Center - Allen Stone and Ripe - The Get Sweet Tour, 7PM tix
Indianapolis Zoo – Christmas at the Zoo, 5:00–9:00 PM wild lights
Miracle on Maryland (Downtown) – Holiday Pop-Up Bar, 5:00–11:00 PM fa la la cocktails
White Rabbit Cabaret – “Improvised The Santa Clause”, 8:00 PM get on the naughty list
Old National Centre (Egyptian Room) – That Mexican OT – Recess Tour, 8:00 PM turn up the heat
Meet the Best Alcohol Replacement of the Season
As the nights get colder and holiday gatherings fill the calendar, I’ve been craving a new kind of ritual—something warm, social, and feel-good, without the fogginess that often follows a drink. And this season, I found it.
Meet Vesper, Pique’s brand-new, non-alcoholic adaptogenic aperitif—and truly one of the most exciting launches they’ve ever released. Crafted with rare botanicals and science-backed ingredients, it delivers everything I love about a drink: the unwind, the mood lift, the sense of connection… just without the alcohol.
Each sip brings a soft drop in the shoulders, a gentle lift in spirit, and a clear, grounded presence. Sparkling, tart, and herbaceous, Vesper feels luxurious and intentionally crafted—perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, and an elevated start to Dry January.
Because it’s new (and already going viral), it will sell out fast.