Free events in Marion County, IN

Afterglow Vintage and Next Stop, Beech Grove present the inaugural Beech Grove Vintage Market, a free-admission celebration of local vintage finds with food and drinks, music, raffles, and special discounts. The Papa Curl food truck will be on site, and a variety of local vintage vendors will showcase their selections. The first group of vendors will be set up inside a 1,600 square foot air-conditioned warehouse connected to Afterglow Vintage, with additional vendors arranged outdoors to create an easy-to-browse marketplace. Visitors can explore unique pieces, enjoy refreshments, and take advantage of deals throughout the event.

This fall celebration offers pumpkin painting for children and adults. Registration for the painting activity is $15.99 through Eventbrite. Complimentary hayrides around the facilities are also available.

A neighborhood block party in Indianapolis returns with food trucks, activities for kids, artist vendors, beer and wine, and live music across two stages. The festivities proceed regardless of weather. Admission is free and no tickets are required. Donations are welcomed, with a suggested $5 per person, and can be made at the gates with cash or card or through electronic options. On the Community Space Stage, Red Diane appears for the first time with an eclectic soul and pop sound shaped by jazz influences, built around vocals, piano, and guitar with touches of saxophone, bass, and programmed elements, mixing original music and covers. The Dog Moms & Jeff return with sing-along favorites from the 1990s. Beatty & The Bayonets make their debut with funk and soul grooves. Highway 9 Blues Band, also new to the party, brings the blues to close this stage. On the Dorman Street Stage, JusTwo returns with an intimate blend of blues and jazz. Bigfoot Yancey returns with original songs rooted in Americana, folk, and rock. Tavonne with The Sutherland Collective makes a first appearance with original R&B, soul, and funk. Chick Grizzly returns to wrap up that stage with high-energy hits spanning decades. Set times are approximate and may shift slightly during the evening. Refreshments feature beer from Pax Verum Brewing, Guggman Haus Brewing Co., and Mashcraft Brewing, along with selections from Four Finger Distillery, Hi & Mighty Distillery, Ash & Elm Cider, 8th Day Distillery, and Solely Wine. Food options include Sakura Japanese Restaurant, Gordon's Milkshake Bar, Black Leaf Vegan, Pronto Taco, Fresko, Gips got Tips, Gomez BBQ, King Dough, Daisy Bar, Salamat Cookies, and Chicago Beef & Dog Company. The event’s signature garbage-bag ghosts are back as well.

Test your knowledge of One Piece at a trivia night hosted by Andrew L at B&B Mothership. It is free to participate whether you play solo or team up with others, and prizes are up for grabs. Seating is first come, first served, so arriving early can help you secure a spot and pick up a drink and a snack. Costumes inspired by the characters are welcome.

Roberts Park United Methodist Church offers a hot, free dine-in meal in a welcoming setting. For meal service, use the entrance on Delaware Street. If you plan to attend the church service beforehand and would like a ticket from the first group handed out, enter through the Vermont Street door. Everyone is welcome.

A weekly casual Commander gathering open to all experience levels, focused on a friendly and diverse community. New players, those bringing modified preconstructed decks, and longtime veterans all have a place here. Casual play is free, and every participant may choose a promo as a thank you for taking part.

Test your knowledge at DJ Trivia at 5th Ave Grill and Bar. There is no entry fee, and the top three teams take home prizes. Families are welcome, and phones are not permitted during the game. Ask the host about the DJ Trivia league, and check the DJ Trivia website for the daily clue to snag bonus points.

Put your knowledge to the test at a free-to-play trivia night with the George’s team at George’s Neighborhood Grill in Indianapolis. Expect a lively atmosphere with fun, prizes, national ranking, and plenty of good food and drinks. Table reservations are available.

At Roberts Park United Methodist Church in downtown Indianapolis, a hot, free takeout meal is available for anyone, with pickup at a designated church door.

Great Oak Church hosts a free Food Pantry and Clothing Bank offering groceries, children’s items, and clothing in a wide range of sizes for individuals and families. Anyone in need is welcome, with no requirement to sign up or show ID, and there is no preaching. Prayer is available on request, and volunteers are available to answer questions. First-time visitors complete a short form with basic information so organizers can report the number of new and returning guests to Midwest Food Pantry, which supplies part of the donations. Personal details are kept private and are not shared. Guests may pick up items for family members or children even if they are not present, and may come with friends or relatives to select what they need.

Storytelling Drawing Sessions gives artists an opportunity to connect with the lived experiences of longtime Indianapolis residents. Community members share personal stories while participants listen, reflect, and create artwork in the medium they prefer. Admission is free and artists of any skill level are welcome to take part. Select sessions include live music in collaboration with Forward Motion, an Indianapolis ensemble focused on commissioning, debuting, and recording new compositions. After the guest has spoken, the musicians shape an ensemble piece inspired by the stories. These sessions take place at Polklore Micro-Museum.

Third Thursday is a free, all-ages community event in Broad Ripple Village that highlights live music, local art, dining, and shopping. During select months, outdoor markets are part of the experience, adding more to browse and explore.

Enjoy a casual Magic: The Gathering Commander meetup where players bring their own decks and play in friendly pods. It is free to attend, and participants receive a promo for taking part.

At Alley Cat Lounge in Broad Ripple, Vaudevillian Trivia Night delivers seven rounds of eight questions each, hosted by the Victorian rascal known as Vaudevillian. The categories span a wide range and are designed for all experience levels, with rounds submitted by fans adding an extra twist. It is free to play and centers on friendly competition, laughs, and good vibes.