About Indianapolis
Indianapolis is a unique cultural hub in the heart of the Midwest. Affectionately called Indy by its residents, the city is best known for being the Racing Capital of the World due to its world-renowned Indianapolis 500. Visitors to this Midwestern metropolis are often impressed by its strong sense of community and great local hospitality.
But there is so much more to this vibrant city than cars going around a track! Indianapolis has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums and attractions that explore the history and art scene. A draw to Indianapolis is its commitment to the great outdoors. During the summer months, residents flock outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, with activities ranging from running and biking along the White River Canal to kayaking on Eagle Creek Reservoir.
These green spaces provide plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation, plus options for organizing performances outdoors! Diverse event venues in Indy host music festivals, theatrical plays, and art shows. Whether it is a Broadway show or an intimate opera recital, these spaces provide top-notch entertainment.
Outdoor Performance Options in Indianapolis
- Sound Systems
Professional sound companies offer rental services that provide the necessary equipment to amplify the sound of the performance. The gear improves acoustics within the space.
- Lighting Set Up
Installing lighting fixtures around an outdoor performance space helps transform it into an exciting venue. Different lighting setups, like spotlights, RGB strips, and floodlights, create interesting visual effects with colors and movement while adding plenty of drama to the performance.
- Food Trucks
A food truck enhances an outdoor performance experience, offering delicious food options for guests attending multiple nights of performances or a special event such as a concert series or festival. Food trucks deliver convenient meals, allowing guests to grab a quick bite while enjoying their favorite acts on stage.
- Live Streaming Services
Live streaming services are becoming increasingly popular at outdoor performances, enabling guests to experience shows remotely. This technology offers increased exposure for their event while helping them save money by lowering costs associated with production.
Outdoor Performance Vendors in Indianapolis
- Markey's Rental & Staging
Markey's Rental & Staging is a comprehensive event technology company. With over six decades of experience, the business evolved into a multi-service staging and audiovisual rental company offering the best service and the most diverse and reliable equipment. Their services include supplying rentals and staging for live events, audiovisual rental, computer rental, and digital signage.
- Pronto Taco
Pronto Taco is a mobile food truck catering service that serves up delicious tacos for events of any size throughout Indiana. Their menu features street-style tacos cooked hot off the grill and served with signature sauces, crunchy chips, and fresh salsa. Their mobile kitchen can feed up to 500 people, with options for on-site catering where guests can order at the walk-up window or a quick and easy drop-off taco bar for guests to build their tacos.
- On the Spot Productions, Inc.
On the Spot Productions is a videography company that offers crisp pictures and impressive sound quality. In addition to DVDs, Blu-rays, and digital files, they also offer Live Streaming to ensure your event can be viewed anywhere, on any device.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Performance Spaces in Indianapolis
Experiencing different forms of entertainment in Indianapolis can be done uniquely through outdoor performance spaces, which provide a distinct atmosphere and setting for performers. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of outdoor performance venues.
Advantages
- Many outdoor venues offer spectacular natural backdrops which can add visual interest to performances.
- Moving freely as an artist without any walls or obstacles to limit your creativity enhances the performance.
- Events held at outdoor performance spaces often draw larger crowds due to the availability of free public space, creating more opportunities for exposure and success.
Disadvantages
- Depending on the time of year or day, performing outdoors presents challenges if it begins raining or gets too hot/cold unexpectedly.
- Crowds at an outdoor venue may bring about a lot of background noise, such as talking and traffic sounds, which can detract from the performance experience.
- Depending on the type of outdoor venue chosen, safety measures such as crowd control or security are paramount during the planning process.
Tips on How to Organize Outdoor Performance Spaces in Indianapolis
Planning an outdoor performance in Indianapolis can be challenging due to the unpredictable weather and limited resources; however, following these tips allows you to create an enjoyable show.
- Research Your Venue: Know the characteristics of the performance space. Account for natural features like rivers or hills that could impact sound quality or audience line-of-sight. Also, consider ground coverings and seating options available for audience members.
- Environmental Factors: Weather is unpredictable when planning outdoor performances, so plan accordingly. Research weather patterns for your chosen date and create a backup plan for any unexpected rain showers or heat waves that could disrupt the performance.
- Lighting Considerations: Have lighting solutions, such as LED lights or tiki torches along pathways or areas where guests may need additional illumination if the event runs into the night. Additionally, generators could provide sufficient power to ensure lights remain functional.
- Refreshments/Concessions: Food and beverages can keep the audience comfortable and energized throughout the event. It is also an opportunity to sell merchandise like T-shirts and connect with the audience.
- Have Adequate Security: When planning an outdoor performance, it is essential to consider security measures beforehand to protect both performers and guests from potential harm or disruption of the show. It includes having enough dedicated staff exclusively to keep/ people safe.
Famous Locations in Indianapolis
- Glick Peace Walk
The Glick Peace Walk is a remarkable tribute to the individuals who have contributed to humanity through their pursuits of peace. Located along Walnut Street, this part of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail offers visitors a chance to reflect and honor the lives of 12 luminaries who achieved greatness through their peaceful actions. Each sculptural garden showcases the accomplishments of individuals such as Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D., and Eleanor Roosevelt.
- Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is a poignant tribute to the legendary author. Located in his hometown of Indianapolis, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into his life and works. Curated displays showcase original drawings and doodles by the writer, his Pall Mall cigarettes, and the famed typewriter he used to compose his iconic novels. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into his world by replicating his office, complete with a blue Coronamatic typewriter where visitors can even sit down and type up a note.
- Fountain Square
Fountain Square is a lively and eclectic neighborhood located just southeast of downtown Indianapolis. As one of the six cultural districts, it boasts a vibrant arts scene, bustling restaurants, and unique shopping experiences. From vintage and antique shops to stores selling comics, musical instruments, and fresh flowers, there is something for everyone in Fountain Square. Whether you want to spend an afternoon exploring the quirky shops or a night out bowling with friends, Fountain Square offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Indianapolis.