Updated Nov. 2, 2026
Theater fills the weekend, and our picks for things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids, November 6-8, 2026, start with Indianapolis Ballet’s first “Cinderella” with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra playing live, the opening weekend of Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, a free ISO Teddy Bear Concert for preschoolers in Mooresville, a Veterans Day celebration at the Indiana State Museum and a free K-Pop sing-along in Carmel. After the picks and the weekend by day come free events, indoor ideas for a cold or rainy day and the full list of family events on our calendar.
Our Top Picks This Weekend
“Cinderella” with Indianapolis Ballet and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra | November 6-8 | Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, Indianapolis | Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m.
It’s Indianapolis Ballet’s company premiere of “Cinderella,” and it’s here for three performances only. The ISO plays Prokofiev’s score live under conductor Andrew Grams, with choreography and staging by Victoria Morgan, artistic director emerita of Cincinnati Ballet. The ISO describes it as an outing for all ages, and the weekend matinees start at 2 p.m.
Christmas Nights of Lights | November 6-8 | Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis | 6-10 p.m. | $40 per carload (up to eight people); $60 for nine to 15; $85 for 16 to 35; online reservations required
The drive-thru light show opens for the season Friday, and current and former military members get in free opening weekend with military ID. Displays are synchronized to holiday music on 90.7 FM, and the drive takes 30 to 40 minutes. Reserve a timed entry window online, enter through Gate 3 at 1698 E. 42nd St. and plan to stay in the car; there are no concessions.
ISO Teddy Bear Concert: “The Big Note” | Saturday, November 7 | Mooresville Public Library, Mooresville | 11 a.m. | FREE
A free concert built for ages 3 to 7. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians tell a story with live music and movement, and kids can play real violins and meet the players. Each concert lasts about 30 minutes, stuffed friends are welcome and some library stops may require registration.
Heroes from the Heartland at the Indiana State Museum | Sunday, November 8 | Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Included with museum admission; veterans and active-duty military free
Sunday is the last day of the museum’s Heroes from the Heartland display, and the whole day honors Hoosier veterans. Families can look at artifacts from the collection, talk with the curator of history, try hands-on activities and leave notes of thanks on a talk-back wall, and the Indianapolis Municipal Band plays a Veterans Day concert at 3 p.m. Immediate family members of veterans and active military get $2 off each pass, and tickets bought online save $1.
Gonna Be Golden: A K-Pop Community Sing | Saturday, November 7 | The Atrium of Carmel, Carmel | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | FREE
Free, and a one-time chance for “KPop Demon Hunters” fans to learn and sing “Golden” together. No singing experience is needed, since the song is taught on site, and the session ends with a group keepsake video. Before the singing, families can try traditional Korean instruments, visit a HUNTR/X photo booth and sample Korean snacks. Register free on Eventbrite, arrive by 11:30 a.m., and children under 14 need a parent or guardian.
“Seussical” Relaxed Performance | Saturday, November 7 | Grace Church, Noblesville | 1 p.m. | $18-$22
The sensory-friendly pick of the weekend: Grace Theatre sets aside this matinee for guests with sensory sensitivities, with ASL interpreters, large-print and braille programs and a quiet area for anyone who needs a break. Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and the Whos are all there, the show is designed for ages 3 and up and parking is free.
Military Day at the Johnson County Armory | Saturday, November 7 | Johnson County Armory, Franklin | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
One day only, kids can get up close to military vehicles, including a Huey helicopter. The Johnson County Public Library’s day of hands-on history also has uniform displays, historical military simulations, a WWII-era Victory Social with the 38th Division Infantry Band, a POW memorial area and a community art project honoring veterans.
Scandinavian Fest at Lille Bønne | Saturday, November 7 | Lille Bønne Community Living Room, Indianapolis | noon-5 p.m. | FREE
Free, and a rare look at Danish, Swedish and Norwegian traditions inside a historic former Danish church in Fletcher Place. Families can hear traditional music, watch singing and dancing, sample Swedish baked goods and browse handcrafted Scandinavian arts and crafts. No Scandinavian heritage is needed.
More Things to Do This Weekend
All Weekend
The Polar Express Train Ride | November 6 and 8 | French Lick Scenic Railway, French Lick | Friday 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. | Coach seats $45-$65 by date, plus fees; under 2 free on a lap
The season’s first rides make this weekend’s worth-the-drive trip. The conductor punches tickets, chefs serve hot chocolate and a cookie, and Santa hands out silver sleigh bells on the 75-minute round trip. Most of the season is sold out, so check the railway’s site for coach seats, arrive an hour early and wear pajamas if you like.
“Frozen” at Mt. Vernon High School | November 6-8 | Mt. Vernon High School, Fortville | Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. | $17 adults; $12 children, students and seniors
The stage version of Disney’s “Frozen,” with an on-stage photo with Anna, Elsa and friends for $5 a person before each show. Photo slots had to be bought before show week, and the box office opens an hour before curtain.
“The Little Mermaid” at Brownsburg High School | November 6-7 | Brownsburg High School, Brownsburg | 7 p.m. | $15
Ariel, Sebastian and Flounder take the stage in Disney’s musical, and seating is general admission, so arrive early. Before Saturday’s show, Ariel’s Grotto (1-3 p.m., $10 per adult and child pair) lets kids meet Ariel on stage, take photos and play themed games, with registration by 15-minute photo slot.
“Peter and the Starcatcher” at Bishop Chatard High School | November 6-7 | Bishop Chatard High School, Indianapolis | 7 p.m. | Pay what you can (suggested $10)
Pirates, magic and the story of how one orphan boy became Peter Pan, in a show the school says audiences of all ages will enjoy. Reserved floor seats are sold online until two hours before each show, and bleacher seats are always available at the door.
“You Can’t Take It With You” at Park Tudor School | November 6-8 | Park Tudor School, Indianapolis | Friday and Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. | $20 adults; $15 students
Park Tudor’s Upper School stages the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy about the eccentric Sycamore family and a dinner party on the wrong night. The school rates it PG and recommends it for ages 8 and up; seats are reserved and sold online.
Still going this weekend: “CATS” at Beef & Boards (through November 22; under 3 not admitted), Tiana’s Joyful Celebration at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and “Seussical” at Grace Church in Noblesville, with four more shows this weekend and four next weekend.
Friday, November 6
First Friday at the Harrison Center | Harrison Center, Indianapolis | 6-9 p.m. | FREE
The annual Winter Window Walk opens with a Candy Shoppe theme in the building’s sidewalk windows, alongside seven new gallery shows. Kids can hunt for hidden treasures in Johnson Simon’s “Finders Keepers” canvases, the Herron High School Dance Ensemble performs in the gym and the Indi Taco truck parks in the courtyard.
Saturday, November 7
Home Depot Kids Workshops | The Home Depot, Carmel, and participating stores | 9 a.m.-noon | FREE
Kids ages 5 to 12 build a free project on the first Saturday of the month, while supplies last.
Smashin’ Pumpkins | Mulberry Fields, Zionsville | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | FREE
Bring the jack-o’-lanterns to Zionsville Parks’ Pumpkin Smash and Compost Bash, where the fire department drops pumpkins from its ladder truck and the Smashin’ Station turns the rest into compost. Moldy pumpkins are welcome, but paint, glitter and stickers aren’t; pumpkins are also available for a $2 minimum cash donation.
K9 Fundapalooza | Johnson County Fairgrounds, Franklin | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | FREE
Meet Johnson County’s working K9 teams and watch demonstrations, then browse more than 60 local vendors, food trucks and a photo booth. The day raises money for the county’s working dogs.
Monon Station Pop Up: Fall Festival | Monon Community Center, Carmel | 6-8 p.m. | $20 per child; adults free
Kids younger than 13 make and take home a fall craft and have the run of the Monon Station indoor playground for the evening. Registration is required.
Sunday, November 8
Midwest Reptile Show | Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Vendors fill the Harvest Pavilion with reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, so families can see the animals up close. Crocodilians, venomous animals and native species aren’t sold at the show.
Irvington’s DÃa de los Muertos Celebration | East Washington Street, Irvington, Indianapolis | 2-7 p.m. | FREE
The fourth annual street celebration brings folklórico dancers, Latin American food vendors and small businesses to East Washington Street, with a bounce house, coloring and chalk hair color for kids.
Indy Fuel Toy Story Family Fun Day | Fishers Event Center, Fishers | 4 p.m. | Individual tickets start at $24
The Indy Fuel’s Sunday home game has a “Toy Story” theme, and kids eat free at every Sunday game. Children 12 and under can join Nitro’s Kids Club for free tickets to five home games.
Free Things to Do This Weekend
Beyond the free picks above:
- Tales ‘n Play Storytime, Friday 11 a.m.-noon, Central Library, Indianapolis, ages 0 to 5, no registration
- Critter Feeding at McCloud Nature Park, Friday 2-3 p.m., North Salem
- Family Fun Friday at Brookside Park, Friday 4-5:30 p.m., Indianapolis, ages 6 and up
- Board Game Night at Bundy Lodge, Friday 6-8 p.m., Arbuckle Acres Park, Brownsburg
- Arts for All, Saturday noon-5 p.m., Garfield Park Arts Center, Indianapolis, ages 5 and up
See all free events this weekend →
Rainy-Day Ideas: Indoor Things to Do This Weekend
- “Alicia” at Franklin Central High School, Friday 7 p.m., a bilingual “Alice in Wonderland,” $5 adults, students free
- Lakeshore Learning: Mosaic Masterpiece, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Nora Plaza, ages 3 and up, free
- “Big Fish” at Center Grove High School, Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., Greenwood, $5-$15
- “Emma! A Pop Musical”, Saturday 7 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m., Clark Pleasant Middle School, Greenwood, $15; students $5
- Science of Art: Stitched & Salvaged, Sunday 1:30-4:30 p.m., WonderLab Museum, Bloomington, ages 3 and up, included with admission
See all indoor events this weekend →
This Weekend in Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville
- Preschool Open Gym, Friday 10 a.m.-noon, Hamilton County Sports Complex, Noblesville, ages 5 and under, $5 per hour
- Pajama-Rama, Friday 6:30-7:30 p.m., Cool Creek Nature Center, Carmel, ages 1 to 8, free
- “Catch Me If You Can” at Fishers High School, Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Fishers, $20 adults, $15 students
- Kids Explore Robotics: Build Your Own Merry-Go-Round, Saturday 10 a.m.-noon, Westfield Washington Public Library, ages 6 to 11, free, registration required
- Wizard of Oz Story Time, Saturday 11 a.m.-noon, Westfield Washington Public Library, free, registration required
- Family Evening Hike at Flowing Well Park, Saturday 6-7 p.m., Carmel, free, flashlight required, registration required
See all Hamilton County events this weekend →
To plan the rest of November, browse our full calendar of Indianapolis family events and free things to do this month, or look ahead with our guide to fairs and festivals around Indianapolis.
Every Family Event This Weekend (Nov. 6–8, 2026)
Tiana’s Joyful Celebration
Hanna Haunted Acres
CATS at Beef & Boards
Hamilton County Sports Complex Preschool Open Gym
Urban Forest School at Indy Parks
Homeschool Adventures at Urban Air Noblesville
Homeschool Days: Wilderness Survival
Free Robotics Birthday Party Demo Tour at Kids Explore Robotics
Critter Feeding at McCloud Nature Park
Falcon Fridays at Eagle Creek Park
Campfire Cooking at McCloud Nature Park
Family Fun Friday at Brookside Park
The Polar Express Train Ride
Christmas Nights of Lights
Let the Games Begin! Board Game Nights at Bundy Lodge
Pajama-Rama
Alicia at Franklin Central High School
Big Fish at Center Grove High School
Catch Me If You Can at Fishers High School
Frozen at Mt. Vernon High School
Peter and the Starcatcher at Bishop Chatard High School
You Can’t Take It With You at Park Tudor School
Cinderella with Indianapolis Ballet and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Home Depot In-Store Kids Workshops
Artisan Market at the Johnson County Museum of History
Kids Explore Robotics: Build Your Own Merry-Go-Round
Gonna Be Golden: A K-Pop Community Sing
Lakeshore Learning: Mosaic Masterpiece
Wizard of Oz Story Time at Westfield Washington Public Library
Scandinavian Fest at Lille Bønne
Ariel’s Grotto Experience at Brownsburg High School
Seussical Relaxed Performance at Grace Church
Monon Station Pop Up: Fall Festival
Emma! A Pop Musical by Whiteland Community High School
Turkey Trails Indianapolis
Heroes from the Heartland at the Indiana State Museum
Science of Art: Stitched & Salvaged with Discardia
Irvington’s DÃa de los Muertos Celebration
Meet a Raptor at Eagle Creek Park
The Polar Express Train Ride
Eagle Enrichment at Eagle Creek Park
Toy Story Family Fun Day
Tiana’s Joyful Celebration
Hanna Haunted Acres
CATS at Beef & Boards
Hamilton County Sports Complex Preschool Open Gym
Jumperoo at Urban Air Noblesville
Urban Forest School at Indy Parks
Tales ‘n Play Storytime
Homeschool Adventures at Urban Air Noblesville
Free Robotics Birthday Party Demo Tour at Kids Explore Robotics
Critter Feeding at McCloud Nature Park
Falcon Fridays at Eagle Creek Park
Campfire Cooking at McCloud Nature Park
Family Fun Friday at Brookside Park
The Polar Express Train Ride
Christmas Nights of Lights
First Friday Gallery Opening: November 2026
Let the Games Begin! Board Game Nights at Bundy Lodge
Pajama-Rama
Alicia at Franklin Central High School
Big Fish at Center Grove High School
Catch Me If You Can at Fishers High School
Frozen at Mt. Vernon High School
Peter and the Starcatcher at Bishop Chatard High School
Seussical at Grace Church
The Little Mermaid at Brownsburg High School
You Can’t Take It With You at Park Tudor School
Cinderella with Indianapolis Ballet and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Home Depot In-Store Kids Workshops
Artisan Market at the Johnson County Museum of History
Holiday Heritage Market at Conner Prairie
K9 Fundapalooza
Kids Explore Robotics: Build Your Own Merry-Go-Round
Military Day at the Johnson County Armory
Gonna Be Golden: A K-Pop Community Sing
Lakeshore Learning: Mosaic Masterpiece
Smashin’ Pumpkins
Teddy Bear Concert Series
Wizard of Oz Story Time at Westfield Washington Public Library
Arts for All
Scandinavian Fest at Lille Bønne
Ariel’s Grotto Experience at Brownsburg High School
Seussical Relaxed Performance at Grace Church
Family Evening Hike at Flowing Well Park
Monon Station Pop Up: Fall Festival
Emma! A Pop Musical by Whiteland Community High School
Turkey Trails Indianapolis
Heroes from the Heartland at the Indiana State Museum
Midwest Reptile Show
Science of Art: Stitched & Salvaged with Discardia
Irvington’s DÃa de los Muertos Celebration
Meet a Raptor at Eagle Creek Park
The Polar Express Train Ride
Eagle Enrichment at Eagle Creek Park
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