Dance, Drink, Drive-In Cinema: 10 Ways To Liven The Indianapolis Night

things to do in indianapolis at night
John
John 
Updated
| 6 min read

It isn’t difficult to liven your night in Indianapolis; the city’s diversified nighttime activities are among the nation’s best in terms of both variety and quality, and with comedy clubs, drive-in cinemas, comfortable bars, and quality food to be had, you’ll witness Indianapolis come alive at night behind the best attractions found statewide! Prepare to have your high expectations effectively redefined, when you choose to spend your night in downtown Indianapolis!

1. Rathskeller

Posted by Rathskeller Restaurant on Friday, 6 February 2015

If you’re looking for the perfect way to kick off your weekend, look no further than the Rathskeller in Indianapolis! This hybrid indoor/outdoor bar setting is the perfect catalyst to a wonderful evening! Authentic German foods and spirits await you in this Bavarian atmosphere, recognized by locals and visitors alike for its dedicated ambiance and enthusiastic air! Whether you’re frequenting this venue to take advantage of its beer garden, its outdoor section loaded with picnic tables, or you want to listen to the best locally sourced music provided year-round, come by the Rathskeller in downtown Indianapolis, to give your experience with Indianapolis nightlife the ideal beginning!

Rathskeller

Address: 401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Website: Rathskeller

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2. Fountain Square Theatre

Looking for Friday night plans? Join Fountain Square Theatre Building tonight for Fountain Square Swing Dancing ft. The...

Posted by Discover Fountain Square on Friday, 27 January 2017

Keep a good time going when you take full advantage of the professional-grade theatrical presentations of all kind at the Fountain Square Theatre. This venue also exhibits a diversified variety of attractions, including duckpin bowling, and wedding venues! Barbecue options and drinks are of course also offered at this reputable establishment, the likes of which promises to have you hooked on the food, the fun, and the festivities alike! If you’re looking to extend your stay, check out the attached Fountainview Inn, or make it a night to remember with either a trip to the theatre, a round of bowling, or trip to the dynamic Rooftop Garden Lounge! There’s always a reason to make the Fountain Square Theatre your next optimal nighttime hangout!

Fountain Square Theatre

Address: 1111 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203

Website: Fountain Square Theatre

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3. Tibbs Drive-In Theater


Experience the best of recent cinema from the full comfort of your vehicle, at Tibbs Drive-In Theater! Park your car and enjoy the large-screen presentation of the most recent theatrical and movie releases, and spend time with those close to you while the movie plays in front of you! With professional services and affordable rates, the Tibbs Drive-In Theater send the best cinematic material straight to your car. This family owned and operated establishment located on the southwest side of Indianapolis even hosts regular discounts, so your last excuse to avoid this sure-fire attraction is now void. Don’t wait another second to take advantage of unbeatable rates and movies alike; visit Tibbs Drive-In Theater for Indianapolis’ best combination of cinema and friendship!

Tibbs Drive-In Theater

Address: 480 S Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241

Website: Tibbs Drive-In Theater

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4. Crackers Comedy Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Prepare for a night of laughter and enjoyment at the Crackers Comedy Club, located in downtown Indianapolis! The host of weekly open mic nights, seasonal events, and locally and nationally acclaimed comedians, the Crackers Comedy Club enjoys the renown of its own pristine reputation. Prospective visitors are encouraged to call or visit their website online in order to receive a complete list of the high-profile visitors who plan on gracing Indianapolis ears with professional-grade comedic material. Crackers Comedy Club also comes complete with offered food and spirits, so you can enjoy the full benefits of an open bar while a comfortable stage presence gives you laughs like you’ve never experienced before! Locals rave about this venue’s ideal combination of laughter and sustenance!

Crackers Comedy Club

Address: 6281 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Website: Crackers Comedy Club

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5. The Dinner Detective

A detective in action!

Posted by Indianapolis - Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show on Thursday, 26 March 2015

If you’re looking to infuse your evening with adventure, take advantage of The Dinner Detective in Indianapolis! Part gourmet dinner, part mystery package, The Dinner Detective makes you an interactive audience member for a live mystery/comedy presentation, one that intends to bring you in on the action. Munch on a delectable four-course dinner while the murder mystery unfolds in front of you; we promise that you’ll be on the edge of your seat in one moment, and holding your stomach to contain the laughter in the next! The subject of high reviews from locals and visitors alike, The Dinner Detective provides the greater Indianapolis area with year-round enjoyment. Become the next proud encounter with entertainment when you visit this winning establishment!

The Dinner Detective

Address: 110 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Website: The Dinner Detective

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6. Howl at the Moon


Indianapolis plays host to a party in bar form, and it’s called Howl at the Moon. This venue for the region’s best locally and internationally sourced music specializes in providing the best nightlife hospitality you’ll find anywhere in the downtown area. Their unique bucket drinks provide you with the perfect combination of taste and spirits, and is ranked within the twenty best bars in all of Indianapolis! Howl at the Moon can host your birthday party, corporate event, or any other gathering of the social nature, and can cater their services to your individual specifications. Find yourself among this award-winning atmosphere, and make Howl at the Moon your next destination outing!

Howl at the Moon

Address: 20 E Georgia St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Website: Howl at the Moon

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7. Tastings Wine and Bistro

Wine Tasting set up
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Randy OHC used under CC BY 2.0

Your search for an authentic wine tasting experience meets an appropriate end at Tastings Wine and Bistro in Indianapolis. When you visit Tastings, you receive more than a series of wine samples; you discover an opportunity to witness the best wines that the state has to offer, and invitation to encounter excellence. With a constantly updated, specialized menu and the chance to book an event on its grounds, Tastings Wine and Bistro offers renowned glasses of both choice red and white wines. A 2014 Storypoint Chardonnay, 2015 Stella Moscato, and 2013 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot are only a few of the wines offered in glass, half bottle, and bottle packages, for your distinct tasting pleasure. Turn this detour into the main attraction, and experience Indianapolis in a novel way when you sip liquid elegance at Tastings Wine and Bistro!

Tastings Wine and Bistro

Address: 50 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Website: Tastings Wine and Bistro

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8. Slippery Noodle Inn


Relaxation meets thrill at the Slipper Noodle Inn. Don’t let its laid-back name deceive you; this bar regularly plays host to live, upbeat blues bands! Seven days a week, you can visit to hear the best of local music, courtesy of an atmosphere absolutely brimming with culture and enthusiasm! Originally a stop on the Underground Railroad, this historical venue now offers visitors a place to indulge their craving for authentic alcoholic spirits and musical tastes, all while those present soak in the ambience of the oldest working bar in the entire state of Indiana. Keep your worries to a minimum when you find yourself walking through the friendly doors of the Slippery Noodle Inn, where American spirits and cuisine combine with an infectiously enthusiastic environment, to produce an Indianapolis venue you simply cannot afford to miss!

Slippery Noodle Inn

Address: 372 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

Website: Slippery Noodle Inn

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9. Union 50

TONIGHT at Union 50 in indianapolis 10pm-12:30am hope to see our indy friends out tonight!

Posted by Todd Harrold/Nick Bobay Duo-Todd Harrold Band on Saturday, 7 January 2017

Seasonally changing dishes are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amenities present at Union 50. Like all of the best bars in Indianapolis, you’ll hear the locally sourced, upbeat vibes of the best music that the region has to offer, coupled with local favorite foods and executive chef-approved restaurant quality bistro! Sporting a diversified menu complete with a drinks menu characterized by depth and quality alike, Union 50 remains the go-to venue for culinary creativity, invigorating music, and a refreshing atmosphere throughout!

Union 50

Address: 620 N East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Website: Union 50

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10. Jazz Kitchen

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

It's that time to kick back and enjoy a stellar drink outside! The deck is open at 5p tonight. So come by, relax & enjoy...

Posted by The Jazz Kitchen on Saturday, February 27, 2021

Live jazz music and authentic Latin dancing typify the Jazz Kitchen, a staple Indianapolis hangout that truly encompasses the region’s fun-loving atmosphere! Cajun, Brazilian, and Caribbean accents typify this establishment, and simply beg for your worthy, unceasing attention. Featuring seasonal events of the musical variety, the Jazz Kitchen also delivers authentic, native flavors at affordable rates and simply unparalleled qualities. The source of live dances, benefit concerts, and delectable foods to be had by all, the Jazz Kitchen effectively illustrates the best that Latin culture has to offer!

Jazz Kitchen

Address: 5377 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Website: Jazz Kitchen

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Life wherever you turn

Live music exists as the foundational centerpiece of a thriving Indianapolis nightlife. No matter the venue, regardless of the wide variety of offered drinks and dynamic environment infectiously alive with social style, you’re sure to find the perfect excuse to let out your wild side at any one of Indianapolis’ featured bars, theaters or associated amenities. Find new favorites among bars of various qualities, and catch the newest theatrical releases of either the cinematic or drive-in fashion! When it comes to the nightlife of downtown Indianapolis, it’s your evening, and it’s your choice. Just know that when you adhere to these options, no selection is a poor one!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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John Gallagher is a digital marketing consultant and writer from San Diego, California. When he isn't thoroughly enjoying the writing process or pretending he thoroughly enjoys the revision...Read more

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