Central Indiana Things to Do

What Racism Costs Everyone 

On the heels of two September book discussions of The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, author Heather McGhee is the keynote speaker on October 3 at Christian Theological Seminary. Her appearance punctuates a fall initiative by the Faith & Action Project, a multi-sector, interfaith collaboration to confront poverty. Each spring, the Faith & Action Project also hosts an essential conference for anyone in the community who is interested in evidence-based practices to end poverty. The Faith & Action Project Grant is a catalyst for organizations and congregations with a commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty. 
Visit cts.edu/faith-action to find resources and registration details for the September book discussions and October keynote address.  

Cars & Coffee 

On September 9 and October 14, join Graham Rahal Performance at Cars & Coffee, a family event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum from 8-11 a.m. Bring your car, truck or motorcycle and enjoy free coffee and donuts as long as supplies last. From 9-11 a.m. on September 23, and 4-6 p.m. on October 28, Graham Rahal Performance hosts Cars & Coffee at their Brownsburg location, 499 Southpoint Circle, Suite 105.  
Visit grahamrahalperformance.com and imsmuseum.org/events for details. 

The Quiet Book Club 

Do you love the idea of discussing books, but hate reading titles of little or no interest to you? Here’s the book club for you. There’s no assigned reading at the Silent Book Club, an international organization with several Indiana chapters. The premise is to offer a quiet space for reading, with a discussion afterwards to meet people who share your passion. The Indianapolis chapter meets September 12, 5:30-7 p.m. at Herron-Morton Place Park, 1927 Alabama St., and October 12, 5:30-7 p.m. at 8th Day Distillery, 1125 E. Brookside Ave.  
To learn about Silent Book Club Indy, follow them on Instagram @silentbookclubindy or find a chapter in your area at silentbook.club. 

A Romantic Journey into the Past 

September is perfect weather to celebrate life’s biggest moments with Old World Gondoliers, open by reservation May 4 through October 6 from noon to 9 p.m. Only 600 people in the world make their living as gondoliers, and only a fraction of those are singing gondoliers. Indianapolis has six, all with outstanding voices. Gondola guests are welcome to bring wine, champagne and cocktails on their journey along Indy’s Downtown Canal. Now in its 24th year, Old World Gondoliers is the top marriage proposal site in Indiana.  
For boarding instructions and reservations, visit 4gondola.com or call 317.340.2489. 

Up, Up and Away 

The Annual Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Festival happens October 26-28 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Bloomington. This year’s event includes hayrides, trick or treat with balloon pilots and event vendors, plus skydiving, fireworks and a costume parade. Hot air balloons launch each morning and evening. Don’t miss Night Glow, a spectacular lighted exhibition of balloons on the ground.  
Visit their Facebook page for details.