• Book a private golf simulator bay with a 15-by-10-foot 4K HD screen.
• Renting an e-bike and hopping on the Cultural Trail a block away is an easy date night. (Get the picnic basket add-on.)
• You can even take a wood-burning or glass-painting class.
• Grabbing a drink and taking in the skyline from the patio is always an option.
• All craft cocktails have local ingredients, like the Indy Fashioned with Hotel Tango bourbon.
• Ask what the seasonal slushie is before you order, though. Peckish? Go for the Spare Tire Rolls.
• They host Colts away game parties. Make a reservation.

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[See image gallery at www.indianapolismonthly.com] Last weekend, photographer Ted Somerville and I traveled to the Windy City for Lollapalooza  to document the marquee Midwest music festival. Taking place August 1–4 in Chicago’s Grant Park, Lollapalooza 2024 featured some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Chappell Roan, Future and Metro Boomin, Megan Thee Stallion, SZA, and more.

After making our way to Chicago on Thursday, August 1 (with a pitstop for brunch at S&G Waffle Shack in Gary, Indiana), Ted and I arrived at Grant Park around 3 p.m. CST, just in time to catch a stunning set from South African R&B star Tyla. A 2024 Grammy award winner for Best African Music Performance, Tyla established the vibe for a two-day stretch at Lollapalooza dominated by dynamic female artists.

For the second half of Thursday, I experienced my favorite stretch of Lollapalooza 2024, beginning with a booty-shaking set from British group Jungle. With hits like “Back on 74,” “Casio,” and “I’ve Been in Love,” the band is a must-listen for all fans of ear-grabbing grooves.

I then made my way over to Lollapalooza’s T-Mobile stage to catch the tail end of Chappell Roan’s performance. Having become a regular atop the music charts in recent months, the Missouri-born pop star drew what might have been the largest crowd of the weekend, with a packed field of fans singing along to her songs. To close out the first day, I stayed put for a headlining performance by Megan Thee Stallion, who demanded every bit of the audience’s attention with her potent blend of song and dance.

Ted and I retreated to our friends’ house in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood for the evening, returning to Grant Park on Friday morning after grabbing some grub at old-school tavern Pizza Lobo. Following a solid set of indie pop from up-and-coming artist Blu DeTiger, I made my way to the T-Mobile stage once more, where I spent the rest of my Friday. I caught two more stellar R&B performances, first from Victoria Monét and then from SZA. The 2024 Grammy award winner for Best New Artist, Monét strutted her stuff while belting out standout songs like “On My Mama” and “We Might Even Be Falling in Love.” Later that evening, “Kill Bill” hitmaker SZA delivered an excellent performance of her own, treating fans to a career-spanning set highlighted by her clear sense of comfort in front of tens-of-thousands of fans.

Following another night of much-needed rest, Ted and I took one more trip to Grant Park for what would be our final day at the festival before heading back home to Indy. Saturday’s lineup was filled with a myriad of sounds, making for a fun day of exploration. To kick it off, I caught a standout set from Tennessee rocker-on-the-rise Briston Maroney, who reflected on his Lollapalooza appearance being a dream come true. From there, I enjoyed sets from electronic artist Nia Archives, indie singer-songwriter Ethel Cain, alt-rock mainstays Deftones, and esteemed rapper Killer Mike. To close out the day, I decided to check out Future and Metro Boomin, performing together as part of their We Trust You Tour. The rap duo showed up 30 minutes late and gave a rather uninspiring performance, but sometimes you just catch ’em on an off day.

The post Lollapalooza 2024 Recap appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

The post Gen Con 2024 appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

OF THE MORE than 500 new board and card games introduced to the public at Gen Con 2024—the largest tabletop game convention in the U.S.—perhaps the one with the most interesting history is GHQ, aka Kurt Vonnegut’s lost board game.

At one time, few people were buying his novel Player Piano, and his breakthrough Cat’s Cradle was still in the drafting stage, so Vonnegut thought perhaps board game designing would be more lucrative than writing novels.

He envisioned and designed, on paper, a war game played on a chess board with artillery, infantry, and other units protecting an operations base (GHQ stands for general headquarters). It was 1956, just before the release of war game classics Risk and Diplomacy, and game companies just weren’t interested. (It wasn’t Vonnegut’s only failed business effort. Thankfully for American literature, his Saab dealership didn’t succeed, either).

I first got wind of Vonnegut’s game—or, more accurately, the plans for it—at an exhibit at IU’s Lilly Library back in 2007. At the time, I wrote in a column for the IBJ, “Come on entrepreneurial game geeks: There has to be at least a small market for this one.”

Apparently, game designer Geoff Engelstein, acclaimed creator of such games as The Fog of War and the racing-themed Pit Crew, had the same idea, plus the talent, means, and tenacity to make it happen. He not only acquired the rights from the Vonnegut estate, but he also sorted through six versions of the author’s rules to give the game playable balance.

The result: About 67 years after Vonnegut gave up on it, the game had a launch party at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library the day before Gen Con officially began. It was appropriate since the game, set to go on sale to the public in October, will be exclusively sold at Barnes & Noble stores—with the exception of the KVML.

Anyone who has read Slaughterhouse-Five knows that Vonnegut, a WWII veteran who experienced the firebombing of Dresden as a POW, was famously anti-war. At the launch event, Engelstein noted the irony of this dove creating an unapologetic war game. In his brief PowerPoint presentation and Q&A session, Engelstein took attendees through the challenges of getting the right tone for the cover art, which turned out both retro and right, neither celebrating war nor denying what the game is about.

The box not only contains the board, playing pieces, and rulebook, but also a booklet with the history of the game, including the original designs and Vonnegut’s pitch letter containing his boast that it could “become the third popular checkerboard game.”

That’s unlikely.

But for players of chess, go, and other one-on-one games that rely on strategy and tactics rather than the luck of dice rolls and card draws, it should be of interest.

And, of course, for Vonnegut completists and the curious.

While the $35 game is not yet on sale, the KVML is taking pre-orders.

The post Best Of Gen Con: Kurt Vonnegut’s Lost Board Game, Revived appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

(1) Indy Art & Soul Night at The Alley, August 2 Singer/songwriter Allison Victoria, Dexter Clardy of Shvdy Rollins, and spoken word artist Jus Will are the spotlighted artists. Attendees can access Gallery 924’s opening night after the show. thecabaret.org

(2) Indiana State Fair, August 2–18
The big summer event is themed “The Art & Nature of Fun” in partnership with Newfields. Don’t miss the Great American Duck Races, the walk-through lantern sculptures of Illuminate! Outdoors, or the street corn pizza. indianastatefair.com

(3) DCI World Championship Finals, August 8
Drum corps semifinalists beat a path to Lucas Oil Stadium to show off their precision and artistry in brass, percussion, and color guard sections in “Marching Music’s Major League.” dci.org/events

(4) IndyFringe Festival, August 15–25 Some 300 eclectic performances in the realms of theater, dance, music, comedy, and more are set to enliven the Cultural District and Fountain Square. indyfringe.org/festival

(5) Feast of Lanterns, August 24
This beloved near-eastside festival dates back to the late 1800s. Today, colorful lanterns light up Spades Park alongside local musicians, more than 80 artisan vendors, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. indyfol.org

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BREWERIES, CAFES, RETAIL STORES, and even libraries in Central Indiana have gotten a clear message from the 70,000 or so folks who make the pilgrimage here for Gen Con, the annual tabletop gaming convention. Lots of people like playing board games, and not only during convention weekend in August.

Businesses’ next move, if you will, was clear. Many have realized having a selection of such games on-site will get patrons to stick around—or even to come by in the first place. The notion is not only good for business, but it’s great for game lovers. We’ve sussed out unexpected spots with carefully curated selections where we can all have some good old-fashioned fun. No beat-up boxes, tattered game boards, and missing pieces here. We’ve checked them all out for you in person.

CENTERPOINT BREWING
The Broad Ripple location has plenty of space to spread out with one of the games neatly showcased near the bar. They wisely connected with Noblesville’s Moonshot Games in 2022 to curate a collection that includes such popular mass market titles as Exploding Kittens and Codenames, as well as lesser-known but worthy options such as Skull and A Fake Artist Goes to New York. Bonus: You can order food from the adjacent 317 BBQ. Just wash your hands before grabbing a game. 6320 Guilford Ave., 317-602-8386

BOOKS & BREWS
From its inception, this locally grown company has been a welcoming spot for patrons to bring their own games or take one off the sample shelves. Watch the calendar for an occasional Catan tournament (no experience necessary). Be aware, though, that scheduled live trivia and open mic events may make certain times inconducive to games requiring quiet concentration. 9402 Uptown Dr., 317-288-5136

HITHERTO COFFEE & GAMING PARLOUR
A terrific fusion of cafe and game store, this Greenfield mainstay has a borrowable library almost as rich as its extensive for-sale collection. At Hitherto, you can sip a cold brew or munch on a flatbread pizza while encountering Cosmic Encounter, daring your friends to a Challengers! face-off, or paying a nostalgic visit to Candy Land. Table space may be limited during busy times, but you can always occupy yourself with a pastry while you wait. 1558 N. State St., Greenfield, 317-318-9782

MASHCRAFT BREWING
Well before you reach your table at this Delaware Street drinkery, you’ll discover a cabinet stuffed with tabletop games. Grab a Golden Goose or a Lemonberry and take your pick. The offerings aim to please the masses (Scattergories, Taboo), the hobbyists (Dominion, 7 Wonders), and those in between (Ticket to Ride, Splendor). 2205 N. Delaware St., 317-602-2552

FLGS

That’s gamer parlance for Friendly Local Game stores. Many also serve as community centers of sorts, where folks can shop but also try out games. (Some may have table fees.) Family Time Games (8796 Michigan Rd., 317-429-9817), Valkyrie’s Vault (1044 E. Main St., Brownsburg, 317-520-3565), Saltire Games (11135 Pendleton Pike, 317-823-1645), the new Elf ’N Moon (1354 Shelby St., 317-600-3313), and local pioneer The Game Preserve (8487 Union Chapel Rd., 317-257-9110) are places where you can learn a new game or revisit old favorites from extensive collections. A big plus is that knowledgeable staff can help steer you toward your new all-time favorite.

Local libraries: Along with your book pile, you can borrow games from select library locations, including Hamilton County’s Noblesville and Fishers branches. Both offer a wide range of popular picks that includes Great Western Trail, King of Tokyo, and Pandemic (the latter may still be too close to home for some). While you need to be a Hamilton Country resident to check them out at those branches, anyone can play on-site.

The Garage food hall: Free every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m., the Game Night Social is an opportunity to try out a new pursuit, rediscover an old standby, and meet new people. You’ll find about 50 games to choose from. All ages are welcome. 906 Carrollton Ave., 317-556-1252

The post Fun: Gen Con Alternatives appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

• Races happen only on weekends through mid-October.
• Grandstand seating is first come, first served. But the “nosebleed” section is still close enough to smell rubber and gasoline.
• July 20 is Hall of Fame Night.
• You can buy a pit pass—but only the day of—in the office at the north end of the track.
• Bring your earbuds. You can listen to the public address live.
• Teacher? Show your school ID for a discount.
• Don’t even think about bringing your dog.
• Or a cooler.
• It’s great for kids, but find the no smoking, no alcohol section: the aluminum seats on the south end.
• Get live timing and scoring on the Race Monitor app.

The post Unspoken Rules: Indianapolis Speedrome appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

(1) The Art of John Lennon Now through July 6
Give peace a chance at fine art gallery CV Art and Frame. Admission to the exhibit of the late Beatle’s works, around societal themes that touched his life, is free. 110 S. Main St., Zionsville.

(2) July Fourth Celebration July 4–July 6
This year, the traditional fireworks celebration at Victory Field goes over three nights. Don red, white, and blue and cheer on our Indians as they take on the Louisville Bats.

(3) The Beach Boys July 6
Mike Love—at age 83—and his band will send the iconic sounds of summer wafting through Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. As he has for three decades, John “Uncle Jesse” Stamos will be on drums.

(4) Legally Blonde July 11–August 25
The roast beef is still hand-carved at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, and sorority-queen-turned-Harvard-Law-student Elle still charms in this fun, award-winning musical version of the iconic movie.

(5) Brickyard Weekend July 19–21
NASCAR celebrates 30 years at the Racing Capital of the World when the Brickyard 400 brings the action back to the 2.5-mile oval at IMS.

The post July’s Best Bets appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

IT’S THE FUN SIZE VERSION OF THE INDIANA STATE FAIR.
You’ll find all the essentials—rides, animals, and midway vendors hawking fried delights—just on a vastly smaller scale. For instance, while last year’s Indiana State Fair pulled in north of 840,000 visitors, the Marion County Fair brought in 80,000—a literal order of magnitude fewer people to jostle around and stand in line behind. And speaking of walking, the entire grounds are an easy-on-the-arches 124 acres, compared to the Indiana State Fairgrounds’ 250. “You can cover a lot of territory and not feel like you’ve walked for miles,” says Marion County Fair office manager and Indianapolis City-County Councilor Paul Annee. That is a big boon for young children (and their grandparents).

DESPITE BEING ON THE SOUTH SIDE, IT’S STILL CONVENIENT FROM THE CITY CENTER.
From downtown, it’s a straight shot down Southeastern Avenue to the Five Points area, where you’ll find the fairgrounds perched on the far side of the I-465 beltway. If you’re coming from another part of town, loop around I-465.

ITS HISTORY TECHNICALLY REACHES BACK TO THE EARLY 1800S.
Fall agricultural expositions that called themselves the Marion County Fair (or some version of that name) date all the way back to 1835. But they tended to come and go, and their location changed on multiple occasions. The current version began in 1930 as a street fair held in New Bethel and, later, Wannamaker, before it finally settled into its current location at Troy Avenue and Fisher Road.

IF YOU’RE SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THE INDIANA STATE FAIR, THIS EVENT MAKES A GREAT APPETIZER.
The mid ways at both events are run by the same company, North American Midway Entertainment of Farmland, Indiana. So if the Tilt-A-Whirl you ride at the State Fair seems uncannily like the one you rode a month ago at the Marion County Fair, it isn’t a coincidence. Likewise, the food vendors offer all the weird and wonderful fair treats. Swain’s Concessions serves up pizza on a stick, plus conventional pizzas dressed with such unconventional toppings as pickles—and crickets. Meanwhile, if you fancy the ultimate old-school elephant ears, A&C Concessions has you covered. “They’ve been out here for 50 years,” Annee says.

COWS, PIGS, AND HORSES ARE SCARCE HERE.
According to the 2022 agricultural census, Marion County had only 169 farms, averaging a minuscule 86 acres each, so getting enough critters for the Marion County Fair is something of a challenge. So livestock competitions are open, meaning farmers from outside Marion County can enter. The Animal Oasis offers encounters with goats, pigs, and birds, along with pony rides.

TWIGGY THE WATER-SKIING SQUIRREL RETURNS THIS YEAR.
As her name implies, Twiggy is a squirrel who is pulled around a swimming pool on a pair of water skis while wearing a jaunty red cape. She’s coming back to the Marion County Fair after a half-decade hiatus and will perform every day of its run. “We’re excited to bring Twiggy and her team back to show off for fairgoers again,” Annee says. If animal acts are your thing, you can also catch the Porkchop Revue, featuring a herd of highly trained pigs performing stunts, dancing, and singing. Yes, singing.

ADMISSION IS RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE.
The cost of a ticket to the Indiana State Fair can vary wildly depending on the day you go and the coupons you track down. That said, advance admission tickets cost $13 online, and parking is $8. Marion County Fair admission is $8, plus $5 for parking if you leave your car across the street, and $10 if you opt for premium parking on the fairgrounds. That might not seem like all that much of a difference, but if you’re going with a family, it adds up.

THE ENTERTAINMENT ROSTER WILL FEATURE SCORES OF LOCAL BANDS.
At press time, that lineup wasn’t yet firmed up, but we’re assured it will have something for everyone, from country to rock. And if you have a nagging feeling that you missed your own chance to be a star, it could possibly include you, too. The Marion County Fair’s website offers a performer application, with a hearty invitation to showcase your talent.

THE FAIRGROUNDS HOST OTHER EVENTS DURING THE REST OF THE YEAR.
This October 12, the Scottish Society of Indianapolis offers the Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games & Festival, featuring traditional Scottish sports like caber toss and hammer throw, plus whiskey and bagpipers aplenty. The grounds also include the recently heavily remodeled Circle City Raceway, a quarter-mile track with dirt track races all summer and fall.

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