Football, shrimp-eating contest, holiday fun this weekend in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A football game, an eating competition and holiday fun round out the top 8 things to do in Indy this weekend.
Big 10 Football Championship
It’s the biggest weekend of the year for Big 10 football fans as the championship game and a possible playoff berth come down to one weekend in the Circle City. There are a ton of events leading up to the game itself Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. They include:
- Fan Fest: Begins 3 p.m. Friday at the Convention Center (adults, $8; children, $4; or free with championship game ticket).
- RV Nation: Parking lot festival for all oversized vehicles supporting both teams. Lot opens Friday and includes tailgating, a cornhole tournament, entertainment and more.
- Taps and Touchdowns: Enjoy all-you-can-taste craft beer, wine, hard cider, hard soda and snacks from dozens of local breweries and restaurants on The Pavilion at Pan Am, 201 S. Capitol Ave. Begins at 5 p.m. Friday ($30 in advance, $35 at the gate and $50 VIP).
- Championship Game, Ohio State vs. Wisconsin: Kickoff at 8 p.m. Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Postgame food trucks will be available for a late-night snack on South Street after the final whistle. Trucks will include Chef Dan’s, Big Ron’s Bistro, Poccadio, Johnson’s BBQ, Brozinni Pizzeria, Wild Boar BBQ and Chompz.
World Famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Championship
A part of the Big 10 Championship festivities, this one is in a league of its own — major league eaters, to be specific. Professionals including Joey Chestnut and amateurs will go head to head to see who can eat the most shrimp cocktail in eight minutes. Chestnut won the event in 2016, setting a world record in the process. This event is free to watch on Georgia Street at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Christmas theater
It’s the season for holiday-themed plays and theatrical productions. Here’s a short list of just a few that you can see in town this weekend.
- Butler Ballet – The Nutcracker: Nov. 30-Dec. 3 – Clowes Memorial Hall (times vary by day).
- IPL Yuletide Celebration – Dec. 1-23 – Hilbert Circle Theatre (times vary by day).
- A World of Christmas – Nov. 30-Dec. 10 – Indiana Repertory Theatre (times vary by day).
- The North Wing – An Original Christmas Musical – Dec. 1-16 – IndyFringe Basile Theatre (times vary by day).
- A Christmas Story – The Musical – Nov.30-Dec.3 – Old National Centre (times vary by day).
Broad Ripple Lights Up Holiday Festival and Parade
The Broad Ripple Community will host their 11th Lights Up Holiday Festival and Parade from 3-7 p.m. Sunday. Lights Up features a Kids Wonderland activity village, live entertainment, Indianapolis’ only twilight parade and a holiday light display lighting ceremony along the new Canal Esplanade.
5Ks
If you’re looking to work off some of that Thanksgiving guilt or maybe get an early jump on some of the upcoming holiday party meals, here are two 5K runs-walks this Saturday you may be interested in.
- The Hot Cider Hustle begins this Saturday at 9 a.m. at the White River State Park. This race helps benefit Easterseals Crossroads, who change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day.
- The ninth annual Sankt Nikolaus Day Lauf 5K & 5 Mile Run/Walk will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at The Athenaeum. The race will feature live commentary and play-by-play finishing. Included will be favorite holiday tunes; but, organizers can only play St Nick’s requests. Every participant will receive a fun stocking hat and event bib at packet pickup and an awesome medal at the finish line. The race helps support the Indiana German Heritage Society.
Grateful Dead experience with Hyryder & Rumpke Mtn Boys
Hyryder is widely known as one of the best Grateful Dead/Phish tribute bands in the Midwest, although fans know and share an even deeper respect with the band through their creative original music. Billed as one of Indianapolis’ best up-and-coming bands, Hyryder has amassed a fan base who pack venues throughout Indianapolis and travel throughout the Midwest to catch the band’s high energy performances. The music will be at The Mousetrap.
‘Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes’
If you’ve got children in the house that are big fans of the Marvel superheroes, “Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes” is a must-see event. Bankers Life Fieldhouse will host several performances of the live, action-packed, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. The show runs through Sunday, and times vary by day.
Chinese lantern festival
The Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival is illuminating the northwest section of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center with 33 sets of larger-than-life lantern displays and more than 1,000 LED light components through Jan. 7. (Watch more here.) Each display is custom-built by dozens of Chinese artisans who travel the world to keep this centuries-old tradition alive. Tickets: $15, adult; $12, ages 65 and older; military; $10, child; free, children 4 and younger. Parking is $5.