May 23-29 IBJ A&E Priorities: 500 events, ‘Star Wars’ exhibition, and more

Yes, there's a big race this weekend. But those laps around the track aren't the only thing going on. Here are some ideas, race-related and otherwise, for things to do over the next few days.

“Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination”

May 25-Sept. 2

Indiana State Museum

See, there’s this obscure movie that came out in the 1970s. And some people kind of like it. Now that movie, its five follow-ups, its spin-offs and related materials are the subject of a touring exhibition stopping at the state museum. This isn’t just about checking out costumes and props, though. Visitors can climb into a replica Millennium Falcon for a short flight narrated by Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), play large-screen Star Wars XBox games and more. Hardcore Jedi loyalists may want to drop in on the May 24 midnight preview. Details here. 

Indy 500 A&E events

Various times and locations

Whether or not you are into the big race, there are ancillary A&E activities tied to the 500. This year is no exception—and you’ll find some surprises.

May 24, Carb Day, includes a concert by hard-rocking Poison. It’s free … well, free as part of the $20 admission. Also that day, voice actor Michael Pena—who stars in the new animated film “Turbo”— will be joined on the red carpet by Director David Soren for an Imax screening of the movie, which concerns a snail who yearns to win the Indy 500. The rest of the world doesn’t get to see "Turbo" until July. Pena, who will play the lead in the upcoming film “Chavez,” will also drop the green flag at the race. The 500 Festival Parade, of course, affords an opportunity to see all the drivers, along with athletes Shawn Johnson, Jordyn Weiber, Tyler Clary and other guests. And 1970s band Foreigner, also riding in the parade, headlines the Snake Pit Ball, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. For details on these and more 500 events, click here. 

Indy Parks Concerts

May 24-26

Various locations 

Indy Parks launches its Listen Local free summer concert series in a big way with one of the state’s most successful bands of the past decade, Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s (May 24 at Broad Ripple Park). But that’s just one of three concerts this weekend. The series moves to Ellenberger Park May 25 for a concert by acoustic roots duo The Half-Step Sisters. You can catch trumpeter—and Jazz Kitchen regular—Clifford Ratliff the following evening (May 26 at Watkins Park). Details on the entire series here. 

Also this week:

NoExit hosts Carny Ball, a carnival-themed costume party featuring one-time-only performances May 23 at the White Rabbit Cabaret. Details here.

Indiana Wind Symphony offers “Trumpetissimo with Allen Vizzutti” May 25 at the Palladium. Details here.

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Sextet performs a free lunchtime concert at the Indianapolis Artsgarden May 24. Details here.

The otherwise family-friendly ComedySportz crew offers an adults-only “Oz Unscripted” Fridays at 10 through June 28. Details here.

Check in on You-review-it Monday on the blog and share your opinion on whatever it is you did to take advantage of the weekend.