A&E priorities for June 20-26

Stuck for something to do this weekend? Start with one of Indy's most popular festivals, consider a concert among the critters, and then dig deeper into this week's A&E priority list.

Indian Market and Festival

June 22-23

Military Park

The Eiteljorg Museum of Indians and Western Art turns its back yard into a multifaceted festival grounds with music, storytelling, crafts (including pick bracelets inspired by the “Guitars” exhibition), dance (five-time world champion hoop dancer Tony Duncan) and more. A preview party Friday night includes a Southwest buffet, social time with artists, a chance to get in early bids on the work, and passes for the entire weekend. Details here. 

AACTfest

Through June 22

Center for the Performing Arts

Soon, some of the top names in musical theater will be either entertaining or honored at the Center for the Performing Arts (watch for more next week). This week, though, the center will house largely anonymous community theater creators from around the United States. They’ll be here for the American Association of Community Theaters’ annual conference. Why should you care? Well, while most theater companies go on summer hiatus, this is a chance to choose from 12 shows being performed—from a Grapevine, Texas, production of “Spring Awakening” to a Parkersburg, W.Va., take on “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Details here.

Zoolapalooza Concert Series

June 21

Indianapolis Zoo

The annual series returns with the first of five Friday night concerts free to zoo members and included with regular zoo admission. This year, the shows move to the open tent of the Party Pavilion, include Sun King beer sampling, shifting food options and free rides (on one of the actual rides, not the animals) until 7. First up, a June 21 performance by The Tides, accented by luau lettuce wraps and Hawaiian snow cones. Details here.

Also this week

Indianapolis Early Music Festival performances this week at the Indiana History Center’s Basile Auditorium include Chatham Baroque on June 21 and Julianne Bard and the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra on June 23. Details here. 

The Chicago Afrobeat Project provides the music, and "NOTICE: A Flock of Signs," the latest piece of 100 Acres Art, has its coming-out party at the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Summer Solstice celebration June 22. Details here. 

Actors Theatre of Indiana offers a free BYO seating “Swingin’ Under the Stars” concert at Carmel City Center, June 20. Details here

Mary K. Blige brings her Liberation tour to Bankers Life Fieldhouse June 21. Details here. 

Dave Matthews Band plays Klipsch Music Center June 21-22. Details here.

Boney James headlines at the Murat Theatre June 22. Details here.