Broadway Revivals and Indie Book Crawls Today in Indianapolis

A Vibrant Wednesday in the Circle City

As spring approaches, Indianapolis is buzzing with cultural activity this Wednesday, March 18, 2026. From the bright lights of Broadway to the cozy corners of independent bookstores, the city offers a diverse lineup of events that cater to theater lovers, music fans, and community explorers alike.

Theatrical Magic: The Wiz

The centerpiece of today’s entertainment is the highly anticipated revival of The Wiz at Clowes Memorial Hall. Part of the Broadway in Indianapolis season, this Tony Award-winning musical reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic tale with a soul, gospel, and funk-infused score. The production kicks off tonight at 7:00 p.m., inviting audiences to follow Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road in a vibrant, 21st-century production choreographed by Jaquel Knight.

Live Music and Indie Spirit

For those seeking live music, the Old National Centre is the place to be tonight with two distinct performances. Indie-rock enthusiasts can catch The Happy Fits starting at 7:00 p.m., while pop fans may prefer the Zara Larsson: Midnight Sun Tour, which begins at 8:00 p.m. Both shows promise high-energy performances in one of the city’s most iconic venues.

If you prefer a more grassroots community vibe, today marks the start of the Indy Indie Book Crawl 2026. Running through the weekend, this event encourages residents to support local independent bookstores. A special kick-off party with the Silent Book Club Indy is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the 8th Day Distillery, where book lovers can gather to celebrate literature and local commerce.

Art and Exhibitions

• Meet the Artists XXXVIII: Visit the Central Library to view "Love in Action," an annual exhibition showcasing the works of prominent local African American artists. This long-standing cultural tradition is open during regular library hours.
• Indiana Flower and Patio Show: Located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, this massive exhibition continues today, offering inspiration for spring gardening, outdoor living, and home improvement.
• Art in Bloom (First Look): Members of Newfields (the Indianapolis Museum of Art) can enjoy an exclusive "First Look" at the Art in Bloom floral installations today before the public opening tomorrow.

Afternoon Recitals and Cinema

Midday visitors can head to the University of Indianapolis for a Music Departmental Recital at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Later this evening, film buffs can visit local theaters for screenings of new releases like Scream 7 or the 10th-anniversary screening of The Revenant at Grand 22 Theatres.