Best theaters in Indianapolis: find options near you

We saw the Little Mermaid. It was awesome. They had buffet and they bring dessert around during intermission. You have to pay separately for dessert and drinks. They have a gift shop too. Also an area to take pictures. Very nice place and nice people work here too. Food was good but I like more pepper on mine. Show was great. Costumes were on point and acting was done very well. Great job everyone.

We saw a fantastic show, and the staff was phenomenal!! The food was just ok. Tonight they served breakfast food with salad and a chicken and mushroom potpie. Also roast beef. It just didn’t go together and made us feel a little queasy to be honest. Everything else was fantastic! We will definitely be back.

Absolutely the Best Production of The Little Mermaid We’ve Ever Seen!

We’ve attended many performances at Beef & Boards over the years, but this production of The Little Mermaid truly stands out as the very best. The talent, staging, and overall production were nothing short of spectacular!

Every visit to Beef & Boards is a pleasure. The staff consistently provides excellent service, and the performances never fail to impress. This theater continues to deliver top-tier entertainment, and The Little Mermaid was a shining example of that excellence.

Beef and Boards has been a consistently wonderful venue that my family has enjoyed many times through the years. The house staff are excellent and we have always had great service. The food is solid with good options for gluten free and vegetarian diets which are clearly indicated. The medium roast beef is a favorite and is consistently very good. The buffet is clean and well stocked by the hardworking staff We have seen many shows through the years with favorites being Cats, The Wizard of Oz, and most recently Waitress. The sheer talent present in the cast of Waitress is just magnificent! If you have not been yet now is the perfect time to go! You will not be disappointed.

The show is always amazing! We have the VIP subscription (aka season pass) and each play or musical has been performed professionally. The live music to accompany the performances is top notch. The dinner buffet is very good but not very diverse. A nice Salad bar and drinks are up to par. An excellent experience every time. Good seats sell out fast so try to plan ahead for the better seats.

It was our 1st time taking our kids, and it has been years since I’ve been. The service and staff were very nice and attentive. Most of the food was good, but I wish they had a few different side options. The green beans were hard and tasted horrible. The ham, though, was amazing!! The show/talent was unbelievable. My family enjoyed it. I do with they had some type of entertainment/interaction while you were there 2 hours early eating….and I feel the prices are a little extreme.

I’ve been twice: once with a large group to see A Christmas Carol, and once on a date with my wife to see Jersey Boys. Both productions were top notch and very enjoyable.
The food was fantastic both times as well. Large buffet with 4 lines and a nice array of salads, bread and entrees including fresh cut roast meat (beef, turkey, or ham depending on the season). Drinks are served at the table by the wait staff, and desserts are ordered off a menu. Alcoholic drinks are an upcharge.
Truly a great experience, especially if you enjoy live theatre. Definitely will be returning as time and money allow.

Ti

Barren. Empty. Bereft. A virtual ghost town.

We had a hard time finding the entrance. Once we got inside, there was nothing to make us feel welcome.

We wandered up and down the floors, finding one or two open stores, one or two open food places, a handful of visitors.

It looked sad. Yet another thing Covid broke???

Then we went into the Art Garden, which was spectacular. What a great place to rent out for events!

Circle Centre Mall is a treasure located in the downtown area of Indianapolis, Indiana. The murals are masterpieces that adorn the exterior walls beautifully. Each mural adds an extra touch of elegance. This location has created safe passageways from downtown hotels to shopping in the mall. This mall was designed with business in mind.

It’s truly heartbreaking to see what’s become of Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis. This place was once a bustling icon of the city—a beacon of commerce, entertainment, and community. Now, it’s completely dried up and practically disappeared into nothing. Walking through the mall today feels like stepping into a ghost town. Most of the shops are gone, the food court is a shadow of what it used to be, and there’s very little reason to visit anymore.

What once served as a central hub for shopping, dining, and making memories has sadly faded away. So many of us grew up coming here—whether it was for back-to-school shopping, weekend hangouts, or holiday visits with family. The energy and life that once filled this space have vanished, and what’s left is a hollow reminder of better times.

It’s truly disappointing to see such a historic property in the heart of Indianapolis fall into this level of decline. The lack of investment, the departure of nearly every major retailer, and the overall emptiness of the place just makes it feel like the city has given up on it.

Circle Centre Mall used to be a proud symbol of downtown, but now it feels like a relic that’s been forgotten. It deserves better. We all do. Unless major revitalization happens soon, it’s hard to recommend visiting—because, quite honestly, there’s hardly anything left to see. A sad end to what was once a great part of Indy’s downtown life.

absolutely all the shops inside are empty, in this shopping center you can only buy food and gold, soap.

Circle Centre Mall is a nice spot to check out if you’re in downtown Indianapolis. The location is super convenient, right near Monument Circle and other attractions. It has a decent variety of stores and a food court with good options to grab a quick bite. I also liked that it’s connected to the Indianapolis Artsgarden, which adds a cool vibe to the experience. Some parts of the mall feel a little dated, but overall, it’s a good place to shop, eat, or just take a break while exploring the city.

Interesting mall with an interesting design.
When coming here for the first time, it’s kind of difficult to find the entrance since it kind of blends in with other office entrances.
The part of the mall over the intersection of Illinois Street and Washington Street is kind of interesting too especially if you’re into unique architecture. The mall is about four floors tall and extends into buildings across the street via sky bridges. There are lots of stores, the place is very clean and very nice and overall a great mall. The other big architectural detail about this mall is the interesting glass elevators near the main entrance at Washington and Illinois Street.

Went here for the silversunpickups concert, AND LORD IT WAS AMAZING!!!! we got the vip club package the same day. It was amazing. The bathrooms were so clean, and they had free pads and tampons for women, the expensive napkins that actually work?!?! The bar is so nice and everyone is so nice and helpful. It wasn’t super hot in the never itself and surprisingly didn’t feel too packed or crowded. 10/10 experience, definitely coming back if another band i like plays here!

The Murat Theater at Old National Center is an absolute gem in Indianapolis. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with an enchanting ambiance that sets the tone for a great show. Historic architecture and elegant decor create a unique and inviting atmosphere, making every visit feel special.

The variety of shows and concerts hosted here is impressive, catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway musicals, rock concerts, comedy shows, or classical performances, there’s always something exciting happening at the Murat Theater. The acoustics are top-notch, ensuring that every note and word is crystal clear, no matter where you’re seated.

The staff are friendly and helpful, going above and beyond to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests. From assisting with seating to providing information about upcoming events, their dedication to customer service is evident.

Parking is convenient, and the surrounding area offers plenty of dining options, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat before or after the show. The Old National Center truly stands out as a premier venue for entertainment.

WICKED WAS PHENOMENAL! THIS THEATER WAS GREAT! our seating was excellent. The ONLY challenge, terrible bathroom access.

We saw Neil deGrasse Tyson in May, 2025. Great little venue, but it got so hot in the theatre that it was uncomfortable. I will will recommend it because the venue is lovely.

I love shows and this was great. The only reason I gave 4 stars are the seats. I’m not sure if the stage is too low or the seats are not at enough of an incline but we had a very hard time seeing the stage. We noticed we were not the only ones who were having to bob and weave to see well. Also bathrooms, not enough, not for a 15 min intermission. There was no way to use the restroom and wait in line for snacks and get back before the 10 min hold on doors. With all that said, we loved the theater itself,very nice, also it’s location was great, easy to have a great dinner before. So, definitely recommend, but I would get balcony seats next time.

This was not the Murat theater it was Rathskeller German Restaurant and the food was awesome service was great and the price was about average

This building is so full of history and is home to one of America’s most important cherished charity organizations The Shriners! The building is beautiful and hosts so many live events in theater, concert venue, restaurants, live performances and conventions.

Adam Ray as Dr. Phil Live! was a great show. The view from the balcony was great. The audio was a little difficult to hear at times. Unless you are going to pay for the private club (which gets you access to a smaller, easier to access may and bathroom), get balcony seats. They also provide a bar and bathroom that is far less busy than the ones downstairs.

Saw Saint Motel here in the Egyptian room. This is a nice venue that has multiple rooms to it. The Egyptian room itself is mostly standing room only, but with some upgraded seating available for an additional charge. The acoustics were great, the concessions reasonable, and the layout very logical. I loved it!

The box seats look nice and comfy. At first, I thought the individual chairs would be fairly comfortable. However, I quickly realized they were placed touching, so for a sold out show, the stranger next to me was literally in part of my seat. Also, it’s not stacked theater seating, so the view from the floor isn’t great.

Concessions are crazy; a typical $1 carnival style box of popcorn was $10! Finally, the main street side entrance was reserved for VIP entrance; the main door is at the parking lot, on the back side of the surrounding popular area. And it’s all barricaded so on a rainy hot day like when we went, you have to take the full long way around. There’s no place for pedestrians to cut through.

All complaints out, the historic architecture is lovely and the sight was well maintained. The staff (concessions, security, ushers) were all very friendly.

Really beautiful architecturally. We saw bands in one of the downstairs rooms. Sound was really good. Could see from most vantage points. Get there early for handicap seating. We didn’t and I’m hurting from standing the whole time.

I recently attended a concert here, not the first show I’ve been to at the Old National and not the last. The venue’s exquisite architecture adds to the overall charm. The ornate detailing and historic ambiance created a unique and beautiful atmosphere. The performance by Grateful Shred was rad as all get out, with excellent acoustics and an electrifying crowd.

While the staff seemed like it was just another night for them, they were professional and not unfriendly, which is a welcome change from some other venues. The bar experience was smooth, and the bartender was engaging, contributing to a positive overall experience. The Old National Centre offers a beautiful backdrop for live music, and despite some hearing loss from a good time, it’s a venue I’d gladly return to for future shows, especially given the great performance by Grateful Shred.

Went to a comedy show in July with my service dog. Had multiple workers ask if my dog was a service dog and what tasks they are trained to perform. The two questions they are legally allowed to ask and should ask. They seemed pretty knowledgeable about ADA. The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is due to one worker who understood that emotional support animals don’t have public access stated that if my dog was an emotional support animal that they would allow it just this one time. That should never be a thing. As emotional support animals have no public access rights and should not be allowed. If mine were to be an emotional support animal which he is not he’s a medical alert service dog. They should not allow ESAs under no circumstances. As most ESAs are not trained and can make it unsafe for service animals and their handlers. Overall though they handled everything well and knew how to screen properly. The venue was overall nice and the seating was good. Parking wasn’t overly expensive. Drinks with alcohol were a bit pricey however they were strong so I could see why. Overall good experience hopefully will be back again soon.

My experience was being assaulted in tbe bathroom by staff busting into a stall not in me…. it was not an emergency. i contacted tbe venue since April with zero input from them. no accountability or apology. i didnt use my other tickets for shows , purchased in advance and wasted. I suggest until tbey revalutate how patrons are treated and stop being a shameful entity to choose other venues. entitled much old national!? you should be held liable

One of the best concert halls in America!! We participated in a national music festival of 20 HS/MS bands and orchestras. Got to perform on that stage; it sounded beautiful. Students felt like rockstars.

This was my 1st visit. Very nice auditorium. My only suggestions is get 2 surround screens. I didn’t like my phone locked up.

The concert featuring October London and special guests exceeded my expectations, delivering a captivating show from beginning to end.

Great facility, we were first-timers. Staff was friendly, it was fairly easy to find our seats. I did look at the seating chart online prior to the event, which was helpful. Parking left a lot to be desired. We saw someone park and walk from two blocks away and should have followed suit. Parking garage was not managed well, it took forever to get our after the show.

I took my son to see Wild Kratts Live and it was a blast. The event staff was extremely helpful. The seating was comfortable and sound quality was great! I will definitely be looking into attending future events at this venue.

Amazing venue for concerts, orchestras, musicals, plays, and speakers. We have good seats for each event we have attended. The concessions are convenient and offer a nice selection of drinks and snacks.

Everyone was so nice and helpful. The seating is so good, hard to find a “bad” seat. We have been to a few shows here and it is always a wonderful experience. Parking can be a bit crazy, but it just requires some patience.

There really isn’t a bad seat in the house! The venue feels intimate. I prefer sitting in an upper level as I can see the entire stage.

Came here for Beethoven’s 7th symphony and it was an awesome experience. The symphony was professional and I could not detect any mistakes. The maestro Jun Märkl conducted the symphony by heart and did not use any sheets. Beautiful theater with amazing acoustics. The screen was not full stage width and could be larger, they have Star Wars a new hope in February and I would be more interested if the screen is double or triple the current size. The lounge feels very cozy but could use more seating and felt cramped. Long line for restrooms at intermission with only ~4 urinals and ~3 stalls so try to get there early and use it before and after the concert if possible. Water and soda for $5. Alcohol for $12. The parking structure attached has event parking for $10 + $0.75 fee on Spothero. Try to arrive early to park on lower levels, we were on level 5 and we had to wait 20 minutes before the traffic moved at all. They have monthly free chats then an ISO performance. Tickets at Indianapolissymphony.org. They also have a 3 for $99 package. This is a great place to gain some culture and cleanse the soul.

This evening was an incredible experience. First, the staff is exceptional, every face had a smile, and they treated guests with respect. Second, the theater is beautiful! Third, do not pass up the opportunity to see the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra play the score of your favorite movie!

It has been a number of years since we have been to Hilbert Circle Theatre. We are so excited to be here for the Yuletide Celebration with Sandi Patty. This is one of the best Christmas experiences anywhere.

The Hilbert is a true gem. An incredible, well-preserved 1916 theatre that retains its charm while accommodating a wide variety of shows and programs. Well worth a visit.

Ushers are knowledgeable and very helpful. Programs are exceptional. Theater works hard to make parking reasonable for downtown valet and garage parking. While exit from the garage is slow even with traffic control.

I love coming to the symphony! I’d recommend checking it out at least once for a show.
I’ve been to a few shows, and even a wedding!
My latest trip was for the film series that’s been running a few times a year.
This show was for the Harry Potter and the deathly hollows part one. I loved it! This was my first time seeing a show like this.
The movie plays on a large screen on the stage and the ISO plays musical scores during parts of the movie and softer music to “narrate” I love it and wish I could see all movies this way.
The theater is historical, but well maintained very beautiful to look at.
A fun perk is that they have a bar that you can get some local beers or domestic, plus wine, and mixed drinks. Popcorn was an option which was a nice Addition to the film theme.

Beautiful theater! I imagine there is not a bad seat in the house. We enjoyed the show and had very good seats in the balcony. The ticket prices were fair. The facility, staff, and atmosphere were great. The special drinks were good, and the DeBrand Fine Chocolates were delicious.

Wonderful experience tonight. The theater was such a great comfortable size. I can’t imagine there were any bad seats. The featured drink was fantastic and the staff were super friendly and helpful. Will certainly look to come back the next time I’m back in town!
UPDATE: Back in town and caught The Glass Menagerie in the upstairs space. This show could not be more perfectly cast, directed, performed and teched. There was an understudy in for one of the roles and he was one of the best actors I’ve ever seen! Even while still on book! I was on the edge of my seat. Totally enthralled. IRT is such a fantastic way to spend an evening!

Incredible! I always love coming to see a show at this theatre!

If you want a few hours to fly by at incredible speed, if you want to have the best time (most especially for the price of a seat to the show), if you’d also like an organic laugh or cry; well, you must visit this theatre. These actors & actresses, crew, performers and staff are all performing substantially above what anyone is anticipating when you walk into the foyer.

You will leave here fully satisfied. You will tell your friends and family of this experience.
You will be eager to revisit.
You will not be disappointed.

Thank you so so much to each of the wonderful and courteous staff, as well to the incredible actors and actresses. I can not wait to return and experience what is coming next. Thank you!!

(This is a theatre, and as such I’ve no pictures to include)

A Christmas Carol was the feature of this evening. Actors did a splendid job! We had a wonderful time with the family. Comfortable seating. Short waits during intermission. Easy to find parking.

Beautiful theatre, excellent production, talented actors. We took a group of middle school students to a play. It was a very unique event for the students and a truly memorable experience for all of us.

Update: I returned with my husband to see FLYIN’ WEST for my birthday and it was awesome. The actors were excellent, the story was compelling and some of the dialogue was hysterical. There is so much history in this story and this production made it seam so real. I am glad I had an opportunity to enjoy this theatre again.

We saw “The Play That Goes Wrong.” I haven’t laughed that hard in a very long time. The show was hilarious and well-acted. I don’t think there is a bad seat in the House. I would highly recommend seeing a production here at IRT.

The Madam Walker Legacy Center is a beautiful, culturally enriching location. We had the opportunity to visit there for our second Legacy Fest. The Saturday Block Party was an abundance of family fun, vendors, smiles and entertainment. The Sunday Book Chat was extra special because we had the opportunity to meet A’Lelia Bundles. She shared personal memories which highlighted the importance of your family legacy. The beauty inside the Madam Walker Legacy Center is in the details that were preserved while making space for the remodeling process. The book signing was a special occasion because family members and friends showed up to support A’Lelia Bundles. Meeting people while standing in line was like a family reunion as people shared pictures and fond memories of growing up in Indianapolis. The building is a beautiful, necessary part of Indiana history and world history.

What an honor to be a part of an amazing event with Academy Award-Winning Costme Designer Ruth E. Carter with Nikki Blaine!!! It’s was truly a night to remember!!!

Great local historic spot in downtown Indy that has an annual summer block party and many events throughout the year.

It was an Awesome experience visiting this historical building, the Walker Theatre. Madam CJ Walker is such an inspiration. This building is Amazing and inside is full of history. Can’t wait to the Grand Re-Opening!! Especially after the Renovations, you have to see this place!

Don’t forget to say Hello to Kim and Rodney! Great People!! Great hospitality!!

I went to the walk and talk to learn about indiana avenue and the black neighborhoods that were in that area. It was really interesting and i’m glad I went.

Didn’t get to tour the entire space but the part I did was good. Besides, there was ample parking space which sold it for me. Historic place at a strategic location. With the renovation going on around there, it’s a favorite.

This jewel is situated right outide of downtown Indianapolis. While in town recently, I was fortunate enough to be the last person provided with a tour of this historic masterpiece in it’s current form! A special thanks to Mary Kelly ” Director of Operations for the impromptu tour! The entire theater building is about to undergo a major renovation in parthership with Indiana University. I look forward to seeing the new reveal!

One of my favorite places to perform in Indianapolis. The soundsystem, lighting and ambience is amazing. A great place for a live entertainment experience.

Very nice venue. The food was delicious the service was great and the performance by Brenda Williams was awesome. Parking was not a problem. They had valet parking that night and the restrooms were clean! 🙂

Wonderful place, the service was A1; fast, nice, and friendly. The food was awesome, fresh, and eye pleasing. The show was even better. I recommend seeing a show if you haven’t. It was money well spent. We will be returning soon

My first time visited this venue and was not disappointed. Beautiful intimate setting. Good food and drinks along with friendly staff.

We saw an absolute ROCK STAR and friend at The Cabaret. The one and only Veronica Swift! This place is nothing short of spectacular. Music, food, drinks, vibe, layout and staff. Can’t wait to come back with The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra!

Such a beautiful place, the musicians were so amazing I was inspired by their performance. Just a very clean and classy place that is so picturesque. It makes you feel special just being there.

First time at the Cabaret and was pleasantly surprised. The venue was very nice and the food was good. Their menu was from the Jazz Kitchen. Definitely will go back and support the arts.

I am at awh for words. Tonight I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new and let me tell you THANK YOU JESUS!!! I was able to have the privilege to set in front of 4 amazing people who put on a phenomenal show!!!
“Oak by Terry Guest” was by far one of the most amazing Visual experiences I’ve ever had. I felt so immersed in there act. Everyone played such great roles and the story itself was so Intriguing .
I’m very grateful to have been strolling past one day and just taking to time to grab some tickets and go!!! I highly recommend checking out Oak by Terry Guest but if not this show I’m sure the phoenix has many more great ones to offer!!! Over all the Phoenix itself was lovely the Greeters, down to everyone on their Team was so nice and very helpful! It was my first time ever coming in so I had a few questions and they were quick and great to answer!!!!
I even brought my boyfriend and he absolutely enjoyed it as well!!!
10/10. Will be coming back for more showings

A theater, with private parking, dedicated to hosting local artists, troupes and even a Latin film/production group know as Latino Film Dreamers.

Concessions, (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) canned beverages and unisex bathrooms. Did I also mention the private parking lot? Big plus for me.

Tickets can be (and I highly recommend that you do so if you want to get a ticket) bought online. Very hassle free. Potentially even Demure.

Super cute theater! I attended a dance showcase for DanceWorks in the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater and it was the best space. Between the gorgeous lighting and sound quality, it was a wonderful space to watch dancers bring life to the stage again.
The bathrooms were also clean and the style of everything was darling. I would love to come back and see more shows/performances in the future!

We loved the theater. “The Wedding Singer” was so good. What an amazingly talented cast. The vocals were truly breathtaking and we were pulled into the story. Great casting, great tech, theater was clean and it had a cute little bar area with snacks and drinks. Summer Stock Stage is top notch, and today proved it!! Great job everyone!

The Phoenix theatre is a mainstay in the Indianapolis arts and we are so fortunate it exists. This is a first rate theater who employ professionals who have dedicated their lives to the arts. There’s room for so much more theater and art in Indy and I hope we can both provide the support to allow our current institutions to flourish while supporting new ones.

I love art and I don’t claim to be too artsy so a chance visit to a theater show left me spellbound. Both by the actors and the space itself.
Phoenix Theater is in the heart of downtown and this being my first visit I was amazed by the contemporary building which wasn’t too huge but just the right size where we enjoyed a 2 hours long show around some really impactful issues in the world.
The space seems to be non profit driven and built going by the donations wall and it’s kept really clean and spotless. The staff is very friendly and they maneuvered effortlessly through the show.
I saw people from all parts of the world, and professions attend the show and had invigorating conversations in the end. Definitely check out the shows and plan some especially during the colder season.

Box Office folks are incredibly kind & accommodating. Makes it easy to support these skilled productions