Week in Indianapolis: Polar Pedal, new bridge, NFL Combine
Week in Indianapolis
This past Saturday, more than 80 residents wore warm gear to participate in the 2026 Polar Pedal Ride. The ride highlighted recent projects bolstering connectivity on the near west side, including the Riverside Promenade, the 16 Tech Bridge and the Indiana Avenue leg of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The Polar Pedal showcases the city’s expanding bike infrastructure and provides an opportunity for exercise and community building among cyclists.
Mayor Hogsett joined Fishers Indiana Government today to mark the opening of the 96th Street pedestrian bridge along the Nickel Plate Trail. The bridge allows greater connection between communities in Marion County and Hamilton County. The Indianapolis leg of the Nickel Plate Trail is open for walking, biking and exploring.
To get ready for spring, Garfield Park Conservatory - Indy Parks and Recreation’s annual Spring Bulb Show kicks off today. The display of tulips and other spring flowers transforms a gray winter into a colorful sensory experience. With the reopening of the historic Sunken Garden Fountains coming this spring and a new Garfield Park playground planned for 2027, Indy Parks says it is committed to creating an unparalleled quality of life for Garfield Park visitors.
IMPD News is now operating under its new strategic plan. The plan outlines priorities that the IMPD will strive for over the next five years. In alignment with the IMPD mission statement, these goals include fostering a supportive workplace for officers and staff, enhancing community safety through trust, and ongoing investment in department infrastructure. To see the full plan and follow progress, visit indy.gov/activity/impd-strategic-plan.
Hundreds of NFL hopefuls are in Indianapolis this week for the NFL Combine. Since 1987, athletes with dreams of going pro have come to the Circle City to perform a variety of skill tests. Over the years, this event has become more focused on the fans with things like an outdoor fan fest and other engaging activations. Take a look at how you can catch the action at Lucas Oil Stadium by going to www.visitindy.com/events/sports-events/nfl-combine/
| Feb 27, 2026 at 1:05 PM | Gov |
Indianapolis Issues Level-3 Severe Thunderstorms Threat
INDIANAPOLIS — The National Weather Service in Indianapolis and Marion County Emergency Management said the highest local risk level is 3 for scattered severe thunderstorms this afternoon through midnight, with damaging winds and a few tornadoes as the primary threats and the best chance for severe weather from 8 p.m. to midnight; residents should stay weather aware and monitor forecasts.
| Apr 28, 2026 at 4:20 PM | Gov |
Lt. Amanda Hyams graduates from Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy
Friday, Lt. Amanda Hyams graduated from the Florida Sheriffs Association's 2026 Commanders Academy in Tallahassee, a two-week program described as the premier executive study for mid- to upper-level criminal justice leaders, with a curriculum focused on leadership, ethics and discipline, according to Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reports.
| Apr 28, 2026 at 3:43 PM | Police |
Marion County Faces Severe Thunderstorm Threat
A threat assessment from the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability, Marion County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service warns of scattered severe thunderstorms in Marion County this afternoon through midnight, with a level 3 risk and primary threats of damaging winds and a few strong tornadoes, plus the potential for large hail and heavy rain, with the best chance for severe weather from 8 p.m. to midnight and residents urged to stay weather aware and monitor forecasts.
| Apr 27, 2026 at 2:03 PM | Gov |
OKC Arts Council Announces 2026 Festival of the Arts Winners
Oklahoma City — The Arts Council of Oklahoma City announced the winners of the 2026 Festival of the Arts Culinary Arts Awards, naming Best Sweet Wondervan Pops, Kids’ Choice Cool Cups, Best Savory Jolas Kitchen and Best in Show Rikas Botanas from more than 30 offerings at International Food Row, as the festival returns this Saturday and Sunday to Bicentennial Park.
| Apr 25, 2026 at 10:45 AM | Arts |
OKC Festival of the Arts Day Two features ballet, drones
Oklahoma City capped Day 2 of the Festival of the Arts with a 60th anniversary drone show and a performance by the Oklahoma City Ballet at Bicentennial Park, according to the Arts Council Oklahoma City, with more events planned for Saturday and Sunday.
| Apr 25, 2026 at 12:57 AM | Arts |
Law Day Rally set for April 30 in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Bar Association will hold the second annual Law Day Rally on April 30 from noon to 1 p.m. on the plaza of the Birch Bayh Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, with a coalition of co-hosts including multiple local bar associations and legal aid organizations.
| Apr 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM | Business |
OKC to Host Angels & Friends Playoff Night
The Arts Council OKC will host Angels & Friends on April 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bicentennial Park in downtown Oklahoma City, a pregame playoff event featuring live music, food and drinks, a Hi-Def Howlers reunion, early access to Festival artists, raffles and Fresh Paint murals with the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by a walk to the Myriad Gardens as playoff night begins.
| Apr 18, 2026 at 8:34 AM | Arts |
Pro-Am Gallery highlights artist partnerships at festival
At the Pro-Am Gallery, professional artists pair with amateur collaborators to shape each piece from the first spark to the final work, with the exhibit part of Festival April 23–26 and sponsored by Steve and Lisa Mason.
| Apr 13, 2026 at 11:47 PM | Arts |
Oklahoma City's Festival of the Arts billed as citywide experience
Oklahoma City's Festival of the Arts is billed by Mayor David Holt and Meg Salyer as a citywide, community-focused event that has defined the city for 60 years and is scheduled for April 23–26.
| Apr 11, 2026 at 4:56 PM | Arts |
Final Four Legacy funds new basketball court at Christian Park.
INDIANAPOLIS — The Final Four Legacy project funded a new basketball court facility at Christian Park Family Center and a $6.8 million expansion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, as city officials celebrate renovations meant to inspire Hoosier athletes and honor civil rights legacies ahead of the NCAA Final Four weekend.
| Apr 3, 2026 at 1:40 PM | Gov |