• A Purdue University workshop on March 13 will offer guidance on how to start a specialty food business. “An Introduction to Starting a Specialty Food Business” will be held at the Indiana Farm Bureau office at 225 S. East St., Indianapolis, from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. The workshop is for those interested in developing a specialty food or food ingredient business, homemakers and entrepreneurs looking to expand their knowledge on how to run their business, and small farmers interested in “vertically integrating” – uniting all parts of production under one ownership. Topics will consist of food safety, business planning, marketing, organic products, food regulations, product development, process development and packaging. Registration fee of $100 is due March 6. Lunch, refreshments and a three-ring binder of information will be provided. Registration forms are available on the Purdue Department of Agricultural Economics’ website, https://ag.purdue.edu/agecon, under calendar listings. Those interested should send the completed form to Marsha Pritchard, Purdue University, Department of Agricultural Economics, 403 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN, 47907.
• Irvington Development Organization is partnering with IndyGo and others to sponsor a series of events called “Magic #8 Bus.” The events are focused on mostly family-friendly outings to cultural, arts, and sporting events. The first one will be a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with a visit to McGinley’s Golden Ace Inn for their 80th annual St. Patty’s Day extravaganza. Ride the bus, have a few beverages, and listen to live Irish music on March 17 from 5-7 p.m. Visit www.eventbrite.com and search for Magic 8 Bus events for tickets and particulars. This will be an adults-only outing.
• Attention gearheads! Indiana Landmarks is introducing a new affinity group, Indiana Automotive Historical Society, on March 11, when the fledgling group stages An Evening with Donald Davidson at 5:30 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave. Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson will share his encyclopedic knowledge of one of Indiana’s premier landmarks. Following his stories about the Speedway, he’ll answer questions from the audience. There will be a cash bar and snacks before Davidson speaks. The event is free but RSVP requested at https://davidsonstories.eventbrite.com or call 317-639-4534.
• Irish Arts Academy will have a free public performance on Feb. 22 at The Garfield Park Arts Center at 2 p.m. After weeks of classes in traditional Irish music, song, dance, and language, the winter quarter students and faculty of the Irish Arts Academy will offer a rousing hour of Irish fun. The GPAC is located at 2432 Conservatory Dr.