• “Letters to Lawmakers,” a teacher story slam, will be on deck from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Guggman Haus Brewing Co., 1701 Gent Ave. The event is hosted by Chalkbeat Indiana, Indy Kids Winning, and Teachers Lounge Indy, and is a continuation of previous story slams. It’s a place for educators to share stories, spend time together, and learn from each other too. The community is also invited to hear their stories. The event is free, but RSVP is encouraged. Food and drink will be available for purchase. To RSVP, get your free ticket at https://shorturl.at/ztyFu. If you are a teacher and would like to share your story, go online to fill out the form at https://shorturl.at/XSYbE by Feb. 11.
• On Friday, Feb. 14 from 6-9 p.m., Ellenberger Park will hold a Skate Date party for roller skaters. Bring your own non-motorized wheels, and dress for the weather (no HVAC). Couples entry fee is $8 and singles are $5. No need to register. The park is located at 5301 E. St. Clair St.
• There will be a clothing and art supply swap on Feb. 16 from noon-3 p.m. at the Garfield Park Art Center, 2432 Conservatory Lane on the southeast side. Bring your gently used clothing and art supplies to a free swap meet. Hosted by SwapSesh. Check out their Instagram account for clothing guidelines.
• First Friday will be celebrated Friday, Feb. 7, with lots of great art communities having special events. In Irvington, check out Hampton & Co. and Monsterz Inc. around the corner for a comedy show, plus many other businesses along Washington and Bonna. The Factory Arts District at 1125 E. Brookside Ave. will also be hopping, with a lot of studios open and businesses like Centerpoint Brewing, 8th Day Distillery, and the Fowling Warehouse open. The Harrison Center at 1501 N. Delaware will feature “Days Gone By” artwork by Courtland Blade, along with several special shows in the galleries. There will be a live jazz band with Cathy Morris and Rob Dixon performing in the gym. On the lower level, Indianapolis Animal Care Services will have an adoption booth, so maybe you can bring home a new friend.
• The WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil on Saturday, Feb. 1 was the first Royal Rumble to be held in a NFL stadium, and was a record-breaking event for the WWE, bringing huge crowds downtown and a big livestreaming audience.
• If you are interested in being a vendor at the Fort Ben Farmers Market, you will need to get your applications in soon. The market is held on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus from June 5-Oct. 2 this year. Visit cityoflawrence.org for links to the forms.
• Speaking of farmers markets, if you are interested in being a vendor at the Irvington Farmers Market, you will need to apply online at irvingtongardenclub.com/vendor-information. The 2025 application will be available March 15. The Irvington market is at Ellenberger Park the second Sunday of the month, June through Oct.