Broad Ripple Village – Get in the Groove

This is what the folks that are most active in Broad Ripple Village have to say about this unique neighborhood, one of the most energetic of the six distinctive cultural districts in Indianapolis: “We’re open if you are.”

What do they mean by that? It has to do with an overall attitude, quite consciously projected, that Broad Ripple Village is a modern, eclectic, open-minded place in which to shop, play, take in shows or simply to hang out.

One of the neat things about the area is the opportunity to eat outside and take in the glorious atmosphere along the lush White River, close to Broad Ripple Park in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ripple Bagel Deli in Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple Village houses the Indianapolis Art Center, which not only shows and sells fine art and crafts but also offers art lessons. In fact, this center has become an important lynchpin in the long list of art classes offered in Indianapolis.

The major components of the IAC are the Marilyn K. Glick School of Art, the Cultural Complex and the Artspark. The special outdoor concert series at the Indianapolis Art Center, called “Rhythms on the Riverfront,” takes place throughout the summer months and lends a vibrant summer atmosphere to Broad Ripple Village. The IAC is open every day with free admission.

Lots of kicky specialty shops adorn the streets of the Village, where one can find everything from home décor to fashions to that unique gift that eluded you before.

Art along the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple Village

One specialty shop that deserves a mention is the French Pharmacie, on Westfield, behind Broad Ripple Avenue. Its motif replicates an actual flea market / boutique in Paris. It contains designer shoes, clothing, accessories and furniture, and is part of the Broad Ripple French Quarter, which includes a French stationers shop and an authentic French restaurant.

For night life, Broad Ripple Village offers several different bars and pubs, including one called The Red Room, where they offer signature martinis. This place also offers rhythm and blues, jazz and rock music, along with a first-class wine list, a rocking place among the many Indianapolis bars and pubs. Broad Ripple, in fact, is fast becoming one of the main Indianapolis nightlife destinations.

The Monkey's Tale is a famous Indianapolis bar in Broad Ripple Village The Monkey’s Tale is a famous Indianapolis bar in Broad Ripple Village

Other Village events and activities include Envision Broad Ripple, at the American Legion on 6440 Westfield Blvd.; Knollfest, a cultural project headed by local students; the Broad Ripple town hall meetings; the Broad Ripple Farmers’ Market; the Fall Music Fest, which provides various venues for Indianapolis musicians around the Village; holiday and special ongoing and annual Indianapolis events; and all the necessary directors and committee meetings to keep the place running like clockwork.

The Indianapolis Art Center hosts a range of events in Broad Ripple Village including the Broad Ripple Art Fair

Indianapolis culture is the heart and life’s blood of the city. The borders of the six cultural districts delineate neighborhoods which, by design or osmosis, came to be associated with a particular theme. Fountain Square is the ethnic, funky one. Canal and White River is the beautiful one. Mass Ave is the artsy one. The Wholesale District is the upscale business Mecca of Indy. Indiana Avenue is the historic one. And Broad Ripple, next door to big Butler University, is the energetic one with the ‘tude.

Big Hat Books and Marigold in Broad Ripple