Things to Do in Indianapolis

More than 50 years old and 8,500 members strong, the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) strives to promote percussion through education, research, and performances across the world. To carry out this mission, the organization includes more than 50 chapters in the US and 28 chapters abroad, all of which communicate online via resources such as lessons, free practice exercises, and annual events. Each year PAS hosts the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention—the largest of its kind in the world—in which exhibitors convene to showcase the newest developments in percussion technology, instruments, and publications. The convention also includes over 120 clinics and performances with lauded artists covering all genres and styles of music.

Started in Boston in 1990 and an Indianapolis staple since 1992, The Mystery Café delights audiences with an engaging dinner show and four-course Italian dinner. Guest sleuths enter the dining hall and have the option to undertake a fictional identity to interact with the cast of professional performers. Upon finding their seats, diners become engrossed in a comedic play in which voluntary participants receive a line to read and a high-speed jetpack to escape with should suspicion fall on them. While putting crime-fighting powers to the test in hopes of not only solving the mystery but also earning the night's grand prize, diners put an end to hunger with savory minestrone, a tossed salad, a choice of lasagna, shells florentine, chicken parmesan, or sausage cannelloni, and spumoni for dessert.

Artist Pauline Beuke showcases her original works along with those of fellow local artists at ProArt Gallery, which is packed with a rotating selection of pieces including everything from acrylic and watercolor paintings to glass ornaments and wooden rocking horses. While patrons browse the crafts, they can wait for experts to surround their photographs and artwork in museum-quality framing, including shadowboxes for sports jerseys and other memorabilia.

Despite an inherent awareness of its artifice, live theater's in-room presence creates an immersive experience that can feel more real than the most subtly acted film or actually happening work day. None of the Above introduces audiences to Jamie, a 17-year-old private-school student living the high life in New York City. When she answers the door expecting her drug dealer, it turns out to be Clark, her SAT tutor. The play follows the clash of their personalities, a meeting like unto Gore Vidal confronting Kelly Bundy. As the story progresses, Jamie and Clark negotiate an unusual pact over their contradictory worlds of multiple choices and socialite flight. You get one general-admission ticket to witness the Protean intellectual battle, though you can purchase up to four and make an outing for friends and family.

Buy multiple Groupons to accommodate your entourage, and follow the instructions on your Groupon to reserve your seats.

All three bowling centers provide ample hours of open bowling time and, for any alley-based hunger attacks, a lineup of tasty snack spots serving up eats for turkeyers and gutterballers. Roll your way through prime spare real estate—Brownsburg hosts 28 smooth synthetic lanes, Sunset knocks down 16 of the same, and, on the cozier end, Country Lanes features 12 classically wooden lanes. For sphere slingers over 21, Brownsburg Lanes serves up adult beverages at the Dog House Sports Bar, and for players of any age or level of mathematical prowess, all three centers feature Brunswick automatic scoring. If you buy five Groupons, you'll have 15 games in which to impress your father-in-law by picking up a 7-10 split.