Campus events
1. Homecoming Event UPC — Snack Attack
When: Sept. 16 at 1 p.m.
Where: Star Fountain (North Mall)
Why attend: Join University Program Council (UPC) for some Homecoming treats. Hop over to Star Fountain for free snacks and swag to prepare for the upcoming Homecoming weekend.
2. ISO at Butler Series: Viola Quintets
When: Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall
Why attend: The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) visits Butler for a free viola performance, featuring string quintets by Mozart. The concert will also highlight the ISO’s 2026-27 Composer in the Spotlight, Kenji Bunch, whose work has been performed by over 60 American orchestras. This event is available for a Butler Cultural Requirement (BCR) credit.
When: Sept. 17-18 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day
Where: South Mall, green space between Atherton Union and ResCo
Why attend: Student-led business Blue’s Closet is hosting a thrifting pop-up with themed days. The first day — Casual and Cozy — will focus on fall staples, such as jeans, sweaters, athletic wear and more. Students have the opportunity to thrift products from Lily’s Labyrinth, Well Made Vintage and Lucky Charm Vintage. The second day of the event is Bulldawg Faves, with 400+ Butler apparel items and the biggest inventory of the week.
4. Homecoming Game: Butler Bulldogs vs. Chicago State
When: Sept. 19 at 1 p.m.
Where: Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl
Why attend: Butler’s annual homecoming game will be played against Chicago State, a university that just became the first Division I football program in Chicago since 1939. The fun this year might start before the game — Butler is hosting the Bulldog Boulevard, also known as Butler’s biggest tailgate. Attendees can enjoy easy access to food trucks along with tailgates from all sectors of campus.
For a full schedule of Homecoming events, visit Butler University’s Homecoming page.
5. Music at Butler: School of Music Ensemble Showcase
When: Sept. 20 at 3 p.m.
Where: Schrott Center for the Arts
Why attend: Witness the annual Butler School of Music showcase, which will feature Butler University Percussion Ensemble, the Butler University Chorale and a jazz combo. It will also be available to watch through a free livestream that will be posted online.
6. Latino Student Union Piñata Making
When: Sept. 22 at 5 p.m.
Where: Irvington Community Room
Why attend: Ever wanted to make a piñata? For Hispanic heritage month, the Latino Student Union (LSU) is making that wonder a reality, and spreading the joy and celebration of heritage and culture with a step-by-step guide to piñata making. Snacks and supplies will be provided.
Indianapolis events
When: Sept. 16 and Sept. 19 at 10 p.m.
Where: Crown Hill Cemetery
Why attend: The Heritage Tour — Crown Hill Cemetery’s most popular tour — will take participants through the history of both well-known and lesser-known gravesites. Tour guests will also have a panoramic view of the Downtown Indianapolis skyline on the tomb of poet James Whitcomb Riley. The tour will cover about one mile at a comfortable walking pace. Tickets are $15 per person and are available online.
2. Beech Grove Promoters Club Fall Festival
When: Sept. 16-18 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Third Avenue to Sixth Avenue
Why attend: The Beech Grove Promoters Club is offering fall festivities in festival form, with rides, games, food and booths for all. The Craft Fair is offered on Saturday only. Pre-sale ride tickets are available online and are $18 for 20 tickets, with most rides requiring two or three tickets each. In-person ticket sales are cash only.
When: Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.
Where: 11 S. Meridian St.
Why attend: The biggest Indianapolis multicultural networking event of the year — co-hosted by the National Black MBA Association and the Asian American Alliance — will provide networking, food, music and dancing. Guests have the chance to celebrate diversity and enjoy sushi bites and socialization. Admission is $20 online and $25 at the door.