In this evening of eerie intrigue, beloved jewels (that were worn by one of the brides at the Landon sister’s double wedding on June 2, 1920) have gone missing from the IMA Galleries. It’s up to you to solve the spooky heist with the help of a custom-crafted story from the award-winning podcast powerhouse, Audiochuck, known for chart-topping hits like Crime Junkie and So Supernatural. This exclusive narrative, written just for Newfields, will guide your investigation through chilling clues, supernatural twists, and shadowy suspects. 

Meet in the Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion where you’ll receive your investigation packet. Expect help and a few surprises along the way from live characters brought to life by Audiochuck talent and Newfields staff. You are encouraged to don your finest 1920s or Clue-inspired costumes (no full-face masks or weapon props) for this evening of intrigue, deception, and deduction.  

Once you’ve pieced together the case and are ready to make your accusation, head to The Tobias Theater and visit the Audiochuck table to submit your guess — and pick up a drink ticket for a complimentary cocktail from the lobby bar. Then, settle in for a special screening of Clue (1985) to celebrate its 40^th anniversary.  

Your ticket also includes entry to Harvest Nights presented by Everwise Credit Union, starting at 9 PM. 

The night unfolds in three thrilling acts: 
Act I: Investigation | IMA Galleries | 6–7:15 PM 
Act II: A screening of Clue (1985) | The Tobias Theater | 7:30 PM 
Act III: Harvest Nights presented by Everwise Credit Union| The Garden | 9 PM 

Clue (1985)  

Based on the classic board game, Clue (1985) is a fast-paced murder mystery comedy that begins with six strangers invited to a mysterious mansion. As secrets unravel and bodies begin to drop, the guests must work together (and against each other) to uncover the killer among them. Packed with witty dialogue, over-the-top characters, and multiple surprise endings, Clue is a cult classic that turns murder into a madcap, hilarious whodunit. 

Directed by Jonathan Lynn, 97 minutes, PG. 

Let’s do the Time Warp… again—and bigger than ever. 
This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and we're celebrating in spectacular style. Hosted by the dazzling Halle Pino and Lola Palooza, this one-night-only event features a shadow cast performance of the cult classic film by some of Indy’s fiercest stars. 

Expect outrageous outfits, interactive thrills, and more sass than you can shake a stiletto at. 

Your ticket includes a prop kit at your seat to use during the film and admission to Harvest Nights, presented by Everwise Credit Union, following the show. Check out the lobby for signature cocktails and concessions for purchase and a free photobooth.  

Costumes are highly encouraged—the bolder, the better. Please leave full-face masks and outside props at home. 

This fabulous night of fright and flair is presented in proud partnership with Indy Pride.

Join Newfields Curator Emeritus Marty Krause for a talk about the newly opened exhibition, Luminous Horizons: Celebrating the Legacy of J.M.W. Turner. Turner transformed landscape painting with sweeping skies, turbulent seas, and radiant color. Krause will explore Turner’s bold use of light and atmosphere, his fascination with nature’s power, and his lasting influence on artists. 

Leave your little gremlins at home and treat your boo to a spine-tingling night at Eerie After Hours: 21+ at Harvest Nights presented by Everwise Credit Union. 

Wander the Pumpkin Path of Peril, a fog-filled forest of fright, and sip on boo-zy cocktails and spirit tastings that will send chills down your spine. This adults-only event (no kid-ding around!) is the perfect chance to indulge your inner ghoul. 

Dance the night away in the Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion with a live DJ, make your own spiderweb headdress, enjoy a complimentary cocktail samples and a haunted dance floor. Or, strike a spooky pose in the Harvest Nights photobooth. Feeling lucky? Enter the Costume Contest at 7, 8, or 9 PM for your chance to win fang-tastic prizes. 

Costumes are encouraged—if you've got it, haunt it! But remember, full face masks aren’t allowed as part of your outfit. 

Join us for a free Family Day to celebrate the beauty, rhythm, and spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month in The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. Spend the day surrounded by art, music, dance, and nature. Enjoy live performances by Peruvian, Venezuelan, Columbian, and Mexican musicians, art and nature activities for all ages, flavorful offerings from local vendors, and more.

In collaboration with Indiana Latino Arts an initiative by Arte Mexicano en Indiana.

Check the schedule below to plan your day.

11 AM–4 PM | Art Vendors

11 AM–4 PM | Art Making: Watercolor and Tin Making

11 AM | Tour Around the Lake

11 AM–3 PM | Musical Performances

• 11 AM | Peruvian Flautist Carlos Torres Ponce

• Noon | Venezuelan Vocalist Zully Ortíz   

• 1 PM | Mexican Folklore Dances by Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos  

• 2 PM | Bolero Music by Akustico Trio (Colombia, Cuba & Venezuela)  

• 3 PM | Mexican Folklore Dances by Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos 

Noon | Tamales by Tex-Mex Tienda y Taqueria (Until supplies last)

1 PM | Bird Watching Tour

Recharge your spirit through creativity, nature, and community. In this program designed for adults, spend 30 minutes immersed in a guided art activity, followed by a refreshing 30-minute walk through The Garden at Newfields. Experience the health and wellness benefits of artistic expression, gentle exercise, and the beauty of nature—all designed to inspire and rejuvenate. Nurture your creativity and embrace a healthier, more balanced you. 

Explore, investigate, and create together. In this class designed for 5 to 10-year-olds and their adult, you’ll go on a guided exploration of artworks, create your own book of artwork, and become evidence-based investigators using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), a child-led conversation that grows observation skills and vocabulary. 

Each ticket includes one child and one adult. Additional adults will need to purchase a General Admission ticket. All materials provided. 

Schedule

August 16: Work in Progress: Conversations about American Art 

September 20: The Message is the Medium: Contemporary Art 

October 18: African Art 

November 15: The Clowes Pavilion Reimagined 

December 20: Decorative Arts 

 Join us for a lecture about the Indigenous Australian bark paintings from the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Your ticket includes admission to THE LUME where you’ll experience vibrant contemporary art and music and see the paintings up close and personal before or after the lecture. At 11 AM, grab a seat in DeBoest Lecture Hall where Allison Slenker, Associate Conservator of Objects, will dive into the deep historical roots of the bark paintings.

Join us for Art or Treat at Harvest Nights presented by Everwise Credit Union. On October 24 and 25, ghosts, goblins, and grown-ups alike can trick-or-treat under the glow of The Garden lights. Before you hit The Beer Garden, stop by our treat trail, included with your ticket.  

Each guest will receive a special Art or Treat bag to fill with sweets and spooky surprises. We've brewed up treats for everyone—including non-food goodies for those with allergies. Just look for tents marked with a Teal Pumpkin, part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, to find allergen-friendly options. 

Costumes are encouraged but no full-face masks are allowed. The treat trail closes at 10 PM.  

Join us for a magical, one-night-only screening of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.  

Your ticket includes exclusive access to Harvest Nights presented by Everwise Credit Union, where you’ll be among the first to experience a dazzling sneak peek of Winterlights—featuring a few of our most stunning trees turned on early just for you. For the first time ever, wander through The Garden aglow in autumnal magic as hints of the sparkle of Winterlights begin to shimmer. 

Concessions and drinks will be available for purchase before the show—bring the whole family for this all-ages Halloween-meets-holiday classic. Indoor stroller parking will be available during the film, so there’s no need to return to your car before heading into Harvest Nights.  

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) 

The Nightmare Before Christmas follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers the magic of Christmas and decides to take the holiday into his own spooky hands. As Jack’s well-intentioned plans go awry, he learns valuable lessons about identity, joy, and staying true to himself. With unforgettable characters, hauntingly beautiful animation, and iconic music by Danny Elfman, this timeless tale enchants audiences of all ages year after year. 

Directed by Tim Burton, 76 minutes, PG.  

Experience all that Newfields has to offer on the first Thursday of every month. Enjoy the Indianapolis Museum of Art and The Garden, live musical performances, and open studio hours and gallery conversations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime Member, First Thursdays are the perfect opportunity to discover something new and have an exceptional experience with art and nature. 

On this day, general admission is flexible—you choose how much (or how little) to pay. Donations support programs like First Thursday and the care of our art collection and garden, as well as education programs, community engagement initiatives, and more. 

October 2, 2025 | 10 AM–5 PM 

Fifty years ago, Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE statue was acquired by Newfields, and the rest is history. For this First Thursday, you’ll have an opportunity to get your photo taken in front of the statue, enjoy a live cello performance, and learn more about the print that inspired the statue.  

• 10 AM–Noon | LOVE Photo Opportunity | Floor 2 

• 10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Garden Exploration Cart | The Garden  

• 11:30 AM | Artful Conversations | Meet at the LOVE sculpture | Floor 2 

• 11:30 AM–3:30 PM | Open Studio | Studios 1 & 2 | Floor 1 

• 12:30 PM–4 PM | Open Print Study | Print Study Room | Floor 1 

• 1–1:30 PM | Nature Story Time | Stout Reference Library | Floor 1 

• 1–1:30 PM | Docent-led Tour | Meet at the top of the escalator in Efroymson Entrance Pavilion | Floor 2  

• 1:30 PM | Artful Conversations | Meet at the LOVE sculpture | Floor 2 

• 1 PM–3 PM | Live Music by Jose Martinez | Floor 2 

• 2–4 PM | Garden Exploration Cart | The Garden 

• 2–4PM | Know Your Art with IMA Conservation | Floor 3 Balcony 

• 2:30–3 PM | Docent-led Tour | Meet at the top of the escalator in Efroymson Entrance Pavilion | Floor 2

• 3–4 PM | Garden Guide Tour | The Garden 

• 1–5 PM | Stout Reference Library open | Floor 1 

Join our Garden Guides to see The Garden transform throughout the seasons. Each tour will highlight the prominent characteristics of each garden space and discuss flora, architecture, and history. 

Meet at The Garden Entrance Pavilion. 

Don't let the stress of the work week follow you into the weekend. That may seem easier said than done, but at Newfields, it's a walk in the park. 

Each session will start with a short wellness exercise followed by a 30-60-minute walk, depending on the weather and available daylight.  

Meet in The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park under Align at 4:30 PM. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This is a rain, shine, or snow event. In cases of heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme low temperatures, the event will be cancelled, and you will receive notice via email at the email you used to register.  This webpage will also note if a Wellness Walk in the Park has been cancelled.  

Recharge your spirit through creativity, nature, and community. In this program designed for adults, spend 30 minutes immersed in a guided art activity, followed by a refreshing 30-minute walk through The Garden at Newfields. Experience the health and wellness benefits of artistic expression, gentle exercise, and the beauty of nature—all designed to inspire and rejuvenate. Nurture your creativity and embrace a healthier, more balanced you.