Spirit & Place, IU Indianapolis

The Greencastle Urban Fossil Tour: Discover Ancient Life Around You!
2025-11-15 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Putnam County Museum, 1105 Jackson St., Greencastle, 46135, United States
Self-Guided Walks: Nov. 7 – 16
Guided Walks & Activities: Saturday, Nov. 8 & 15
Download a self-guided tour map and daily schedule by clicking here!
Join an all-ages community-wide fossil adventure blending science, nature, and art! Explore Greencastle’s buildings and the DePauw Nature Park on your own with a custom map or participate in a guided tour. Visit Fern Cliff’s vivid green sandstone, make fossil prints and poems, hear from experts, and trade your Paleo Art for a fossil cookie.
The Greencastle Urban Fossil Tour was designed with flexibility in mind!

Self-Guided Walks: Pick up a walking tour “fossil map” of downtown Greencastle and the DePauw Nature Park at the Putnam County Museum (1105 N. Jackson St.) or the Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau (aka, “Welcome Center,” 12 W. Washington St.). Hours vary but are open most weekdays until 3PM. After touring the area—and noting what you saw—return to the Welcome Center to collect your fossil-shaped cookie!

Saturday Sessions & Guided Walks: On Saturdays, guests and their families can attend interactive presentations at the Putnam County Museum with paleo-artist Janet Panoch (11/8) and geologist Tim Cope (11/15). Activities include fossil rubbings, art displays, short poetry exercises, and optional guided fossil walks in the DePauw Nature Park (1400 W. CR 125 S.). Saturday sessions are from 1 – 4PM with the guided walk beginning at TBA times.

Special Instructions: Please verify hours for the DePauw Nature Park, Putnam County Museum, and Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau before picking up a self-guided walking tour map.
Most areas on the tour are ADA compliant.
Questions? Contact 317-748-8462 or jpanoch@iu.edu.
Event Organizers: A partnership between paleo-artist Janet Panoch, Putnam County Museum, DePauw University, DePauw Geosciences Club, and The Doc’s Inn.
Registration: Click here to register.

A Nature Walk Down a Peace Path
2025-11-15 15:00 - 18:00 | Shalom Mennonite Church, 6100 E. 32nd. St., Indianapolis, 46226, United States
ADDRESS CORECTION:
The festival event guide lists an incorrect address. Shalom Mennonite Church is at 6100 E. 32nd St.

Experience the healing nature of the woods through a guided walk and hands-on crafts followed by an evening of poetry, stories, and songs around a campfire. All are welcome to experience nature as a place of peace, connection, and renewal at this come-and-go style event.
Step into the woods for an afternoon of discovery, creativity, and community connection. Guided nature walks along a groomed woodland trail will introduce guests to native trees and plants with moments to pause and consider quotes from poems and scripture. Families are especially welcome—children can join in hands-on craft projects and plant seeds in take-home containers to watch them grow long after the event. As the day winds down, everyone is invited to gather around a campfire for poetry, storytelling, and song—an experience that blends art, reflection, faith, and the healing power of nature.
Questions? Contact 317-549-0577 or office@shalommennonite.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Shalom Mennonite Church; Arlington Woods Neighborhood Association; Audubon Gardens Neighborhood Association, Inc.; and Indianapolis Public Library – E. 38th St. Branch.
Event Details:
3 – 5PM – Enjoy the trail and other activities
5 – 6PM – Storytime and campfire programming begins
Rain or shine! Dress appropriately, wear walking shoes – the trail is flat wood chipped and about 500ft long – and bring a lawn chair for the campfire!
Registration: Click here to register.

POSTPONED - 12 Moods of Heaven: A Neo-Soul Food & Jazz Journey through the Great Migration
2025-11-15 17:00 - 19:30 | Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, 3535 W. Kessler Blvd. N. Dr., Indianapolis, IN, 46222, United States
Announcement From Grand Griot Productions (11/11/25):
“After much reflection and with deep regret, the creative team made the difficult decision to delay the production following a recent bereavement and several health-related challenges within the ensemble.” Ticket refunds are available to all patrons and 12 Moods of Heaven hopes to premiere in March 2026. Sign up for the Spirit & Place newsletter to learn when a new date is confirmed.
Limited Capacity. Registration Required | $30/pp
Join us for a multi-sensory culinary and cultural experience exploring the nature of movement—of people, traditions, and food across this nation. Rooted in the Great Migration, this event honors the resilience of Soul Food and the African American diaspora through jazz, spoken word, spiritual reflection, and food samplings.
The art of Soul Food is grounded in nature—the ability to take the miracle of soil and transform it into a feast! It is also rooted in the ability to adapt amid hardship. Constant change is no easy task. Our African American ancestors took scraps and turned them into a living testimony of resilience. Their ingenuity is no fable of “making something out of nothing,” but is a demonstration of their creativity, worth, and lasting impact on American food and artistic culture. Weaving together music, gratitude, and praise to God, this event fuses history, art, faith, and culinary excellence to celebrate all that is nourishing about the very nature of soul food.

Doors open at 4:30 pm
Prelude begins 4:45 pm
Event from 5pm-6:30pm
Talk Back from 6:35-7:30

Questions? Contact 317-531-5752 or email grandgriotpro@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Grand Griot Productions LLC, Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, Chef Oya, Rob Dixon & many more.
Registration: Click here to register.

Youth Rising for Nature: Getting Community in Action through Service & Advocacy
2025-11-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Fall Creek Trail, 30th & College Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46025, United States
Community Forum & River Clean Up. Attend one or both gatherings.
Join Sea Scope’s youth Eco-Warriors for a two-part event exploring environmental justice, community dialogue, and a Fall Creek cleanup. Facilitated by local experts and inspired by Laudato Si, this experience blends spiritual reflection and action. Connect with neighbors of Martindale-Brightwood and our living earth—come for one or both days!
This two-part experience (attending both Saturdays is optional) connects storytelling, faith, Martindale-Brightwood neighbors, and environmental action. The first session features an expert and youth-led community forum exploring local ecological challenges and reflections inspired by Laudato Si’ – a 2015 papal encyclical focused on environmental stewardship, climate change, and ecological responsibility, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dimensions of caring for the Earth. A week later, participants engage in a hands-on cleanup along Fall Creek restoring natural spaces in disinvested communities while learning how local actions connect to global environmental issues. Through dialogue, reflection, and collective action, attendees will deepen their understanding of stewardship, equity, and the sacred responsibility to care for our shared planet.
Questions? Contact 317-203-9397 or seascopeincindy@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Sea Scope Inc., Earth Charter Indiana, Indiana Conservation Voters, The Garden Community Church, and Indy Parks and Recreation.
Registration: Click here to register for the Nov. 16 river clean up.
Community Forum Details (Nov. 9): See Nov. 9 event.
River Clean Up Details (Nov. 16): Dress for the weather – with sturdy shoes and work gloves – for the clean-up. Additional details will be provided upon registration.

Nature Meets Spirit: A Walk with Bach, A Pilgrimage with Christ, and a Dance with God
2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Episcopal Church of All Saints, 1559 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
Journey through music and faith in this Baroque concert featuring works by Buxtehude, Biber, and Bach performed by Colette Abel and friends. Reflect on Christ’s Passion, the nature of pilgrimage, and Bach’s personal walk through grief and spiritual purpose. A moving fusion of music, nature, and spirit.
Questions? Contact 317-635-2538 or music@allsaintsindy.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between musician Colette Abel, Episcopal Church of All Saints, and Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
Registration: Click here.

The Sacred Cycle: Faith, Consumption, and Our Ecological Future
2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00 | The International School of Indiana, 4330 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, 46208, United States
Join faith communities and experts in a panel discussion and hands-on “Why We Care” fair exploring how faith can inspire ecological action and values-based economic choices. Hear stories from Indy faith groups leading the way, and connect with organizations advancing environmental justice, reducing waste, and protecting our planet through creative, community-rooted strategies.
Questions? Contact 317-762-7834 or pfrancis@schottdesign.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Circular Indiana, Mundell & Associates, and the International School of Indiana.
Registration: Click here to register.

Connected by NATURE - Spirit & Place Festival 30th Anniversary Celebration!
2025-11-16 16:30 - 18:30 | The Amp at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
Celebrate the closing of the 30th annual Spirit & Place Festival with an evening of connection, creativity, and community.
Enjoy a live spoken word invocation by Manón Voice, music by Premium Blend, delicious local food, and hands-on activities inspired by this year’s festival events. Reflect on the NATURE theme through art, music, and shared experiences that nourish both spirit and community. Light snacks included, while supplies last!
Walk-ins welcome, but registration is encouraged.
Questions? Contact 317-274-2462 or festival@iu.edu.
Registration: Click here to register.

Manon Voice & Premium Blend

Connections Lessons
2026-02-19 10:30 - 11:30
Virtual
What did Connections reveal about what our community is longing for right now?
In this Zoom session, Spirit & Place will share highlights from the 2025 Festival survey and explore patterns, interests, and lessons that can inspire meaningful proposals for the 2026 Festival.
If you’re just getting started in thinking about this year’s festival and simply want to explore the Connections theme, this will be a great info session to attend!
Use the link below to register and receive a Zoom link to join in.
https://iu.zoom.us/meeting/register/p9JBFyuFQKKZgDpNsKkY8Q

Spirit & Place Festival Application Info Session (10:30AM)
2026-03-26 10:30 - 11:30 | College Avenue Branch LIbrary, 4180 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46205, United States
Session Offered 2X on March 26!
This group information session is open to anyone interested in applying to the 2026 Spirit & Place Festival. Spirit & Place staff will provide an overview of the Festival, the theme, the application process, selection criteria, collaboration expectations, and funding ideas.
The same information will be presented at the 10:30AM and 3:30PM sessions at the College Ave. branch library.
Just use the link below to register for the time that best works for you!
https://forms.gle/rrGGbZD8pdBMSA4Z7

Spirit & Place Festival Application Info Session (3:30PM)
2026-03-26 15:30 - 16:30 | College Avenue Branch LIbrary, 4180 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46205, United States

Spirit & Place Festival Info Session (Virtual)
2026-04-15 10:00 - 11:00
Join us via Zoom in this group information session — open to anyone interested in applying to the 2026 Spirit & Place Festival!
Spirit & Place staff will provide an overview of the Festival, the theme, the application process, selection criteria, collaboration expectations, and funding ideas.
Sign up for the date and time that works for you!
April 15 Info Session (Zoom – 10AM)
https://iu.zoom.us/meeting/register/RW-PyFi4RZC5qGo7umYt3Q
April 16 Info Session (Zoom – 11:30AM)
https://iu.zoom.us/meeting/register/1gyaYDJJTympksjrxFlkQQ
April 21 Info Session (Zoom – 3:30PM)
https://iu.zoom.us/meeting/register/hENCWYoOSUuM0UQcN97FsQ

Spirit & Place Festival Info Session (Virtual)
2026-04-16 11:30 - 12:30
Join us via Zoom in this group information session — open to anyone interested in applying to the 2026 Spirit & Place Festival!
Spirit & Place staff will provide an overview of the Festival, the theme, the application process, selection criteria, collaboration expectations, and funding ideas.
Sign up for the date and time that works for you!
April 16 Info Session (Zoom – 11:30AM)
https://iu.zoom.us/meeting/register/1gyaYDJJTympksjrxFlkQQ
April 21 Info Session (Zoom – 3:30PM)
https://iu.zoom.us/meeting/register/hENCWYoOSUuM0UQcN97FsQ

Spirit & Place Festival Info Session (Virtual)
2026-04-21 15:30 - 16:30
Join us via Zoom in this group information session — open to anyone interested in applying to the 2026 Spirit & Place Festival!
Spirit & Place staff will provide an overview of the Festival, the theme, the application process, selection criteria, collaboration expectations, and funding ideas.
April 21 Info Session (Zoom – 3:30PM)
https://iu.zoom.us/meeting/register/hENCWYoOSUuM0UQcN97FsQ
