8 Unique Girls’ Night Out Ideas in Indianapolis (That Aren’t Just Dinner)

Dinner and drinks are great, but sometimes you want a night your friends will still be talking about next month. Whether it’s a birthday, bachelorette, book club, or long-overdue catch-up, here are eight girls’ night out ideas in Indianapolis and the north side that go beyond the usual.

Some are classics with a twist, some are seasonal, and a couple are close to my heart. Mix and match to build the perfect night.

1. Host a color analysis party

I’m biased about this one, for good reason. At a color party, I bring the drapes to you or bring the party to our studio. Each guest gets a quick session to learn whether she’s warm or cool, whether gold or silver suits her, and her main season.

The best part is watching friends react. When the right color goes under someone’s chin, everyone sees it at once. It’s perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, and neighborhood get-togethers.

2. Get matching permanent jewelry

Nothing says “friends forever” like a bracelet you never take off. At EverJoy Permanent Jewelry in Fishers, each of you picks a chain and gets it custom-fit and welded on in just a few minutes.

3. Shop and stroll Mass Ave

Mass Ave in downtown Indianapolis is full of local boutiques, restaurants, bars, and theaters within walking distance. Start with shopping, grab dinner, and finish with a show or a nightcap. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail runs right along it, so it’s easy to walk between stops.

4. Spend an evening in Fishers’ Nickel Plate District

Downtown Fishers’ walkable Nickel Plate District has restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and public art. Visit Hamilton County notes that its amphitheater hosts summer concerts, so plan a warm-weather night around a show.

5. See the holiday lights at Newfields

In November or December, Winterlights at Newfields lights up the gardens, with seasonal drinks and treats along the way. Advance tickets are required, so check this year’s dates and buy early.

6. Picnic at Symphony on the Prairie

In summer, Conner Prairie in Fishers hosts Symphony on the Prairie, outdoor concerts known for picnic dinners on the lawn. Bring blankets, a charcuterie board, and your favorite friends, and settle in for a relaxed evening under the stars.

7. Get competitive with Topgolf or Activate

Fishers has both Topgolf and an Activate (live action games) close to the Nickel Plate District. No golf experience needed; half the fun is cheering each other on.

8. Take a class together

Painting, pottery, cooking, and flower-arranging classes are all over the Indianapolis area. You get a fun activity and something to take home, and it’s an easy way for quieter friends to join in and connect.

The best of our girls night out ideas in Indianapolis: a color party

Want something your friends haven’t done before? A color party is easy to plan: you invite the friends, and I bring everything else. Guests leave knowing more about what makes them glow, and they usually can’t stop talking about it. Want the full experience? Book a Duo Color Analysis with your best friend in the Fishers studio.