Arts & Design District
By Susan Roberts
Carmel's Arts & Design District and City Center are packed with things to do: galleries, boutiques, and top-rated dining, plus headline concerts at the Palladium, live theater at The Tarkington, and year-round festivals, markets, and ice skating on Carter Green. There's always an event happening - here's where to find it all.
Arts & Design District
The Arts & Design District on Main Street.
There is so, so much to do in The Arts & Design District. It's a walkable hub with the Monon Trail slicing through it. There are numerous events that take place – a car shows called Carmel Artomobilia and an International Arts Festival.
Main Street has galleries, numerous restaurants, and businesses including antique shops, a butcher shop, a hair salon, and a design center.
Butcher Shop on Main Street with one of the many Bronze sculptures that are along the street.
Carmel City Center
Carmel City Center
Carmel City Center
Hotel Carmichael
Carmel City Center is home to numerous shops, dining and yes, there are apartments/townhouses for rent and luxury condos for sale! Visitors and guests can stay at the boutique Hotel Carmichael, dine at cabaret style Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael while enjoying live music or visit The Vivante Restaurant & Bar or the Adagio Lounge in the hotel.
The Palladium
Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts
Palladium Interior - 360° sound
The Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts is a 1,500-seat, 151,000-square-foot concert hall. It is modeled after Andrea Palladio's 16th-century Italian Renaissance villa, La Rotonda, featuring an Indiana limestone exterior, a domed neoclassical design, and Italian marble lobbies.
The Tarkington
The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts
The Tarkington is a 500-seat proscenium theater with stadium seating and is used primarily for drama, musicals, dance, lectures and variety presentations. The Tarkington is located in the same building as the Studio Theater, across Carter Green from the Payne & Mencias Palladium and adjacent to the Center Parking Garage.
Carter Green
Carter Green, the area between the Palladium and the building housing The Tarkington, is a civic green space that can be enjoyed year round. It is home to many events, 3 of which are highlighted below.
Christkindlmarkt & The Ice at Carter Green
One of most notable events is a huge 4th of July celebration called CarmelFest. CarmelFest features live music on two stages, local food and drink vendors, marketplace shopping, a beer and wine garden, and a KidsZone
The second ‘must attend’ is the annual, magical Christkindlmarkt where the sights, sounds and flavors of a traditional German Christmas market come to life. Explore dozens of festive huts, discover handcrafted gifts, enjoy authentic food and drink. Special events happen almost daily! Christkindlmarkt starts the end of November through Dec 24th.
The last ‘must go do’ is Ice Skating at Carter Green. The rink opens the end of November through Jan 31st and is available to the public Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are required.
Carmel is a vibrant cultural center. From world-class performing arts to year-round festivals, dining, shopping, and outdoor fun, there is absolutely something for everyone!
Discover Carmel Indiana - Living, Working & Playing
This is Susan's YouTube playlist dedicated to Carmel, Indiana, with short tours and local favorites for living, working, and playing here.
Planning a visit to Carmel, or thinking of moving here?
Susan can point you to the right neighborhoods, schools, and yes, the best lunch spots on Main Street. Text her at 317-777-9146 or book a quick consultation.
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