Summertime is made for exploring the Wabash Cultural District, nestled in the heart of Downtown Wabash! The Wabash Cultural District was designated an Indiana Cultural District by the Indiana Arts Commission in 2021 and is one of only twelve in the state. The 2.5-mile district is brimming with cultural assets such as a world-class performing arts center, miles of community bike trails, numerous public art pieces, new housing developments and boutiques. Keep reading for the ultimate list of how to experience the beloved cultural district this summer!

If you’re in search of must-do activities to add to your summer bucket list, this is the list for you! Get ready to discover vibrant public art installations, enjoy outdoor recreation, get creative with hands-on art experiences, and maybe even go on a shopping spree to support local businesses. We can’t think of anything better than soaking up some sun while strolling amidst the Wabash Cultural District. Ready to check off all fifteen? Let’s dive in!

1. Check Out June’s First Friday

If you are looking for exciting Friday night plans and are interested in exploring the Wabash Cultural District, this is the event for you! June’s First Friday will celebrate the lively arts and culture within the Wabash Cultural District. The free community event promises a night of immersive art experiences, the return of Paint the Plow presented by the City of Wabash Street Department, a Coloring Contest for ages 18 & under, family-friendly fun, Food Truck Plaza, music performances and so much more.

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays comes Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, 95.9 KISS FM and Wabash Dominos.

2. Embark on a Public Art Adventure

You can find vibrant murals, sculptures, public art installations and picture spots around every corner of the Wabash Cultural District. You have to check out these breath-taking public art pieces that showcase the talented work of local artists and the rich culture of Wabash.

3. Get Creative at Make it Your Own Art Studio

Celebrate arts and culture by leaning into your artistic side at Make it Your Own Art Studio! This charming art studio has been in business for over 20 years and offers studio time, workshops, classes, art camps, make and take canvas painting, glass mosaic, slab work, wheel throwing and more! Choose from a wide variety of classes including Guided Canvas Painting, Custom Boards, Pottery Lessons, Custom Creations and more. Plus if you are looking for a space to celebrate a birthday party or private event, booking with Make it Your Own Art Studio will ensure a very memorable experience for all.

4. Honor History at the Wabash County Museum

You will be blown away from the very moment you step into the Wabash County Museum! The whole family will love learning about our community’s historical and cultural impact through engaging exhibits and interactive displays. Not to mention the charming play areas and relaxing sensory-friendly space for children to enjoy. The museum offers individual museum tours, field trip options, rental spaces for parties, memberships and several community events.

5. Experience Honeywell Arts Academy at Eagles Theatre

Every summer, the best and brightest emerging musicians from around the globe come together in Downtown Wabash for weeks of collaboration and innovation. The Honeywell Arts Academy is a life-changing experience and often serves as a launching pad for a career in the music industry. Get your tickets today to witness first-hand their new musical perspectives as they perform for LIVE at Eagles Theatre. Want complimentary tickets? You got it! To claim your tickets, simply choose your seats to the performance(s) of your choice and use the discount code of LOCAL at check out to redeem your ticket(s).

6. Browse Local Art Galleries

The Wabash Cultural District is teeming with local art on display throughout Downtown Wabash. Celebrate the brilliant work of local artists by visiting several art galleries within the district, and maybe even purchase a new piece of artwork for your home while you’re there! The Clark Gallery, located inside the Honeywell Center’s Porter Lobby, hosts a variety of exhibits each year. From emerging art students to professional artists, the displays are different every month. Borders & Beyond Gallery has a wonderful gallery of local artwork for purchase and occasionally hosts featured exhibits. They also offer creative custom framing, unique greeting cards and more. And finally, Filament Tattoo Co. is home to a diverse collection of artwork, including a majority of pieces made by their talented tattoo artists! The space has the most vibrant atmosphere with something to see around every corner. While you’re there, consider getting that tattoo you’ve been dreaming of!

7. Construct Your Favorite Fragrance at JoJo’s Olfactory & Co.

Make your space feel like home by curating the perfect fragrance at JoJo’s Olfactory & Co. When you visit this quaint fragrance bar, you will be greeted by their talented and friendly team ready to help you customize your very own candles, room sprays, sugar scrubs, diffusers and more. With over 90 individual scents, the opportunities are endless. The whole process is quick and simple, but more than anything, incredibly fun! Need some scent inspo to get started? These are some of our team’s favorite summer scents; agave, watermelon, peach, mango, vanilla, patchouli and pomegranate!

8. Enjoy Community Bike Trails

Whether biking, running or walking, the community bike trails throughout the Wabash Cultural District are one of the most serene places to be! The Wabash Riverfront trailhead is truly an iconic downtown spot. While strolling along the scenic Wabash River, you can stop by Alley Cat Outfitters for all things outdoor recreation, or swing by Paradise Spring Park to learn more about the historic landmark. Following a relaxing bike ride, top off your trip with a refreshing ice cream cone at White Rock Recreation, and book a paddling adventure along the Wabash River for your next visit.

9. Conquer Your Reading Goals

If you’re a self-proclaimed bookworm, then you will love perusing the endless selection of reading materials at Wabash Carnegie Public Library and Reading Room Books. Find your next addiction within a wide variety of fiction novels, fan-favorite series, poetry, children’s books, cookbooks, history literature, mystery and so much more. Sign up for your library card for countless repeat visits, or add to your collection by taking home a book (or twelve) from Reading Room Books.

10. Book a Session with Kaleigh M. Photography and Nicole A. Howard Photography

All smiles for these incredibly talented Downtown Wabash photographers! When you book with Kaleigh M. Photography and Nicole A. Howard Photography, you’ll get to experience the Wabash Cultural District’s lively arts and culture in a unique way. These passionate artists will make you feel confident and comfortable as they strive to capture your memories and bring your vision to life. They are outstanding to work with and will deliver quality photos you’ll cherish forever!

11. Embrace Lively Arts & Culture at Honeywell Arts & Entertainment

Discover Honeywell Arts & Entertainment, a world-class performing arts center that could be considered the heartbeat of the Wabash Cultural District. Throughout the years, Honeywell Arts & Entertainment has cultivated arts-based opportunities such as live concerts, visual art programs, family festivals, recreational events and so much more. Returning this summer, the Honeywell Summer Plaza Music Series offers FREE outdoor concerts on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the Carpenter Plaza at the Honeywell Center. The Plaza will be full of activity including a live band, a craft project for kids, local food trucks, and a beer garden. Don’t forget a lawn chair or blanket! Additional programming, cultural experiences and community events are endless, so you have to check out what’s coming up at Honeywell Arts & Entertainment.

12. Find Handmade, Homemade and Homegrown Goods at the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market

Start your Saturday mornings in the heart of the Wabash Cultural District all summer long! With a vision of creating quality of place and livability for our community, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market specifically caters to local and regional vendors who exclusively sell all things handmade, homemade and homegrown. Along with fresh food, produce and artisan goods, you can expect to see live music and kids activities. Our family-friendly environment includes every member of the family, even your furry friends!

13. Lace up for a Historical Walking Tour

Grab some headphones and your favorite pair of walking shoes for a free Historical Walking Tour! Learn about Wabash’s rich history as you stroll through the iconic streets of Downtown Wabash. It will feel like you stepped into a time machine when you participate in this interactive and immersive experience brought to you by The Hometown History podcast! The tour lasts 35 minutes and spans a little over half of a mile. There are no hills involved, and the route is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

14. Grab a Wabash Cultural District Map

Fresh off the printer, the Wabash Cultural District Map is your go-to guide for all things arts & culture, shopping, food & drink, outdoor recreation and public art throughout downtown. With visitors and community members in mind, the map was curated as a resource for exploring the Wabash Cultural District while taking advantage of all that Downtown Wabash has to offer. Stop by Downtown Wabash, Inc.’s office at 189 S. Miami St. to snag your free map!

15. Support Local Businesses

Last but certainly not least, Downtown Wabash is overflowing with local boutiques, restaurants, creative spaces and businesses just waiting for you to explore! These dynamic businesses add to the vibrancy of the Wabash Cultural District and offer unique products and services for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, when you support local, you support Wabash.

The Wabash Cultural District is waiting for YOU! This list is only a glimpse into the endless arts and culture throughout our beloved downtown district, check out more information on The Wabash Cultural District and browse Downtown Wabash Businesses to plan your visit today!

In the heart of downtown Wabash, Indiana, Arc Light Media emerges as a creative powerhouse, casting its brilliant light through the captivating narratives of Black Label Podcasting (BLP). Led by the visionary Shane Waters, a team of dedicated storytellers within Arc Light Studios curates a diverse collection of 12 network-owned podcasts that span the realms of true crime, history and spine-chilling tales.

A Sonic Universe Unveiled: Black Label Podcasting’s Diverse Tapestry

Arc Light Media, the mastermind behind Black Label Podcasting, takes pride in offering listeners a rich and diverse auditory experience. Under the BLP banner, the 12 podcasts form a sonic universe where each episode is a carefully crafted masterpiece. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, a history buff or a thrill-seeker, BLP offers an immersive journey through the tapestry of human experiences, guided by the creative alchemy of Arc Light Media.

Evolution of Arc Light Media: From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition

The journey of Arc Light Media began as a humble project, evolving into a thriving business entity under Shane’s visionary leadership. His initial foray into podcasting, fueled by a true crime series, predates the podcasting boom. As the true crime genre gained popularity, Shane seized the opportunity to turn his passion into a profession, leading to the establishment of Arc Light Media.

The transition from a personal project to a business was pivotal, marked by an influx of advertising and the expanding podcasting landscape. Shane’s unique storytelling approach, focusing on victims rather than perpetrators, created emotional connections with the audience and set Arc Light Media apart.

A Pioneering Approach to Storytelling: Shane Waters’ Journey Unveiled

Shane’s journey into podcasting took a poignant turn during his freshman year at IUPUI in 2008. Faced with campus crimes, he utilized a storytelling style he began to work to create a crime series podcast, marking the genesis of a unique storytelling approach that would become a hallmark of Arc Light Media.

Shane credits his love of storytelling to his grandmother, Barbara Foster, who allowed him to watch the mesmerizing tales of Robert Stack on “Unsolved Mysteries.” This spark ignited Shane’s passion and casted a spell on his young imagination. This enchanted introduction to crime stories planted the seed that later blossomed into Arc Light Media.

At the Heart of Wabash: Arc Light Studios as a Sonic Sanctuary

Within the charming landscape of downtown Wabash, Arc Light Media serves as the physical embodiment of creative brilliance. The studio’s location is more than just a space; it’s a testament to the fusion of local charm and global creativity. As storytellers gather within Arc Light Studios, the essence of Wabash infuses each narrative with a unique flavor, creating a harmonious blend of local authenticity and global appeal.

At the forefront of Arc Light Studios is Shane Waters, a master in the art of storytelling. His passion for narratives that resonate spans genres, breathing life into the diverse podcasts under Black Label Podcasting. The collaborative spirit extends beyond the physical studio space, with contributors from across the United States and the United Kingdom adding their voices to the collective narrative.

Beyond Podcasting: Community Engagement and Global Recognition

Arc Light Media’s commitment to storytelling transcends the digital realm, integrating with the local community of Wabash. Shane Waters actively engages with the community through his role on the board of Downtown Wabash, Inc., where he chairs the Promotions Committee. This involvement not only enriches the narratives but also fosters collaboration within the local community.

Local collaborations find their way into podcasts like “Hometown History” and “Foul Play: Crime Series,” where Arc Light Studios works with local historians, the Wabash History Museum and Paradise Springs to bring the city’s unique stories to a global audience. It’s a beautiful synergy of storytelling and community engagement, illustrating the profound impact narratives can have on local heritage.

While firmly rooted in Wabash, the storytelling prowess of Arc Light Studios resonates globally. The crowning achievement for Shane Waters and the team was the recognition received in London. Amidst luminaries from media giants like the BBC and CBS, Arc Light Studios stood tall, proving that compelling narratives have the power to transcend borders and capture the attention of a worldwide audience.

Arc Light Media’s Legacy

Arc Light Media, the creative genius behind Black Label Podcasting, is more than a studio; it’s a sanctuary where stories come to life. Through the diverse narratives of BLP, the team at Arc Light Media invites listeners on a journey that spans genres, cultures and emotions. In the heart of Wabash, where the studio’s physical presence echoes the town’s rich history, Arc Light Media continues to illuminate the world with narratives that not only entertain but also enrich the collective human experience.

As the legacy of Arc Light Media unfolds, it leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of podcasting, reminding us that stories, when told with passion and authenticity, have the power to resonate across time and space. ArcLight Media isn’t just illuminating stories; it’s kindling a global fire of connection, emotion and narrative brilliance—one episode at a time.

A special thank you to Arc Light Media for their longstanding support in helping fulfill the mission of Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a vibrant downtown district every day and night.

Tag: Downtown Wabash Cultural District

Top 15 Ways to Experience the Wabash Cultural District