Indianapolis 101: Bargain Hunting

Dip into 12 free things to do in Indianapolis, including the ruins in Holliday Park, free day at the Children's Museum, and admiring historic architecture. Do 317 offers various upcoming and free events as well.

Nightly light shows Downtown, free museum admission days, and historical tours are just a few of the many free things to do in Indianapolis.

Visit Indy says "On any given day, you are certain to find something fun to do without spending a single cent," and includes suggestions to back that up.

Crown Hill Cemetery at 700 W. 38 St. has beautiful architecture from the 1860s, beautiful grounds, a rich history, interesting tombstones, and is the final resting place of several prominent Hoosiers. You have a choice of do-it-yourself or paid tours.

Indiana State Police Museum
Located at: 8622 E. 21 St., it includes John Dillenger's death mask; a 1938 Chevrolet police vehicle;and uniforms and innovations from different eras. since the founding of the state police in 1933.

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Located at: 414 West Vermont St., is on the National Parks Service Underground Railroad Register of Historic Places tour. In addition to its Civil War history, the Indianapolis chapter of the NAACP and the Indiana State Federation of Colored Woman's Clubs started at Bethel.

Butler students may receive free annual membership to The Indianapolis Museum of Art. Apply at the museum's Guest Services desk; show proof of enrollment and provide a valid email address. Want to bring a non-student? Check the museum's free general admission days and hours.

The world-renowned Indianapolis Children's Museum offers free admission from 4-8 pm on the first Thursday of each month and on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Christmas Eve. The museum also offers reduced admission for Presidents Day.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Offers student tickets as low as $10 for some performances for all ages with a valid student ID. Check online or at the Hilbert Circle Theatre box office for details.

Check Butler Arts & Events Center's website for information about reduced rates for Theatre Department productions (contact the Theatre Department Box Office in Lilly Hall, room 130 or call 317-940-6444).

Discounted movie passes for AMC and Regal/United Artists Theaters may be purchased in the PuLSE Office located in Atherton Union, room 101.

Butler students may obtain discounted season or single tickets to Butler Arts Center performances. Call (317) 940-6444 to learn more, check out the Clowes Hall web site, subscribe to Clowes eNews; or look for information on Clowes Hall's facebook or twitter pages.

In addition to being able to buy Dawg Bucks for food and snack purchases on campus, some nearby restaurants also accept them for tender.

Watch for promotional offers that can add 10-15% to your buying power.

Are you a coupon lover?

And remember, if you belong to a motor club such as AAA, it never hurts to ask if an institution gives that discount.

Whether you call it a  consignment, resale, or thrift store, Indianapolis has plenty – even some specializing in furniture, household, weddings, and everyday clothes.  Also keep an eye out for garage sale signs.  There are bargains to be found – or sometimes it’s just fun to hunt.
 

Do 317 offers several thrifting tips for Indianapolis and provides an extensive list of various thrift and resale stores. Do 317 highlights that "not only does thrift shopping save resources needed to create new pieces, it leaves your wallet full and is the ultimate outlet for self expression."
 

City of Shay's blog shares several "favorite places to go hunting for trendy gems or unique vintage pieces." 

The Butler Collegian, Butler University's newspaper, suggests four different thrift stores that are recommended by Butler students.

Thriftstorelistings.com lists stores with address and phone number – as always, you can save time if you call ahead to be sure the listing is still up to date.

Searching for antique stores also yields fun! Indianapolis Monthly and NUVO Newsweekly also often spotlight resale options.