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HI-FI Annex kicks off its final outdoor season. Again.

HI-FI Annex is bringing the noise to Fountain Square with an encore season as plans to move indoors develop.

News

After what was supposed to be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="farewell tour in 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/28/live-music-venues-concerts-indianapolis" data-vars-content-id="761fdcdb-22e0-4a52-aa09-2eec78b3470e" data-vars-headline="HI-FI Annex kicks off its final outdoor season. Again." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/28/live-music-venues-concerts-indianapolis" target="_self">farewell tour in 2025</a>, HI-FI Annex is bringing the noise to Fountain Square with an encore outdoor season featuring more than 70 shows.Why it matters: What started as a pandemic-era solution for local live music <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has blossomed" data-vars-click-url="https://hifiindy.com/2025/12/26/2025-hi-lights-what-you-missed-and-whats-coming-next/" data-vars-content-id="761fdcdb-22e0-4a52-aa09-2eec78b3470e" data-vars-headline="HI-FI Annex kicks off its final outdoor season. Again." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hifiindy.com/2025/12/26/2025-hi-lights-what-you-missed-and-whats-coming-next/" target="_blank">has blossomed</a> into one of Indy&#x27;s most beloved music venues over the past six years.

Inside the "scrappy" effort to build Indy's City-County Archives

The archives are just two years old, with a 150-year backlog of information.

The City-County Building has a secret. Lots of them, actually.Why it matters: Inside courtrooms abandoned when the Criminal Justice Campus opened in 2022 sits a trove of Indianapolis history — 150 years of records, maps and photographs.

Indianapolis' air quality gets failing grades as pollution worsens nationwide

Marion County failed every single pollution test conducted in the American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report.

Marion County is one of just 20 counties that failed every pollution test in the American Lung Association&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of the Air Report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lung.org/research/sota" data-vars-content-id="8350ff5a-b365-4d02-b0e5-3b9110c64e38" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; air quality gets failing grades as pollution worsens nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lung.org/research/sota" target="_blank">State of the Air Report</a>, released this morning.Why it matters: The county is home to hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers who face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an elevated risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lung.org/research/sota/key-findings/people-at-risk" data-vars-content-id="8350ff5a-b365-4d02-b0e5-3b9110c64e38" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; air quality gets failing grades as pollution worsens nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lung.org/research/sota/key-findings/people-at-risk" target="_blank">an elevated risk</a> of health conditions linked to air pollution, ranging from wheezing and coughing to premature death.

Arsenal Tech robotics team making history at World Championship

It's the first IPS high school team to make it to the world championship.

An Arsenal Technical High School robotics team is competing at the world championships for the first time.Why it matters: Tech&#x27;s X team is the first IPS high school team to reach the VEX Robotics World Championship.

Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide

The Michelin Guide will rate Indianapolis restaurants for the first time in 2027.

Food and Drink

Michelin, the famed restaurant guide, is adding Indianapolis for the first time.Why it matters: A Michelin star could elevate the Circle City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="underrated food scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/food-and-drinks/indiana-nabs-seven-james-beard-nominations/" data-vars-content-id="2a6726c2-51b1-4103-981c-10c2ce7bd1c2" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/food-and-drinks/indiana-nabs-seven-james-beard-nominations/" target="_blank">underrated food scene</a> and draw <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/best-food-cities" data-vars-content-id="2a6726c2-51b1-4103-981c-10c2ce7bd1c2" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/best-food-cities" target="_blank">more national attention</a>.

Recess is Indianapolis' first matcha cafe

There&#x27;s a cool new cafe in town and coffee isn&#x27;t (really) on the menu.Driving the brews: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Recess" data-vars-click-url="https://recess.love/?srsltid=AfmBOorTrJ4wZtMfE9yp6psq6fAmkLsKy2MlFkY0ryCPgwcFwsKXG_rm" data-vars-content-id="2e1f8411-17ff-42d5-8d49-f083383548e2" data-vars-headline="Recess is Indianapolis&#x27; first matcha cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://recess.love/?srsltid=AfmBOorTrJ4wZtMfE9yp6psq6fAmkLsKy2MlFkY0ryCPgwcFwsKXG_rm" target="_blank">Recess</a>, Indy&#x27;s first matcha cafe, opened in January.

James Beard semifinalist Macizo makes food worth seeking out

Macizo is hidden in a strip mall on Indianapolis' northwest side.

I went to one of Indy&#x27;s best new restaurants for dinner last week and had the dining room virtually to myself.Why it matters: It can only mean that not enough people know about the delicious Mexican and Peruvian food being served up in a strip mall on the city&#x27;s northwest side.

Culinary Dropout's surprising salad ingredient

Culinary Dropout's butternut squash salad is just about perfect.

One of the best parts of writing this regular feature is the push to try new places.Driving the news: It&#x27;s been just over a year since Fox Restaurants opened neighboring eateries in Nora Plaza with two different concepts.<ul><li>There&#x27;s Flower Child, the health food spot, and Culinary Dropout is the cool one.</li></ul>

New Italian restaurant Monti is at home in hip Fountain Square

Delicious and a good value, Monti is a welcome addition.

The newest Italian restaurant in Fountain Square opened last month in the space vacated by Wine Market &amp; Table in 2023.<ul><li>Named for the Monti district in Rome, the small, focused menu features seasonal dishes and Italian farmhouse cuisine.</li></ul>

Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz

Montgomerys will open later this year in the former Barista Parlor space.

The team behind downtown&#x27;s favorite taco shop is expanding its footprint at the Stutz.Driving the news: Montgomerys will serve &quot;craft sandwiches and signature beverages&quot; when it opens later this year in the spot vacated last summer by coffee shop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barista Parlor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ibj.com/articles/barista-parlor-coffee-shop-chain-closes-its-indianapolis-location" data-vars-content-id="7dda0f25-b06c-4d23-9cb9-5d34d8796a3c" data-vars-headline="Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ibj.com/articles/barista-parlor-coffee-shop-chain-closes-its-indianapolis-location" target="_blank">Barista Parlor</a>.<ul><li>Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Julieta Taco Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/04/22/julietas-broccolini-taco" data-vars-content-id="7dda0f25-b06c-4d23-9cb9-5d34d8796a3c" data-vars-headline="Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/04/22/julietas-broccolini-taco" target="_self">Julieta Taco Shop</a> as part of the Stutz redevelopment in 2023.</li><li>For their next venture, Rosas and Sañudo will be joined by fellow Milktooth alums chef Bryan Enas and bar manager Adrian Caldera.</li></ul>Between the lines: Don&#x27;t expect a burger version of the tiny, walk-up taqueria.<ul><li>The 2,600 square-foot space is roughly three times the size of Julieta.</li><li>Previous pop-up menus featured elevated, fast-food inspired sandwiches alongside fusion flavors from a variety of cuisines, like bulgogi meatloaf, a pho dip and chicken parmesan.</li></ul>Yes, and: While Julieta patrons need to go to Turner&#x27;s Bar next door for something harder than a soft drink, Montgomerys has applied for a beer and wine permit.What&#x27;s next: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Montgomerys" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/montgomerys_indy/" data-vars-content-id="7dda0f25-b06c-4d23-9cb9-5d34d8796a3c" data-vars-headline="Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/montgomerys_indy/" target="_blank">Montgomerys</a> will hold its next pop-up at Julieta March 16 with a limited menu of fried chicken sandwiches, burgers and craft sodas.

Getting centered with 3CHI's newest Delta-9 seltzer

3CHI's newest flavor is fast-acting and high impact.

With a statewide THC ban <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shelved for another legislative session" data-vars-click-url="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/last-minute-attempt-to-revive-hemp-drug-ban-fails-in-final-hours/" data-vars-content-id="3893b64f-98f3-473d-b3a1-7b7d94894b71" data-vars-headline="Getting centered with 3CHI&#x27;s newest Delta-9 seltzer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/last-minute-attempt-to-revive-hemp-drug-ban-fails-in-final-hours/" target="_blank">shelved for another legislative session</a>, let&#x27;s take a look at one more buzzy cannabis seltzer brewed here in Central Indiana.The big picture: If legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to delay it by two years" data-vars-click-url="https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2520" data-vars-content-id="3893b64f-98f3-473d-b3a1-7b7d94894b71" data-vars-headline="Getting centered with 3CHI&#x27;s newest Delta-9 seltzer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2520" target="_blank">to delay it by two years</a> is unsuccessful, looming federal restrictions could remove intoxicating hemp products like these from store shelves — and dismantle <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our state&#x27;s growing hemp industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/11/25/indiana-thc-ban" data-vars-content-id="3893b64f-98f3-473d-b3a1-7b7d94894b71" data-vars-headline="Getting centered with 3CHI&#x27;s newest Delta-9 seltzer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/11/25/indiana-thc-ban" target="_self">our state&#x27;s growing hemp industry</a> — by November.

Getting a taste of "MasterChef" champ Kelsey Murphy's Fishers Test Kitchen takeover

The Fishers resident and celebrity chef is serving elevated game-day goodies inside Sun King Fishers.

&quot;MasterChef&quot; winner Kelsey Murphy&#x27;s remix of Fishers Test Kitchen is nearly complete.Why it matters: From the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indy 500" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/05/26/indy-500-best-concession-food" data-vars-content-id="38a82f04-d9c2-499e-a345-ead7cf68948e" data-vars-headline="Getting a taste of &quot;MasterChef&quot; champ Kelsey Murphy&#x27;s Fishers Test Kitchen takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/05/26/indy-500-best-concession-food" target="_self">Indy 500</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lucas Oil Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/05/colts-fans-week-1-football" data-vars-content-id="38a82f04-d9c2-499e-a345-ead7cf68948e" data-vars-headline="Getting a taste of &quot;MasterChef&quot; champ Kelsey Murphy&#x27;s Fishers Test Kitchen takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/05/colts-fans-week-1-football" target="_self">Lucas Oil Stadium</a>, Murphy&#x27;s elevated takes on game day comfort food have developed a loyal local following.

Satisfy your wing craving at Ale Emporium

The cauliflower bites are a perfect wing substitute, complete with plenty of spicy sauce.

Indiana may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a football state now" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="8e39f6e4-1fa4-4c27-bb77-3d62b486c80b" data-vars-headline="Satisfy your wing craving at Ale Emporium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" target="_self">a football state now</a>, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March Madness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/18/2026-indiana-college-basketball-cheat-sheet" data-vars-content-id="8e39f6e4-1fa4-4c27-bb77-3d62b486c80b" data-vars-headline="Satisfy your wing craving at Ale Emporium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/18/2026-indiana-college-basketball-cheat-sheet" target="_self">March Madness</a> is still the best time of the year IMO and there&#x27;s no better place to catch all the action than a TV-laden sports bar.Why it matters: We&#x27;re just a couple weeks away from conference tournament action.

This Lent, go beyond the fish fry with these Indy meals

Seven more interesting ways to abstain from meat this Lenten season.

Lent began this week, which means it&#x27;s officially fish fry season.The big picture: During the 40 days of Lent, observers abstain from meat on Fridays.

Food and Drink 🍽

Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide

Recess is Indianapolis' first matcha cafe

James Beard semifinalist Macizo makes food worth seeking out

Culinary Dropout's surprising salad ingredient

New Italian restaurant Monti is at home in hip Fountain Square