INDY'S FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER · October 28, 2026
On today's Dopest we're covering:
Women in Horror at Indiana Landmarks — three horror authors, a book fair and Smoking Goose snacks the Thursday before Halloween
Amelia's Fall Pastry Menu — a pumpkin pie Danish, a squash and feta Danish and a Brussels sprout toast
Beholder's One-Night Halloween Menu — squid ink pasta, bone marrow gravy and Wagyu chili dogs, Saturday only
Thanks for reading!
— Hillary
LAST CALL · THE BOTTLEWORKS GIVEAWAY
Last Call: Win A Free Night At Bottleworks
The Bottleworks giveaway closes this Saturday, Oct. 31. Every friend who subscribes with your link is one more entry, and there's no cap. Ten friends, ten entries. You know someone who still thinks Indy is boring. Fix that.
Your entries so far: {{rp_num_referrals}}
Heads up: your friend has to click the confirm email for it to count, so give them a nudge.
Your personal link: {{rp_refer_url}}
Giveaway ends October 31. Winner drawn at random from all entries after it closes and notified by email. Must be 18+ and an Indy's Dopest subscriber. No purchase necessary. One prize per household. Void where prohibited.
📸 Via @tomorrowbookstore
EVENTS · OLD NORTHSIDE
📚 The Dopest Book Night — Women in Horror
Three bestselling authors, one Thursday, and zero chance anyone brings a boring book. Tomorrow Bookstore's second annual Women in Horror lands Thursday, Oct. 29 at Indiana Landmarks and it's the best way we can think of to spend the Thursday before Halloween.
The lineup: Delilah S. Dawson (Monstera), Rachel Harrison (Kiss, Slay, Replay) and Nadia Davids (Cape Fever), with Haley Newlin, managing editor of Cemetery Dance Magazine, moderating. The book fair opens at 6:30pm so you can meet the authors and get books signed. The conversation starts at 7:30pm, with readings and audience questions. It's all ages, and Smoking Goose will have food for purchase.
We like women. We like reading. And horror is the season. What’s not to love about this event! Tickets start at $17.91.
📍 Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave. · Thu, Oct. 29 · 6:30–9pm
The Dopest Tip: Show up at 6:30pm for the book fair. The conversation doesn't start until 7:30pm, which gives you a full hour to get books signed and grab a Smoking Goose bite before the lights go down.
📸 Via @ameliasbread
FOOD · FLETCHER PLACE
Pumpkin pie, but make it a Danish. Amelia's just rolled out its fall pastry menu, and it goes way past pumpkin spice: a squash and feta Danish, a Brussels sprout toast and a pear chausson made with Bartlett pears from Doud Orchards. I don’t even know what a chausson is, but I definitely want one.
Amelia’s is a legend in the local Indy food scene and it’s safe to say we often take her for granted. Sure, the bread is incredible and the pastries never miss but it’s the continuous innovation of seasonal menu items that make my tastebuds dance and remind me why Amelia’s continues to set the bar incredibly high for local baked goods.
The Squash & Feta Danish is built on local squash, cumin seed, feta, cream cheese, garlic, herbes de Provence and lemon zest. The Pumpkin Pie Danish has cream cheese, pie spice and sea salt. The Brussels Sprout Toast comes with ricotta, sage, honey and balsamic vinegar, and the Pear Chausson gets clove and lemon zest. These seasonal flavors alone make the trip, no matter how long, hands down worth the stop.
📍 Amelia's: 653 Virginia Ave. (Fletcher Place), 1637 Nowland Ave. (Windsor Park) and The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave., Suite 2-103 · Open daily 8am–8pm
The Dopest Tip: Start at Windsor Park, which has its own seasonal pastry selection plus espresso and indoor/outdoor seating which is the perfect setting for fall.
📸 Via @beholderindy
FOOD · WOODRUFF PLACE
🎃 The Dopest Halloween Dinner — Beholder
Most restaurants celebrate Halloween with a themed cocktail and a bowl of fun-size candy. Beholder is doing a one-night-only menu: squid ink pasta, a "bloody rare" tenderloin with bone marrow gravy, and Wagyu hot chili dogs grilled outside. It's Saturday only, 5 to 10pm. I love food with a theme - count me in!
Beholder is the chef-driven, playful spot on the near eastside off 10th Street, where the menu follows the seasons and the produce comes from Indianapolis and the area around it. The Halloween menu runs oysters with sour cherry mignonette, an apple and honeynut squash salad with cheddar and pumpkin seeds, brandade tacos, shrimp and squid ink pasta with garlic chilis, and that tenderloin and frites. Dessert is a caramel apple with peanuts and Almond Joy ice cream. If you’re a foodie who likes to discover new flavors and loves to eventize a meal, then make a reservation!
The chili dogs are served outside for takeout, which makes them easier for parents with kids. Smart. Who said treats are only for kids?
📍 Beholder, 1844 E. 10th St. · Saturday, Oct. 31 · Halloween menu 5–10pm
The Dopest Tip: Got kids in costume? The chili dogs are served outside for takeout, so grab one on the way to trick-or-treating.
🗓️ The Dopest This Week
1/2 PRICE PIZZA HAPPY HOUR · Daniel's Vineyard · Wed, Oct 28 · 4–6pm
PATRICIA LOCKWOOD, VISITING WRITERS SERIES (FREE) · Butler Arts · Wed, Oct 28 · 7:30pm
WILLI CARLISLE · Turntable · Wed, Oct 28 · 8pm
IRVINGTON GHOST TOUR · Irving Theater · Fri, Oct 30 · 7pm
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW LIVE · The Athenaeum · Sat, Oct 31 · 7:30pm
See you next Wednesday! — Indy's Dopest
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