Before you head down to Proof….

With the Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest fast approaching, here’s what you need to know. 

In addition to panels, author readings, and writing workshops offered all day, we’ll host a book fair, story times and activities for families, word games for all ages, an open mic, and more. 

We hope you plan to spend time with us and experience all that Proof has to offer! 

Arrival: 

• Once you arrive, please visit the check-in table in front of the Harrison Center (1505 N. Delaware St.) to pick up festival information. Doors open at 4:30pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday.
• Parking is free along Delaware Street and surrounding streets. Additionally, a lot is available at Herron High School. Please review the attached map to find the parking location that best fits your needs.
• If you require nearby parking to assist with accessibility, please utilize the lot behind the Indiana Humanities building across the street (1500 N. Delaware St.) or the lot behind the Harrison Center. If you have questions about the accessibility of festival spaces, email Megan Telligman at mtelligman@indianahumanities.org and we’ll provide additional details. 

Navigating the Festival: 

• Bookmark this page! This virtual program will update throughout the day with the current sessions, and is the best place to see session descriptions, author bios, and other festival information. 
• On Friday, Oct. 11, the fun starts at 5 pm with your choice of three sessions – two at the Harrison Center (1505 N. Delaware St.) and one at Indiana Humanities (1500 N. Delaware St.). Then head to the Sanctuary at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on the corner of Delaware and 16^th Streets at 6:30pm to hear poets Ross Gay and Bernardo Wade in conversation.
• Are you a local writer? Get started on Saturday, Oct. 11 by joining us for a mixer, supported by Butler MFA, from 9:30 to 10:30am at Indiana Humanities. Kick off the festival in the company of other wordsmiths and enter for the chance to win books by Butler MFA faculty! Plus, local photographer Jes Nijjer will be on site for Choose Your Price Headshots should you need a refreshed author photo.     
• You can use the map to navigate the festival. We’ll activate five locations throughout the festival, all of which are centered around the intersection of 16th and Delaware Streets. These locations are the Harrison Center, Indiana Humanities, The Indianapolis Propylaeum, Loudmouth Books, and Foundry Provisions, which will host a Book Swap, so bring a book or two you’d like to trade with fellow readers!
• As you walk from building to building, please be sure to use the crosswalks by the stoplight at 16th and Delaware. This is a busy intersection, and we want to make sure everybody has a safe day at Proof. Indiana Humanities staff and volunteers will be on hand to help guide you from site to site.
• Interested in planning your day in advance? Use this schedule to think about which sessions you’d like to attend. We’re expecting quite a crowd, so if you have an author you’re eager to see, be sure to grab your seat early!
• Excited to get some books signed? So are we! Please note that if you want to purchase an author’s book, you’ll need to do so at the booksellers’ tables at the Midwest Book Fair in the gym of the Harrison Center, where the signing table will also be located. 
• We’re wrapping up the day with an Open Mic hosted by Eric Saunders of Tea’s Me Open Mic with DJ Grapevine. From 6 to 8pm, we’ll hear amazing spoken-word artists on the rooftop of the Harrison Center. 

Weather Plan: 

• Proof will take place rain or shine. While the weather for the day looks clear, we encourage you to dress appropriately. Most activities will be held indoors, but you should also plan on being outside, enjoying the activities on the lawn, and walking from location to location.

 Food and Drink: 

• We’ll have two food trucks onsite, Lupita’s Taco Truck and Brozzini’s Pizzaria, and Tea’s Me Café will be offering samples and selling bottles of their teas. We also encourage you to check out local businesses located near the festival, including LiftOff Creamery, Foundry Provisions, Isuka, Baby’s, and Gather 22. 

Health Information: 

• If you’re experiencing fever, coughing, or other symptoms of illness, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending the event for the safety of others. 

If you have any questions about Proof, please contact us. We’re excited to see you soon!

—The Indiana Humanities team