Tim’s Picks: Five more this week
How's your weekend lining up?
Support for this edition comes from the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette. Join us for an insightful exploration of abstract expressionist painter Alice Baber. Explore her extensive works from our Permanent Collection on display in the Weil Gallery, and be inspired by renowned speakers traveling from across America as they discuss her life and lasting influence on the art world. Enjoy themed cocktails at our cash bar, along with light hors d’oeuvres. Whether an art lover or a newcomer, we hope to see you there! Free tickets.
And now we present …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
“Rooted in Art: Indiana Farms and Gardens from Pioneer Times to Today” opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, Haan Museum of Indiana Art, 920 State St., Lafayette — Hoosier artists’ takes on their outdoor surroundings will be on display starting this week at the Haan Museum of Indiana Art. The works from today, the 19th century and eras in-between will show how these painters saw the farm fields that expanded across Indiana prairies as well as the beauty of their own gardens. What they saw was not only beauty but appreciation for the sustenance the fields or their own tomato patch could provide. The exhibit runs through May 16 with three “Lunch & Learn” events 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 24, March 31 and April 28.
Lafayette Symphony Orchestra’s Lollipop Family Concert, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — Getting children interested in classical music is a longstanding goal for the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra. One way to reach that goal is by presenting the annual Lollipop Family Concert, where the symphony presents programming catered to children. “We believe that music should be for everyone,” said Janette Brown, CEO of the LSO. “This concert is thoughtfully designed to welcome families into the symphonic experience in a relaxed, joyous setting. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to discover the magic of live orchestral sound.” $10. Tickets.
Families can arrive at 6 p.m. for the Instrument Petting Zoo, the traditional prelude of the Lollipop Concert where children can explore and try real orchestral instruments with guidance from LSO musicians and friends. This playful, interactive experience allows young concertgoers to get up close with strings, winds, brass and percussion — making music tangible and fun.
Dare to Bare, 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, Riverside Skating Center, 100 Tapawingo Drive, West Lafayette — After weeks of snow, subzero temperatures and bone chilling wind, Greater Lafayette cannot wait to strap on those Speedos and bikinis again. But they won’t have to wait until the summer to show some skin, because Dare to Bare is back. The raucous night of ice skating and beachwear collide outside at the Riverside Skating Center. Skaters must do at least one lap before defrosting inside with cocoa and pizza. This 2026 edition will have a “jungle” theme, so think warm thoughts as the expected Friday low is a balmy 23 degrees. There will be prizes for best Bare look.
Criminal Record with Settling the Score, Complacent and 13 Gallon, 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, The Spot Tavern, 409 S. Fourth St., Lafayette — One of Lafayette’s newest bands is also one of the most prolific in terms of EP release. Criminal Record posted its third collection of tunes, the excellent “Graffiti,” a few weeks ago to accompany the band’s 2025 EPs, “Noise Complaint” and “Rip It Up.” The punk quartet has been buzzing around the Midwest recently jamming in Cincinnati and will stop at The Spot with Northwest Indiana hardcore friends Complacent and Kokomo rockers 13 Gallon. Opening will be Purdue University pop punks Settling the Score.
BMFX Wrestling, 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, Wea Rec Center, 2004 Wea School Road, Lafayette — On Sunday, many large sweaty men will slam into each other in the name of victory. Then the Super Bowl will happen. Before the big game, Lafayette’s own BMFX professional wrestling will bring the action to fans young and old. While the event will conclude before the kickoff, this show — titled “Love and Wrestling” — is the ultimate pre-Valentine’s Day gift for your beloved. Just be sure to wear matching nWo T-shirts and let the love flow as you both cheer — and jeer — the likes of Jeremy Hadley, Luis Rojas, Damien Black and POUNDTOWN, USA’s own GG Jacobs. And what’s more to love — proceeds from these matches will go to Lafayette Transitional Housing Center.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Thanks, again, for support for this edition from the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, presenting the symposium “Exploring the Collection: Alice Baber” Feb. 17. Free tickets.
Thank you for supporting Based in Lafayette, an independent, local reporting project. Free and full-ride subscription options are ready for you here.
Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.