Rachel SmithIndianapolis isn’t really famous for its clubbing scene. It’s the city where you have to know where to look if you want a crazy atmosphere, but once you do find the place, you’ll experience exactly the kind of night you’re looking for.
This is why we’re sharing our favourite spots for individuals looking for thrilling social scenes, where the music is dope and the vibes are on fire… not literally, though!
Here are the best nightclubs in Indianapolis, including buzzing places and honky tonk spots, because there’s a nightlife for everyone!
The Vogue Theatre
– Media credit: thevogueindy
Address: 6259 N College Ave
Contact: (317) 259-7029, [email protected]
Opening Hours: Varies per event (see calendar for tickets)
The Vogue Theatre is iconic in its own right. It was a movie theatre first, hence the marquee sign, and then shifted to a venue for live music. And it has continued to do so, hosting iconic music artists, such as Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rihanna.
It’s sort of a concert-venue-slash-nightclub, where music lovers in Indy and beyond will have a grand time. As a small spot, expect an intimate club night full of good music, great beer, and a glorious time dancing and singing your lungs out.
It’s for adults only, and by that we mean 21 and up, because booze is available inside the venue (which isn’t legally allowed for under 21).
| Pro Tips: If you want to completely get lost in the music and the vibe, we recommend the main floor. The balcony is nice to avoid the congested crowd, but you can’t see the stage while sitting down at the tables. Grab a meal first at a nearby restaurant before coming in. This place doesn’t have a food menu. |
Moon Lounge
– Media credit: moon_nightlife148
Address: 148 E Market St
Contact: (317) 439-2092, [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10 pm – 2 am
- Friday – Saturday: 10 pm – 3 am
Nightlife at the Moon Lounge is absolutely next level. It’s all about the dopest beats by the hottest DJs, which will fill the dancefloor with party people ready to rave with the music.
This 21+ nightclub in Indianapolis is THE place where you must dress to impress. All the guys and gals can wear their hottest outfits, because frankly, everyone here looks fire!
After a good time on the dancefloor, walk over to one of the two bars and order the tastiest bevvies. The kitchen serves food until late into the night to fuel your body.
There’s always an event happening with special guests. Reservations are open, and ladies get free entry until 11 pm!
| Pro Tip: Get a reservation so you can get a seat to rest your feet after dancing and mingling. |
The Syx Lounge
Address: 247 S Meridian St
Opening Hours: Depending on the event, doors open at 10 pm
Nights are always lit at The Syx Lounge, a nightclub in Indy where the dancefloor is a playground and the DJs are absolute beasts. The sets hit different, including Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop, which will make your body naturally vibe with the music.
The dress code? Strictly look your best and serve looks—skip sweatsuits, white tees, and sandals. The drinks at the bar are strong, and the vibe is popping, especially during special events.
There’s no need to book a reservation, but you can if you want to secure your table. You can smoke the hookah at the club, which is free for birthday celebrants, BTW.
| Pro Tip: Unless there’s a ticketed event, guests usually get free entry. Be there before 11:30 pm to skip the cover charge. But if you come a little later, bring cash to pay the cover at the door. |
Howl at the Moon
– Media credit: howlindy
Address: 20 E Georgia St
Contact: (317) 955-0300, [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 7 am – 2 am
- Thursday – Saturday: 6 pm – 2 am
There’s no weak hour at Howl at the Moon. This downtown Indianapolis nightclub is brimming with good times, great music, and glorious shooters, where you can down creative, vodka-flavoured shots that will awaken your party spirit.
The 86-oz buckets of booze are THE party drinks, which are literally buckets filled with booze that can serve about 4 people. This is the kind of club you go to with your best friends because the vibes are awesome and the performances are non-stop.
Live music is what keeps this nightclub buzzing all night. The songs are based on requests, so you can be sure that your music picks will be played—every guest can sing and dance along with their favorite songs, regardless of what genre!
| Pro Tip: Check their Instagram to see the events and new additions to the menu. Occasionally, they host games with prizes! |
8 Seconds Saloon
– Media credit: 8secondssaloon
Address: 111 N Lynhurst Dr
Contact: (317) 567-9451
Opening Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday & Thursday: Closed
- Wednesday: 6 pm – 12 am
- Friday – Saturday: 6 am – 1 am
8 Seconds Saloon is only open three times a week, which is probably a good thing because we don’t think Indy can handle all the hard and heavy energy every night. This nightclub is massive, perfect to dance in Indy—there are literally dance lessons!
And if you love country music, this is a certified go-to. Live performers swing by on weekends, and dance nights are held every Wednesday. It has a dedicated dance floor for line dancing, which offers a more choreographed vibe while still being totally fun.
If you’re brave enough, ride the mechanical bull and see how long you’ll last. If live music is your jam, head on over for a more intimate concert with club vibes—it’s easy to find a spot to watch the stage since the venue is big.
When you want to socialise, there are pool tables and cornholes to play on, as well as TVs to watch sports.
| Pro Tip: If it’s your birthday month, we suggest celebrating the night here because they offer free entry to you and five of your friends. Do check if it’s still applicable by the time your birthday comes. |
Tin Roof
– Media credit: tinroofindy
Address: Century-Building – 36 S Pennsylvania St
Contact: (463) 724-2684, [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Monday: 4 pm – 12 am
- Tuesday – Friday: 4 pm – 3 am
- Saturday – Sunday: 11 am – 3 am
This corner spot is an unpretentious club in Indy where the music is thumping and the vibes thrilling. Tin Roof is not your typical club, but a bar and music venue where you can sing, dance, and drink beer all night long.
The vibe is fairly chill—not too crazy but not boring either. It’s ‘cause it’s more of a music venue where performers are always welcome—the schedule is packed the majority of the week with a lineup composed of a variety of genres, from country music to EDM.
The pours are solid, especially during happy hour. There are classic shooters, craft beer, and creative cocktails to keep the party going. We recommend the Five for $5 Food Special for Southern food favourites.
| Pro Tip: Drop by when there are musicians on schedule for a more lively experience. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, as this isn’t your usual crazy nightclub. |
The Rabbit Hole
– Media credit: rabbithole_indy
Address: 47 S Meridian St
Contact: (317) 414-9379
Opening Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday – Saturday: 10 pm – 3 am
An Alice in Wonderland-like nightclub in Indianapolis? You bet we were one of the first to go! The Rabbit Hole is a speakeasy club that takes cues from the popular book, as it will bring you to a whimsical space—except you drink booze instead of tea.
Located underground (it’s in the basement), it provides total privacy and feels more intimate. The DJs are always poppin’ and will make your body groove by serving the hottest beats, such as EDM, reggaeton, hip-hop, and country.
During special events, tickets are required (they’re usually sold on Eventbrite). But most of the time, there’s no need to purchase one in advance. Just show up and pay the cover at the door—sometimes, ladies are free until 1 am!
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, an RSVP is required for the girls to enter for free. Check their Instagram for updates. |
Greg’s Our Place
– Media credit: gregsourplace
Address: 231 E 16th St
Contact: Customer feedback form
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 4 pm – 3 am
- Sunday: 4 pm – 3 am
Everyone is welcome at Greg’s Our Place, a gay bar that provides a safe and inclusive space for every gender, whether you’re a local or passing by Indy. And it isn’t just for dancing and drinking because this club offers entertainment.
Gorgeous drag queens perform at the nightclub, where music and comedy collide. You’ll even spot popular queens through meet and greets, like RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants, Manila Luzon and Kerri Colby.
Other exciting events go down at the club, including karaoke nights, tournaments, viewing parties, and social activities. Of course, the booze doesn’t disappoint, as they serve classic cocktails with strong spirits!
| Pro Tip: This is a cash-only venue, so bring your dollars. |
Clayton’s Country Bar
– Media credit: claytonscountrybar
Address: 49 S Meridian St
Contact: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday – Saturday: 5 pm – 2 am
- Sunday: 11 am – 12 am
We’re in the Midwest, so naturally, we have a go-to country bar. That’s what Clayton’s Country Bar is, a spot in downtown Indianapolis that’s all about cold pints, dancing, friendly faces, local charm, and good ol’ Western beats.
It’s more laid-back, since it’s not your rowdy type of club. We usually go to this honky tonk to listen to country music and drink beer, which is a classic combo here in Indy.
If you want to groove and sing along, go in front of the stage. It’s not the biggest place, but it’s spacious enough to accommodate lots of dancing guests!
| Pro Tip: Check out their calendar to see live music events if you prefer a livelier visit. |
INVY Nightclub
– Media credit: invyidols
Address: 225 S Meridian St
Contact: (317) 296-8896, [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: Closed
- Friday – Saturday: 9 pm – 3 am
You can’t talk about the clubbing scene in Indianapolis without mentioning INVY. It’s THE nightclub for dynamic energy, where the music is loud, the drinks are strong, the guests are hot, the DJs are electric, and the vibe is lit!
Located downtown, this 12,000 sq ft nightclub is where you can dance in Indy without worries, because it’s a party scene. If you prefer a bit of privacy, you can reserve a VIP section or a private bar.
This club gets packed! Expect shoulder-to-shoulder dancing, but with space to rave. The music? Lots of club-dancing variety, including EDM, hip-hop, and reggaeton.
| Pro Tip: Line up early because the queue gets long during special events or holiday celebrations (like New Year’s). On casual days, it starts off slow, but expect the crowd to gather around 11 pm. |
