I'll (37M) be visiting Indianapolis Nov 4-6. Bought myself and my friend and his wife tickets to see John Cleese at Old National Centre.

Have never had the pleasure of spending time in Indianapolis-proper and would like a few tips and suggestions on the following:

I want to stay close to the theater but would also like to be near some bars or intimate venues that could have live music. Most likely going with a hotel over airbnb or vrbo mainly for airport shuttle service. I don't mind neighborhoods that require a hike of a mile or two to the theater, so long as it's safe-ish at night. I live in a sometimes-dodgy part of Chicago so I know to just be aware, head on a swivel, and move if I feel unsafe, but this is a completely different and new environment for me.

Patron Saint looks cool from the 2 seconds of "edm/bluegrass/folk/punk indianapolis" search I bothered to google- thoughts on this place for an old 37yo dude? Also thought Melody Inn looked fun. Places a dude willing to fly to Indy from Chicago to see John Cleese might dig. Also into Irish pubs that would have traditional music on Saturday or late Sunday night.

I don't drink, but I enjoy a late night out and decent food recs for after hours are much appreciated. Any late night coffee and chat spots?

My friend and his wife live in the Bridgefield area and are in their 60s- what options might they have to get to and from the theater beyond uber/lyft? I don't want a gift to turn into a hassle for them with driving from Bridgefield to Old National Centre and finding parking and walking from there( both have bad knees). Would parking downtown on a Sunday night be as expensive as getting a rideshare?

What's a nice but relaxed restaurant I could take my friends to? No restrictions on diet here. Willing to explore places without booze options in exchange for really 🔥 food.

What's the best unpretentious breakfast in or near downtown? Not into places where the staff asks you a version of "Do you know how this works?" before they've brought over the water. Big-ass Bagel or croissant sandwiches or any Indianapolis staples that won't have an hour-plus wait on a Sunday morning.

Are there any good oddities or curiosities shops, obscure vintage or especially collector toy stores or galleries I should check out if I'm looking for obscure/silly/weird art? Any place that sells weird taxidermy or parts of people in jars or teeth or two-headed calves or spooky shit like medical devices or creepy old dolls. Would also appreciate tips on secondhand or vintage shops that would have broken toys available. I use them in my art and always find different and cool things in different parts of the country. Love local toy stores and galleries.

Thank you for your input and getting through this rambling list of questions and recommendation requests. Excited to get out of Chicago for a days and explore your city.