PLAINFIELD, IN (May 21, 2025) – Hendricks Live! in downtown Plainfield continues to announce exciting concerts and events for the 2025 season. Up next, Hendricks Live! is partnering with The Republican Newspaper and the Hendricks County Community Foundation to present a brand-new event series, titled Opening Doors, to celebrate the unique and often profound stories of those who live and work in Hendricks County.
“There are so many amazing individuals in this county who have overcome tremendous adversity while improving the lives of others,” said Chris Petrelli, Executive Director of Hendricks Live!. “Opening Doors gives us the opportunity to shed light on their stories and learn about the remarkable neighbors who live next door.”
Opening Doors will include the following unique events open to all ages starting in June 2025:
- Film Screening: “Live Like Haris” – June 21, 2025 at 7pm The film conveys the story of the Plainfield father and son team, Babar and Haris Suleman, who tragically died while attempting to raise money for underserved children in Pakistan while breaking the world-record as the youngest pilot to circumnavigate the globe in 30 days. This documentary also speaks to the way children of immigrants rise up to seek their place in the world. A talkback with the filmmakers and members of the Suleman family will conclude the event.
- Stories Next Door – September 13, 2025 at 7pm An evening of food, cocktails, and live storytelling featuring four residents with strong ties to Hendricks County who overcame unique challenges. To share your story and participate in this event, please reach out to Isabella Zarate at isabella@therepublicannewspaper.com.
- Film Screening: Carl Eskine Documentary/Spotlight on Special Olympics in Fall 2025 – A screening of “The Best We Got: The Carl Erskine Story” about Anderson, Indiana native and MLB baseball player Carl Erskine and his work with The Special Olympics, followed by a discussion with the Hendricks County Special Olympics and My Time to Shine, a local arts organization committed to serving children and adults of all abilities.
- Event in Winter 2026 – Event Details To Come
“We are proud to partner with Hendricks Live! and The Republican to launch this inspiring new series,” said William Rhodehamel, President & CEO of the Hendricks County Community Foundation. “Opening Doors reflects our shared commitment to building a more inclusive, connected, and compassionate community. These powerful stories remind us that every person has value, and every experience can spark greater understanding. We hope these events will inspire meaningful conversations and a deeper sense of belonging for everyone who calls Hendricks County home.”
Tickets are on sale now for the first event, Film Screening: Live Like Haris, for $10 each, and guests will receive a complimentary bag of popcorn with each ticket.
“When asked if The Republican Newspaper would be interested in working on this series with the Hendricks County Community Foundation and Hendricks Live!, the answer was an emphatic, ‘Yes!’” said Jerry Vornholt, owner and publisher of the newspaper. “The Republican has been covering the stories of Hendricks County residents since 1847 when the westward expansion of our young nation brought the first settlers to our county. Whether your family moved here 200 years ago or yesterday, your story is now a part of Hendricks County and our job is to reflect the lives of our community.”
Hendricks Live! is the premier venue in west central Indiana for year-round performances, events, and exhibits for all ages and interests. Since its launch in the spring of 2024, the venue has hosted a vast array of artists and community events.
TICKETS: Tickets are on sale now, and they will be available at hendrickslive.org/events. For questions about purchasing tickets, please email info@hendrickslive.org.
About Hendricks Live!
Located in the heart of one of the fastest-growing communities in the region, Hendricks Live! is Hendricks County’s new home for arts and entertainment. Featuring a 600-seat proscenium theatre and a 160-seat event space, Hendricks Live! is the premier destination in west central Indiana for local, regional, and national art and entertainment. The venue features year-round performances, events, and exhibits in various creative styles and disciplines by local, regional, and national artists and organizations. Follow us on Facebook @HendricksLive, Instagram, and YouTube @HendricksLive, or visit HendricksLive.org.
About The Republican Newspaper
In an age of social media and short attention spans, The Republican Newspaper provides a weekly source of news, entertainment, and stories of those who make up the Hendricks County community of today. In addition, weekly excerpts from past issues in the Yester-Year column gives a unique look at the way history unfolds in our community. Since 1847 The Republican has been reflecting the lives of Hendricks County residents.
About Hendricks County Community Foundation
The Mission of the Hendricks County Community Foundation: To be a trusted community partner in understanding needs, aligning resources, and empowering people to address today’s priorities and create lasting impact. Our vision is Hendricks County as a place where everyone has the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and the tools they need to build a stronger future together. The Community Foundation manages assets of over $31 million in a collection of funds created by individuals, families, businesses and organizations for charitable purposes. In 2024 the Community Foundation gave over $2.2M in grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to local students. For more information, call 317-268-6240 or visit www.hendrickscountycf.org.
