All-Star Weekend guide

Indianapolis comes alive this week with the arrival of NBA All-Star Weekend 2024. Here’s a rundown of everything going on leading up to the big game:

The Tip Off, 6 p.m. Feb. 15, Bicentennial Unity Plaza, 117 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings and Indy native and nationally renowned comedian and actor Mike Epps will emcee this free 45-minute celebration. The program will include a musical performance by a surprise national artist, appearances by NBA and Pacers legends, music performed by local artists, a fireworks display, and more. Tickets are limited to 5,000 people and can be found at www.NBAAllStar2024.com.

NBA Crossover, Feb. 16-18, Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. A multi-day interactive fan event that brings basketball culture to the forefront, featuring player appearances, live performances and unique activations focused on art, music, fashion, technology and entertainment. Performances include Zedd and T-Pain, with doors opening at 9 p.m. Feb. 16; Walker Hayes and Keith Urban, with doors opening at 3 p.m. Feb. 17; and Lil Wayne, 3 p.m. Feb. 18.

BUTTER at Indy’s Home Court, 11 a.m. Feb. 16 to 6 p.m. Feb. 18, Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St. An expansion of BUTTER Fine Art Fair, featuring the works of more than 30 Black artists during NBA All-Star Weekend.

Slam Dunk Film Festival, Feb. 16-18, Living Room Theaters, 745 E. 9th St. Suite 810, Indianapolis. Fifteen basketball-themed films are scheduled to play for three days at Living Room Theaters. Many of the films have Q&As with the filmmakers and subjects including a special discussion with Paul George after the screening of “Amongst the Trees” at 1 p.m. Feb. 16.

Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, 7 p.m. Feb. 16, Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. Talent from media, sports and entertainment will compete on the court to tip-off the weekend’s marquee events.

Panini Rising Stars Challenge, 9 p.m. Feb. 16, Lucas Oil Stadium. Teams of first- and second-year players square off in this showcase of young talent.

All Star Weekend featuring Boosie, 11 p.m. Feb. 16, the Vogue Theatre, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis

NBA All-Star Practice and Media Day, 11 a.m. Feb. 17, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. All-Stars will share thoughts and answer questions during the media availability and take to the court for practice with their coaches and teammates.

HBCU Classic presented by AT&T, 2 p.m. Feb. 17, Gainbridge Fieldhouse. A rematch of the CIAA Championship as Winston-Salem State University takes on Virginia Union University.

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, 7:30 p.m. Feb 17, Lucas Oil Stadium. Fans will gather to watch the league’s brightest stars showcase their skills in the AT&T Slam Dunk, Starry 3-Point Contest and Kia Skills Challenge.

All-Starry Night, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Feb. 17, Newfields, 4000 Michigan Ave., Indianapolis. Join former NBA star George Hill and friends to dance the night away in THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Van Gogh. Enjoy an open bar with a curated selection of spirits, wine, and brews, including signature cocktails by Uncle Nearest. Newfields’ own Chef Patrick Russ will be serving up a winning spread of delicious culinary selections.

All Star Weekend featuring 2 Chainz, 11 p.m. Feb. 17, the Vogue Theatre

R&B Ain’t Dead Day Party, 2 p.m. Feb. 18, the Vogue Theatre

NBA All-Star Game 2024, 8 p.m. Feb. 18, Lucas Oil Stadium