Justin Jacobs

Star correspondent

Spring has sprung so you can't use the weather as an excuse for not getting out and enjoying the city. Here are 10 events to mark in your calendar for April.

Mobb Deep

8 p.m. April 7, The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., $25-$50, (317) 259-7029, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/112376719.

New York City duo Mobb Deep are the definition of no frills hip-hop — rappers Havoc and Prodigy spit straightforward, storytelling rhymes over gritty, dark beats. In other words, this is the opposite of whatever new Drake track is taking over radio this week. The formula has worked for Mobb Deep, as they’ve been one of the more consistent and respected rap groups around since they debuted in the early 90’s. If you’re a sucker for decidedly un-pop hip-hop, throw on your best hoodie and hit The Vogue.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art Ultimate Trivia Challenge

7 p.m. April 9, Deer Zink Special Events Pavilion, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, $35, (317) 923-1331, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/114068756.

You’re a natural at Tuesday bar trivia over a basket of wings and some beers, so why not go a bit classier this time around? IMA’s Ultimate Trivia Challenge will put your pop culture and art knowledge to the test, mixing in game show and art class elements for a wholly unique evening. First prize is a private mini-golf party for 50 people (and last place earns you “Something so awful and amazing we can’t print it yet,” says IMA), so bring your competitive edge.

'The Book of Mormon'

April 12-April 17, various times, Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey, $35-$153, (317) 231-0000, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/114429866.

Could anyone else have turned Mormon missionaries into the stars of a Broadway musical? The geniuses behind “South Park,” Trey Parker and Matt Stone did just that with “The Book of Mormon,” which has dominated the theater world since it debuted in 2011. The show won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and launched the careers of Josh Gad (who voiced Olaf in “Frozen”) and Andrew Rannells (who recently appeared in “Hamilton”). This’ll be one of the hottest tickets of the season — don’t be the last to hear the good word.

Bike to the Ballpark

6 p.m. April 14, Sun King Brewery South Lot, 135 N. College Ave., free, (317) 602-3702, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/114394199.

The opening of baseball season each year brings with it the real arrival of springtime, great weather, barbecues and, of course, a bike ride through town with Mayor Joe Hogsett. Join Sun King Brewery for an opening day pre-party at 4 p.m., followed by a 1.7 mile ride from the brewery to Victory Field of the Indians’ season opener. Food trucks and craft beer will be on hand — and be sure to wear your helmet.

Death and Taxes Day: Bottle Release & Tasting Festival

12 p.m. April 16, Taxman Brewing Company, 13 S. Baldwin St., Bargersville, $10-$25, (317) 458-0210, taxmanbrewing.com.

The great Benjamin Franklin taught us that nothing in life is certain but death and taxes. But at the rate that Indiana is seeing amazing festivals and brewery events, he may as well have added craft beer to the list. Head out to Bargersville for Taxman Brewing Company’s Death and Taxes Day fest, featuring nearly 30 Indiana breweries, live music from local bands and the release of Death by Taxman, a Belgian-style stout flavored with vanilla beans. Some things in life are unavoidable, but beers like this certainly help.

Record Store Day

April 16, various sites and music stores, recordstoreday.com.

Record Store Day began back in 2007 when 1,400 independent record stores decided to devote a day to the unique culture of buying music. As in, please see yourself out, Spotify. Since then, RSD has blown up with dozens of bands dropping special releases every year and stores nationwide celebrating with festivities. This year, stop by Luna Music (5202 N. College Ave.) for a street party featuring live performances and Indy CD & Vinyl (806 Broad Ripple Ave.) for a live music tent and tons of food and giveaways.

Joel McHale Live

8 p.m. April 22, Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $45, (317) 231-0000, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/114794782.

Comedian Joel McHale has built an empire on great timing and expert sarcasm. As the host of E!’s “The Soup,” he skewers pop culture’s weirdest and most famous characters, and he stars on the cult hit sitcom “Community.” McHale’s stand-up is where he shines brightest, and he’s proven he knows how to handle a tough crowd. When he hosted the 2014 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the stiff audience sounded shocked (“You guys sound like you’re on a rollercoaster!” he jabbed). Expect a far less uncomfortable night at the Egyptian.

Canal Awakens

3 p.m. April 23, Downtown Indy Canal Walk, free, (317) 327-5823, downtownindy.org.

Welcome springtime with one of the city’s prettiest strolls, as businesses along the entire 2-mile stretch will open their doors, joined by live musicians, artists, food and drink stands and much, much more. The whole event is free, so bring family and friends alike for a day of easy going fun in beautiful weather. Join the Canal Awakens scavenger hunt and you could win some excellent prizes, or sit back and relax.

Ben Folds Concerto for Piano and Orchestra

8 p.m. April 29, Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, $20-$60, (317) 639-4300, indianapolissymphony.org.

Throughout his two decades in the spotlight, Ben Folds has always been deceptively serious. His breakthrough hit with Ben Folds Five was “Brick,” a tearjerker piano ballad, while that tune was sandwiched by tongue-in-cheek, snarky cuts like “The Battle of Who Could Care Less.” So while Folds is bringing his new, 25-minute concerto to the ISO, don’t expect just any night at the symphony. Folds’ composition will end a night also featuring John Luther Adams’ “Become Ocean” and Steven Mackey’s “Urban Ocean.”

Indiana ComicCon

12 p.m.-12 a.m. April 29, 8 a.m.-12 a.m. April 30 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 1, Indianapolis Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., $30-$60, indianacomicon.com.

This is it, folks. The big daddy of conventions, and this year’s is a doozy. Indiana ComiCon brings thousands to the city each year to celebrate all things fantasy, sci-fi, comic book and pop culture with a sea of impressively homemade costumes, panel discussions, events and tons of celebrity guests. Though the names may not mean much to non-fans, tell a ComiCon goer that Ray Park, Brent Spiner and Ian McDiarmid will be under one roof, and watch their eyes light up.