Coming Soon to a Place Near You

Events taking place in Kokomo, Howard County, and the surrounding area from Feb. 2, 2025, and beyond

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Family YMCA. Don't miss your chance to sign up for our winter swim lessons! Your child can learn to swim, even during the chilly Indiana winters 🥶 . This is a perfect time to prepare for summer when everyone is eager to jump in the pool and cool off. Starting lessons in winter is beneficial because it helps your child get accustomed to the water and develop essential swimming skills. By the time summer arrives, they will be ready to dive right in. You can register your child today, either in person at the Y or online!

Volunteer Drivers Needed

Meals on Wheels is searching for volunteer drivers to help deliver meals to homebound clients. Deliveries take place five days a week and only involve one hour of your time. These meals are crucial to Meals on Wheels clients. To volunteer, or for more information, call 765-860-3758.

Winter Swim Lessons

Don't miss your chance to sign up for winter swim lessons at the Kokomo Family YMCA! Your child can learn to swim, even during the chilly Indiana winters. This is a perfect time to prepare for summer when everyone is eager to jump in the pool and cool off. Starting lessons in winter is beneficial because it helps your child get accustomed to the water and develop essential swimming skills. By the time summer arrives, they will be ready to dive right in. You can register your child today, either in person at the Y or online: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc

Tuskeegee Exhibit at Artworks

The national traveling exhibition “Tuskeegee Airmen: America’s Freedom Flyers” is on display at the Kokomo Art Association’s Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St. The exhibition will be open for free exhibition tours to community groups, churches, and schools, with educational curriculum and activity packets available during the tour. Artworks Gallery is open Mon.-Sat. from noon until 4 p.m. Additional exhibition tour times can be made possible by special arrangement. To schedule a tour, contact Curator/Coordinator Robin Williams at 317-213-5278 or by emailing curator@nolaworld.org.

Meditation Mondays

Experience change, growth, and vitality through meditation with Raine and Sage Healing Center, 901 S. Courtland Ave. Sessions take place every first and third Monday of the month from 10-10:45 a.m. and are free to all. The next session takes place on Mon., Feb. 3.

Tzion Community Food Pantry

Congregation Yeshivat Tzion, 614 W. Monroe St., holds a community food pantry every other Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Bring your own boxes or bags to take home food. The next pantry takes place Tue., Feb. 4. For more information, call 765-438-6858.

Homeschool Hangout

Homeschoolers are welcome to come to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., Feb. 5, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to visit and socialize while engaging in fun STEM games and activities. This event is for children ages 3-13.

Retirement Planning for All Ages

Everyone needs to enjoy financial wellness. Join the Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., on Thu., Feb. 6, from 6-7 p.m. as local attorney and financial advisor Eric Grzegorski offers retirement planning for all ages

Digital Den Designs: Friendship Bracelets

Valentines, Galentines, and just regular Palentines - come out to the Digital Den and make some matching necklaces with your friends, pals, and more to celebrate Valentine's Day. This event takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Digital Den, 210 N. Union St. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

Crisis Ready: Preparing Food and Water Supplies

Prepare by learning about water and food supplies from Crisis Ready Howard County on Thu., Feb. 6, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Century Villa Health Care, 705 N. Meridian St., Greentown. Learn about how much water and food you should have on hand and how to store your supplies. Free hands-only CPR training from the American Red Cross will also be available. Attendees must be at least 10 years old or older.

Doing the Dream

Renowned poet and social activist Sonia Sanchez will serve as keynote speaker for Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo’s 2025 “Doing the Dream” events, designed to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event is set for Feb. 6-7 and employs the theme “The Art That Moved the Movement.” The traditional community banquet will take place Thu., Feb. 6, in Hingst Hall on the Ivy Tech Kokomo Campus, 1815 E. Morgan St. Tickets are $60 each and go on sale Jan. 8 at link.ivytech.edu/2025DoingtheDream . Ticket sales end Jan. 30 or when sold out. All proceeds support the Ivy Tech Kokomo “Doing the Dream” Diversity Scholarship. On Friday, Feb. 7, Ms. Sanchez will participate in an “artivism” workshop with Ivy Tech students from around the state as well as a convocation for Ivy Tech Kokomo faculty, staff, and students.

Third House

Hosted by the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by NIPSCO, the Third House sessions provide a forum for chamber and the community to discuss pending legislation in the Indiana General Assembly with their elected representatives. During these sessions, state legislators Mike Karickhoff, Heath Van Natter Stacey Donato, and Jim Buck will address current issues that impact the community and businesses. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held on Fri., Feb. 7, from 8-9 a.m. at Indiana University Kokomo’s Kresge Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. Register for this event by clicking here.

Lunch and Learn

The Kokomo Family YMCA would love to see you at its February Lunch and Learn on Fri., Feb. 7. This free luncheon begins at 12:10 p.m. in the Community Room at the YMCA, 118 N. Union St. and is sponsored by Community Howard Regional Health. Patricia Keegan, nurse practitioner from Community Heart and Vascular Care will discuss heart health, identifying risk factors for heart disease and recommending screenings and services. A free lunch is provided to those who register before Feb. 2 To register, visit https://www.ecommunity.com/events/2025/first-friday-lunch-and-learn-february

Yarn: A Fiber Arts Group

Bring your crochet, knitting, needlework, or any fiber arts project and spend time with other crafters at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 210 N. Union St., on Fri., Feb. 7, from noon until 1:30 p.m. This program is for those teens and adults who have some prior experience as it will be conducted without instructors.

Recycled Picture Frame Art

Utilizing Cricut and Design Space, join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library to upcycle old picture frames into beautiful, decorative works of art! This event takes place on Fri., Feb. 7, from 6-7 p.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on events.

Night to Shine

Bridgeway Church announces that it will serve as a host of the 2025 Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This event, centered on God’s love, honors and values people with special needs through a unique event that offers a re-carpet entrance, hair and makeup stations, limousine rides, gifts, a catered dinner, sensory and respite rooms, karaoke, dancing, and a crowning ceremony during which every guest is honored as a king or queen. Night to Shine takes place Fri., Feb. 7, beginning at 6 p.m. at Bridgeway Church, 1401 E. Hoffer St. Guest registrations are limited to 100 guests. Register now by visiting www.bridgewaykokomo.com/nighttoshine .

Single Mingle Meet a Friend

Single Mingle Meet a Friend will take place Fri., Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. at Rhine Hall Entertainment and Event Venue, 507 N. Union St. Come mingle with other singles, or come with your partner for an enjoyable evening. There will be dating games, a cash bar, live music, dancing, food, and a unique auction. Register for this event by Feb. 1 by scanning the accompanying QR code. For more information, contact Widows’ Purse by emailing widowspurse1@gmail.com or by calling 765-271-4911.

Valentine Craft-a-Palooza

Valentine Craft-a-Palooza is a fun-filled, hands-on event where kids can unleash their creativity and make unique Valentine's Day crafts. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., Feb. 8, from 10-11 a.m. at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for kids of all ages.

Take Your Child to the Library Day

Bring your child to the library for a story walk and scavenger hunt on Sat., Feb. 8, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Prizes available while supplies last! This event takes place at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.

Crafting with Heart

Create a beautiful and unique heart-themed piece of wall art just in time for Valentine’s Day! Perfect for decorating your home, giving as a wedding gift, or gifting to someone special. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., Feb. 8, from 1-3 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clocking on Events.

Chili Cook-Off

The Russiaville AMVETS Post 27 will hold its annual Chili Cook-Off Sat., Feb. 8, from 3-7 p.m. Registration for this event is now open to the public. Ever wondered if your chili stacks up against the best? Do you have a desire to debate whether macaroni or beans belong in chili? Do you just want to eat some darn good chili? You can enter a crockpot of your best chili into the competition for just $10. Or you can eat and judge for yourself. A $10 ticket ($5 for kids) gets you a pass to an all-you-can-eat evening of chili fun! This year, AMVETS is offering cash prizes for the top two finishers: $125 for first place and $100 for second. The event takes place at the Jeff Stout Community Center, 650 N. West St., Russiaville. All proceeds from this event will go toward counseling services for veterans. To register, or for more information, visit www.amvetspost27.org or call 765-461-3096.

NERF Wars

Get ready to battle for NERF supremacy on Mon., Feb. 10, as the Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., transforms into warzone. Teens are invited to enjoy hot dogs and chips along with skirmishes with NERF guns provided by the library from 4:30-6 p.m. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win a NERF gun to take home in a special drawing. This event is limited to 30 participants, and registration is required. Register by calling 765-628-3534.

United Way Campaign Celebration

United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties will celebrate the success of its 2024 Campaign with a celebration on Tue., Feb. 11, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at The Hobson, 110 N. Washington St. Join them for lunch, catered by The Love Bug of Tipton, and an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication put into the 2024 campaign. Register by clicking here.

Maker Zone

Join the Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., on the second Tuesday of each month for crafts and fun in the Maker Zone. The next session takes place Tue., Feb. 11, from 3-4 p.m. after school.

Breakfast and BINGO

The Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., holds a morning of breakfast and BINGO on the second Friday of each month. Play for big prizes on Fri., Feb. 14, from 9-10 a.m.

Valentine Night Market

The Tipton County Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market will hold an indoor Valentine Night Market on Fri., Feb. 14, from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Tipton County Fairgrounds, 1200 S. Main St., Tipton. There will be more than 25 vendors. Market musicians Alec & Taylor and Forrest & and Michelle will perform. Drawpartner Graphics will do caricature drawings, and there will be a partner painting activity. One lucky shopper will win a gift basket.

Grandparents Dance

The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will host a Grandparents Dance on Fri., Feb. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at the Kokomo Senior Center in Foster Park. This event is open to all grandparents and grandchildren. No membership is required, but members and their children are admitted free. Cost is $5 per adult (cash only). The dress is casual, so come as you are!

Sweethearts Ball

Rhine Hall Entertainment and Event Venue, 507 N. Union St., will hold a Sweethearts Ball to benefit HOPE Autism and Other Disabilities Awareness, on Fri., Feb. 14. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of enchantment while helping people excel. This 18 and over event includes a photobooth, featured drinks, sweet treats provided by The Local Catering Co. Music will be provided by DJ Jansen, and the event will feature special guest Obtuse Magic. Tickets are $35 each or $60 per couple. Flowers are available for purchase, and there will be a free will donation coat check. For more information, visit www.rhinehallevents.com .

Marty Myers Legacy Conference

Professional Firefighters of Kokomo Local 396 will hold the inaugural Marty Myers Legacy Conference on Sat., Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Kokomo High School, 2501 S. Berkley Road. Join them for a day filled with inspiration, learning, and networking. Bobby Eckert of Eckert Fire Tactics with present Urban Engine Operations from 8 a.m. until noon. Robert James of Capitol Fire Training LLC will present Urban Forcible Entry from 1-5 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Marty Myers Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $60 and can be obtained by clicking here.

The CEO Experience

The Kokomo CEO Class of 2025 is thrilled to present this year’s class business: a gala. The unforgettable evening will be filled with networking, inspiration, and celebration. The CEO Experience will take place Sat., Feb. 15, from 6-9:30 p.m. at The Hobson, 110 N. Washington St. A VIP session will take place from 5-5:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in formal attire that makes them feel confident and comfortable. Please avoid jeans and casual wear to maintain the event’s elegant atmosphere. Ticket sales will be announced soon. Visit www.theceoexperience.org for updates.

Recycled Art Exhibition

The Kokomo Art Association is putting out the call to artists for a juried Recycled Art Exhibition. Applications can be found and submitted at www.kaaonline.org . Up to three pieces of art may but submitted by each artist. Read the submission criteria closely. Submission fee is $25. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, along with a People’s Choice award. Drop off and pick of artwork will be completed in person. No shipping. The deadline to submit is Feb. 17. The exhibition will run from March 7 until April 25. An opening reception will be held on March 7 from 5:30-8 p.m., and an awards reception will be held on April 4 from 5:30-8 p.m. The exhibition will be housed at the Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St. For questions, email kokomoartonmain@gmail.com .

Soup and Sound

The Eastern High School cafeteria will be filled with music on Sat., Feb. 22, as Keyton Romero performs at a fundraising event from 6-8 p.m. Keyton enchants audiences with her distinctive mix of country and rock and roll. Don’t miss her powerful, dynamic vocals at the Soup and Sound Fundraiser. The library will serve soup, salad, bread, drinks, and dessert. Freewill donations are welcome. Registration is required. Call 765-628-3534 to reserve your seat!

Cupid’s Game Show Night

Join the Rhine Hall Arts Department on Sat., Feb. 22, for Cupid’s Game Show Night, an evening of fun, laughter and love. Test your matchmaking skills. Participate in a silent auction for fabulous prizes, and enjoy a night filled with surprises. Bring your friends, your competitive spirit, and maybe even find your perfect match. The event will feature renditions of The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game, and The Not-So Newlywed Game. Interested in being a contestant? Email info@rhinehallevents.com . Winners of each game show will receive dinner for two at Marble Steakhouse. The event is hosted by guest emcee April Wines of Z92.5. Tickets are $30. A cash bar and concessions will be available. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Rhine Hall Arts Department expansion. Get tickets by visiting www.rhinehallevents.com .

Park Band Winter Concert

The Kokomo Park Band will present its winter concert, sponsored by Comprehensive Planning Corp., on Sun., Feb. 23, from 3-4:45 p.m. at the Kokomo High School Auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Road. The concert will feature trombonist John Huntoon on “Slidin’ Down the Mississippi” and the Retired Rum-Runners Traditional Jazz Band. Along with festive music from the French Quarter of New Orleans, the band will perform major works consisting of two collections based on Cajun folk music by composer Frank Ticheli. At intermission, the IU Kokomo Flute Choir will perform New Orleans-themed music. Beads and Mardi Gras cookies will be available for the audience. Admission is free, but folks are encouraged to bring toiletry items, including body wash, deodorant, and bathroom tissue, for C.A.M.

Black History Month Dance Expo

Celebrate African culture’s influence on dance in American throughout the years as the Black History Month Dance Expo comes to Rhine Hall Entertainment and Event Venue on Fri., Feb. 28. The expo is held in partnership with Dequane “Flow” Jackson. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available now for $40 each by visiting www.rhinehallevents.com . There will be a presentation of the Brandon White Memorial Scholarship during the event.

KPRD Softball

Registration for the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department’s softball leagues – men’s, women’s, and co-ed – will close on Fri., Feb. 28. League organizational meetings will take place on Tue., March 4, at 6:30 p.m. in Rodgers Pavilion at Highland Park. League play begins April 21. Diamond practice books will open and schedule pick-up information will be provided at the organizational meetings. Teams will be registered on a first come, first served basis. League sizes are limited. For more information, visit the Parks Department page at www.cityofkokomo.org .

Dance Intensive

Level up your dance skills with Dequane “Flow” Jackson at his incredible Dance Intensive on March 1 at Rhine Hall in Kokomo. There will be hands-on instruction and expert guidance as participants explore diverse dance styles. There will be two sessions from which to choose, or just join both! The morning session runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at a cost of $35 per person. The afternoon session runs from 2-6 p.m. at a cost of $45 per person. An all-day pass is just $70. No experience is needed. All dancers are welcome. Get your tickets now by visiting www.rhinehallevents.com.

KAA Photo Show

The Kokomo Art Association will hold its 2025 Photo Show from March 5-29. Drop-off for works is March 1 from noon until 3:30 p.m. The show takes place at the Kokomo Art Center, 525 W. Ricketts St. For more information, contact Cheryl at kokomoartassociation2014@gmail.com .

Harmony of Heritage

The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will perform its Harmony of Heritage concert on March 1, and it is searching for choir members who would like to perform as part of the event. This meaningful event will celebrate Black music in history and give singers an opportunity to perform alongside the orchestra, showcasing the power of music in bringing the community together. Those interested in joining the choir should contact Jennifer Rollins at kokomosymphony@sbcglobal.net or by calling 765-236-0251.

Photography Exhibition

The Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., will feature an exhibition showcasing the photography of local resident Terry Steiner. The exhibition will take place from March 1-8 in the library’s community room. Steiner brings 25 years of experience in capturing the essence of life through his lens.

Mardi Gras Party

The Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., invites teens to enjoy an afternoon filled with snacks, crafts, and endless fun with a Mardi Gras theme on Tue., March 4, from 3-4 p.m.

Marshmallow Madness

Get ready for a week-long celebration at the Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., from April 14-17. The library will celebrate marshmallows with fluffy, sweet, and delightful activities. Additional details will be provided in coming weeks.

Laser Tag at the Library

Gather your friends and get ready to dominate the competition at the Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., as it hosts an evening of Laser Tag! Navigate the library aisles, and battle it out among the shelves on Fri., April 25, from 6-8 p.m. All equipment will be provided, and pizza and drinks will be served. The event is open to tweens and teens ages 12-18. Space is limited. Four sessions lasting 30 minutes each will be conducted, and no more than 20 participants will be allowed to participate in each session. There may be opportunities to compete in more than one session, depending on participation. Register in advance by calling 765-628-3534.

Greentown Glass Festival

The Greentown Main Street Association announces the Greentown Glass Festival, scheduled for June 14, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. in downtown Greentown. The event is co-sponsored by First Farmers Bank and Trust. Enjoy nine restaurants within one block of downtown, along with food and craft vendors, a kid zone, a parade, local bands in concert, a car show, and more. Vendor space is available now. The 10x10 spaces are $25 each. For more information, email krystaltategmsa@gmail.com or visit www.greentownindiana.org/greentown-glass-festival .

Kokomo’s Funniest Comedian

Calling all comedians! Rhine Hall Entertainment and Event Venue will hold its second annual Kokomo’s Funniest Comedian competition every Friday evening in September, with a grand finale taking place Oct. 3. Registration is open now for comedians seeking to compete. Registration deadline is July 28. Submit your three-minute performance video to rhinehall.gary@gmail.com. Each week, a panel of judges will select a winner from a round of competition who will advance to the finals. Those in attendance also have a chance to advance a comedian through people’s choice voting. The winning comedian will receive a $500 cash prize, a trophy, and paying gigs at an upcoming Rhine Hall comedy showcase and as the host of the 2026 competition.