What's Happening This Week?

Events taking place in Kokomo, Howard County, and the surrounding area from Nov. 24-Dec. 7 and beyond

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TODAY

Bobkats Try-Out

The Kokomo Bobkats pro basketball team will hold their first try-out on Sun., Nov. 24, from 1-4 p.m. at the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St. Door open at noon. The fee for a try-out spot is $175 until the day of the event. The fee will be $200 at the door that day.

MONDAY

New Baby Bunch

Do you have a new bundle of joy? Or do you feel like you’re in the trenches of parenting? Join the New Baby Bunch for friendship, support, and to share your parenting journey with other caregivers. The group meets each Monday from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. The next meeting is Mon., Nov. 25. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblings are welcome to join also.

Homeschool Book Club

Homeschoolers, join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as it reads and discusses books from a variety of genres, from fiction to graphic novels. The club will meet on Mon., Nov. 25, from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Call 765-626-0827 for the current booklist.

Jurassic Story Time

Jurassic Story Time is a delightful and educational event that transports children to a world of adventure and discovery with different stories each week! Join the Kokomo Howard County Library on Mon., Nov. 25, from 10-11 a.m. at its Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.

Sew Much

Teens and adults can drop in to learn sewing or quilting basics or get help with their projects at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Sew Much event on Mon., Nov. 25, from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sewing machines provided. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.

Recovery Café

Turning Point – A System of Care offers the Recovery Café, a time to connect with love, show respect, cultivate compassion, practice forgiveness, encourage growth, and to give something back. Meetings take place at Turning Point, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. For additional information, visit https://bit.ly/3VRfRRL .

TUESDAY

Mental Health Access Days

Are you an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenge? Meet with a professional from 4C Health who can connect you to the support and services you need. Mental Health Access Days are held each Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.

Blood Drive

The Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., will hold a blood drive on Tue., Nov 26, from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. When you donate blood, you help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Sign up today and help the American Red Cross make a difference. You can schedule a time to donate by registering at www.redcrossblood.org.

Preschool STEAM

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Nov. 26, from 2:30-3:15 p.m. for an afternoon of science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities safe for young scientists and artists. Dress for a mess. The event is designed for children ages 3-5 and takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.

WEDNESDAY

Legal Aid Clinic

Need Pro bono representation? Have questions for an attorney? Apply with Pro Bono Indiana, Inc. to get the legal assistance you need at no cost to you! This service will be provided at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.

Creative Art Classes

The Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., holds Creative Art Classes with Lisa Muhs every Wednesday and Friday from 2-3:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per week or $30 per month. To register, call 765-457-9318 or email kokomocarver@gmail.com.

Blind Tiger Comedy Open Mic

Blind Tiger Comedy hosts an open mic comedy night each Wednesday evening at 9 p.m. at the Elbow Room, 1004 N. Washington St. Anyone is welcome to take to the microphone to try to make people laugh.

THURSDAY

Turkey Trot

The Kokomo Family YMCA will present its annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thu., Nov. 28. Run the race before you stuff your face! This is a timed, family-friendly run/walk race. Participants receive a t-shirt and a medal. Proceeds from the event benefit the YMCA’s annual campaign. Register now by clicking here. Note that the YMCA will operate on modified hours on Thanksgiving Day. The facility will be open from 7 a.m. until noon. However, the pool, Early Learning Center, and Play and Learn area will be closed, and no group classes will be held.

Thanksgiving Feast

Join the Kokomo Rescue Mission on Thu. Nov. 28, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for a Thanksgiving Feast. Meals are available for delivery, drive-thru, grab and go, or dining in at 321 W. Mulberry St. For delivery, call ahead 765-456-3838 to arrange delivery. Call now through Nov. 25 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Delivery takes place within the Kokomo city limits between 10:30 a.m. and noon on Thanksgiving Day. Drive-thru and grab and go are available at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St., from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

FRIDAY

Tiny Tykes Story Time

Journey into the world of early literacy, designed for children ages 0 to 2 and caregivers, with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., Nov. 29, from 10-10:45 a.m. The library’s engaging, interactive event nurtures a love for reading, language development, and sensory exploration. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.

Lights in the Airpark

The Grissom Air Museum, 1000 W. Hoosier Blvd., will present Lights in the Airpark from Nov. 29 through Jan. 5, 2025. The display will be open Thursdays-Sundays from 4:30-9:00 p.m. The park is closed Dec. 24-25; Visit www.grissomairmuseum.com/schedule-of-events for more information.

Christmas Lights of Greentown

The annual Christmas Lights of Greentown will hold its opening night on Fri., Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. The display takes place in the Pioneer Village of the Howard County 4H Fairgrounds, 610 E. Payton St., Greentown. The display will be open from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 25.

City of Lights

The City of Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department presents the City of Lights Christmas light display, beginning Fri., Nov. 29, and continuing nightly through Dec. 24. The display opens at dusk each evening, and Santa Claus will be on hand from 6-10 p.m. to greet guests at the end of the drive. This is a free event, but donations are accepted, which benefit the Y’s Men charity.

The Frozen Sandlot Returns

Ice skating at Kokomo Municipal Stadium returns as the City of Kokomo and Bridges Outreach present The Frozen Sandlot from Nov. 29, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025. The venue will be open on select dates for public skating, and it is available to schedule private events and parties. This year, the Frozen Sandlot will be joined by the city’s new Wintertyme Village. Visit www.frozensandlot.com to find the schedule, purchase tickets, and complete the online waiver form. The Frozen Sandlot is located at 400 S. Union St.

SATURDAY

Wild for Pollinators

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will a “Wild for Pollinators” exhibition of paintings and photographs at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, through Nov. 30. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 2-5:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Pages Across Kokomo

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library and the IU Kokomo Library team up to present Pages Across Kokomo, a community-wide book discussion, on Sat., Nov. 30, from 2-3 p.m. at KHCPL’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Join them as they discuss “Flags on the Bayou,” by James Burke.

Wintertyme Village

The first Wintertyme Village will take place at Kokomo Municipal Stadium, 400 S. Union St., beginning Sat., Nov. 30. The village will be open Saturdays from 2-7 p.m. and Sundays from 1-7 p.m. Admission is free. The holiday-themed village will be closed on parade night, Dec. 7, though vendors will be able to set up downtown on the square for the parade. Planned activities will take place every night in the village. Some activities will include decorating a Christmas cookie with Mrs. Claus, writing letters to Santa, and visits with Santa in the Santa House. In addition to the Frozen Sandlot ice skating operating during regular hours, movies may be shown on the stadium’s Jumbotron. Also, several commercial lighted and 3D displays will be set up along the Stadium’s walking path.

Christmas at the Seiberling

Christmas at the Seiberling will hold its Opening Night Ceremony on Sat., Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Join Santa Claus and the Howard County Historical Society as we kick off the holiday season, inviting guests to be the first to view the Seiberling Mansion dressed in holiday splendor. The Seiberling Mansion is located at 1200 W. Sycamore St. It will be open for tours Tuesday through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. On Thursday and Friday evenings from 4-8 p.m. during the first three weeks of December, admission to the museum is free, thanks to community sponsors. Visit www.howardcountymuseum.org for more information.

Community Cereal Drive

Join the Center Township Trustee’s Office in aiding the Hand Up Food Pantry’s Community Cereal Drive. Now through Nov. 30, you can help families in Center Township by donating kids’ cereal, granola, hot oatmeal, or any other non-perishable breakfast items. Drop off your items at the Center Township Trustee’s Office, 213 E. Jefferson St., during normal operating hours. Monetary donations also are accepted. To make arrangements for items to be picked up, or for any questions, call 765-452-8259.

COMING SOON

Seasonal Volunteers Needed

The Kokomo Rescue Mission is searching for volunteers to assist with seasonal activities. Sign up to help wrap Christmas presents, deliver Thanksgiving meals, or deliver Christmas boxes. Sign-ups are accepted by visiting www.kokomorescuemission.org/volunteer

Toys for Tots Drop-Off

Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union is serving as a drop-off partner with Toys for Tots. Stop by either Solidarity location and make a donation until early December. You can help spread holiday cheer with your donation of new, packaged toys. Know a family in need? Encourage them to apply for toys at heyor.ca/cHPsKs

Wrapping Volunteers Needed

The Mrs. Claus Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to giving gifts at Christmas to deserving families through generous donations from businesses and individuals, will hold a gift-wrapping event on Sun., Dec. 1, from 1-4 p.m. at Rhine Hall Entertainment and Events, 507 N. Union St. Volunteers are needed to wrap the more than 100 gifts destined for local families this Christmas season. Mrs. Claus also accepts donations of wrapping paper, gift bags, tape, scissors, tissue paper, and other supplies used to wrap gifts. Find Mrs. Claus’ Foundation on Facebook, and message them if you have a donation that needs to be picked up. Sign up to volunteer by visiting https://form.jotform.com/242044290614146

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., Dec. 2.

Elf Boot Camp

Children visiting the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Mon., Dec. 2, will learn gift wrapping, cookie decorating, and how to surprise friends and family with little acts of kindness. It’s all part of Elf Boot Camp, where kids will hear a story and sing a song to get into the holiday spirit. The event takes place from 10-10:45 a.m. and is designed for children ages 3-5, though all kids are welcome.

The Gift of Yoga

Give yourself the gift of time for yourself during the busy holiday season with a gentle yoga class on Tue., Dec. 3, from 6-7 p.m. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a session of Yoga Does a Body Good at the Jeff Stout Community Center, 650 N. West St., Russiaville.

Homeschool Hangout

Homeschoolers are welcome to come to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., Dec. 4, 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.

Gingerbread Fun

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will provide some holiday magic in Russiaville, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., Dec. 5, from 10-11 a.m. with a special story time, songs and a gingerbread house craft. This event is designed for children ages 2 and up.

Blood Drive

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a blood drive on Thu., Dec. 5, from 1-6 p.m. at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Help save a life. Register ahead of time by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

Yarn: A Fiber Arts Group

Bring your crochet, knitting, needlework, or any fiber arts project to chill and spend time with other crafters on Fri., Dec. 6, from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St.

Teen Holiday Party

Bring your friends to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., Dec. 6, from 3-5 p.m. to celebrate the holiday season. Make crafts, play games, and nosh on snacks while supplies last. This event is for teens only.

Winterfest

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m. as it hosts a fun evening of holiday stories, games, and crafts at the Jeff Stout Community Center, 650 N. West St., in Russiaville. KHCPL staff will host story times at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Santa Mrs. Claus will arrive by fire truck at 5:30 p.m.

First Friday

Wear your warmest and ugliest (or at least most festive) holiday sweater, and head downtown for a holiday celebration on Fri., Dec. 6, from 5:30-8 p.m. There will be after-hours activities beginning at 8 p.m. This is a free, arts-based, open house tour of beautiful downtown Kokomo. Each month features a theme with downtown venues catering their activities to the month’s theme. Visitors to the downtown area during the event will find discounts and activities at shops and restaurants, and live music, public art, family-friendly activities, and more. Visit www.firstfridaykokomo.com for the festive details.

A Christmas Story: The Musical

Kokomo Civic Theatre promises not to shoot its eye out, but all bets are off when it comes to licking the flagpole. The troupe will perform A Christmas Story: The Musical on Fri., Dec. 6, and Sat., Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. at Havens Auditorium on the Indiana University Kokomo campus, 2300 S. Washington St. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors age 60+, $18 for students through college, and $14 for children under age 12. Tickets can be obtained by visiting www.kokomocivictheatre.org .

Girls Winter Basketball League

Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., will offer a Girls Winter Basketball League, beginning Dec. 8 and running through Jan. 12, 2025. Tune up your game for the school basketball season. There will be grade divisions for the teams: 3^rd-5^th grade and 6^th-8^th grade. Games will be played on Sunday afternoons. Registration is $50 per person or $175 per team. The registration deadline is Dec. 6. To register, text “winter league” to 317-529-7504.

Breakfast with Santa

You’re invited to a sausage and pancake breakfast with Santa Claus on Sat., Dec. 7! Visit with Santa, have your picture taken, and sign up for door prizes at this special event, sponsored by the Greentown Volunteer Fire Co. and Brad Howell Ford. Photos by John Custer Photography. The breakfast takes place from 8-11 a.m. at the Howard County Fairgrounds, 610 E. Payton St. This is a free event. However, non-perishable food items will be collected and then donated to the Greentown Lions Club for distribution to local families in holiday food baskets.

Kokomo Christmas Parade

The City of Kokomo’s annual Christmas Parade, presented by Indiana Heartland Federal Credit Union, will take place Sat., Dec. 7, in downtown Kokomo. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with train rides, miniature farm animals, Elf Bingo, carolers, and of course, Santa Claus, and the parade will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Square Dancing Date Night

The local chapter of Better Together will hold a fun-filled night of square dancing at the Legacy Barn, 951 N, 600 W, on Sat., Dec. 7, from 6:30-8 p.m. No experience necessary. Lessons will be given. No childcare offered for this event. Sign up in advance by clicking here.

The Pub & Grub Comedy Tour

Rhine Hall Entertainment and Event Venue, 507 N. Union St., welcomes the Pub & Grub Comedy Tour to Kokomo on Sat., Dec. 7. The event includes two shows, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., featuring comedians Larry Reeb and Andy Gunnin, with guest emcee Randy Maurer. Tickets are available now for $20 or $25 at the door on the day of show. For more information about the featured comedians, visit www.barcomictix.com or visit @BarComedyUSA on Facebook or YouTube.

KSO Youth Holiday Concert

The Kokomo Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform a Youth Holiday Concert on Sun., Dec. 8, from 3-5 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. This is a free performance.

Kokomo Curbside Care

Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, 202½ E. Lincoln Road, will hold Kokomo Curbside Care on Mon., Dec. 9, from noon until 2 p.m. Drive up, and they will bring out diapers, wipes, and other available baby supplies, while they last. No appointment needed! For more information, call 765-454-5566.

Curtain Call’s ‘A Christmas Carol’

Tickets are going fast for the Curtain Call Theatre for Children’s studio production of A Christmas Carol. Seats are reserved, and space is limited at the studio, 2114 N. Armstrong St. Performances take place Thu., Dec. 12, Fri., Dec. 13, and Sat., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. nightly, and on Sun., Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and are available by visiting www.kcctc.org.

Delivery Drivers Needed

The Kokomo Rescue Mission is searching for volunteer delivery drivers to help deliver the Red Ribbon Christmas Program gift boxes to those who qualify in Howard County. Delivery takes place Fri., Dec. 13, at 7:30 a.m. To be a driver, register online at www.kokomorescuemission.org/volunteer. Drivers will need at least one additional person to assist in delivery.

Holiday Extravaganza

Silver Birch of Kokomo, 408 S. Washington St., invites the community to attend its annual Holiday Extravaganza on Fri., Dec. 13, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. There will be a candy cane scavenger hunt, games, cookies, Christmas shopping booths from local vendors, a silent auction of baked goods and crafts, music by DJ Tic Toc and a visit from Santa Claus.

Christmas @ Kirkendall

Join the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department as it hosts a Christmas evening at the Kirkendall Nature Center in Jackson Morrow Park. Join them on Fri., Dec. 13, from 4-7 p.m. for holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and a special meeting with Santa Claus and his REINDEER! Bring the whole family for this magical meet and greet!

Battle of the Christmas Cookies

Kokomo Urban Outreach will hold its annual Battle of the Christmas Cookies on Sat., Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Northside Village Church, 2430 N. Jay St. Enter your favorite Christmas cookies for prizes and bragging rights. Cookies will be available by the dozen for a donation. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas with the UP programs. For more information, or to be a baker, judge, or sponsor of this event, call 765-457-1983 or email boccookies@gmail.com 

Cookies with Santa

The Center Township Trustee’s Office will hold its second annual Cookies with Santa event on Sat., Dec. 14, from 1-3 p.m. at the Center Township Community Service Building, 213 E. Jefferson St. Join Santa and his elves for cookies and hot cocoa. All children will receive a special gift from Santa. This event is free and open to the public.

Field Live! Exhibition

The Field LIVE! Exhibition at the Indiana University Kokomo Art Gallery, 2300 S. Washington St., features student artwork that was highlighted in Field: A Journal of Arts and Sciences, Volume 9, edition for 2024. The exhibition will continue through Dec. 18. Visit kokomo.iu.edu/gallery for more information.

Cowboy Church

On the third Saturday of each month, Fairview Baptist Church holds Cowboy Church. It’s a combination of Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Hymns and a lot of serious goofing off. The next Cowboy Church will take place Sat., Dec. 21, at 5 p.m. Fairview Baptist Church is located at 2108 E. Vaile Ave. behind the Kmart Plaza.

YMCA Winter Camp

No school, no problem! Registration for Winter Camp at YMCA Camp Tycony is now open! Winter Camp will run on Dec. 23, 26, 27, 30, and Jan. 2-3, 2025. Winter Camp will be “snow” much fun for everyone! Your camper will have the opportunity to participate in various outdoor activities (weather-permitting), indoor activities, and extra-special Christmas-themed activities. You won't want to miss this! To register, visit https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc

New Year’s Bash

Join Rhine Hall Entertainment and Events in celebrating one year in operation as well as the arrival of a new year! Rhine Hall, 507 N. Union St., will hold a New Year’s Bash on Tue., Dec. 31. Doors will open at 8 p.m., and dinner will be served as 8:30 p.m. At 9 p.m. Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel will be joined by the United States Blues Band for a concert to welcome 2025. Tickets are available now at the pre-sale price of $85 each. Admission includes party favors, a champagne toast, and a photo booth. Visit www.rhinehallevents.com/event-details-registration/new-years-eve-bash to purchase tickets.

Homestead Exemptions

Now is the time to file the homestead exemption on your property! If you purchased or refinanced a home in 2024, or if you added or removed anyone from the deed to your home via quit claim, you will need to file for a homestead exemption to your property taxes. An exemption is valid only for your primary residence. File your mortgage and/or homestead exemptions at the Howard County Auditor’s Office, 220 N. Main St., Room 222, by Dec. 31, 2024.

Single Mingle Meet a Friend

Widows' Purse Corp is seeking volunteers for its first quarter fundraiser, Single Mingle Meet a Friend, taking place Fri., Feb. 7, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Rhine Hall Entertainment and Event Venue 507 N. Union St. Widows’ Purse is seeking courageous individuals willing to auction their skills at the event. If you are a man skilled in fixing cars and house-related issues, knows how to “do manly stuff,” is really good at telling jokes, and is a delight to spend time with, we want to hear from you! If you are a woman who cooks “better than momma,” easily passes the white-glove cleaning inspection, or does laundry like no other, we want to hear from you! We want men and women who would be courageous to offer your skills! We want to auction YOU! Are you brave enough?  If you possess exceptional talents or attributes, we encourage you to participate. Interested individuals should contact Widows’ Purse by emailing widowspurse1@gmail.com or by calling 765-271-4911 for further information and screening, prioritizing safety. This opportunity may lead to meaningful connections or friendships.