What's Happening This Week?
Events in the Kokomo and Howard County area taking place May 21-27 and beyond
This article is brought to you by the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Kokomo. Discover Real Magic with Coca-Cola.
TODAY
Kokomo Beach Opening Weekend
The Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center will open on Sun., May 21, for the weekend only. Times are noon until 7 p.m. Kokomo Beach will open daily for the season starting May 27. Visit https://www.cityofkokomo.org/departments/kokomo_beach.php for additional information.
Kitten Yoga
Enjoy a relaxing hour of yoga, kittens, and a Sun King beverage on Sun., May 21. Sun King Kokomo, 500 N. Buckeye St., will hold a fundraising event for the Kokomo Humane Society from 2-3 p.m. in the Depot Room. Each ticket purchased entitles you to a beverage of your choice and an hour-long yoga session with kittens from the Kokomo Humane Society running around. Get your tickets at the Sun King Taproom or by clicking here.
MONDAY
Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow will be held at the Very Early Childhood Education Center, 210 W. Walnut St., on Mon., May 22, from 10-10:30 a.m. for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
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., May 22, from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Call 765-626-0827 for the current booklist.
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., May 22, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 4-7 p.m. Sewing machines provided. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Teen Art Display
Come and paint on a blank canvas to have your art hung and featured on the walls of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Young Adult Department at the main branch, 220 N. Union St. This afternoon of painting will take place on Mon., May 22, from 4-5:15 p.m.
DC Sprint
Be a legendary dad and join Dad Camp for a special event on Sat., May 27. This experience for dads and their children will include good food, fun games, and more. The event will take place from 4-9 p.m. at the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St. The cost is $20 for a dad and child. Additional children are $10 each. The cost includes dinner, t-shirts, and a photo gift. DC Sprint is for dads who have never been to Dad Camp and have a student in grades 1-8. The registration deadline is May 22. To register, visit https://www.dadcamp.info/sprint.html
Mr. Kingston’s Historic Car Show
Join the Howard County Historical Society for Mr. Kingston’s Historic Car Show on June 9-10. Held on the lawn of the Seiberling Mansion, 1200 W. Sycamore St., the car show features historic cars, derby races, prizes and refreshments. Admission is free. The show runs from 4-8 p.m. on Fri., June 9, and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sat., June 10. The application to apply to include your historic (pre-1950) car is located here: https://howardcountymuseum.org/programs/mr-kingstons-historic-car-show. Don’t delay. Applications are due by May 22.
TUESDAY
Rise and Grind Breakfast
Recovery Café, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., will host its first Rise and Grind breakfast fundraiser on Tue., May 23, from 7:30-9 a.m. Tickets for this breakfast are $25. To register for or sponsor this event, visit https://rb.gy/tugair.
Free Mental Health Walk-In Clinic
Are you an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges? Come talk confidentially to a 4C associate who will help you find help locally. The walk-in clinic will be held on Tue., May 23, from 9 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Card Creators
Stay connected with friends and family with a handmade card that shows you care. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., May 23, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. to make three all-occasion greeting cards. All supplies are provided at no cost! This event is for adults and will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Next Chapter Book Club
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a meeting of the Next Chapter Book Club on Tue., May 23, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Main branch, 220 N. Union St. Join the library for a relaxed, small group setting of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to read, learn, and make friends. Register by contacting Marsha at 765-626-0813.
Introduction to Foxy Dance
Go from zero experience to feeling comfortable slow dancing at any social function. Grab a friend and learn how to foxy dance with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., May 23, from 6-8 p.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
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., on Wed., May 24, from 9 a.m until noon. No appointment needed.
Community CareMobile
Community Howard Regional Health offers a Community CareMobile Walk-In Clinic Wed., May 24, from 9 a.m. until noon and 12:30-4 p.m. at Walgreens, 2349 E. Markland Ave. No appointment needed. Services offered include adult and pediatric sick visits, annual wellness exams for adults, COVID, flu, and strep testing, disease management for adults, flu shots for adults, and specialty care referrals. The Community CareMobile Clinic is a full-service primary care office on wheels, complete with a private exam room and standard testing and lab equipment. Patients are seen by a nurse practitioner and registered nurse. Patient records are securely documented in Epic, and results are available via MyChart. Standard primary care billing rates apply. Financial assistance is available for those without insurance.
Discovery Center: Robots
Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Wed., May 24, have fun with low-tech robots at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Card Creators
Stay connected with friends and family with a handmade card that shows you care. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Wed., May 24, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. We will make three all-occasion greeting cards. All supplies are provided at no cost! Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events.
THURSDAY
Somers Park Clean-Up Day
Join the Center Township Trustee’s Office on Thu., May 25, for a special Somers Park Clean-Up Day. Volunteers and friends are welcome to join the township at 10 a.m. for a clean-up of Somers Park, 1000 E. Jefferson St., in advance of the summer season. Food will be provided to participants. For additional information, call the Center Township Trustee’s office at 765-452-8259.
STEAM Mania
Enjoy fun and games related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math on Thu., May 25, from 3-5 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is intended for children ages 6-13.
Teen Art Group
Would you like the chance to sketch, color, and paint regularly with your friends? Then join the Teen Art Group at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., May 25, from 4-5 p.m.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., May 25, from 5:05-6 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Write something to submit and critique. Teens who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events.
Bee Day
In honor of World Bee Day, join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library to make bee crafts, learn how to help our buzzy friends, and plant flowers bees love. This event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., May 25, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. See what beekeeping is all about, and look at the real tools they use.
FRIDAY
Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow will be held at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Fri., May 26, from 10-10:30 a.m. for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
Summer Camp Open House
Join the Kokomo Family YMCA on Fri., May 26, from 5-6:30 p.m. for an open house at Camp Tycony, 27 South, 300 West, to learn more about the summer camp program. Meet the camp counselors. Take a tour of the camp, and engage in camp activities as well as a campfire cookout. This is also a great opportunity to drop off copies of your camper’s birth certificate and immunization record.
SATURDAY
Downtown Farmers Market
The Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market is located at the corner of Mulberry and Washington streets and is open Sat., May 27, from 9 a.m. to noon Find local produce, handmade artisan items, home-baked goods and much more.
Kindermusik Laugh and Learn
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Laugh and Learn will be held at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Sat., May 27, from 10-10:30 a.m. for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the Jamestown Jackals on Sat., May 27, Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, 200 N. Apperson Way. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Gates open one hour before tip-off. Tickets are $20 for lower bowl seating and $10 for upper bowl seating; Season tickets are $250 for lower bowl and $120 for upper bowl. Buy season tickets and merchandise anytime at 2989 S. Webster St. or by visiting www.kokomobobkats.com.
COMING SOON
Kokomo Speedway Racing
The Kokomo Speedway, 2455 N. Davis Road, will host BC’s Indiana Double, involving non-wing 410 sprint cars, modifieds, and thunder car racing, on Sun., May 28. General admission is $20. HARF members receive a $5 discount with a valid membership. Kids ages 12 and under are admitted free. Pit passes are $30. The pit gate opens at 3 p.m. Grandstands open at 4 p.m. Hot laps take place at 6:30 p.m. Racing begins at 7:30 p.m. For additional information, call 765-459-3877 or visit www.kokomospeedway.net.
YMCA Summer Camp
Registration for Summer Camp 2023 is now open. Make plans to keep your child active and engaged this summer by enrolling your child today for the Kokomo Family YMCA’s Summer Camp at Camp Tycony. Your child will have the opportunity to have fun exploring nature on 52 beautiful acres with hiking trails, ponds, wooded areas, and more. They also will find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. Summer Camp at the Y provides a perfect, safe environment for weeks of laughing, playing, and learning. Summer Camp will start on Tue., May 30. Spots will fill up quickly, so register online today by visiting https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
Summer Reading Sneak Peek
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a sneak peek at this year’s Summer reading program on Wed., May 31, from 1-3 p.m. as part of Make a Difference Day. Welcome guests from the Children's Museum of Indianapolis for an interactive afternoon of family learning and discovery about The Power of Children! This event is open to all ages and will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Final ‘Silent Sky’ Performance
You will have one final opportunity to see the Kokomo Civic Theatre’s award-winning production of “Silent Sky” before the show heads to the National AACTFest in Louisville in June. The final performance will take place on Wed., May 31 at 7:30 pm at Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. This will be the one-hour competition version of the show, and it will allow you to see our 10-minute stage set-up before the performance and 10-minute strike after the performance. Tickets are just $10 and are general admission. Purchase online at kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets (There is no online service charge for this performance.) Help KCT raise the remaining funds needed to travel to Nationals.
Art Camp
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for Art Camp on The., June 1, from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Art Camp offers artistic adventures and celebrations of creativity, friendship, and fun! Camp will take place in the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom.
Strawberry Festival
The First Friday Strawberry Festival takes place on Fri., June 2, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets for strawberry shortcake are $6 each. Tickets are available on the day of the event, but they also may be purchased in advance right now. To get tickets, visit any First Farmers Bank and Trust location, any branch of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, or the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association office at Inventrek Technology Park, 700 E. Firmin St. There will be food trucks vendors at the festival as well, including: The Coterie; Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream; Georgia’s Kitchen; Hawg Heaven; Home Team Ice Cream; Kona Ice; Papa Floyd’s Polar Ice; Sun King Kokomo; Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck; and Ubuntu Foodbus by Bind Cafe. Live music will be provided by Rhum Academy of Music. Performers scheduled include: 11 a.m.-2:20 p.m. — Nick Johnson, Jen Bird, The Rhum Family, Hailey Gillem and Ione Wallsmith; 3:20-9 p.m. —Asia Newby, Sami Lightsey, Erin Soutar, Bekah Cripe and Kokomo Park Band; 6 p.m. — Owen, Sam, Zion; Gavin, Viola; Shayden Smith; Jewel Jasay; 7:25 p.m. — Hudson, Kadin, Levi, Arden; 8-9 p.m. — Barrelhouse. The Kokomo Strawberry Festival is sponsored by First Farmers Bank and Trust.
KHCPL Summer Reading Program Kick-Off
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will kick off its annual Summer Reading Program with a party on Fri., June 2, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This year’s theme is “All Together Now.” Earn prizes for keeping up your reading streaks, plus earn a ticket to the end-of-summer Splish Splash Final Bash at Kokomo Beach, sponsored by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union! A sneak peek at this year's Summer Reading Program can be found by clicking here.
Artsapalooza Art Competition
Come to downtown Kokomo on Fri., June 2, for a plein air paint-out competition. The event will coincide with Kokomo’s annual Strawberry Festival and Artsapalooza Art Market. The plein air paint-out will be an opportunity for artists to depict downtown Kokomo between 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and compete for $1,400 in prizes. The competition will be juried by Cincinnati artist Brad Davis. Awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m., and participating artists will have an opportunity to exhibit their paintings at the IU Kokomo Campus Gallery until the end of June. Pre-registration is not required. To participate in this free event, artists must sign in at the Kokomo Art Association Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., between 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. and have their substrates (canvas, panel, etc.) stamped. A valid stamp will be required if artists want to be considered for the available awards. As a note, if an artist would like to exhibit their work at the IUK campus gallery, they will need to fill out some information about their work, along with their contact info, and have a ready-to-hang frame available. For any questions about the event, please contact Aaron Pickens at: ajpicken@iu.edu . Funding for the event comes from the Indiana Arts Commission. Additional support for the event by Indiana University Kokomo, the Kokomo Art Association, and the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association.
Bike Trail Tours
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department staff will lead community bike rides that explore mapped sections of the different trails that Kokomo has to offer. This event takes place on Fri., June 2, at 6 p.m. at the Koko-Go Bike Share Station, 307 S. Main St. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
Leg It for Literacy Virtual 5K
Run or walk in this virtual 5K to raise funds for the Literacy Coalition of Howard County. Seek out individual donors or get sponsored by a business. Register and return results at m2behnke@gmail.com. Utilize a free fitness app, such as Strava, to record your 5K all-in-one activity, from June 2-4. A plaque will be given to the individual with the highest donations and for the fastest runner. Donations can be made online at: https://www.literacycoalition.com/donate or can be mailed or brought to: 901 S. Courtland, Kokomo, IN, 46901.
Downtown Farmers Market
The Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market is located at the corner of Mulberry and Washington streets and is open Sat., June 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Find local produce, handmade artisan items, home-baked goods and much more.
Closing the Gap
Register now at the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., for reading and math enhancement classes. These classes for students in grades 3 through 5 will take place each Tuesday and Thursday from June 3-29. Each session will run from 9 a.m. until noon. For additional information, call 765-457-9318. These classes are conducted with the support of the Kokomo School Corporation. Parents, when registering your child, please provide their end-of-year iReady math and reading scores.
Family Movie Night
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a free movie on Sun., June 4, from 8:45-10 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy a fun-filled family time at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. For more details visit the program listing under "Events" at KHCPL.org.
Addiction Recovery Coach Certification
Earn training to become a certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach through Turning Point System of Care. Classes will be held June 5-9 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day at Turning Point, 1234 N. Courtland Ave. The cost of classes is $500. The CCAR Recovery Coach Academy educates participants on how to promote recovery for people seeking recovery from substance use or other mental health struggles and how to help remove obstacles and barriers to recovery. It is a five-day, 30-hour interactive knowledge and skill development training. Participants are expected to attend all five days of training. A prerequisite for the course is personal, lived experience in recovery from addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring substance and mental disorders. A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is also required. For additional information, contact Molly Marburger at mollym@turningpointsoc.org or call 765-480-4438.
Carnival Games
Step right up for an afternoon of games and the sweet treat of cotton candy and its salty partner, popcorn, on Mon., June 5, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. No entry fee; all free at the greatest library of all time.
Recreation Adventure Program
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold its daily Adventure Program, Mondays through Fridays from 12-5 p.m. at Highland Park, Mohr Park, and Bon Air Park, beginning on Mon., June 5. Supervisors are present to offer children leadership and organized games and sports, not to babysit. Children are free to come and go on their own. The program includes arts and crafts, games, storytelling, sports, and more. Call the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department at 765-456-7275 for additional information.
Taco Garden Care
Help the Kokomo Howard County Public Library care for the plants growing in the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., to use as taco toppings, and earn an invite to library’s end of summer Taco Celebration! This event takes place on Mon., June 5, from 5-8 p.m.
Intro to Crochet
Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Get hooked with this introductory class for teens and adults. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will offer an Intro to Crochet class on Mon., June 5, from 6-8 p.m. at its main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register for this event online: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/8311365
Escape to Margaritaville Auditions
Kokomo Civic Theatre will hold auditions for its summer musical, “Escape to Margaritaville,” on Mon., June 5, and Tuesday, June 6, at 6:30 p.m. each evening. Auditions will take place at the KCT Warehouse, 722 N. McCann St. Show dates are Aug. 25-27. There are three principle male roles, two supporting male roles, and three principle female roles. A large ensemble plays island guests, resort workers, wedding guests, and even tap-dancing insurance salesmen. A script is on reserve at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
All Valley Cornhole Tournament
The Kokomo Family YMCA will host the All Valley Cornhole Tournament and block party on Fri., June 9, at 6 p.m. This one-day tourney where the winning team takes home $250 will be an outdoor block party in front of the YMCA, 114 N. Union St. Enjoy a party atmosphere with food trucks, a beer and wine garden provided by the Coterie, live music and more. Register your team to play in this competitive cornhole tournament. Team up with a friend, family member or co-worker. Hurry before the slots fill up! Register online at: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc