What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from Aug. 20-26 and beyond
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TODAY
Humane Society’s Sunday Funday
Join the Kokomo Humane Society for Sunday Funday on Sun., Aug. 20. Visit the shelter’s adoptable felines at the Cat Café from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., or bring your camping chairs and watch the adoptable shelter canine playgroups from 1-4 p.m. Vendors will be present for the event as well.
Afternoon of Music
Enjoy an afternoon of music by Clara Schumann, Beethoven, and Gershwin at Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Road on Sun., Aug. 20, at 3 p.m. The concert will feature Carlos Chacon and Sarah Loisch with a violin and piano duo. A reception will follow after the performance. This is a free concert, though donations are accepted.
Gospel Concert
Local musicians Matt Gerhard with Kenny Beasley, Sally Duke, Cherresa Lawson, Bill Martin and Macedonian Call, Lisa Owens, Heather Schimmelphennig, and One Church Celebration Choir and Friends will share an evening of gospel music on Sun., Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. at One Church, 2734 S. Washington St., Kokomo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and there is no admission. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Stout Funeral Homes and Crematory, all proceeds from the freewill offering will benefit Samaritan Caregivers, providing help and hope for seniors. For more information, call Samaritan Caregivers at 765-453-7611.
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., Aug. 21. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblngs are welcome to join also.
Go Wild Outside
Bring the kids for some outside fun in the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom at the Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. The event takes place on Mon., Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. until noon. Designed for children ages 2 and up.
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., Aug. 21, 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.
Improv Acting Classes
Curtain Call Theatre for Children will hold improv acting classes each Monday and Wednesday from Aug. 21 to Sept. 22. Performers ages 10-18 can benefit from 10 sessions with Michael Marvin. Learn improvisation and performance skills. The classes build on the information shared to culminate in a performance. Each session will run from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Curtain Call Studio, 2114 N. Armstrong St. Cost of the classes is $50 per person. Register online by visiting www.kcctc.org .
Drums Alive! Family Beats
Build a sense of community while doing cardio at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Drums Alive! – Family Beats session on Mon., Aug. 21, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. The event will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
TUESDAY
Walking Readers Club
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as you make your minds and bodies healthier! Walk around KHCPL Russiaville's neighborhood, 315 Mesa Dr., on Tue., Aug. 22, from 8-9 a.m.
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., Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. until noon 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., on Wed., Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Wed., Aug. 23, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Digital Den Crafts: Action Movie Posters
Have you ever had dreams of being an action movie hero? Now you can become one (at least on a movie poster)! Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., Aug. 23, from noon until 2 p.m. to take part in this activity. Visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events to register.
THURSDAY
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 Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., Aug. 24, 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!
Food4Souls Mobile Showers
Foodf4Souls will bring its mobile shower truck to Coordinated Assistance Ministries, 625 N. Union St., each Thursday, beginning Thu., Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The mobile unit provides free showers, clothing, and supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness. Donations are accepted. For additional information, call 317-533-3323 or visit www.food4souls.org.
Off the Books Podcast
Join Kokomo Howard County Public Library employees Bethann and Samantha on Thu., Aug. 24, from 2-3 p.m. as they chat about all things books. If you're an avid reader or library lover, tune in using any podcasting platform.
Pastel Sessions
The Kokomo Art Association will host beginner to intermediate Pastel Sessions with Avon Waters each Thursday in August from 2-4 p.m. Learn to mix colors on the page, different approaches to painting the images in pure dry pigment, how different surfaces create different effects, and much more. The classes will meet at the Kokomo Art Center, 525 E. Ricketts St. The cost is $15 per session, and participants are asked to pay in advance either at the art center or online at www.kaaonline.org. Email Lesley Wysong at artisfunlnw@aol.com with questions or for a detailed supply list. No supplies will be needed for the first class.
Sprint Car Smackdown XII
The Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts Sprint Car Smackdown XII at Kokomo Speedway takes place Aug. 24-26. The three-day event features Non-Wing 410 Sprints and USAC National Sprint Cars. Gates open each day at 3 p.m., with hot laps and qualifying at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. Single-day general admission is $30. Three-day passes are $85 for reserved seating. Kids ages 12 and under are admitted free for general admission seating. Pit passes are $35. For more information, visit www.kokomospeedway.net.
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., Aug. 24, from 4-4:55 p.m.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., Aug. 24, from 5-6 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.
Music at the Fairgrounds
The Greentown Main Street Association presents Music at the Fairgrounds, a weekly concert series which takes place in front of the Community Building at the Howard County 4H Fairgrounds. The concerts will take place each Thursday evening at 7 p.m. The Aug. 24 show features Macey Weeks. In case of rain, all concerts will be held in the fairgrounds' cattle barn.
FRIDAY
Habitat for Humanity Garage Sale
The Habitat for Humanity warehouse, 202. W. Havens St., is full, so it is having a garage sale to clean it out on Fri., Aug. 25, and Sat. Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day. Items include countertops, double vanities, spa tubs, shower inserts, exterior doors, and much more. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go straight back into the organization to assist families in the community. No early birds. Habitat will not hold items or reply to messages regarding items in stock.
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Fri., Aug. 25, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Drums Alive! Homeschool Beats
Build a sense of community while doing cardio at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Drums Alive! – Homeschool Beats session on Fri., Aug. 25, from 2:30-3:15 p.m. The event will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Greentown 175th Anniversary Celebration
The Town of Greentown will celebrate its 175th year with two days of anniversary events on Fri., Aug. 25, and Sat., Aug. 26. The event begins on Friday at 3 p.m. as vendors open for business along North Meridian Street. The Medicinal Bluegrass Band will take the main stage at 5 p.m., followed by the Southern Rock Authority at 8 p.m. On Saturday, things kick off with a community prayer breakfast at Blondie’s Cookies on Main Street at 8 a.m. Vendors open for business at 10 a.m. The anniversary parade begins at 11 a.m. The Kokomo Park Band and Wrangler and Friends will entertain at 1 p.m., and the American Legion will conduct the Presentation of Colors at the Greentown Historical Society at 1:45 p.m. At 2 p.m., there will be an ice cream social and the opening of the town’s time capsule while Kokomo Men of Note perform. A bourbon and wine tasting takes place at 3 p.m. with live acoustic music by Josh Mast. Comedian Randy Maurer takes the main stage at 5 p.m., followed by Keyton Romero at 6 p.m. and The Checkered Vans at 8 p.m. For additional information, visit 175th Anniversary Celebration — Greentown Main Street Association (greentownindiana.org)
48-Hour Film Contest
Do you love making or watching local films? Enter the 48-Hour Film Contest! Team entry will be on Fri., Aug. 25, at Sun King, 500 N. Buckeye St., from 7-9 p.m. The movie screenings will be on Fri., Sept. 1, at the Sun King Depot Room!
Escape to Margaritaville
Kokomo Civic Theatre will present Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville” on Fri., Aug. 25, and Sat., Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sun., Aug. 27, at 2 p.m. at Havens Auditorium on the Indiana University Kokomo campus, 2300 S. Washington St. Tickets are available now by visiting www.kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets or by calling 765-454-8800.
Family Movie Night
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a free outdoor movie on Fri., Aug. 25! Bring a chair or blanket to the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., from 8:15-10 p.m. and enjoy a fun night watching Universal's the Super Mario Bros. Movie!
SATURDAY
Mo’town Throwdown
The Mo’town Throwdown Crossfit Challenge takes place Sat., Aug. 26, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at CrossFit Kokomo, 1086 S. Dixon Road. This two-person team competition features RX and Intermediate divisions form male and co-ed teams. Registrants save 10 percent by signing up through their respective gyms. Message Crossfit Kokomo to receive a discount code. The event will feature food trucks, a live DJ, prizes for every WOD/floater, and challenging workouts. Register by visiting https://go.streamfitness.live/competition/view/59-the-mo-town-thrown .
Reading with Pet Partners
Kids can practice their reading skills by reading to trained therapy animals at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. until noon.
Poetry and Visual Art Connect
Poets from the Poetry Society of Indiana and visual artists from the Kokomo Art Association have come together to create the Poetry and Visual Art Connect Exhibit. Stop by Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., now through Aug. 26 to read these amazing poems and view the wonderful pieces of art and see how they connect. Artworks Gallery is open Monday - Saturday from noon until 4 p.m.
Kickball with the Law
On Sat., Aug. 26, from 5-7 p.m., the Kokomo Police Department will partner with Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church’s Youth Ministry for Kickball with the Law, a fun-filled evening of playing old fashioned kickball with area youth at Studebaker Park, 1030 N. Purdum St. The Howard County Sheriff's Department, Boy Scouts of America, and the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library also will participate in this community event. Bring a lawn chair, and join the KPD for free food, free books, free school supplies, and a lot of fun.
Thin Red Line Gala
The Kokomo Fire Department will host the 1st Annual Thin Red Gala on Sat., Aug. 26, from 5-10 p.m. at the Elite Event Center, 2820 S. Lafountain St. The evening will include cocktails, hors d’oeurves, dinner, dessert, and dancing. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple. The event is open to the public, but seating is limited. Obtain tickets by visiting Kokomo Fire Department's Thin Red Line Gala Tickets, Sat, Aug 26, 2023 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite
Pushing Daisy’s at the Riverwalk
The Coterie presents the Riverwalk Concert Series featuring Pushing Daisy’s on Sat., Aug. 26, from 6-10 p.m. The concert takes place at the Riverwalk Stage behind The Foxes Trail restaurant along South Main Street. Free admission. Open to all ages.
Family Movie Night
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold a Family Movie Night on Sat., Aug. 26, at 8:30 p.m. at the Arts Pavilion in Foster Park. The featured movie will be “National Treasure.” Admission is free. For more information, call 765-456-7275.
COMING SOON
Music at Christ
Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Road, will sponsor the 17th annual Music at Christ fine arts series, beginning on Sun., Aug. 27, at 3 p.m. with organist Marilyn Keiser. Keiser is Chancellor’s Professor of Music Emerita at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. A reception will follow the concert. Donations are accepted to help underwrite the cost of the fine arts series, and donors of $25 or more will be listed in the series program. Announcements relating to weather emergencies or unexpected cancellations will be posted on www.christlutherankokomo.org.
Digital Den: Custom Totes
Grab some books off your reading list. It is time to fill up a custom tote bag you made yourself! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library in the Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., while they show you how to design your tote with heat transfer vinyl. The activity takes place on Mon., Aug. 28, from noon until 1 p.m. Visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events to register.
Tuesday@TheTech
Ivy Tech Kokomo’s next Tuesday@TheTech will focus on the College’s Ivy+ Career Link programs that provide career development services for Ivy Tech students and alumni. The open house for prospective students is set for 6-8 p.m. on Tue., Aug. 29, in the Health Professions Center on the campus at 1815 E. Morgan St. Career Link also provides a variety of talent connection opportunities and employee training for employers. For more information about how to register for this Tuesday@TheTech, go to www.ivytech.edu/tuesdays or email Kokomo-enrollment@ivytech.edu . Walk-ins are welcome. For more information on Ivy+ Career Link, contact kloman@ivytech.edu or 765-252-5495.
First Friday Lunch and Learn
Community Howard Regional Health and the Kokomo Family YMCA will present a First Friday Lunch and Learn on Fri., Sept. 1, at the YMCA, 114 N. Union St., from 12:10-12:50 p.m. Join Community's orthopedic surgeon Courtney Holland, MD, for a discussion on hip and knee pain. Dr. Holland will discuss osteoarthritis and the latest surgical and non-surgical treatment options. The first 60 who register will receive a free lunch courtesy of Century Villa Health Care & Rehabilitation. Register today at https://bit.ly/3YAvzU6 .
Artsapalooza
First Friday’s “Artsapalooza” will take place in downtown Kokomo on Fri., Sept. 1. Experience art everywhere! Try it, hear it and appreciate it; Don’t miss the opening of the 10th annual Artist Alley exhibit and Hawgin’ the Block for Bridges Outreach from 5:30-9 p.m. There will be an arts-based open house tour of downtown Kokomo. 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. For information, call 457-5301 or visit www.firstfridaykokomo.com.
JCYBC 3-on-3
The JCYBC Bobby Pettigrew Blacktop Reunion 3-on-3 basketball tournament will take place on Sat., Sept. 2, in Studebaker Park, 1030 N. Purdum St. Games begin at 9 a.m. Age groups are 3rd and 4th grade, 5th and 6th grade, and 7th and 8th grade. Winners will receive medals. Call 765-863-1025 to register.
Pint Size Chef
Registration is open now for the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department’s fall session of Pint Size Chef. Classes will be held each Tuesday from Sept. 5 until Oct. 10. Cost is $30 per child. Classes will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for children ages 5-8, and from 6:45-7:45 p.m. for children ages 9-12. There are only 12 spaces per class, so register early. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
Touch a Truck
The City of Kokomo will host a Touch-a-Truck event on Sun., Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the parking lot at Inventrek, 700 E. Firmin St. Bring the family out to experience the equipment employed by city workers, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. A sensory hour, involving no lights or sirens, will take place from 11 a.m. until noon.
Flag Football Tournament
Fall means football, and the Kokomo Family YMCA is bringing its adult flag football tournament back on Sept. 16. The double-elimination tournament is open to Y members and community members ages 16 and up who enjoy playing the game of football. Have fun, meet new people, and join in on some friendly competition. Check-in at 8 a.m. The coin flip will take place at 9 a.m. The tournament will take place at the Taylor High School football field, 3794 E., 300 South. Registration is open and only available in-person at the YMCA, 114 N. Union St. Ten players per team maximum. Winners of the tournament receive “Champ” shirts, and the second-place team will be awarded its entry fee. For more Information visit: https://kokomoymca.org/events/adult-flag-football/
Access to Rock
Project Access will hold an Access to Rock event on Sat., Sept. 16, from 5-10 p.m. Three bands will perform live at 500 N. Buckeye St. in front of Sun King. This is a 21 and over event. Tickets are $20 and can be obtained by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/access-to-rock-tickets-675357942787?fbclid=IwAR11iieb4A_c3Q1Vnqcd-U5B4PTMb0rN-CDmpT1-nPNXyrySDtkNiCyjX5c
Black and White Masquerade
The Black and White Masquerade, a charity event to benefit Kokomo Urban Outreach’s UP Program, will take place on Thu. Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. at the Bel Air, 3014 S. Webster St. The event will include stories from UP participants, a mask contest, a silent auction, comedians John and Luke Branyan, and most importantly, an opportunity to change lives. Tickets are available now by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/669605878207 or by stopping by the KUO office, 1701 S. Locke St.
Glo in the ‘Mo
Here we GLO again! Glo in the 'Mo early bird registration is now open! The Kokomo Family YMCA’s family-friendly, neon night run is happening on Friday, Oct. 6. The party starts during First Friday outside of the Y with glow in the dark powder, glow sticks, a DJ pumping out tunes, and a foam party! Run or walk the scenic course that leads through downtown, winding through Foster Park along the Walk of Excellence trail and around Kokomo Beach. There will be local vendors to come out and support, too. Don't miss out on Glo in the ‘Mo early bird pricing and to be guaranteed a shirt on race day. Register here: https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=138823