What's Happening This Week?

Events taking place in Kokomo, Howard County, and the surrounding area from Oct. 20-Nov. 2, 2024

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TODAY

Fall Straw Maze

Check out the free, fun straw maze at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., any time in October from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily.

Questioning Your Faith

The First Friends Meeting of Kokomo is holding a Sunday Morning Preaching Series in October, entitled “Questioning Your Faith." The holiday season is upon us, and this series will help provide spiritual assistance for persons to effectively travel through it. The lectionary will be consulted along with employing other spiritual formational tools guided by the Holy Spirit. The series topics are: October 20, 2024 "Why should I always stand on my faith?" October 27, 2024 "Maintaining a faith that will conquer anything!" Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m. and Morning Worship is at 10:30 a.m. Child Care is available. First Friends is located at 1801 West Zartman Road Kokomo, Indiana (765) 453-9490

MONDAY

Early Voting

Early voting centers are open now for the 2024 election season. Voters may cast their ballots at the Jeff Strout Government Center, 120 E. Mulberry St., Room 101. Early voting will continue Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. from Oct. 21-Nov. 1. Additional early voting dates include Sat., Oct. 26, and Sat., Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Mon., Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. until noon. Satellite voting centers will open for early voting on Sat., Oct. 26, times to be determined. For questions or more information, call 765-614-3220.

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., Oct. 21. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblings are welcome to join also.

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., Oct. 21.

Moana 2 Pre-Party

Aloha! The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold an unforgettable party with stories, crafts, games, challenges, and photo ops on Mon., Oct. 21, from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. Enjoy a tropical treat, too, as we celebrate in advance of the Disney movie Moana 2 hitting theaters. This event is for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers.

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., Oct. 21, 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 .

Pumpkin Painting

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Oct. 21, from noon until 1 p.m. to paint some pumpkins. This event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., and is designed for children ages 3-13.

Fall Break Fun

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Oct. 21, from 2-3 p.m. for fun and games at the Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Play giant games, such as cornhole, Jenga, and dominoes.

Tech Treats, No Tricks

Don’t let technology scare you this Halloween season. Learn all the basics for using computers, smart phones, and AI with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Digital Den, 220 N. Union St. The first session takes place Mon., Oct. 21, from 3-4:30 p.m. Join the wait list for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

Board Game Night

Snacks and board games! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Oct. 21, from 5:30-8 p.m. for a fun evening playing games like WarMachine, Dice Throne, Marvel United, Marvel Champions, and Riot Quest! This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.

Drums Alive! Glow Beats

Build a sense of community while doing cardio at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Drums Alive! – Glow Beats session on Mon., Oct. 21, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Drums Alive Glow in the Dark is an exciting and visually captivating experience that combines drumming, movement, and cognitive engagement. 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

Active 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., Oct. 22, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. As the weather changes, we’ll do an inside workout.

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.

Ocean Wonders

Ahoy, ocean explorers! The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host Ocean Wonders, a family-friendly event for all ages, on Tue., Oct. 22, from 1-2 p.m. at the library’s south branch 1755 E. Center Road. Gather your family and friends to make some waves together!

Fall Break Fun

Once upon a time, there was an old lady who wasn’t afraid of anything, until one night while walking, she heard a noise and met with some unruly clothing. And what do you do with unruly clothing? Find out by joining the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Oct. 22, from 2-3 p.m. at its 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., from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.

Glow and Go Dress Up Dance Party

On Wed., Oct. 23, from 10-11 a.m., kids can dress in their favorite Halloween costumes or vibrant neon-colored clothes perfect for the glow party at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Under the black lights, their costumes and outfits will glow and shine!

Craftapalooza

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold Craftapalooza at its main branch, 220 N. Union St., On Wed., Oct. 23, from noon until 1 p.m. Kids ages 3-13 can enjoy an hour of outrageous crafting!

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

ESL Classes Call-Out

The Literacy Coalition will hold an organizational meeting to establish classes and tutoring for Spanish speakers who want to improve their English skills. The meeting will take place Thu., Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. at the coalition, 901 S. Courtland Ave. If you know someone who would benefit from free English instruction, please invite them to attend. For additional information, call 765-450-8532.

Halloween Invitation Play Dough

Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., Oct. 24, from 10-11 a.m. for some play dough fun. Kids ages 0-5 can create adorable Halloween art with play dough, pom poms, wiggle eyes, and a variety of collage materials. Make a monster, a spider, or a funky pumpkin!

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., Oct. 24, from 4-4:55 p.m.

Youth Art Classes

The Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., hosts Youth Art Classes with Rhonda Eads on Thursdays. Two sessions will be held from 4-6 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10 a week or $25 a month, with a discount for Carver members. To register, call 765-457-9318 or email kokomocarver@gmail.com.

Teen Writers Group

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., Oct. 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.

Kokomo Filmmakers Meet and Creep

Calling all filmmakers! Whether you’re an experienced director or an aspiring screenwriter, come share your passion for filmmaking with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., Oct. 24, from 6-7:45 p.m. in the library’s Digital Den, 220 N. Union St. And be sure to leave with new contacts and fresh ideas!

Genealogy Escape Room

Imagine being trapped in an archive, and the only way out is to solve a series of genealogy research puzzles. Are you up to the challenge? Find out on Thu., Oct. 24, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Each registrant will receive a Case Review File, used to solve a series of online research tasks. This will be followed by a webinar in which each puzzle, task, and clue will be reviewed. Register for the event by visiting https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/11194196 

FRIDAY

Halloween Blood Drive

Looking for a way to give something more than a trick or treat this Halloween? Come to Jefferson Manor’s Halloween Blood Drive on Fri., Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and save lives in the spirit of the season. Jefferson Manor is located at 603 St. Joseph Dr.

Moana Party

The new Disney movie, Moana 2, releases on Nov. 27. Get a head start on the celebration at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., Oct. 25, for a Moana Party at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 6-11.

Trunk or Treat

Silver Birch of Kokomo, 408 S. Washington St., invites the community to attend its annual Trunk or Treat event on Fri., Oct. 25, from 4:30-6 p.m. in the facility parking lot. Those interested in donating candy to the event may turn in donations to the front desk or by contacting Nannette, the Life Enrichment Coordinator. For information, call 765-868-7266.

IBAA Trunk or Treat

Indiana Behavior Analysis Academy, 1315 E. Hoffer St., will hold a Trunk or Treat event on Fri., Oct. 25, from 5:30 p.m. until sundown in the parking lot of the Early Learning Center. Bring your little ghosts and goblins for free candy and drinks.

Agnes of God

Kokomo Civic Theatre presents Agnes of God, riveting religious drama, on Fri., Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m., and Sun. Oct. 27, and 2 p.m. The performances will take place at Indiana University Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. For tickets, call 454-8800 or visit www.kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets.

SATURDAY

Halloween Hustle

The Kokomo Family YMCA will hold a Halloween Hustle 5K Fun Run and Monster Mini Run on Sat., Oct. 26. Packet pick-up begins at 8 a.m., and the 5K starts at 10 a.m. This untimed family event will include a costume contest, live music, trunk-or-treating sponsored by One Church, and much more. The Monster Mini Run is designed for children ages 10 and under. This is a dog-friendly event, and they can come in costume, too. Costumes not required for attendance. Register for the runs early and save money or register as a team for discounts. To register, click here.

Mushball Tournament

The Greentown Girls Softball League will host a Mushball Tournament on Sat., Oct. 26, beginning at 8 a.m., on the Eastern High School softball fields, 421 S. Harrison St., Greentown. This co-ed, double elimination tournament requires guys to hit a mushball while girls hit a hard ball. There are 10 players per team, with a minimum of three females per team. Registration is $225 per team, and only seven spots are available. The concession stand will be open, and there will be a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds benefit the softball league. To register, click here.

Blooming Creativity

Bring your imagination to life with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as you transform simple cardboard cutouts into magnificent blossoms! In this interactive workshop, young artists will explore the art of weaving with yarn. The event takes place on Sat., Oct. 26, from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.

Wild for Pollinators

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host “Pollinator Pathways,” a presentation by Marian Cable and Carol Reed of the Howard County Master Gardeners Association, on Sat., Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Also, artist Lesley Wysong will highlight the beauty and importance of pollinators through “Wild for Pollinators” exhibitions of paintings and photographs. Three of Wysong’s works are on permanent exhibit at the Community Butterfly Garden at the library’s south branch. The exhibitions will remain on display in the library’s gallery 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.

Ghouls and Goblins

The Greentown Main Street Association will present Ghouls and Goblins on Sat., Oct. 26. This free community event will take place across downtown Greentown. The Greentown Farmers’ Market and local vendors will set up shop from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. A kids’ craft fair takes place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Additional activities and games for kids will happen from 3-6 p.m., along with a trunk-or-treat. There also will be costume and coloring contests, a touch-a-truck event and a vehicle decorating contest, face painting, and a magic show. Meet Beetlejuice at Accumark Diagnostics. DJ Pugh will make a guest appearance during the event. There will be food trucks as well, including Middle of Nowhere (from noon until 2 p.m.), Firehouse Squeezers Lemon Shake-Ups, Snow Storm Shaved Ice, and Rise & Grind Donuts.

Monster Mash Bash

Join the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department on Sat., Oct. 26, for a Monster Mash Bash in Jackson Morrow Park. The park will be filled with fall activities from 3-6 p.m., followed by a Haunted Trail walk from 6-8:30 p.m. Come dressed in your costumes, and get ready for fun!

First EPC Trunk or Treat

First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2000 W. Jefferson St., will hold a Trunk or Treat on Sat., Oct. 26, from 4-6 p.m. Allergy-friendly treats will be provided; just ask for the teal bucket.

Candy Crawl

The Markland Mall, 1114 S. 17^th St., will hold a Candy Crawl trick or treat event on Sat., Oct. 26, from 5-7 p.m.

COMING SOON

A Christmas Carol Auditions

Curtain Call Theatre for Children will hold auditions for A Christmas Carol on Sun., Oct. 27, from 2-5 p.m. at the Curtain Call Studio, 2114 E. Boulevard. Auditions are open to everyone ages 10 and up (adults will be considered). Auditions will consist of reading from the provided script. The performances will take place Dec. 12-15. Sign up for an audition at www.kcctc.org .

Kokomo Community Concerts

Kokomo Community Concerts continues its 2024-2025 season with piano maestro Jared Freiburg & the Vagabonds. The group focuses on the golden era of American music, taking audiences on a high-energy journey through the sounds of Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and more. The concert will be held Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2:30 p.m., at the Kokomo High School auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Rd. The Kokomo Community Concerts’ also features pianist Gilles Vonsattel, Broadway’s Jeremy Stolle, and Jim Witter singing Billy Joel favorites. Season tickets are available online for $60 at https://kokomocommunityconcerts.org or at a ticket outlet (Comprehensive Planning Corporation, Frittata’s, Windmill Grill, and Herbst Pharmacies). Single concert tickets are available online or at the door for $25. For ticket questions, please call 765-210-0686.

Red Ribbon Christmas Box Application

The Kokomo Rescue Mission will open applications for its annual Red Ribbon Christmas Box service on Oct. 27-Nov. 7. This income-qualified program provides boxes filled with gifts for every member of a household, along with paper products, hygiene items, and a grocery gift card. Applications will be accepted at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St., on Mon., Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. until noon and 3-5:30 p.m., on Tue., Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. until noon, on Wed., Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. until noon and 3-5:30 p.m., and on Fri., Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Additional dates and times for application will be held in Cass, Clinton, and Miami counties. Visit the Kokomo Rescue Mission Facebook page for those application events. Applicants must provide a current government-issued photo ID for all adults in the household, Social Security cards and birth certificates or proof of birth dates for all household members, and proof of household income, including a current food stamp card balance, a letter of approval for food stamps from Family Services, or a recent award letter from TANF, SSI, or SSDI. Those living in subsidized housing must show a copy of their lease or a current re-certification letter. Applicants also may provide a copy of last year’s 1040 IRS tax form as proof of income.

Trunk or Treat

The Center Township Trustee’s Office, 213 E. Jefferson St., will hold a Trunk or Treat on Wed., Oct. 30, from 5-7 p.m. Wear your costumes and enjoy some hot cocoa, apple cider, and cookies while you trunk or treat. This is open to the entire community.

Indoor/Outdoor Trick or Treat

Engaging Minds Autism Services, 612 E. Boulevard, will hold an inclusive Halloween celebration for the entire community on Wed., Oct. 30, from 6-7:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. There will be a bounce house, trick-or-treating, and appearances from the Kokomo Police Department and community representatives. The event is free and open to the public. Visit www.engagingmindsservices.com for additional information.

Trick-or-Treat Hours

The City of Kokomo announces that this year, families will have two nights to enjoy trick-or-treating festivities: Wednesday, October 30, and Thursday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both evenings. The city encourages families to take advantage of the dual trick-or-treating schedule and reminds participants to practice common safety measures such as carrying flashlights, wearing reflective clothing, and checking treats before consumption. Residents are encouraged to signal their participation by turning their porch lights on if they are welcoming trick-or-treaters, and off if they are not. This applies to the City of Kokomo only. Times in the county may vary.

Pages Across Kokomo

Pages Across Kokomo, presented by the IU Kokomo Library and the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, will take place on Thu., Oct. 31, from 2-3 p.m., in the Gathering Place in the Indiana University Kokomo Library, 2300 S. Washington St., as participants discuss this year’s “Howard County Reads” top pick, “The River We Remember,” by William Kent Kruger. Visit www.khcpl.org for additional information.

KHCPL Trick or Treat

Have a spooky good time at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., Oct. 31, from 5-7:30 p.m. Stop by the Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., for a treat during Trick-or-Treat time, and take a last trip through the straw maze; Plus, check out what fun things are hidden in the Halloween piñata at 6 p.m. in the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom. Visit www.khcpl.org for more information.

Goodfellows Sign-Up

Applications for the 2024 Goodfellows Christmas program will be available through Oct. 31 at www.goodfellowskokomo.org . Submit applications online as soon as possible. All communication concerning applications will take place through email, including approval, denial, and if additional information or documents are needed. Complete the application in full. Incorrectly completed applications or those missing required documents will be denied. No applications will be accepted after the deadline for any reason. Check out the FAQ section of the Goodfellow website for any questions, or message Goodfellows on its Facebook page. You also may call or text 765-432-1143. When completing the registration, you will be given the choice to sign-up for the Kokomo FOP’s Cops for Kidz or for Goodfellows.

Library Card Design Contest

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library is calling all artists to enter designs for new library cards. Current KHCPL card holders are eligible to participate. A panel of judges will select winners from kids, teens, and adult categories. You have until Oct. 31 to submit your design. Visit https://www.khcpl.org/2024-card-signup for additional information.

Trail of Scarecrows

Head out to Greentown anytime through Oct. 31 to experience the Trail of Scarecrows. The scarecrows are decorated by various businesses and organizations and are displayed along the Comet Trail, which runs along the north side of Eastern High School.

Habitat for Humanity Fish Fry

Habitat for Humanity of the Kokomo Community will be the recipient of proceeds from a fish fry at Hawg Heaven Kokomo, 422 W. Defenbaugh St., from 4-8 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 1. All-you-can-eat fish, tenderloin, chicken tenders, and sides are available for $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

First Friday

Want to find the perfect gift? Shop local in downtown Kokomo as part of First Friday! Shop and stroll through shops downtown on Fri., Nov. 1, from 5:30-8 p.m. Enjoy more adult-oriented activities during First Friday After Hours, beginning at 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.firstfridaykokomo.com

Friends of the Library Book Sale

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale on Fri., Nov. 1, and Sat., Nov. 2. Shop used books, DVDs, Blu-Rays, and more, all at incredibly affordable prices. On Friday, Friends of the Library members may shop from noon until 5:30 p.m. The sale opens to the public from 5:30-8 p.m. The sale is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. Friends of the Library memberships are available for purchase at a cost of $5 per individual, $10 per family, and $100 for a lifetime membership.

Fall Limb Collection

The City of Kokomo street crews began fall limb collection on Sept. 30 and will continue until Nov. 1. At that time, fall leaf collection will begin. Limbs will not be collected again until winter or spring, barring a storm requiring emergency removal. Please ensure that limb and leaf piles are free of trash or debris.

Line Dancing Class

Join the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., on the first Saturday of every month for free line dancing classes. Don’t miss out on these one-hour instructional sessions, beginning at 10 a.m. The next class takes place on Sat., Nov. 2. Register in advance by calling 765-457-9318 or by emailing kokomocarver@gmail.com .