The summer of weird is winding down.
As the global pandemic has raged on, little about the season has been familiar. Big concerts, community festivals, fireworks, family vacations — all were put on hold in the face of the deadly virus.
But with the approach of Labor Day weekend, the traditional bookend to the summer, local residents can still find plenty of warm-weather activities, special events and unique opportunities for fun.
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Check out the county’s coolest classic cars, hear live music in safely distanced settings, and enjoy both the tastes of the summer harvest as well as transitioning into fall fun at one of Johnson County’s favorite orchards.
Here are some of the options to relax away your Labor Day weekend:
Pickleball & Pints
Details: 5 p.m. today, Craig Park pickleball courts, Greenwood; $10
What: Play a few friendly games of pickleball and enjoy an adult beverage afterwards during this 21-and-over program from Greenwood Parks and Recreation. Oaken Barrel Brewing Co. will be on hand serving their core lineup of brews, and the first one is included in the entry fee. Additional beers are $5 apiece. Register at the parks department’s website, greenwood.in.gov.
The Apple Works
Details: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
What: The Apple Works, one of Johnson County’s premier agritourism sites, is open year round. But fall is when it truly shines, with a variety of different apples, pumpkins and other produce, as well as activities. Enjoy pony and train rides, apple dumplings and more throughout the weekend.
Craig Gerdes
Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Pixy Theatre, 111 S. Walnut St., Edinburgh; $15
What: Outlaw country rocker Craig Gerdes returns to Johnson County with his gritty sound and commanding stage presence. Local country artist Trent Joseph Moss will open the show, which will feature socially distanced seating. Masks are required to enter. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance for will call.
Hard Truth Hills Concert Series
Details: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; facility open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What: Tucked into the rolling hills of Brown County, one of the region’s most unique attractions for aficionados of craft spirits and beer awaits visitors. Hard Truth Hills — the home base for the Quaff On! Brewing family and Big Woods restaurants — offers food, tours, tastings and outdoor experiences. While you’re there, take in some live music from a pair of heavy hitters: the blues-rock sounds of J.C. Clements Band on Friday, and the swampy Mississippi delta funk of Mojo Gumbo on Saturday.
Blue River Band
Details: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Greenwood Amphitheater
What: The Johnson County natives — and one of the region’s most rockin’ country bands — return for a special Labor Day version of the free Greenwood Summer Concert Series. Their blues and rock-infused shows are heavy on the energy, with the band performing their own original songs as well as beloved country classics. The concert will be socially distanced, with attendees spread out in zones assigned when they arrive. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snack-filled coolers to enjoy the show.
The Suds Labor Day Weekend Car Show
Details: Registration 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, The Suds, 350 Market Place, Greenwood
What: Step back in time when the local drive-in was the place to be on a Saturday night, and all the cool cars were out in force. The Suds, which has been a Greenwood-based gathering place since 1957, will host classic and late-model cars, trucks and bikes in their weekly show. The Suds will be serving up drive-in food, and the family-friendly event is open to the public.
Sips & Songs: Labor Day Weekend
Details: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday
What: Take advantage of Mallow Run’s spacious grounds to spread out and enjoy wine, music and food throughout the long weekend. People are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, while purchasing wine by the glass or bottle, either in the tasting room or from the outdoor Shack. Music will be featured from 2 to 5 p.m. each day: The Doo Band Trio on Saturday, Amanda Webb Band on Sunday and Cornfields and Crossroads on Monday. A variety of food trucks will also be on site.
