September is here, and for many, that has you thinking of cool nights, falling leaves and pumpkin-spice everything.
But summer has one last gasp this weekend.
Sit under the stars and catch a concert, pick up the season’s best fresh produce and take one last dip in the pool. Celebrate the anniversary of Johnson County’s first winery, and check out cool rides at Greenwood’s classic car hangout.
Labor Day weekend traditionally serves as the last hurrah of summertime — a long holiday filled with grilling out, live music and fun in the sun. Even if you’re counting the days until autumn arrives, there’s something to help you appreciate warm weather for a little bit longer:
Mallow Run Winery Anniversary Festival
Details: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville.
What: For the past 16 years, Mallow Run Winery has been the county’s primary venue for locally produced wine, as well as live entertainment and other activities. Help celebrate the winery with a full weekend of free fun. Enjoy live music from The DOO! from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, the Nauti Yachtys from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday and Stella Luna & the Satellites from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Food trucks will be on site, and of course, guests can enjoy glasses or bottles from Mallow Run’s expansive wine list.
Farmers markets
Details: 4 to 7 p.m. today, John R. Drybread Community Center, 100 E. Main Cross St., Edinburgh; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 525 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 5 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
What: Few things beat the taste of an ear of Indiana sweet corn, a juicy locally grown tomato or a crisp bell pepper picked that morning. Those farm fresh flavors won’t be around for much longer, so stop into farmers markets at Edinburgh, Franklin or Greenwood to stock up for your cookout. In addition to produce, find burgers, sausages and other grill-worthy meat from local producers, plus flowers, sweets and prepared food to sate your holiday weekend hunger.
The Suds Labor Day Weekend Car Show
Details: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, The Suds, 350 Market Plaza, Greenwood
What: This retro-style drive-in has been a crucial part of Johnson County’s cruising culture, first as the Dog ‘N’ Suds location and more recently as the Suds. Car shows are held throughout the spring, summer and fall, but the Labor Day show always stands out as a highlight of the year. See the coolest classic cars, in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, during the event. Registration is from 9 a.m.-noon, and is $20. Awards will be given at 2:30 p.m.
Indy Labor Fest
Details: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Monument Circle, downtown Indianapolis
What: The long holiday weekend is a chance to relax and kick back. But it’s also important to remember that the reason we have Labor Day is to recognize the work and sacrifice of the labor movement to improve conditions for workers. Celebrate local workers during this free event with special activities, live music, food trucks, beer from Sun King Brewing and a massive kids’ zone.
BUTTER Art Fair
Details: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
What: Take some time out of your holiday weekend to support culture during BUTTER, a multi-day fine art fair that will showcase the works of 30+ Black visual artists from across the country. Events include artist Q&As, live music, artist workshops and other activities. Admission is free for students from kindergarten to grade 12, and general admission is $25 for the whole weekend.
Indianapolis Indians
Details: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday, 1:35 p.m. Sunday; Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis
What: Nothing says summertime like the crack of the bat and the slap of a ball in a mitt. And this weekend, Indy’s home team is in town for a four-game stand against the Iowa Cubs. Enjoy fireworks Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday, kids eat free with a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water.
Hard Truth Festival
Details: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Hard Truth Hills, 418 Old SR 46, Nashville; tickets $55.
What: In the wooded hills of Brown County, get rustic with an immersive festival dedicated to whiskey, brews and barbecue. The event is organized by Hard Truth Distilling Co. at their beautiful Hard Truth Hills complex. Enjoy the distillery’s products, as well as beer from their sister company, Quaff On! Brewing. Enjoy country rock music, bourbon bars, a cigar lounge, barrel smoking presentations, and moonshine activations all in the middle of dense Indiana native forest.
