Summer technically holds sway for a few more days.
But in communities all over Johnson County, it’s time to celebrate the coming fall. For the next three weekends, people can do everything from tasting the best of local breweries, wineries and distilleries to cheering on the best area producers in the farmer Olympics to mingling with dogs for a good cause.
Live music, food and drink will be prominently featured as people gather to toast the harvest season.
And unique Johnson County traditions will make everyone cheer.
In a county where festivals are a year-round way of life, special events are as plentiful in autumn as falling leaves. Find the one that suits you best, or try to hit as many as you can, over the coming weeks.
JoCo Pours in the Park
Details: Noon to 4 p.m. today, Johnson County Park, 2949 E. North St., Nineveh; tickets $45 VIP, $35 general admission, $20 designated driver. Information at event.ontaptickets.com/events/joco-pours-in-the-park-9-18-2021
What: Indiana, and Johnson County in particular, has cultivated a robust craft beer, wine and spirits scene. At this inaugural event presented by Johnson County Parks & Recreation, people will have the chance to sample selections from some of the best of those craft producers. The event will feature unlimited samples of more than 20 producers, including Hoosier Brewing, Planetary Brewing, Nailers Brewing and Mallow Run Winery, all based in Johnson County.
A DJ will provide music throughout the afternoon, and food trucks are scheduled to help offset the beer, wine and spirits. Outdoor games such as giant Connect Four and giant Jenga will keep attendees moving and entertained, while an axe-throwing trailer caters to those who want to live a bit more dangerously.
Music at the Creek
Details: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Indian Creek High School, 803 W. Indian Creek Dr., Trafalgar
What: Every year, the Indian Creek community comes together for a day of music, food, shopping and other uniquely Trafalgar activities. Enjoy music throughout the day, including performances by Indian Creek students during the Student Music Showcase.
More than 100 vendor booths will be on site, and attendees can take pony rides, watch a bike rodeo, jump in the bounce house, play carnival games, and snack on FFA pork chops and other great food. One highlight is always the farmer Olympics, which features competitors squaring off in a series of agriculture-related challenges.
Proceeds from the festival go towards the NHJ Educational Foundation to fund teacher grants bringing innovative activities to the classroom.
Greater Whiteland Community Day
Details: Noon to 4 p.m. today, 549 E. Main St., Whiteland
What: The entire greater Whiteland area gets to party as one during this day-long event. Enjoy music by the Whiteland Community High School jazz band, Cornfield Mafia and Mindy & Eddie throughout the afternoon. Food and vendors will be on site, and a kids area provides inflatables for bouncing, face painting, balloon twisting and live animal shows from Silly Safaris.
Cap the entire event off with a free fireworks display, which will light up the sky over the town at dark.
Labapalooza
Details: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville
What: The weekend goes to the dogs during this fundraising event for Love of Labs Indiana, a nonprofit animal rescue that provides medical care such as vaccinations, spay and neuter surgery, heartworm treatments and medications.
Food and drink will be available for purchase, and vendors will be set up on site. A silent auction is planned, and music by Heartstone Crossing helps set the atmosphere for the afternoon. Kids and dogs of all kinds are welcome.
Donations will be accepted at the event, including cash, cat or dog toys, catnip, paper towels, cat litter, bleach, dog beds, fleece blankets, folding crates, slip leads, pet carriers, dog collars, pet treats, wet cat food, and wet and dry dog food.
Franklin Fall Festival
Details: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 25, downtown Franklin
What: From the early morning hours to the last blast of fireworks, this year’s Franklin Fall Festival will have people feeling the excitement with a wealth of activities, food, drink and vendors of all kinds to keep people engaged.
Put on your dancing shoes for Rock Around the Block and raise money for the Moyra McCain Memorial Foundation. Take in performances from the Style Dance Academy, Franklin Community High School drama club’s cast of “Cinderella” and LeRose Dance Academy. Line the streets as the traditional parade winds through downtown.
Silly Safaris gets you up close and personal with wild animals, while entertainers Hill Valley Ramblers, Hank Ruff and Clayton Anderson keep the crowd rocking. The day tops off with a fireworks display over downtown.
Rock the Clock
Details: 3 to 10 p.m. Sept. 25, downtown Greenwood
What: The decorative clock situated on the corner of Main Street and Madison Avenue is hard to miss as you pass through downtown Greenwood. That makes it a perfect focal point for the city’s fall festival — a block party-style festival that aims to help city residents interact and engage with one another.
The celebration features live music, beer and wine vendors, food trucks and other activities. The event is free and all ages are welcome.
Fall Vintage Fest
Details: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 2, downtown Franklin
What: Franklin’s reputation as a vintage wonderland is well deserved, with a wide variety of shops offering unique and exciting clothing, antiques, repurposed items, handmade goods and other trendy items. Those local businesses, and more than 100 other vendors, will offer up their wares during this one-stop-shopping event.
Two distinct vintage vendor areas will be set up downtown, and live music by local performers will help you keep the beat while you shop the day away.
Hops & Vines
Details: 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 2, downtown Franklin
What: After you’ve checked out the Fall Vintage Fest, stick around downtown for more good times with Discover Downtown Franklin’s annual beer and wine festival. Nine breweries and wineries from Johnson County and around the area will be taking part, and the 21-and-over crowd can by $1 tickets to sample the goods, or pick up a pint or a glass for $5.
At the same time, classic car owners will line up for Cruisin’ the Courthouse. Food trucks will be set up, and Country Summer Band will perform live to close the night down.
