Grown-ups take over Freedom Springs in Greenwood on July 19 during the summer’s second Adult Night, featuring beer and wine to purchase, food, music and more.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Seems like summer just started.
But the flash and bang of Fourth of July has already come and gone, days are slowly getting shorter and kids will be heading back to school in a matter of weeks.
The time is now to take advantage of some good, old-fashioned warm-weather fun. Thankfully, plenty of options are available throughout Johnson County in the coming week to quench your summertime thirst.
Step back in time to the days of cruise-ins and car-hops at the Suds, or satisfy your literary wanderlust during Summer Camp for Grown-Ups. Enjoy music of all kinds, from festive Irish tunes on Franklin College’s lawn to the smooth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s in one of Greenwood’s newest hot spots.
Take the kids to a bounce-house extravaganza, or, as an adult, enjoy a water park all to themselves.
Here’s a look at what’s hot and what’s cool coming up in mid-July:
Live music at the Suds
Details: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, 350 Market Plaza, Greenwood
What: For a large portion of people who grew up in Johnson County, the Suds was the place to be on a warm summer night. Years later, that spirit is still alive, as the retro drive-in been revived as one of the best classic car cruise-in spots in the country, according to Car Craft Magazine. Come by and check out hot rods and classic cars while snacking on burgers, pizza or a Suds Coney and listening to live music.
Cruise Control — Yacht Rock 2.0
Details: 9 p.m. Saturday, SIP Cocktails on Main, 250 W. Main St., Greenwood
What: SIP Cocktails on Main has emerged as a swanky and svelte meeting-place oozing atmosphere in Old Town Greenwood. This Saturday, the lounge immerses itself in the easy-going tunes and high-class fashion of “yacht rock.” Retro DJ Travis Bell will be steering the ship, spinning yacht rock and disco tunes from the late ’70s and early ’80s all night light. Participants are invited to dress in their best nautical attire and get ready to dance the night away under the stars. A link to tickets is available at SIP Cocktails on Main Facebook’s page, and are available on Eventbrite by looking up SIP Cocktails on Main.
Summer Camp for Grown-Ups
Details: July 17 to 20, Franklin
What: Summer camp doesn’t have to be about exploring the outdoors. For some, curling up with a good book — or attending a live event featuring their favorite authors — is much more of an adventure. Those are the people Summer Camp for Grown-Ups was made for. The four-day series of events organized by Wild Geese Bookshop features a la carte activities that people can take part in as their schedule allows.
Programs include Tessa Bailey, author of “The Au Pair Affair” at 6:30 p.m. July 17 at the Historic Artcraft Theatre; Marjan Kamali, author of “The Lion Woman of Tehran” at noon July 18 at the Garment Factory, and tickets include a three-course lunch and signed first edition of her new novel; Lyla Sage, author of “Swift and Saddled” at 6:30 p.m. July 18 at the Artcraft; Meg Shaffer, author of “The Lost Story” at 6:30 p.m. July 19 at First Presbyterian Church; and Leif Enger, author of “I Cheerfully Refuse” at 6:30 p.m. July 20 at Tabernacle Christian Church. Tickets are available at wildgeesebookshop.com.
Indianapolis Ceili Band
Details: 7 p.m. July 17, Franklin College mall
What: St. Patrick’s Day is long gone, but lovers of all things Irish can still enjoy the traditional folk sounds of the Emerald Isle during this free concert event. The Indianapolis Ceili Band comes to Franklin College’s mall, organized as part of the Franklin Symphonic Council’s summer concert series. The band performs a variety of traditional Irish music, filled with fiddle, flute, guitar and more. Bring your chairs and blankets, and lose yourself in the Ceili sounds.
Adult Night at Freedom Springs
Details: 8:15 to 10:45 p.m. July 19, Freedom Springs, 850 W. Stop 18 Road, Greenwood
What: Leave the kids at home for this special grown-ups only event at Greenwood’s spectacular Freedom Springs. Adults are invited to take advantage of features such as the lazy river and water slides, enjoy beer, wine and food available for purchase on-site, and listen to the rockin’ sounds of Phil Pierle & Grover Parido. Tickets start at $20.
Color the County Community Painting Day
Details: 9 a.m. to noon July 20, Tom’s Barbershop, 338 Market Plaza, Greenwood
What: Bring the whole family out to flex their creative muscles during the Johnson County Community Foundation’s annual Community Painting Day for its Color the County program. Volunteers will gather at Tom’s Barbershop in Greenwood to paint a firefly-themed mural designed by artist Mandy Freshour on the side of the building. The event is open to all; no artistic ability is necessary. Participants will receive supplies and paint.
