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COMING SOON
National Coffee Day
Visit Black Wax Café, 910 N. Washington St., on Sun., Sept. 29, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and sign up for a library card. When you sign up for a library card, receive a free Cold Brew Coffee or Exclusive Fizzy Bomb. Already have a card? Stop by to spin the Kokomo Howard County Public Library wheel.
Fall Food Drive
The Kokomo Rescue Mission Fall Food Drive is taking place now through Sept. 29. The mission will accept non-perishable, non-expired food items, which may be brought to your participating church or business. No. 10 size cans are appreciated. Food items also may be delivered directly to the Kokomo Rescue Mission, 321 W. Mulberry St., between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Comedy with a Mission
Laugh to your heart’s content and support a great cause! Comedy with a Mission takes place Sun., Sept. 29, from 7:30-11:30 p.m. at Rhine Hall Event Venue, 507 N. Union St. The show will feature Luke McKinney, Brodie Long, and Delmar Birkley. Proceeds will go to help Destiny Rescue, an organization that seeks to rescue children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Tickets for the show are $15 Visit www.rhinehallevents.com to get tickets.
Scholastic Teen Book Fair
Come immerse yourself in the magical world of books at the Scholastic Teen Book Fair, held in the Community Room of the Greentown and Eastern Howard School Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., Greentown. The fair takes place Mon., Sept. 30, through Fri., Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be extended hours until 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
Pages Across Kokomo
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Sept. 30, from 2-3 p.m. at the south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, for the inaugural meeting of Pages Across Kokomo, where they will discuss "MexiKid" by Pedro Martin. For more information, please contact Martha Barker at 765-455-9238 or Emily Hoover at 765-453-4150.
Fall Limb Collection
The City of Kokomo asks that residents prepare for winter by setting out any limbs for collection by Sept. 30. City crews will begin fall collection on that date 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.
Yoga Does a Body Good
Yoga doesn’t have to be spooky. It can actually help improve bone density and balance. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library and find out how! A Good Bones Chair Yoga session will be held on Tue., Oct. 1, from 6-7:15 p.m. at the Jeff Stout Community Center, 650 N. West St., in Russiaville.
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 p.m. until 8 p.m. daily beginning Oct. 1.
Medicare and You
Get free, unbiased Medicare information and answers – all without a sales pitch – by visiting the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Wed., Oct. 2, from 1-2 p.m. Samaritan Caregivers and SHIP will be on hand to help you.
Betwixt and Between
The IU Kokomo Art Gallery, 2300 S. Washington St., presents the Betwixt and Between, a solo exhibition by Chinese painter Xuanyi Wang on Oct. 2-Nov. 7. An opening reception will take place Wed., Oct. 2, from 4-6 p.m. A Gallery Talk about the exhibition will take place Thu., Nov. 7, at 2:30 p.m. Free Admission. Visit www.kokomo.iu.edu/gallery for more information.
Miniature Painting
Grab your miniatures and join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Oct. 2, from 6-7:30 p.m. to paint alongside professional miniature painter John Brothers in the Digital Den, 220 N. Union St. He will share tips and tricks to teach you the techniques to make your monsters and characters look amazing. Paint and brushes will be supplied. Bring your own mini and learn how to bring your character to life. Priming your miniatures ahead of time is recommended. Register here: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/10557954.
Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere
Welcome Fall with pumpkins of various sizes you will create from old food cans. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library and the Howard County Recycling District on Wed., Oct. 2, from 6-7 p.m. at the south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, as they present an upcycle project for teens and adults., Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
The Drive
Are you a fan of “Shark Tank?” Would you like to learn about some of Kokomo’s up-and-coming businesses as they pitch their plans in an effort to win a $10,000 prize? Then join the Inventrek Technology Park as it presents “The Drive” on Thu., Oct. 3. The event will take place in Hingst Hall on the campus of Ivy Tech Community College, 1815 E. Morgan St. The event is open to the public.
Lair of the Mad Scientist
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library main branch, 210 N. Union St., on Fri., Oct. 4, at 5:30 p.m. for a visit to the lair of the mad scientist. There will be test tube sundaes, floats and popcorn as snacks. Make your own lab badge and play with a giant Operation game. Pick the mad scientist’s brain to win a prize and join in the Monster Mix Drums Alive. You can leave with some of Frankenstein’s phlegm and gloves filled with candy treats.
First Friday Masquerade
Put on your best costume and head downtown for some Halloween fun on Fri., Oct. 4, from 5:30-8 p.m. First Friday is a free, arts-based, open house tour of beautiful downtown Kokomo. Each month features a theme with downtown venues catering their activities to the month’s theme. This month, you’re cordially invited to a costume party! Visitors to the downtown area during the event will find discounts and activities at shops and restaurants, and live music, public art, family-friendly activities and more. Visitwww.firstfridaykokomo.com for more information.
Poetry Open Mic
Bring your poetry to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Fri., Oct. 4, from 6-8 p.m. to share with the crowd, or just sit back and enjoy the art of the spoken word in this collaborative open mic with the Poetry Society of Indiana.
Autumn Cat-Ch
The Kokomo Humane Society will hold its Autumn Cat-Ch Dinner Fundraiser on Fri., Oct. 4, from 6-9 p.m. at the IU Kokomo Kelley Student Center’s Alumni Hall, 2300 S. Washington St. Enjoy a live dessert auction as part of the evening. Tickets are $60 until Oct. 3, when they raise to $70. Get your tickets now by visiting https://form.jotform.com/242344548597165
KPRD PJ Party
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will host a PJ Party on Fri., Oct. 4, from 7-10 p.m. Cost is $20 for children ages 5-11. To register, visit the KPRD office in Highland Park. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
Cemetery Walk
The Howard County Historical Society is bringing back its Cemetery Walk through Crown Point Cemetery on Oct. 4-5. This unique event returns after a 17-year hiatus! Professional actors will portray notable historical figures such as Mark McTigue, Elmer Apperson, Wilber and Leone Grace Defenbaugh, and more who were laid to rest in Crown Point Cemetery. Shows will run Fri., Oct. 4, from 6-7 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 5, from 2-2:30 p.m. and 3-3:30 p.m. Shows take place every 15 minutes and will last approximately 90 minutes each. Tickets are $15; Call (765) 452-4314 or visit www.howardcountymuseum.org for more information.
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., Oct. 5. Register in advance by calling 765-457-9318 or by emailing kokomocarver@gmail.com .
All Free for the Finding
Doing family history research on a budget? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., Oct. 5, from 3-4:15 p.m. to dig up some family history for free on the Internet. This event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Riverwalk Concert Series
Enjoy an evening of music on the Riverwalk Stage along the Walk of Excellence Trail in downtown Kokomo on Sat., Oct. 5, as Jeremy Short and Davey & The Midnights take the stage from 6-10 p.m. Free admission. Visit www.visitkokomo.org for a complete list of performers.
Poe Speakeasy
The Hobson, 110 N. Washington St., will host an Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy immersive event on Sat., Oct. 5, and Sun., Oct. 6. Four Poe stories step off the page and onto stage as told by Poe historians. Each chilling tale will be paired with a macabre cocktail. For additional information and to obtain tickets, call 765-459-7646 or email hello@thehobsonkokomo.com .
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. 7.
A Matter of Balance
Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Learn to control falls and make changes to reduce falling risks at home. Set goals for increasing activity levels and learn exercises to increase strength and balance. Sessions will take place each Monday in October and November, beginning on Oct. 7, from 6-8 p.m. at the Howard County Purdue Extension Office, 120 E. Mulberry St., Suite 105. It takes a minimum of eight participants to hold the class. Advance registration is required, and there is a $25 fee. To register, contact Allison at amhillis@purdue.edu or call 765-456-2313.
Angel Walk
The Family Service Association of Howard Co. will hold the 2024 Angel Walk on Tue., Oct. 8, at Indiana University Kokomo, 2300 S. Washington St. The walk is designed to raise awareness of and combat against domestic violence and sexual assault. All funds raised at this event will support the local domestic violence shelter. This year’s walk is themed “Not on Our Campus. Not in Our Community.” The event begins with a rally at 5:30 p.m. followed by a one-mile walk at 6 p.m. To form or join a team, call 765-457-9313 or 765-455-9586.
Greentown Historical Society Meeting
The Greentown Historical Society, 103 E. Main St., Greentown, will meet on Wed., Oct. 9. Beginning at 6 p.m., Wildcat Guardian and activist Garry Hill will make a presentation about the history of the 82 miles of the Wildcat Creek, and associated canoe and kayak travels, and fishing activities. If you have any questions, please call 765-626-0164.
Wizard of Oz
Kokomo Curtain Call Children’s Theatre will present The Wizard of Oz on Oct 11-12, at Havens Auditorium on the IU Kokomo campus, 2300 S. Washington St. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 11, and 2 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 12. Tickets are on sale now for $15 in advance and can be obtained by visiting www.kcctc.org . The price rises to $20 at the door. This production is made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Howard County.
Pumpkin Painting
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will host Pumpkin Painting on Sat., Oct. 12, in Jackson Morrow Park. There will be free pumpkins and paint supplies available to the public while supplies last. Participants can bring their own pumpkins and paints if desired. The event takes place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Go Screenless at IUK
Indiana University Kokomo Chancellor Mark Canada will host Screenless – two hours of reading, sketching, journaling, and social time – on the third Thursday of each month at the Kelley House on the Indiana University Kokomo campus from 3-5 p.m. From 3-4 p.m., books from the chancellor’s extensive library, along with pencils and sketchbooks, will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring their own reading or art materials. From 4-5 p.m., a guest artist, musician, scholar, craftsperson, or local leader will offer a program. On Thu., Oct. 17, Dr. Canada will discuss the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
Trunk or Treat
Bona Vista’s Early Childhood Program will host its third annual Trunk or Treat on Thu., Oct. 17, from 6-7 p.m. at Bona Vista, 1220 E. Laguna St. Join in the fun with the Early Childhood Team and wonderful community partners at this free event. No pets allowed on Bona Vista property.
KPRD Winter Basketball
Registration for the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department’s Winter Basketball League will take place through Oct. 18, with league play beginning on Nov. 3. There will be a men’s league and a women’s 3-on-3 league. For information about fees and other details, call 765-456-7275.
A21 Freedom Walk
The local chapter of A21, an organization designed to fight human trafficking, will hold a Walk for Freedom on Sat., Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., beginning at Fresh Start Ministries, 801 W. Mulberry St. Early bird check-in starts at 10 a.m., and the walk begins at 11 a.m. This is a silent walk, and participants are asked to wear black. There is no charge to register for the event. The walk is 1.33 miles, and participants will be encouraged to carry lightweight signs. Scooters and children are welcome to participate. There will be food offered after the walk, along with a reading of sponsors and a speaker. There also will be a kids play area, information tables, a hand stamp sheet, raffle prizes, and free hot dogs, chips, and water. For additional information about the walk, email shenandoahs90@gmail.com . For additional information about A21 or the global Walk for Freedom, email info@a21.org . Register in advance by visiting https://www.a21.org/register.php?eventId=3888
Community Halloween Party
Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union is thrilled to invite the community to its free Kids Community Halloween Party on Sat., Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Solidarity’s home office, 201 E. Southway Blvd. Join Solidarity for free pony rides from Wrangler & Friends, a free petting zoo from Narrow Gate Horse Ranch, free monster truck rides, free face painting by Jess Jones, trunk-or-treating, inflatable bounce houses, inflatable obstacle courses, and inflatable basketball. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will be on hand to offer Drums Alive, and don’t miss the meet & greet with the Sanderson Sisters. For more information, visit www.solfcu.org/halloweenparty
Cowboy Church
On the third Saturday of each month, Fairview Baptist Church holds Cowboy Church. It’s a combination of Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Hymns and a lot of serious goofing off. The next Cowboy Church will take place Sat., Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. Fairview Baptist Church is located at 2108 E Vaile Ave. behind the Walmart Plaza.
Rocky Horror Experience
Let’s do the Time Warp again with Rhine Hall Events! Partnered with Amanda Duncan and Heard Catering, Rhine Hall presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: The Immersive Experience” on Sat., Oct. 19. Located at 507 N. Union St., doors will open at 6 p.m., and the interactive screening of the cult classic film begins at 7:30 p.m. A four-course dining experience will be served throughout the movie. The event includes a castle tour, an interactive cast, and prop scavenging. Tickets are on sale now for $60 and are going fast. Table reservations for parties of six are available as long tickets last. Purchase early to ensure a location closer to the stage and to ensure your group will be seated together. Purchase tickets by visiting www.rhinehallevents.com .
Symphony performs ‘Olympic Enchantment’
Step into a world where music and athleticism collide in symphonic celebrations unlike any other. Join the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra for the grand opening of its 51st season as it presents “Olympic Enchantment: A Spellbinding Symphony,” on Oct. 19. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. in Havens Auditorium on the Indiana University Kokomo campus, 2300 S. Washington St. Single tickets are $25 each, though college students attend for $5. The concert is free for K-12 students and children. Tickets are available for purchase now by visiting www.kokomosymphony.net or by calling 765-236-0251.
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. Register by Oct. 6 to ensure you receive a commemorative t-shirt by the day of the race. 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.
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.
Kokomo Christmas Parade
The City of Kokomo’s annual Christmas Parade will take place Sat., Dec. 7, in downtown Kokomo. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Additional details to come.
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