With summer comes a full lineup of festivals and fairs. Here, several southside favorites to add to your not-to-be-missed list.
By Julie Cope Saetre
Beer and Bluegrass Festival »Head to Franklin town square for the annual beer and bluegrass celebration with plenty of local brews and bands. Participating breweries include Flat12 Bierwerks, Fountain Square Brewing Co., Sun King Brewing Co., Taxman Brewing Co., Mashcraft Brewing and more. Location: Franklin town square Date: Aug. 22 Information: (317) 346-1258 or discoverdowntownfranklin.com
Daily Journal Street Party »The Daily Journal newspaper hosts a street party on July 10 in downtown Franklin. The event is free and will include live music, as well as events for children. Concessions will be available for purchase. Location: Water and Monroe streets, downtown Franklin Date: 5 to 11 p.m., July 10 Information: (317) 736-7101
Franklin Firecracker Festival »Celebrate Independence Day Eve at this family-friendly event, complete with bounce houses, horse-drawn wagon rides and the “Fastest Kid in Town” race. Entertainment kicks off with the Franklin Community Band at 6 p.m., followed by the Blue River Band at 7:30 p.m. Food vendors fuel hungry kids and adults, and the Norman P. Blankenship Jr. Fireworks Celebration provides the glittering finale at 10:10 p.m. Location: Indiana Masonic Home, 690 State St., Franklin Date: 6 to 10:30 p.m., July 3 Information: franklin.in.gov
Freedom Festival »Join the expected crowd of 50,000 for this annual bash, with activities taking place in Craig Park, the Greenwood Amphitheatre and Old City Park. Browse through 100 vendor booths, featuring items ranging from festive souvenirs to tasty foods. A beer and wine area includes area microbrews and vintages, and a car show provides fun for wheels enthusiasts. Live music rocks the Greenwood Amphitheatre from mid-afternoon to just before the evening-ending fireworks show, and family entertainment gets its own stage. Location: Craig Park, the Greenwood Amphitheatre and Old City Park Date: June 27 Information: greenwood.in.gov
Johnson County 4-H & Agricultural Fair »Each year, Johnson County 4-H’ers display the results of their work in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, small animal care, culinary creations and more at this event. A midway provides thrilling rides and favorite fair foods, and concerts keep the crowds clapping and singing along. Contests include categories for Little Mister and Miss and babies, a talent show and, of course, the fair queen competition. Don’t forget to catch a fireworks show, a log-carving demonstration and the annual fair parade. Location: Johnson County 4-H Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin Date: July 19-25 Information: johnsoncountyfair.com
Smoke on the Square »Discover Downtown Franklin presents the fifth annual Smoke on the Square barbecue competition on June 26 and 27. Professional barbecue teams from all over the Midwest will compete to earn points toward a national championship. For a fee, visitors can taste samples and vote for their favorite at the event, which also features live music. Location: Franklin town square Date: June 26-27 Information: (317) 346-1258 or discoverdowntownfranklin.com
WAMMfest »It’s all about wine, art, music and microbrews at the seventh annual WAMMfest, thrown by Sertoma Club of Greenwood. Proceeds from the 2014 event benefited nearly 30 local groups and organizations, from Blessings in a Backpack to Youth Connections. You’ll sip and savor wines from Hoosier vineyards and award-winning beers from Indiana microbreweries, browse through booths for a variety of area paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry and other treasures and tap your toes to a mix of music from local bands. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on event day; children ages 6 and younger are free. Location: Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood Date: Aug. 15 Information: wammfest.com
