• Are you looking for a new furry family member? The Indy Mega Adoption Event will be held Oct. 10-11 from noon-6 p.m. each day at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Over 1,000 adoptable dogs and cats of all breeds, ages and sizes will be out and available for adoption for only $30. All animals are already fixed and microchipped, ready to take home. The event is free; parking on the fairgrounds is $5. The fairgrounds are at 1202 E. 38th St.
• The Indianapolis Fire Dept. will host Open Houses on Oct. 3 from 1-4 p.m. at several stations in Indy, including Station 3 (1136 Prospect), Station 20 (1452 N. Emerson), and Station 55 (10515 E. Thompson). Activities include demonstrations of hands-only CPR, practice 911 calls, smoke detector installation sign-ups, and a lot more. Kids will enjoy meeting firefighters who serve our neighborhoods, and you’ll get the chance to say thank you to the brave men and women who protect our community.
• The Cottage Home neighborhood throws some of the best parties in Indy, and their Fall Block Party is coming up Oct. 3 from 5-11 p.m. This free event is open to anyone, with lots of music, food, games, and fun for the whole family. Donations are accepted at the welcome tables located at Dorman St. and East St. Clair St. and in the community space at Highland Ave. All proceeds go to the Cottage Home Neighborhood Association for improvements throughout the neighborhood.
• Get your Halloween on a little early at the Eerie Elegance Halloween Art Show at the 5547 Project Art Gallery (5547 Bonna Ave.) Oct. 9 from 6-9 p.m. Halloween-themed art and special lighting, plus beer and bacon, will certainly draw in a crowd. Please note that Bonna Ave. is under reconstruction, so access from Ritter is closed.
• The Greenfield Water Utility will be performing a flushing program to clean the drinking water mains beginning Oct. 5 through Oct. 30, or until the weather no longer permits. The flushing will be performed Mon.- Fri. from 8 a.m. to noon. Be on the lookout for hydrant flushing signs placed in the flushing area. The program will begin in the area East of S.R. 9 and South of US 40. Please use caution when traveling near flushing crews as water may accumulate in these areas. For more information and weekly updates, visit www.greenfieldin.org
• Beech Grove will begin its leaf collection program Oct. 12, which will run until Dec. 18. Residents will be able to have their leaves picked up curbside. In addition, Beech Grove is offering free recycling; call 803-9111 for more information.
• The Great Gatsby kicks off the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s 2015-16 season, running Sept. 30-Oct. 25. The adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic Roaring 20s novel looks like it’s just as relevant today as when it was written. Tickets are $59-$20; visit www.irtlive.com for more performance times and tickets.