• Indy Parks Fall programs are set to begin in September, and registration will be open on Friday, Aug. 16. Visit www.indyparks.org for a full list of events, classes, workshops, and special programs.
• Congratulations to our local IndyStar “Best of Indianapolis” winners! George Thomas was named best florist, and best local clothing store AND best men’s clothing store was James Dant in Irvington. Hampton Designs Studio and Shop came in second in the best gift shop category, and Inhabit was voted best locally owned furniture store. The PourHouse was named best non-profit, and the runner-up was the FACE clinic. The best record store in the whole city was Irvington Vinyl and Books. Congratulations to everyone! Eastside businesses are the best.
• Stop by Market on the Pennsy Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 5529 Bonna Ave right beside Coal Yard Coffee. Vendors, food, music and fun.
• Indianapolis Animal Care Services is looking for volunteers who’d like to help build an outdoor cat enclosure on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the IACS headquarters, 2600 S. Harding St. They need people with power tools, 10 ft. tall ladders and scaffolding as they build overhead walkways, spiral staircases, and all manner of cat-friendly structures.
• On Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 5-9 p.m. Art with a Heart will hold a fundraiser, Buttons & Beer at Sun King Brewery, 135 N. College Ave. Come on our and create your own imaginative buttons and have a beer to help support their mission of bringing the arts to at-risk youth. Every pint sold will put a $1 in their budget.
• IndyFringe begins this weekend with tons of great shows, dramas, dance, music, and more. Visit www.indyfringe.org for more information about upcoming shows and to get tickets. It’s the 15th year for IndyFringe — if you haven’t been yet, this is the year to do it!
• The next “Cops and Waters” event will be held Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the White Castle (10053 E. Washington St.). Come out and enjoy a coffee and chat with local cops.
• Save the Date: Bites & Brews is a fundraiser for NEAR’s annual Caulk of the Town, which is a weatherization program for low income and senior homeowners on the east side. It will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 5-8 p.m. at the historic Indiana City Brewing Co. and feature beers from them, kombucha from Circle Kombucha, and food from eastside businesses. Tickets are $25 each and available online from Eventbrite.com
• There will a a Near Eastside Storytelling Night on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Hoy Polloy Gallery, 2121 E. 10th St. Four eastside neighbors have been invited to share their memories and stories of the area. All are welcome, and snacks from Chuck’s Coney Island will be served.
• There will be an Arts Pop-Up on Friday, Aug. 16 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at 10th and Hamilton, across from the Mayfair Taproom. Music from Gypsy Jam, an instrument table for the kids, plus family-friendly activities will be part of the program. Check out the Inspire 10th St. Facebook page for more details.