• A big thanks goes out to the Irvington Garden Club’s successful Garden Tour! There were some exceptional gardens on the tour this year, and everything ran smoothly despite the heat. Well done!
• The 4th of July is a federal holiday, so state, federal, and local offices will be closed. Indianapolis Public Library branches will also be closed, as well as post offices.
• Ash & Elm Cider company will host a 10th anniversary bash on Saturday, July 11 between 3-8 p.m. at their production space, 2112 E. Washington St. There will be food, music, and lots of cider. Tickets are $8, and available in advance at event.ontaptickets.com/events/10th-anniversary-party-7-11-2026
• Mark your calendar for a house concert with the Rob Dixon Trio on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. at 1230 N. Riley. Dixon is a legend in Midwest, and director of Indy Jazz Fest. Tickets are available at clearvibeshouseconcerts.com/rsvp. Concerts are free, but a $20 donation is suggested.
• Indianapolis Animal Care Services is hosting an adoption event on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 & 12 for those ready to adopt a furever family member. They will also provide information on fostering, volunteering at the shelter, or the new shelter itself. Hours are noon-7 p.m. and it will be held at the new facility at 5001 E. Raymond St.
• The Beech Grove Concert series continues on Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m. at Beech Grove Park, 1300 Churchman Ave. The Doo Band will be playing high energy covers of great songs. The concert is free, so bring your own chairs and have fun!
• First Friday is July 3, and the Harrison, 1505 will be open 6-9 with open studios and great gallery shows. Also check out the Factory Arts District at 1125 Brookside Ave., a sprawling facility dedicated to creating collaborations and unique art. Irvington will be hopping with special shows at Magpie Studio and Gallery, plus many shops in the area will feature local artists and their works.
• Just a reminder to all the folks out there buying fireworks: Indianapolis has a fireworks ordinance that states you can’t set them off in public spaces (streets and parks), and only to 11 p.m. You can be fined if you violate the ordinance. Every year, the emergency rooms are filled with people who didn’t pay attention and got burned or body parts blown off. Kids have no business handling fireworks. If someone in your neighborhood is violating the ordinance, call police non-emergency at 317-327-3811 or 311.
• The City of Lawrence will hold its annual Lawrence 4th Fest on Saturday, July 4 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. There will be a parade at 10 a.m., classic car show, food trucks and vendors, a kid’s zone with bounce houses and more, music, kickball tournament, and a fireworks show at 10 p.m. Check it out at the Lawrence Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Rd.
Happy Independence Day to all our readers!