Kids and teens
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: 1’s and 2’s Storytime, 10 a.m. Dec. 5, 11, 12, 18, 19; Just for Babies Storytime 11 a.m. Dec. 5, 12, 19; Holiday Hodge Podge Ages 2-12, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5;Teen Dungeons and Dragons, 4 p.m. Dec. 5; Toddler Track Ages 1-2, noon, Dec. 6; Ornament and Cookie Decorating for Teens, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6; Lego Club Ages 6-12, 4 p.m. Dec. 6; Teen STEAM, 4 p.m. Dec. 6; Teen Service Hour Day Ages 12 and up, 10 a.m. Dec. 7; Mystery Brick LEGO Challenge Grades K-6, 2 p.m. Dec. 7; Art Smart of Teens, 4 p.m. Dec. 9; Sans Souci Storytime, 4 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 at Sans Souci; Milk & Cookies Junior Storytime Ages 1-2, 6 p.m. Dec. 9; Milk & Cookies Storytime Ages 3-8, 7 p.m. Dec. 10; 3’s to 5’s Storytime, 10 a.m. Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18; Eat for Cheap for Teens, 3 p.m. Dec. 10; Teen Gaming at Hope, 3 p.m. Dec. 10; French Storytime Ages 11-18, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 10; French Storytime Ages 0-10, 5 p.m. Dec. 10; Music & Movement Ages 3-8, 4 p.m. Dec. 11; Teen Cafe, 4 p.m. Dec. 11; Full STEAM Ahead Grades K-6, 4 p.m. Dec. 12; Teen STEAM, 4 p.m. Dec. 13; Tween Advisory Board 4 p.m. Dec. 13; Preschool STEAM 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16; Teen Pupper Petting Party, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16; CoderDojo Grades 2-12, 4 p.m. Dec. 16; Teen Advisory Board Holiday Party, 4 p.m. Dec. 16; Holiday Crafts Around the World Ages 0-12, 6 p.m. Dec. 16; Pop-Up Storytime at WIC Office, 2 p.m. Dec. 16, United Way Building. Register: mybcpl.org.
FIRST FRIDAYS FOR FAMILIES: ‘THE VELVETEEN RABBIT,’ 6 p.m. Dec. 6, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus, series that introduces young audiences to a wide variety of performing arts in a fun, informal setting the first Friday of each month December through April. Performances are free and open to everyone. Based on the classic story with unforgettable characters by Margery Williams Bianco, this show examines what it means to love and what it takes to be real.
SANTA’S WORKSHOP, 10 a.m. Dec. 7, First United Methodist Church, 618 Eighth St., Columbus; kids of all ages and their chaperones are invited to make crafts and visit Santa. Free will offering to purchase gifts for a LCFNC Angel Tree family.
HOOSIER PRO WRESTLING “DISCRETION” CHEER FUND TOY DRIVE 2, 8 p.m., Dec. 7, Bartholomew County Fairgrounds, 750 W. County Road 200S, Columbus; bring a new or gently used toy for Cheer Fund. $12 admission; matches: Shiloh Jonzs vs. Flash Flanagan, Duke The Nuke vs. Buck Sexton w/D Rose, concessions, T-shirts and hoodies, wrestling merchandise.
MOM & ME FOR TEA, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Donner Center, 739 22nd St., Columbus; $24/pair, each additional person, $12 (registration deadline Dec. 4 or until maximum enrollment has been met) mothers with daughters ages 3-8, holiday party will include tea, punch, sandwiches, sweets, crafts, games and surprises; all children should wear their holiday best for the fashion show! Moms please bring a written description of your daughter’s outfit for our master of ceremonies to read.
SANTA’S WORKSHOP, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Donner Center, 739 22nd St., Columbus, $2/person, Christmas crafts, games, prizes and snacks; all children must be accompanied by an adult.
WHOVILLE SKATE, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 21, Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena, 2501 Lincoln Park Drive, Columbus. Skate with the Grinch and have a magical time in Whoville! Cost is $4.50 for adults, $4 for kids, and $2 for skate and scooter rental. Kids ages 4 and under are free.
FIRST FRIDAYS FOR FAMILIES: MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN, 6 p.m. Jan. 3, The Commons, 300 block of Washington Street, Columbus. January’s program is “Mario the Maker Magician!” An award-winning children’s performer, Mario is known for the integration of DIY electronics and robotics in his show, inspiring kids to dream up their own creations. It’s a modern take on old school vaudeville and slapstick: upbeat, interactive, rock ‘n’ roll and hilarious. Mario has appeared on “Sesame Street” and “Sprout,” and toured North America in 2018 as David Blaine’s opening act; free and open to everyone.
Music, live performances
‘A ROCKIN’ BLUE CHRISTMAS,’ 6 p.m. Dec. 5, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus, your favorite Christmas songs from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Andy Williams, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, and more — performed by Dave Ehlert.
FRIDAYS @ FIRST, First United Methodist Church, 618 Eighth St., Columbus. Future performances: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, “Celebrate the Season” with FUMC Chancel Choir, Chancel Ringers, CEHS “Center Stage.” Info: fumccolumbus.org/fridaysfirst/.
BELIEVE: THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 14, 15, 21, 22; 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 21, 22, Brown County Playhouse, 70 S. Van Buren St., Nashville; annual holiday tradition, by Golden Ticket Productions. All ages show — singing, dancing, special effect lighting, and beautiful voices; beer, wine, champagne, mixed drinks sold in auditorium. Kids 10 and under free with paid adult. Tickets: browncounty playhouse.org
SONGS FOR LOVE CHAPEL, A CHRISTMAS BENEFIT CONCERT, 3 p.m. Dec. 8, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2651 California St., Columbus; sixth annual Christmas Concert ‘Songs for Love Chapel’ at St Paul’s Episcopal Church; local artists and choral groups performing a mix of sacred and secular Christmas songs and music that is sure to please. Admission Free but donations (monetary or food) will be gladly accepted for the Love Chapel Food Pantry; 812-342-6590, [email protected]; www.stpaulscolumbus.org.
CHRISTMAS MUSICAL, 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Westside Community Church, 124 Tipton Lakes Blvd., Columbus, Westside Community Church will be performing a contemporary Christmas; musical, “The King Is Here,” by a multi-generational choir — an inspiring contemporary rendition of the Christmas story.
ST. PAUL CHRISTMAS CONCERT, 6:40 p.m. Dec. 22, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6045 E. State St., Columbus; 7 p.m., Second Presbyterian Church Beecher Singers & Orchestra; pre-concert harp recital at 6:40 p.m. Everyone cordially invited, admission is free.
WEDNESDAY OPEN MIC, 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, Brown County Inn, 51 State Road 46 East, Nashville. Hosted by local musicians David Sisson and Jason Blankenship in the CornCrib Lounge. Food, drinks. Live music from singers, songwriters and performers. Info: browncountyinn.com.
Theater, Films
‘THE CAT RESCUERS,’ 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, AMC Showplace Columbus 12, 555 Creekview Court, Columbus; all are welcome to attend a one-night showing of “The Car Rescuers.” The event is being hosted by the Humane Society of the United States, CARE (Columbus), Bartholomew County Humane Society, Columbus Animal Care Service, Brown County Humane Society, the Humane Society of Jackson County, and The Big Fix of Jackson County. The film will be followed by a Q&A from rescue groups to discuss the success of Trap, Neuter, Release and Community Cats in southern Indiana.
‘BENDING THE ARC,’ 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Ave., Columbus. In honor of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, ARTS For AIDS is showing the movie of the life and work of Dr. Paul Farmer, which continues beyond his book, “Mountains Beyond Mountains.” The film covers the struggles of people with AIDS in the developing world of Haiti. Enjoy Afro-centric music, an African bazaar, refreshments, and a cash bar.
‘CHRISTMAS IN THE LAND OF OZ,’ 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7, 2 p.m. Dec. 8, Park Theatre Civic Centre, 25 N Madison Ave., North Vernon. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door before each performance; tickets, $1 to $8; 812-346-0330.
‘MAJOR BARBARA,’ 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 ans 7, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Judson Erne Auditorium, Columbus North High School, 1400 25th St., Columbus; North Drama’s fall production is “Major Barbara,” by George Bernard Shaw, set in Edwardian-era (1907) Great Britain. It stars Molly Nelson as the leading lady Barbara Undershaft, who is in a battle of moral and religious wits with her mysterious father, Andrew Undershaft, played by Joshua Degroot. Other lead characters are Barbara’s mother Lady Britomart, played by Claire Baker; Barbara’s brother Stephen, played by Pranav Venkataraman; Barbara’s sister Sarah, played by Sawa Hashizume; Sarah’s beau Charles Lomax, played by Jaime Garcia; and Barbara’s beau Adolphus Cusins, played by Colvin Iorio. Tickets, $8, for more information or concerns, contact [email protected] or call (812) 376-4236.
Talks, lectures, classes
VET-TO-VET DISCUSSION, 5:10 p.m., Mondays, Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St., Columbus. Hour-long, facilitator-led group discussion with others who have served in the military. Attendees able to share problems with fellow veterans who may also be having a similar experience.
Sports, exercise, wellness
BALLROOM DANCE, 7-10 p.m. Dec. 14, The Commons, 300 Block of Washington Street, Columbus; tickets and inquiries may be directed to [email protected]; tickets are also available at the door. Admission is $25/person.
SECRETS TO MEDITATION, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, North Christian Church, 850 Tipton Lane, Columbus. Learn the “Bellows Breath” to boost your energy, calm your mind and reduce stress. Experience a unique guided meditation. Get an introduction to the Art of Living Happiness Program, a flagship course that dives deep into the power of breath and stress management techniques. Information and RSVP: [email protected].
YOGA BASICS AT NOON, noon to 1 p.m. third Wednesday of every month, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Explore the practice of yoga, its philosophy and benefits with yoga teacher Jenn Willhite, who will cover foundational poses, linking movement with breath, breathwork and keys to establishing a dedicated yoga practice during one-hour sessions held on the third Wednesday of each month. Bring your own mat.
YOGA OF 12-STEP RECOVERY, classes at Recovery Engagement Center, 1951 McKinley Ave., Columbus. Donation-based class. Information: 812-447-2585.
SWIMMING FOR EXERCISE, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. Lap swimming, water aerobics, public swim available seven days a week. Information: foundation foryouth.com.
Seasonal
BREAKFAST WITH THE ANGELS, 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 7, First Baptist Church, 3300 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus; free breakfast, crafts, interactive Christmas story, photo booth, and candy cane hunt — for all ages!
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 7, downtown Columbus, area of Washington and Fourth streets. The 29th annual Festival of Lights Parade features up to 100 floats, animal units and walking groups created by local corporations, businesses and community groups. Two-hour parade winds around the core of downtown. As darkness falls, the streets of downtown Columbus light up with thousands of twinkling lights. Ends with Thommasson, Thommasson, Long & Gutherie QMIX 107.3 Musical Holiday Fireworks.
CHRISTMAS BALLROOM DANCE, 7-10 p.m. Dec. 15, The Commons, 300 Block of Washington St., Columbus; tickets and inquiries may be directed to [email protected]; tickets are also available at the door. Admission is $25/person.
FALL-WINTER FARMERS MARKET, 10 a.m. Saturdays through Dec. 21, parking lot at 14th Street and Central Avenue. Farmers and vendors selling local beef, cold brew coffee, produce, meat, eggs, dairy, baked goods, organic produce, honey, chicken, pork and more.
Miscellaneous
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Woven Candy Cane craft, 10 a.m. Dec. 7; Protection from All Levels, 6 p.m. Dec. 9; Power Yoga, 9 a.m. Dec. 10; Craft Night, 6 p.m. Dec. 10; Star Party, 10 a.m. Dec. 10; American Sign Language Meet-up, 10 a.m. Dec. 12; Bartholomew County Writers Group, 6 p.m. Dec. 12; Christmas in Germany, 6 p.m. Dec. 12; Painting with Marilyn, 10 a.m. Dec. 14. Register for events at mybcpl.org under “events.” Information: 812-379-1255.
AMERICAN SEWING GUILD NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. first Saturday of the month, Dec. 7, Bartholomew County REMC, 1697 W. Deaver Road, Columbus. Bring your interest in sewing and your latest project to show and tell. Sewing enthusiasts of all ages and skills are welcome. If you have questions contact Marilyn at [email protected].
BINGO, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St., Columbus. Open to the public.
COLUMBUS CHESS CLUB, 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Lewellen Chapel, corner of Middle Road and Grissom Street, Columbus. Most games are 10 minutes in length; equipment is furnished. Open to chess players 18 and older. Information: 812-603-3893.
ELKS LODGE BINGO, 6:30 p.m. Fridays, 12:30 p.m. Sundays, Elks 521 Lodge Bingo Hall, 4664 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus. Information: 812-379-4386.
COLUMBUS AREA RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE, with four operating layouts, the third Saturday of each month (Dec. 21) at the Johnson County Park headquarters building at Camp Atterbury. The club will be participating in the Christmas Village event at the Commons Dec. 7. The Club will be running trains beginning at noon that day, though the actual event activities run from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Information: Greg Harter, 812-350-8636; columbusarearailroadclub.com; or [email protected].
Fundraisers, nonprofits
HUMANE SOCIETY BAKE AND GIFT SALE, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7, FairOaks Mall, 2380 25th St., Columbus. Baked treats and gift baskets for pets and people will be for sale near the Santa Court and Bath & Body Works at Fair Oaks Mall. All proceed go directly to help animals at the Humane Society shelter.
HUMANE SOCIETY CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE FOR THE ANIMALS, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Bartholomew County Humane Society Shelter, 4415 E. County Road 200S, Columbus; just off State Road 7 and County Road 250 E. There will be a blessing for the animals at 2 p.m. and music by harpist Erzsebet Gall. Gifts for the animals are appreciated. Refreshments will be served.
UNIVERSAL MARKET, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 7850 W. Goeller Road, Columbus. Universal Holiday Market features high quality/home-made items from artisans, non-profit organizations, and several different faith traditions. There will also be home-made breakfast treats and a delicious soup and dessert lunch. Another attraction of the event is the Children’s Emporium where youngsters can shop for adults and friends at very low cost. No admission fee, and everyone will find something to enjoy! Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information at 812-342-6230.
FOOD DRIVE, all day, through December, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus; donate food items at the Main and Hope libraries. Donated items go to Love Chapel and the Hope Food Pantry. Items needed include cereal, mac and cheese, soups, canned veggies and canned meats.
Galleries, museums & exhibits
YELLOW TRAIL MUSEUM CHRISTMAS HOMES TOUR, 6 p.m. Dec. 6, Yellow Trail Museum, 644 Main St., Hope; For a $10 ticket, guests are allowed to visit five homes, a church, a business and a one-room schoolhouse to enjoy the lovely Christmas decorations at each place. Many of the locations will have refreshments, as will the Yellow Trail Museum where all guests are encouraged to take breaks from their touring. The tour is self guided and runs from 6-9 p.m. Tickets will be available at the museum. Maps and driving directions will be provided. Questions may be addressed by calling the museum at 812-546-8020 or Barb at 812-371-7969.
ARTIST RECEPTION: 50/50, A COMMUNITY ART PROJECT, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 411 Gallery, 411 Sixth St., Columbus, light bites and drinks will be served; free and open to everyone. 50/50 includes 50 unique works of art by 50 creative community members. Each work is available for purchase for $50. Proceeds benefit 411 — A project of the Arts & Entertainment District; artsincolumbus.org/411
INDIANA THROUGH THE SEASONS, ongoing, B3 Gallery, 61 W. Main St., upstairs, Nashville; special showing of work by Bloomington photographer Gary Morrison
SHARING THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Bartholomew County Historical Society, 524 Third St., Columbus; exhibit, designed by RedBox of Chicago, includes a detailed timeline with items from the BCHS collection, a hands-on map table that features maps dating back to the early 1800s, a Notable People wall and a Then and Now/Did you know carousel full of fun facts. Group tours for guests of all ages are available upon request; information 812-372-3541 or bartholomewhistory.org
GALLERY 506: Balthazar Korab: Photographer of Architecture, through Dec. 31, 506 Fifth St. at the Columbus Area Visitors Center in downtown Columbus. Information: 378-2622.
AVENUE OF THE ARCHITECTS, regular library business hours, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. An exhibit of photographs and illustrations about Columbus’ Fifth Street.
WINDOW TO COLUMBUS, Heritage Fund courtyard, 538 Franklin St., Columbus. Small, ongoing exhibit about innovation and design in Columbus.
YELLOW TRAIL MUSEUM SUNDAY SOCIALS, 2 p.m. first Sunday of each month. All are welcome to have coffee and join in discussions about various topics from the community’s past, including stories about growing up in our community of Hope, Hartsvillle, Clifford or St. Louis Crossing. Free. Questions: 812-371-7969.
YELLOW TRAIL MUSEUM/VISITOR CENTER, west side of Hope Town Square at 644 Main St., Hope. Research center is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays and by appointment. The museum/visitor information center hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays with extended hours during special events. The museum includes thousands of items donated by members of the community to tell the story of Hope’s heritage. Information: 812-546-8020 or 812-371-7969.
ATTERBURY-BAKALAR AIR MUSEUM, at Columbus Municipal Airport, 4770 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Special tours may be scheduled by calling 812-372-4356. The museum preserves the history of the former Atterbury Army Air Field, later named Bakalar Air Force Base. Visit the museum online at atterburybakalarairmuseum.org and on Facebook.
T.C. STEELE STATE HISTORIC SITE, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Guided building tours are every hour at quarter past the hour from 10:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., 4220 T.C. Steele Road, Nashville. Explore the new Singing Winds Visitor Center, encounter art in the locations where Steele originally painted it, find art activities and games for all ages in the outdoor studio and enjoy guided tours of the Steeles’ home and Large Studio. Information: 812-988-2785 and indianamuseum.org/t-c-steele-state– historic-site.
IVY TECH GALLERY OF FINE ART & DESIGN, 4475 Central Ave., Columbus. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays. Information: 812-374-5139 or [email protected].
TRE BICCHIERI, 425 Washington St., Columbus. Artwork by nine local artists including Gail Plattner, Jeff Jackson, Stephen Whittaker, John Strickland, Susie Gregory, Rebecca Campbell, Cathy Schooler and Robert Baker. All artwork is for sale. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 5 to 10 p.m. Saturdays.
TRI-STATE ARTISANS, 422 Washington St., Columbus. Handmade retail gallery of more than 60 local artisans. Unique gifts, fine art, art classes for youth and adults, youth art programs, art parties and home parties. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Information: tsartisans.com.
BROWN COUNTY ART GUILD, 48 S. Van Buren St., Nashville. Info: 812-988-6185, browncountyartguild.org.
HOOSIER ARTIST GALLERY, 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville. Information: 269-375-3234.
B3 GALLERY, 125 S. Van Buren St., Nashville, second floor of the Artist Colony Shops. Information: 812-988-6675.
BROWN COUNTY ART GALLERY, Artist Drive and Main Street, Nashville. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Information: browncountyartgallery.org or 812-988-4609.
JENNINGS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM, 335 Brown St., Vernon. Information: 812-346-8989, jenningscounty.org.
Ongoing
FABULOUS FIRST FRIDAYS WITH MISS POLLY, 12:15 p.m. the first Friday of each month. Viewpoint Books, 548 Washington St., Columbus. Information: 812-376-0778.
FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. The Boys & Girls Club is open to children ages 5 to 18. Information: 812-372-7867.
KIDSCOMMONS, 309 Washington St., Columbus. Ongoing activities, all free with museum admission: Little Explorers, 11 a.m. Thursdays and 1:30 p.m. Fridays; Art Time, 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays; Wacky Science, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Information: 812-378-3046.
ZOO’OPOLIS EXOTIC PETTING WORLD, 5718 Indiana Road 46W, Nashville. Visit all habitats and learn about pets, feed and take pictures with more than 100 animals representing more than 40 different species and the reptile kingdom, including foxes, raccoons, timber wolves, prairie dogs, wallabies and more. Reservations required. Choose from two sessions: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 2:30-5 p.m. Text to make your reservation 812-764-4980. Learn more on Facebook under Zoo’Opolis Exotic Petting World.
