Eclipse plans are looking up
Have you gotten your protective eyewear to safely view the April 8 total solar eclipse that will pass over Columbus and the area that afternoon? You can pick up a free pair like these while supplies last from the Columbus Area Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St. Also, the Bartholomew County Public Library plans several events to distribute free eclipse viewing glasses. Pick up glasses from the Columbus branch, 536 Fifth St., at 2 p.m. on March 29-30; 4 p.m. on April 1; or at 9 a.m. April 2. The Hope branch will provide eclipse viewing glasses at 2 p.m. on March 29-30; at 4 p.m. on April 1; and at 10 a.m. on April 2. For a complete list of eclipse-related events, visit columbus.in.us/eclipse.
Get your Irish up
The Kentucky-based traditional Celtic music trio na Skylark (“the Skylarks), from left, Cathy Wilde, Jannell Canerday and Lorinda Jones, share a laugh after a performance in December 2023. The combo will present a free concert of Irish music — some hundreds of years old — from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Red Room at the Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus.
Kids and teens
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Preschool STEAM, 11 a.m., March 20; Teen Watch-It Wednesday: Disability Awareness Month, 3:30 p.m., March 20, 27; After School Special, 3:30 p.m., March 20; Library Babies, 10 and 10:30 a.m., March 21, 28; Tween Game Time, 3:30 p.m., March 21, 28, April 4; Teen Thursgame, 3:30 p.m., March 21, 28; Teen Dungeons and Dragons, 3:30 p.m., March 21; Family Craft Night, 6 p.m., March 21; Cuentos y Cantos, 11 a.m., March 22; Tween Stitch Camp, 3:30 p.m., March 22; Teen Crochet Camp, 3:30 p.m., March 22; Saturday Storytime, 11 a.m., March 23; Tween Craft Time, 4 p.m., March 25; Family Storytime, 6 p.m., March 25, April 1; Toddler Time, 9:15 and 10 a.m., March 26, April 2; Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m., March 26, April 2; Teen Peep Wars, 3:30 p.m., March 26; Preschool Art Studio, 11 a.m., March 27; Family Exercise and Movement Storytime, 4:45 p.m., March 28; Meet the Cast of The Wizard of Oz!, 6 p.m., March 28; Promject Runway, 1 p.m., March 29; Solar Eclipse Glasses Pickup, 2 p.m., March 29, 30, 4 p.m., April 1, 9 a.m., April 2; Solar Eclipse Glasses Pickup at Hope, 2 p.m., March 29, 30, 4 p.m., April 1, 10 a.m., April 2; Teen Blackout Poetry, 3:30 p.m., April 1; Homeschool Hangout, 11 a.m., April 2; Teen Taste-It Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., April 2; Whatever the Weather Storytime and Playdate, 11 a.m., April 3; Teen Watch-It Wednesday: Poetry Month, 3:30 p.m., April 3; Nate Marshall: Poet, 6 p.m., April 3; Teen Life-Size Clue, 3:30 p.m., April 4; STEMnastics, 5 p.m., April 4; Sing & Play with Allie Jean, 10 a.m., April 5. Information: mybcpl.org/events.
EASTER EGG HUNT, 10:30 a.m., March 23, Sandy Hook United Methodist Church, 1610 Taylor Road, Columbus. Easter Egg Hunt for kids and adults of all ages, no registration needed. After the Easter Egg Hunt, people are invited to stay for free pictures with the Easter Bunny and an all-you-can-eat pancake bar fundraiser (suggested donation is $5, proceeds fund youth group’s summer mission trip to St. Louis). Questions, contact Sandy Hook UMC at 812-372-8495.
SOLAR ECLIPSE, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m., April 1-8, kidscommons, 309 Washington St., Columbus. Enjoy various programming, including astronomy experts (April 6-8), who will teach visitors about what occurs during an eclipse and explain the importance of safety precautions during an eclipse.
Music
NA SKYLARK, 6 to 7:30 p.m., March 21, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Bring in spring with na Skylark, a Celtic music trio. Na Skylark simply means “the skylarks” in Irish, and this trio is definitely birds of a feather: three accomplished musicians who specialize in the old tunes, songs, and historic instruments of Ireland and other Celtic lands.
DUKE ENERGY PRESENTS SING!, 6:30 p.m., April 13, The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. A Karaoke event benefitting Advocates for Children. Vote for your favorite teams and get your friends on stage for open mic karaoke! Tickets are $70 individual or $560 for a table. Doors open at 6 p.m. Information: apowerfulvoice.org/sing or call 812-372-2808.
Sports, exercise, wellness
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE, 1 to 6 p.m., March 27, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Donate and Save Lives.
BLACKWELL PARK STORYWALK, Blackwell Park, 1550 Whitney Court, Columbus. Enjoy some fresh air while strolling the Bartholomew County Public Library’s StoryWalk. The StoryWalk is located along the People Trail near the Pollinator Park in Blackwell Park.
SWIMMING FOR EXERCISE, Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. Lap swimming, water aerobics and public swim are available. You must preregister for current swim sessions. Information: foundationforyouth.com.
Miscellaneous
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Civil War Book Club, 5:30 p.m., March 20; Family Craft Night, 6 p.m., March 21; Author Talk, 7 p.m., March 21; Library After Dark, 7 p.m., March 23; Mental Health First Aid, 9:30 a.m., March 25; Flow Yoga, noon, March 25; Adults Reading YA Book Club, 6 p.m., March 25; Chair Yoga, 1 p.m., March 26; All Book’d Book Club, 5:30 p.m., March 26; Reading with Friends, 9:30 a.m., March 27; Nate Marshall: Poet, 6 p.m., April 3; Native Plant Gardening Workshop, 6 p.m., April 3. Information: mybcpl.org/events.
PROPELLER LEGO CLUB, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Mondays, March 25, April 1, 8, 15, Columbus Propeller, 4760 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus. Come join Propeller’s ever-growing Lego Club. The club is free and open for all ages.
SPRING INTO THE WOODS, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 21, Hilton Garden Inn, 12210 N. Executive Dr., Edinburgh. Join the Mudlark Garden Club of Columbus, Indiana, for the Spring into the Woods event. Speakers include Marc Milne, associate professor of biology, University of Indianapolis; Dawn R. Slack, project manager/coordinator for Indiana Invasives Initiative; and botanist Nathanael J. Pilla. For more information and for registration details, visit the Facebook page for Spring Into the Woods.
FISH FRY, 5 to 7 p.m., March 23, Hawpatch Hawcreek Conservation Club, North County Road 900E, Hope. Annual Hawpatch-Hawcreek Conservation Club fish fry and fundraiser. Dinner is from 5 to 7 p.m. Club raffle starts at 7 p.m. Cost of meals is $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under, tickets sold at the door. Carry-out service will be available.
HERE COMES THE MOON: AN ECLIPSE GUIDE IN TOTALITY, 4 to 5 p.m., April 5, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., April 6, YES Cinema, 328 Jackson St., Columbus. In a multimedia presentation spanning eclipse basics to advanced topics, you will get insights into what to expect during the eclipse, how to watch and photograph the eclipse without hurting your eyes or cameras, and why eclipses have captivated humanity for thousands of years. Bring your enthusiasm and questions and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies! Accessible for most ages and knowledge levels.
COMIC CON, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 6, Moravec Hall, 4475 Central Ave., Columbus. University Library of Columbus Comic Con. University Library of Ivy Tech Columbus and the Bartholomew County Library invite you to the 8th Annual Comic-Con! Free and open to the public. The theme will focus on the eclipse and all things science fiction.
TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HOPE, 10 a.m. April 6 through 10 a.m. April 8, Jackson St., Hope. A 3-day family-friendly festival that will include art and science projects, games, live entertainment (including a variety of bands), and food and merchandise vendors. Local businesses will have extended hours for dining and shopping. During this event, Main Street of HOPE is offering RV/Camper sites. For more information, check out mainstreetofhope.org.
TOTAL ECLIPSE WATCH PARTY, Noon to 4 p.m., April 8, DSI, 2920 Tenth St., Columbus. DSI is hosting a beyond the galaxy total eclipse watch party. Including live music, craft vendors, food vendors, bounce house, carnival games, cornhole tournament, and family friendly activities. All abilities welcome! Advanced parking price: $10 per car. Day-of parking price: $20 per car. Join us for an inclusive celestial celebration under the glowing sun! More information at www.dsiservices.org/events
FIRST FAMILIES OF HOPE, 10 a.m. to noon, April 6 and the first Saturday of each month, Yellow Trail Research Center, west side of Hope Town Square, 644 Main St., Hope. The Bartholomew County Genealogical Society would like to recognize the Yellow Trail Museum’s 50th Anniversary in 2025 with the First Families in the Hawcreek/Flatrock area. The First Families of Hope Talks continue through August 2025. Suggestions for names for Group 2 are welcomed. Bring photos, genealogy, documents, stories, or anything else you might want to share. With your permission, the genealogical society will scan copies during the sessions, so you can take home the originals you bring. These digital copies will be available for all attendees (bring your own jump drive), as well as the Yellow Trail Research Center.
ELKS LODGE BINGO, 6:30 p.m. Fridays and 12:30 p.m. Sundays, Elks 521 Lodge Bingo Hall, 4664 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. The first game is at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Open to the public. Information: 812-379-4386.
VFW POST 1987 BINGO, 215 N. National Road, Columbus, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.), and the second Saturday of each month from 2 to 6 p.m. (doors open at noon). Open to the public.
AMERICAN LEGION BINGO & KARAOKE, American Legion Post 25, 2515 25th St., Columbus. Bingo is on Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m. Karaoke is on Wednesdays starting at 6 p.m.
COLUMBUS CHESS CLUB, 5 to 9 p.m., Thursdays, Lewellen Chapel, corner of Middle Road and Grissom Street, Columbus. Equipment is furnished. Open to chess players 16 and older. Information: 801-856-4812.
COLUMBUS AREA RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE, noon to 4 p.m., April 20 and the third Saturday of each month. Trains will be operating layouts in four scales — HO, N, O, and On30. The club is located at the Johnson County Park headquarters building adjacent to Camp Atterbury. Information: Greg Harter, 812-350-8636, or on Facebook at Columbus Area Railroad Club.
GRACE’S TABLE FREE MEAL, 5 p.m., April 14 and the second Sunday of each month, East Columbus United Methodist Church, 2439 Indiana Ave., Columbus. Free meal in the youth center as well as music and storytelling. Enter the church parking lot on Indiana Avenue.
AMERICAN SEWING GUILD, 9 to 11 a.m., April 6 and the first Saturday of each month. Neighborhood group welcomes sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels and walks of life, meets monthly to learn new sewing skills, network with others who share an interest in sewing and participate in community sewing projects. If you are interested in attending, email Marilyn at [email protected] for meeting location.
COLUMBUS STAR QUILTERS, 9:30 a.m. to noon, April 4 and the first Thursday of each month, First Baptist Church Columbus, 3300 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus. Each gathering consists of a short business meeting followed by a quilting lesson/program, along with show-and-tell of finished projects. Members participate in various service projects. New and experienced quilters are invited to attend. Membership dues are $15 per year. For information, visit starquiltersofcolumbus.weebly.com.
EVENING STAR QUILT GUILD, 5:30 to 7 p.m., April 9 and the second Tuesday of each month, Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St., Columbus. The Evening Star Quilt Guild is a group of women who enjoy creating traditional and modern art quilts while learning new methods. For more, visit starquiltersofcolumbus.weebly.com.
FRIENDS DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB, 1 to 4:30 p.m. every Thursday, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2561 N. California St., Columbus. Bridge club open to the public.
Galleries, museums, exhibits
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 524 Third St., Columbus. Through June 28, “Columbus Connections at the 1904 World’s Fair” explores local contributions to the famous exhibition 120 years ago in St. Louis. BCHS hosts two permanent exhibits that share the history and heritage of Bartholomew County. Learn about our county through interactive, hands-on exhibits that include a map table, notable people, county timeline, Then and Now, Did You Know, early industrialists and videos of Reeves steam engines. The historical society also hosts rotating exhibits throughout the year featuring items from their extensive collection. Admission is free, with a donation suggested. Information: 812-372-3541, bartholomewhistory.org.
GALLERY 506, Columbus Indiana Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St., Columbus. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dutch photographer Iwan Baan’s architecturally focused work documenting Columbus’ many notable Modernist structures will be featured at Gallery 506 through August.
YELLOW TRAIL MUSEUM/VISITOR CENTER/RESEARCH CENTER, west side of Hope Town Square, 644 Main St., Hope. The Museum and Research Center are closed for the winter season until April but are available by appointment. For more information: 812-546-8020.
ATTERBURY-BAKALAR AIR MUSEUM, at Columbus Municipal Airport, 4742 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 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. The C-119 Aircraft will be open to the public on the first Saturday of each month throughout our regular museum operation. Free admission. Visit the museum online at atterburybakalarairmuseum.org and on Facebook.
PERCEPTIONS YOGA, MINDFULNESS & ART, 139 State Road 3, Vernon. Gallery hours are from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Perceptions Yoga is hosting an inaugural Juried Art Exhibit this April to commemorate the Total Eclipse in our area. All entries will be in the galleries from April 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. for opening reception, through April 26. The galleries will be open for viewing the weekend of the eclipse with most works offered for sale. Information: perceptionsyoga.org or facebook.com/northvernonyoga.
T.C. STEELE STATE HISTORIC SITE, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, 4220 T.C. Steele Road, Nashville. Staff is offering special indoor tours — each with a limited number of people. Tours are included with site admission, but preregistration is recommended by calling 812-988-2785. Information: indianamuseum.org/tcsteele.
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 are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Information: tsartisans.com.
JENNINGS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM, 134 Brown St., Vernon. Museum hours are Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Information: 812-346-8989, jenningscounty.org.
BROWN COUNTY ART GUILD, 48 S. Van Buren St., Nashville. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
THE REPUBLIC BUILDING GALLERY, 333 Second St., Columbus. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
411 GALLERY, 411 Sixth St., Columbus. Through April 12, the gallery features “If Morandi Painted My Knick Knacks,” a collection of oil paintings by local artist Jes Miller. 411 is a community arts gallery and cultural space for exhibitions, events and collaborations with Columbus arts and cultural organizations. The galley is open Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more about the current exhibition and artists at artsincolumbus.org/411.
HOOSIER ARTIST GALLERY, 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville. Hoosier Artist Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: hoosierartist.com.
BROWN COUNTY ART GALLERY, 1 Artist Drive, Nashville. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Information: 812-988-4609, [email protected], browncountyartgallery.org.
CHARLENE MARSH STUDIO & GALLERY, 4013 Lanam Ridge Road, Nashville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Mondays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, please call the studio/gallery at 812-988-4497 or visit charlenemarshstudio.com.
Ongoing
FABULOUS FIRST FRIDAYS WITH MISS POLLY, 12:15 p.m., April 5 and 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 5-18. Information: 812-372-7867.
KIDSCOMMONS, 309 Washington St., Columbus. Ongoing activities are all free with museum admission. Information: 812-378-3046.
