🍦 Birthdays, Brews & Building Community: This Week’s Scoop

TOGETHER WITH

Can someone explain how September disappeared this quickly? Somehow we’re at the very end of the month with one more week of summer-like weather to soak in… or at least that’s what the forecast claims (and we know how that goes). Either way, enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. October is waiting just around the corner!

In today’s South Side Scoop:

• 🎁 A Franklin girl’s birthday turns into a community-wide celebration, thanks to the kindness of strangers.

• ☕ Dutch Bros brews up excitement with a brand-new Franklin Township location.

• ⛽ Wawa breaks ground in Greenwood, with even more southside stores on the way.

Let’s get to it!

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DIGEST

Strangers Turn a Birthday Into a Community Celebration

When Franklin mom Lacey Jones posted about her daughter’s birthday at Blue Heron Park, she never imagined what would follow. Dozens of strangers, ranging from toddlers to grandparents, showed up with gifts, cards, and smiles, turning it into what her daughter called the “Best Birthday Ever.” From construction workers and cheerleaders to families who gave up their Saturday, the outpouring of kindness left the Jones family overwhelmed with gratitude. It was a shining reminder of the love, generosity, and community spirit that makes the south side so special!

LOCAL BUSINESS

Dutch Bros Coffee Opens in Franklin Township

Coffee lovers have a new drive-thru destination! Dutch Bros Coffee officially opened its first Indianapolis location at 5310 E. Thompson Road, near Emerson Avenue, on September 26th. This marks the second Dutch Bros in Central Indiana, following their Noblesville debut in June. Known for more than just coffee, Dutch Bros also serves up their signature Rebel energy drinks, smoothies, teas, and nitro cold brew, bringing plenty of buzz to Franklin Township.

Wawa Breaks Ground on Greenwood Expansion

If you’ve driven past U.S. 31 and Worthsville Road in the last few days, you’ve probably noticed the land flattened and ready. That’s the first sign of Greenwood’s very first Wawa coming to life. Another location has just been approved for Emerson Avenue near County Line, joining the growing list of southside spots that includes one planned for Franklin Township at Thompson and Emerson, plus another in Franklin next to Cub Academy Preschool. Known for its 24/7 hot food, coffee, and convenience store offerings, Wawa is aiming to become a staple in Central Indiana, with plans to open roughly 60 stores statewide. Looks like we’ll be saying “meet you at Wawa” sooner than later!

SPORTS

Each Monday we’ll share the latest scores so you can see how our local teams stacked up over the weekend. Then on Wednesdays, look out for the upcoming matchups so you don’t miss a game!

🏈 Friday Night High School Football Scores

Southport 7 - Bloomington South 54
Franklin Central 37 - Noblesville 10
Center Grove 36 - Lawrence Central 0
Greenwood 35 - Perry Meridian 20
Whiteland 41 - Martinsville 13
Franklin Community 28 - Mooresville 17
Roncalli 45 - Brebeuf 7
Greenwood Christian 29 - Scecina 50

🍦The Scoop will always be free, but if it feels worth the price of an ice cream cone, I’d love your support. 👉 Support the Scoop here

A MESSAGE FROM South Side Scoop

Want your event to be the talk of the town?

Feature it right here in the Southside Scoop’s community events section! Our readers are local, loyal, and always looking for fun things to do—from school fundraisers and neighborhood festivals to business grand openings and charity drives. By advertising with us, you’ll put your event in front of the very people most likely to show up, support, and spread the word.

✨ Affordable, hyper-local, and designed to grab attention. Your event deserves the spotlight. ✨

📩 Reach out today to learn how you can get your next big event featured in the Scoop!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Monday

Bargersville Tenderloin Pop-Up at Napa Auto Parts

The Original Swayzee Hand Breaded Tenderloin crew is back with their famous sandwiches! Stock up your freezer with fresh and frozen tenderloins, available in multiple package sizes. Cash and card accepted, while supplies last.
Monday, September 29th | 4:30–6pm | 2370 IN-135, Bargersville

Monday Night Football Madness Trivia at The Haven

Think you know your football facts? The Haven is hosting a gridiron-themed trivia night with game-day bites, drink specials, and prizes. Gather your team, show off your NFL smarts, and stick around to catch all the Monday Night Football action on the big screens. Get your tickets here.
Monday, September 29th | 6–9pm | 4422 Thompson Blvd, Greenwood

Tuesday

Cruise-In with The Suds at The Nest Event Center

Every Tuesday through October 7th for great food, drinks, and cars!
Tuesday, September 30th | 5pm | 400 Byrd Way, Greenwood

Pickleball 101 at Honey Creek UMC

No matter your skill level, everyone is welcome every Tuesday and it is free to attend. Look for the Pickleball Bus!
Tuesday, September 30th | 6:30–8pm | 2722 S. Honey Creek Road, Greenwood

Old Town Greenwood Economic Vitality Committee Meeting

Restore Old Town Greenwood is inviting residents and business owners to help shape the future of downtown Greenwood. Come learn about current projects, share your ideas, and get involved in strengthening the community at Draft Day Pub.
Tuesday, September 30th | 6–7pm | 512 S. Madison Ave, Greenwood

Author Talk with Layne Fargo at The Barn at Crystal Spring Farm

Join Wild Geese Bookshop for an evening with author Layne Fargo as she discusses the paperback release of her novel The Favorites. The event includes a signed copy of the book, a craft, and light snacks, with Greek’s bar cart on site for drinks. Get your tickets here.
Tuesday, September 30th | 6:30pm | 3620 Hurricane Rd, Franklin

Gardeners’ Swap at Southport Library

Got extra seeds, houseplants, or garden tools lying around? Bring them to the Southport Branch Library and swap with fellow green thumbs. Whether you’re sharing or just browsing, it’s a great chance to pick up something new for your garden. Register here.
Tuesday, September 30th | 6:30–7:30pm | 2630 E. Stop 11 Rd, Indianapolis

Take Root Country Store Live Sale

Take Root Country Store is going live on Facebook for a fun shopping event featuring fall décor. Tune in for special finds and seasonal touches to cozy up your home.
Tuesday, September 30th | 7–8pm | Online via Take Root Country Store Facebook Page

Indianapolis Prize Lecture at Franklin College

Renowned conservationist René de Roland, director of the Peregrine Fund’s Madagascar Program, will speak at Franklin College about rediscovering species once thought extinct, including the Madagascar pochard and dusky tetraka. He’ll be joined by Dr. Stéphanie Razakariarimino to share how their research is shaping global biodiversity conservation. This free lecture is open to the public; registration is appreciated.
Tuesday, September 30th | 7–8:30pm | 253 S. Forsythe St, Franklin

🎤 Looking for karaoke, trivia, bingo, and more? Check out our full list of recurring events here!

📆 Upcoming Events You Can’t Miss

🎃 Hosting a fall festival, trunk-or-treat, or Halloween bash? 👉 Submit your event here and we’ll add it to the South Side Scoop’s Fall Event Guide!

This Week

• Thursday, October 2nd - Saturday, October 4th:

  • Here We Grow Again- Indy South at Johnson County Fairgrounds

  • A Mid Summernight’s Dream at Franklin College

• Friday, October 3rd:

  • Downtown Franklin First Fridays

  • Author Event with SenLinYu at The Franklin Performing Center

  • Greenwood Public Library Trivia Fundraiser: 80s Edition

• Friday, October 3rd - Saturday, October 4th: Dixie Belle Furniture Painting Class at The Shoppe’ in Bargersville

• Saturday, October 4th:

  • Fall Vintage & Handmade Fest in Downtown Franklin

  • Harvest Festival at Mallow Run Winery

  • Fall Craft Fair by Johnson County Extension Homemakers at Johnson County Fairgrounds

  • Friends of JCPL Book Sale at the Franklin Branch Library

  • Rustic Romance Date Night at Shannon Lake Farm

  • Franklin Family Movie Series: Beetlejuice + Beetlejuice at DriveHubler.com Amphitheater

• Sunday, October 5th:

  • Beach/Ocean 20 oz “Snow Globe” Tumbler at Southside Art League

Happening Soon

• Tuesday, October 7th: Author Event with Tiffany D. Jackson by JCPL Foundation at The Artcraft

• Wednesday, October 8th: Spooky Music Bingo at Board & Brush Greenwood

• Thursday, October 9th: Pumpkins and Petals with SH Stems in Bargersville

• Saturday, October 11th: Groom & Ground: A Horse Connection Experience at Shannon Lake Farm

If you’d like more information about any of the upcoming events, don’t hesitate to send us an email—we’re happy to assist! Keep in mind that many of these events require a ticket, so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone!

⛅️ WEATHER

Monday

88 🌡️ 57 | ☀️ | 6% | 🌬️ ENE 5-10 MPH

Tuesday

84 🌡️ 56 | ☀️ | 6% | 🌬️ NE 5-10 MPH

_{*Disclaimer: This forecast was pulled from the weather app the night before and is subject to Indiana’s ever-changing moods—accuracy not guaranteed!}

🎶 LIVE MUSIC

Tuesday

• Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza | Frank Dean’s Performance Stage | 5pm

• The Corner Bar | Benito | 7pm

🍒 THE CHERRY ON TOP

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🍦 Want to Support the Scoop?

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Thanks for being such an amazing part of this community!

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