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Happy Halloween—for real this time!

We know, we know... it feels like Halloween has been happening for two weeks straight (because, honestly, it kind of has). But today’s the day! Whether you’re gearing up to pass out candy, chase down sugar-hyped kids, or just hide with a bowl of Reese’s, we hope your night is full of treats, not tricks. Let the official spookiness begin!

In today’s South Side Scoop:

• 🎃 Halloween night hours are set! Trick-or-treating runs 6–8:30pm across Johnson County, though Greenwood wraps up a little earlier at 8pm.

• 🍂 Leaf collection season is here. Pickup is underway in Bargersville, Whiteland, and soon Indianapolis.

• 🍩 A few local Jack’s Donuts are still thriving! Despite corporate news, Southport and Franklin’s family-run shops remain open.

Let’s get to it!

THE DIGEST

Trick-or-Treat Hours: What to Know for Halloween Night

Johnson County has officially set Halloween trick-or-treating hours from 6 to 8:30pm on Friday, October 31st. However, the City of Greenwood has posted its own hours as 6 to 8pm, which aligns with Indianapolis for those of you in South Indy. So if you're in Greenwood city limits, plan for an earlier wrap-up; otherwise, you may see candy action going strong until 8:30 in nearby neighborhoods. Stay safe, be seen, and check those flashlights!

GCA Volleyball Heads to Semi-State!

The Cougars are still rolling! After defeating International in the regional, the GCA volleyball team advances to semi-state this Saturday at Jennings County. They’ll take on defending state champion Trinity Lutheran in the afternoon matchup at noon, with a chance to play again at 7pm if they win. Good luck, Cougars!

Leaf Collection Season Is Underway

Loose leaf pickup is in full swing across the southside. Bargersville began collection on October 20th, while Whiteland kicks off Monday, November 3rd, continuing through December. Indianapolis starts November 10th and will run through December 5th, allowing up to 40 bags of leaves per week with regular trash pickup. Be sure to follow local guidelines—especially in Whiteland and Bargersville, where only loose, unbagged leaves placed curbside (not in the street) will be collected. Happy raking!

LOCAL BUSINESS

Some Local Jack’s Donuts Are Still Going Strong

Despite recent headlines about Jack’s Donuts of Indiana Commissary filing for bankruptcy, the locally owned franchise locations, including the Southport Road and Franklin locations, are not affected. The Ganote family, who runs several Jack’s Donuts stores, clarified they’ve never been affiliated with the commissary. Their six locations, including two right here on the south side, are open, thriving, and still serving up fresh, handcrafted donuts daily!

🍦 The Scoop is built for the South Side, by the South Side. If you want to help keep it strong, you can support for as little as $2/month. 👉 Support the Scoop here

A MESSAGE FROM The Unkindness Brothers

Obsessed with true crime?

Don’t miss The Unkindness Brothers: a chilling new podcast airing November 7th from Matt Lytle and Chris Califf, who met through Ghost Loop on the Travel Channel (now streaming on HBO Max). Together, they dive into dark disappearances and strange cases every Friday on YouTube’s True Crime Tracker page. Catch them today on “Stormy Knows Best” podcast over on Reality Redux for a sneak peek!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend

CGHS Performing Arts Fall Musical – “Carrie the Musical”

Center Grove High School’s Performing Arts Department presents Carrie the Musical! Don’t miss this powerful performance featuring talented local students bringing the classic story to life on stage. Get your tickets here.
Saturday, November 1st at 7pm | Sunday, November 2nd at 2pm | 2717 S Morgantown Rd, Greenwood

Friday

Urban Air JumpeerBOO

Join us for a special JumperBOO party where you can enjoy donuts, crafts, goodie bags, and fun! Kiddos are encouraged to wear their costumes. Open to 5 and under & $11.99 per jumper, parents play free!
Friday, October 31st | 12–2pm | 1172 North Main Street, Franklin

The Village: A Social Practice Art Session at IPL Southport Branch

Join others in creating yarn pompoms that will become part of The Village — a large-scale art piece that will eventually measure 24 feet wide and 8 feet high. This collaborative project represents the best of Indianapolis arts and can’t be made without community participation.
Fridays through November 21st | 3–5:30pm | 2630 E Stop 11 Rd, Indianapolis

Southport Trunk or Treat at Southport Park

Bring the whole family out for a fun, family-friendly Trunk or Treat! Enjoy plenty of candy, snacks, photo ops, and costumes are encouraged for all ages.
Friday, October 31st | 4–7pm | 6901 Derbyshire Rd, Indianapolis

Trunk or Treat at Landmark Baptist Church

Join us for an indoor trunk or treat on Halloween night. Free hotdogs and chips!
Friday, October 31st | 6–8pm | 2200 E Hanna Ave, Indianapolis

Boos & Brews at Planetary Brewing Co.

Celebrate Halloween with a night of tricks, treats, and craft beer at Planetary Brewing! Enjoy a costume contest, candy and beer pairings, crafts, food, and a special beer release. Entry is free!
Friday, October 31st | 7–11pm | 188 S. Madison Ave., Greenwood

Saturday

Center Grove Craft Fair

Shop from over 200 talented vendors at CGHS at this beloved annual holiday craft fair! Enjoy food trucks, festive finds, and live entertainment for the whole family. $5 cash entry at the door; children 12 and under are free.
Saturday, November 1st | 9am–4pm | 2717 S. Morgantown Rd., Greenwood

One Christian Church GriefShare

Find comfort, understanding, and hope in a supportive community at One Christian Church’s GriefShare group. This 13–week program offers a safe space for those navigating grief and loss. Register here.
Saturday, Date | 10am–12pm | 2578 Donica Rd, Greenwood

St. Jude AutumnFest 5K

Lace up for a morning of fitness and fellowship at the annual St. Jude AutumnFest 5K! All proceeds benefit St. Jude Catholic Church Ministries. Register here.
Saturday, November 1st | 10am | 5353 McFarland Rd., Indianapolis

Grinch Christmas Craft Class at Farm Girl Mercantile

Get a jump on the holidays by crafting your own Grinch-themed ornament, keychain, and pen! Hosted by Sunflowers & Roses Craft Club, all supplies and goodies are included. Get your tickets here.
Saturday, November 1st | 11am–1pm | 436 E. Jefferson St., Franklin

Marma Therapy Workshop at Studio You Yoga

Learn the ancient Ayurvedic art of Marma Therapy to release energy blockages and promote balance in body and mind. Led by Bhawna Mittal at Studio You Yoga. Sign up here.
Saturday, November 1st | 4–6pm | 862 S. State Rd. 135, Suite 1, Greenwood

Al Unser Jr. at Mad Hatter Shows Event Center

Hear racing legend Al Unser Jr. share stories from his incredible career, growing up in a family of IndyCar greats and competing at over 200 mph. VIP and meet-and-greet options available. Get your tickets here.
Saturday, November 1st | 7pm (Doors 6pm) | 916 E. Main St., Greenwood

Artcraft Cooking School

Enjoy an evening of food and fun as The Historic Artcraft Theatre hosts its annual Cooking School! Chefs Brian Mendenhall (Central Nine) and Kathy Jones (Iozzo’s) will share Austen-inspired recipes and tasty kitchen tips. Get your tickets here.
Saturday, November 1st | 7pm | 57 N Main St, Franklin

Sunday

Sensory-Friendly Play at Urban Air

Join Urban Air for a calmer, sensory-friendly playtime designed for kids with special needs; no loud music or flashing lights. $13.99 per person (good for Deluxe Attractions).
Sunday, November 2nd | 9–11am | 1172 N. Main St., Franklin

🎤 Looking for karaoke nights, trivia, bingo, or fun weekly activities for the kids? 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!

• Monday, November 3rd: 4-Week Ballroom Dance Lessons at The Sycamore at Mallow Run

• Tuesday, November 4th: JCPL Presents Marissa Meyer at The Artcraft

• Tuesday, November 4th: DIY Coasters with Franklin Parks & Rec

• Thursday, November 6th: Author Event with Adrienne Young at The Artcraft

• Thursday, November 6th - Sunday, November 9th: Mary Poppins the Musical By Franklin Community High School

• Friday, November 7th: Friends Trivia Night at The Sycamore at Mallow Run

• Friday, November 7th: Beginner Sourdough Bread Class at The Sycamore at Mallow Run

• Friday, November 7th - Sunday, November 9th: Holiday Open House in Downtown Franklin

• Sunday, November 9th: Handmade + Heartfelt Festival at The Sycamore at Mallow Run

• Tuesday, November 11th: Hand Knitting Class at The Sycamore at Mallow Run

• Saturday, November 15th: Southport High School Vendor Fair

• Sunday, November 16th: GriefShare Surviving the Holidays at One Christian Church

If you'd like additional details on any of the upcoming events, feel free to send us an email—we're happy to help!

⛅️ WEATHER

🎶 LIVE MUSIC

Friday

• Ale Emporium Greenwood | Mainstream | 830pm

• Brandywine Creek Winery | Foxxy | 6pm

• Draft Day Pub | The Sad Dad Society | 7pm

• Mikie’s Pub | Spankys Clubhouse | 9pm

• SmockTown | Joey Banfield | 8pm

• The Corner Bar | Doug Henthorn Band | 7pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | The Toons | 9pm

• Whit’s Inn | Medicated Mind | 9pm

Saturday

• Brandywine Creek Winery | Breanna Faith | 6pm

• Draft Day Pub | Mackenzie Wilmoth | 7pm

• Greenwood Moose Lodge | Twisted Gold | 7pm

• Mikie’s Pub | Jambox | 9pm

• SmockTown | Tobias | 8pm

• The Corner Bar | Gordon Bonham Band | 7pm

• Tried & True | Cornfield Mafia | 8pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | Roughouse | 930pm

• Whit’s Inn | Chaser Band | 9pm

Sunday

• Chilly Water Brewing Co. South | Devyn Burns | 4pm

🍒 THE CHERRY ON TOP

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