🍦 South Side News to Read While You Avoid the Freezing Temps

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Happy Friday!

If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, you’re in luck! Snow is on the way, and so is a deep freeze. Sunday’s high is a bone-chilling 9 degrees, with lows dipping below zero, so consider this your official warning to bundle up, stay safe, and maybe cancel anything that involves leaving the house. There’s still plenty of festive fun happening indoors this weekend, so scroll on and plan wisely!

In today’s South Side Scoop:

• 💚 Greenwood is offering a one-day-only 20% off “Green Friday” membership sale across major parks & rec amenities.

• 🥫 JCPL is running a countywide holiday food drive through December 31st to support local families in need.

• 🍕 Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza announced it will close after 16 years, with heartfelt thanks to the Franklin community.

Let’s get to it!

THE DIGEST

Greenwood Parks & Recreation to Host One-Day “Green Friday” Membership Sale

Greenwood Parks & Recreation is offering residents a special “Green Friday” promotion today, Friday, December 12th, with 20% off all annual memberships. The discount applies to popular amenities including KiD CiTY, The Gym, Freedom Springs, dog parks, and the Greenwood Fieldhouse. The deal is available in person only, giving locals a chance to secure significant savings ahead of the new year. More details are available through the city’s website.

JCPL Hosting Countywide Food Drive Through December 31st

Johnson County Public Library is hosting a food drive now through December 31 to help support local food banks during the holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at any JCPL branch, with most-needed items including peanut butter, canned goods, pasta sides, cereal, toilet paper, and paper towels. Please note, items in glass containers, expired goods, or anything requiring refrigeration will not be accepted. Help make a difference for Johnson County families in need this winter!

LOCAL BUSINESS

Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza Announces Closure After 16 Years in Franklin

Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza has announced it will close its doors on December 31st after serving the Franklin community for more than 16 years. The owners shared a heartfelt message thanking customers and staff, reflecting on thousands of memories made inside the restaurant over the past two decades. They emphasized the deep connections built with their team and patrons, calling the decision bittersweet but filled with gratitude. The restaurant will remain open through the end of the month as they continue serving pizzas and pinwheels.

🍦 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 Money

Pet insurance can help your dog (and your wallet)

Did you know 1 in 3 pets will need emergency treatment this year? Pet insurance helps cover those unexpected vet bills, so you can focus on care—not cost. View Money’s list of the Best Pet Insurance plans and protect your furry family member today.

Protect your pet and wallet

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

This Weekend

It’s a Wonderful Life at The Historic Artcraft Theatre

Enjoy the classic holiday film It’s a Wonderful Life on the big screen at The Historic Artcraft Theatre, shown in 35mm. Check out the six showtimes here.
Friday–Sunday, December 12th–14th | 57 N. Main St., Franklin

Friday

December Southside Meetup with Wearing with Love Indy

A casual meetup for local parents to connect, ask questions about babywearing, and try out different carriers. All are welcome!
Friday, December 12th | 10am–12pm | 2425 S Emerson Ave, Greenwood

TeenHQ UNO Tournament at Greenwood Public Library

Teens are invited to compete in a fast-paced UNO tournament. Show off your strategy and win bragging rights! Register here.
Friday, December 12th | 3:30–5pm | 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood

Cookies with Santa at White River Township Fire Department

Bring the family for photos with Santa, cookies, and milk while supplies last at this free family event.
Friday, December 12th | 6–8pm | 366 N. Morgantown Rd., Greenwood

Saturday

Breakfast with Santa at The Haven at Hickory Stick

Enjoy a breakfast buffet, games, and photos with Santa. Get your tickets here.
Saturday, December 13th | 8–10am | 4422 Thompson Blvd., Greenwood

Breakfast with Jesus and Santa at Christ Indianapolis United Methodist Church

Enjoy a FREE pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, and holiday joy for the whole family. No registration required.
Saturday, December 13th | 8–10:30am | 8540 US 31 S, Indianapolis

Antique & Vintage Market at Johnson County Fairgrounds

Shop antiques, vintage finds, and artisan goods at the fairgrounds at this monthly 2nd Saturday market. $3 admission, kids 12 & under free.
Saturday, December 13th | 9am–3pm | 250 Fairground St., Franklin

Hoosier Handmade Winter Market at Johnson County Armory

Enjoy 200+ vendors indoors at the Johnson County Armory, plus a scavenger hunt, music, food trucks, and festive fun. Free admission & parking.
Saturday, December 13th | 9am–3pm | 325 Minute Man Way, Franklin

Little Santa Workshop with uPaint Pottery Studio

Paint holiday gifts and pottery at this festive drop-in event. Mention CPA at checkout and 20% of your purchase supports Cooperative Play Academy.
Saturday, December 13th | 10am–8pm | 3113 W Smith Valley Rd, Greenwood

Cookies & Milk with Santa at Greater Whiteland Girls Softball League

Meet Santa, enjoy cookies & milk, and support the league. $5 donation per family.
Saturday, December 13th | 10am–12pm | 700 Sawmill Rd., Whiteland

Donuts with Santa at Johnson County Shrine Club

Join the Shrine Club for donuts, biscuits & gravy, raffles, gift bags, and free photos with Santa. Free & open to the public.
Saturday, December 13th | 10am–1pm | 751 W. King St., Franklin

Oogie Boogie’s Holiday Heist at Paintball Indianapolis

Airsoft missions, holiday mayhem, themed lights, and chaos as Halloween Town invades Christmas. Are you team Halloween or Christmas?
Saturday, December 13th | 10am–5pm | 6109 US-31, Franklin

Spooky Christmas Fair at Greenwood Happy Haunts

An indoor vendor fair with spooky-themed Christmas gifts.
Saturday, December 13th | 11am–5pm | 248 Market Plaza, Greenwood

Cookies & Crafts with Santa at Hurricane Community Church

Decorate cookies, make a holiday craft, and get a photo with Santa.
Saturday, December 13th | 1–3pm | 4592 Hurricane Rd., Franklin

Photos with Santa at Johnson County Museum of History

Stop by the museum for free photos with Santa and a printed 4×6 keepsake. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Dec-a-Tree!
Saturday, December 13th | 1:30–4:30pm | 135 N. Main St., Franklin

Army-Navy Game Watch Party at The Post

Join Greenwood American Legion Post 1919 for a community tailgate and watch party as the 126th Army-Navy Game kicks off. Enjoy a pitch-in tailgate, food, games, and a cash bar while supporting the Legion’s mission to reduce veteran suicide through the Be the One campaign. All are welcome.
Saturday, December 13th | 2pm (kickoff at 3pm) | 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood

Jane Austen Birthday Party at Greenwood Public Library

Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with themed games, crafts, and refreshments. Period attire encouraged! Register here.
Saturday, December 13th | 2–3pm | 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood

Festival of Lights & Live Nativity at Aberdeen

Drive-thru holiday lights, outdoor Christmas market, live reindeer, nativity with a camel, Santa, cookies, and music.
Saturday, December 13th | 5–8pm | 3840 N. 500 West, Bargersville

Sunset Strip Experience feat. Glamerica Band at Mad Hatter Shows

Enjoy an ‘80s rock tribute show with big hair, big guitars, and bigger energy! GA and VIP tickets available here.
Saturday, December 13th | Doors 6pm, Show 7pm | 916 E. Main St, Greenwood

Sunday

MashCraft’s Merry Meet & Greet

Santa’s stopping by MashCraft Greenwood with books, treats, crafts, and photos! Local author Katy Mann will be signing copies of her new book Where to Take the Kids in Indianapolis.
Sunday, December 14th | 11am–12:30pm | 1140 N State Rd 135, Ste M, Greenwood

1v1 Paintball Tournament at Paintball Indiana

Compete in a fast-paced solo paintball showdown! Games begin at 11am sharp. Registration required. $50 entry ($60 at door).
Sunday, December 14th | 11am | 6109 US-31N, Franklin

Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Festival at Church on Jefferson

Celebrate Jane Austen with a film, crafts, dancing, birthday cake, and a special performance by “Just Jane.” Free with registration.
Sunday, December 14th | 12–4pm | 201 E. Jefferson St., Franklin

Soup, Sandwiches & Santa on the Farm at Kelsay Farms

Enjoy lunch, cookie decorating, storytime, crafts, and photos with Santa. Plus, meet the "rein-goats in training"! Ticket includes a return pass to the Holiday Stroll. Get your tickets here.
Sunday, December 14th | 12:30–3pm | 6848 N. 250 E., Whiteland

Santa Parade with White River Township South

Catch Santa and Mrs. Claus on a firetruck escorted by the White River Township Fire Dept. and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Check out their Facebook here for the exact route details.
Sunday, December 14th | 1pm | Starts at 366 N. Morgantown Rd., Greenwood

Yule Ball DIY Class with Tam’s Enchanted Emporium at Affirmations

Create your own magical Yule Ball ornament infused with crystals, wax seals, and intention. Includes cozy holiday snacks and drinks. Sign up here.
Sunday, December 14th | 2–4pm | 1968 Northwood Plaza Dr., Franklin

Cookies & Cocktails with Santa at Main & Madison Market Café

Ticketed event with cookies, crafts, hot cocoa bar, storytime, and a photo souvenir. Adult drink options available. Get your tickets here.
Sunday, December 14th | 3–4:30pm or 5–6:30pm | 100 N. Main St., Franklin

Sold Out (So You Don’t Miss Out Next Time!)

• Saturday

  • Breakfast with Santa with Franklin Parks & Rec

  • Breakfast with Santa at Greenwood Community Center

  • Breakfast with Santa at Franklin College

  • Breakfast with Santa at the Greenwood Park Mall

  • Polar Express Party at Wild Geese Bookshop

  • Cookie Class with EA Cookie Co. at Millie’s Ice Cream Co.

• Sunday

  • Center Grove Holiday Show Choir Performance at Pizza & Libations

🎤 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 an event on the southside? 👉 Send it our way! We review each event and feature the ones that our readers will love most.

• Thursday, December 18th: Candlelight Christmas at Mad Hatter Shows & Event Center

• Friday-Sunday, December 19th-21st: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at The Artcraft

• Saturday, December 20th: Misfits of Comedy at Mad Hatter Shows & Event Center

• Monday-Tuesday, December 22nd-23rd:

  • Muppet Christmas Carol at The Artcraft

  • Die Hard at The Artcraft

• Saturday, December 27th: Trent Mabry at Mad Hatter Shows & Event Center

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 | That 90's Band | 830pm

• Brandywine Creek Winery | Nate & Henry | 6pm

• Draft Day Pub | John Beatrice | 7pm

• Freddie’s Pub | Tobias | 9pm

• SmockTown | The Sax Guy | 8pm

• The Corner Bar | Wild Hearts | 7pm

• Tried & True | Alexander Camp | 8pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | Jai Baker 3 | 9pm

• Whit’s Inn | The Cosmic Situation | 9pm

Saturday

• Ale Emporium Greenwood | Billy & The Tall Boys | 830pm

• Brandywine Creek Winery | Foxxy | 6pm

• Draft Day Pub | Mackenzie Wilmoth | 7pm

• Greenwood Moose Lodge | Mystery Train Band | 7pm

• Greenwood VFW Post 5864 | The Self-Righteous Brothers | 7pm

• Mikie’s Pub | Spankys Clubhouse | 930pm

• SmockTown | Post Alone Band | 8pm

• The Corner Bar | Phil Pierle & The Enablers | 7pm

• Tried & True | Pom Teddy | 8pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | Karma | 9pm

• Whit’s Inn | Outlaw Nation | 9pm

Sunday

• Chilly Water Brewing Co. South | Ryan Noblitt | 4pm

🍒 THE CHERRY ON TOP

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