🍦 Strawberries, School Days & the Race to the Weekend

TOGETHER WITH

It’s Friday, May 23rd—and Indiana, we’re revving into the long weekend like it’s Turn 4 at the Speedway!

Memorial Day Weekend has arrived, which means two things: the Indy 500 is about to shake the stands, and local pools are officially opening—even if it’s only 70 degrees and your goosebumps are doing laps of their own. But hey, it wouldn’t be an Indiana summer kickoff without a little weather whiplash and a lot of horsepower.

So whether you’re headed to the track, the backyard, or bravely belly-flopping into a not-quite-warm pool, we’re wishing you a weekend full of sun (fingers crossed), speed, and maybe a hotdog or two.

In today’s South Side Scoop:

• 🏫 School’s out soon—see when local districts are wrapping up for summer!

• 🎳 Celebrate report cards with free bowling at Beech Grove Bowl (A’s and B’s = game passes!).

• 🌺 Reserve your seat for Moana’s magical tea party at Rustic Root—spots will go fast!

Let’s get to it!

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THE DIGEST

As the 2024–2025 school year wraps up, here are the last days of school for several Southside districts. We hope everyone has a fun and safe summer!

• Greenwood Community Schools: Thursday, May 22nd

• Franklin Community Schools: Thursday, May 22nd

• Center Grove Community Schools: Friday, May 23rd

• Perry Township Schools: Thursday, May 29th

• Clark-Pleasant Community Schools (Whiteland): Thursday, May 29th

• Franklin Township Community Schools: Friday, May 30th

Beech Grove Bowl Celebrates Report Card Wins

Beech Grove Bowl (95 N 2nd Ave, Beech Grove) is rewarding students for their hard work this school year! Bring your child (pre-school through high school) along with their report card to Beech Grove Bowl in May or June, and they’ll receive one free game pass with shoe rental included for EVERY “A” or “B” earned! It’s a fun way to celebrate the end of school and kick off summer break. Free passes are valid through the end of July 2025.

Moana-Themed Princess Tea Party Coming to Rustic Root

Rustic Root in Beech Grove is hosting a magical Princess Tea Party with Moana on Saturday, June 28 from 2–4pm. Guests will enjoy a high tea experience with kid-friendly fare, a meet-and-greet with Moana, photo ops, entertainment, and party favors. Tickets are $40 per person (both kids and adults), and payment is due at the time of reservation. The event will take place at 626 Main St, Beech Grove—call 317-591-9497 to reserve your spot before it fills up!

📸 Tag @SouthSideScoopNews on Instagram to get your photos in the publication!

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

This Weekend

Here’s the garage sale lineup for this weekend. Feel free to add yours or use it to plan your thrifty weekend route! Click here to check it out

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at The Historic Artcraft Theatr

Step into a world of pure imagination with a screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at The Historic Artcraft Theatre. This beloved 1971 classic follows young Charlie Bucket and four other children as they explore the magical and mysterious chocolate factory run by the eccentric Willy Wonka. With Gene Wilder’s iconic performance and Roald Dahl’s timeless story, it’s a delightful experience for all ages. Get your tickets here!

• Date: Friday, May 23rd & Saturday, May 24th

• Time: 2pm & 7:30pm

• Place: The Historic Artcraft Theatre - 57 N Main St, Franklin

Friday

Strawberries on the Square in Downtown Franklin

Head to West Court Street by the Johnson County Courthouse for a day full of strawberry shortcakes, ice cream, and whipped topping. The event features free admission, live music, face painting, balloon art, and a delicious lineup of food trucks including Chomp'z Truck, Mo Bowl, and Lion’s Club BBQ. Live music runs from 11am to 9pm, so bring your appetite, your lawn chair, and your love of berries for a day of family-friendly fun.

• Date: Friday, May 23

• Time: 11am–9pm

• Place: West Court Street, next to the Johnson County Courthouse, in Franklin

Sweet Spring Market at Farm Girl Mercantile

Farm Girl Mercantile is bringing back their second Annual Sweet Spring Market during Franklin’s beloved Strawberries on the Square! Enjoy a festive sidewalk sale and browse a curated selection of outdoor vendors featuring vintage finds, handmade goods, and homegrown items. It’s the perfect way to stroll into summer while supporting local makers.

• Date: Friday, May 23

• Time: 10am–3pm

• Place: Farm Girl Mercantile - 436 East Jefferson Street, Franklin

Drive Thru Dash at Chick-fil-A Greenwood

Start your engines! Chick-fil-A Greenwood is revving up race weekend with a Drive Thru Dash. The first 500 guests to roll through the drive-thru beginning at 11am will receive a free entrée card for their next visit. Plus, place a $10+ mobile order for pickup and snag 50 bonus points. It’s a tasty way to fuel up fast!

• Date: Friday, May 23

• Time: 11am

• Place: Chick-fil-A Greenwood, 155 Marlin Dr, Greenwood

Saturday

Greenwood Farmers Market

• Date: Saturday, May 17th (every Saturday through Sept 27th)

• Time: 8am-12pm

• Place: Greenwood United Methodist Church - 525 N Madison Ave, Greenwood

Hat & Charm Bar by Hensley Reys’ at Milk & Honey Coffeehouse

Head over to Milk & Honey Coffeehouse for a stylish pop-up with Hensley Reys’! You can customize your own hat with patches, build your perfect bracelet or necklace with fun charms, and browse adorable children’s boutique clothing items. Sip something sweet while you shop and personalize—perfect for a girls’ day out or a little weekend treat!

• Date: Saturday, May 24

• Time: 9am–2pm

• Place: Milk & Honey Coffeehouse - 8511 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis

Cheesecake Eating Contest at Circle City Bargains

Get ready for a deliciously messy time at the Cheesecake Eating Contest, hosted by The Cheesecake Lady Indy and Circle City Bargains! Watch as the store owners and two lucky attendees compete to finish an entire cheesecake—plus, enjoy free samples while you cheer them on. The contest kicks off at 12:30pm, but the fun (and freebies) run from 10am to 1pm. Don’t forget to stop by and say hi to The Cheesecake Lady while you’re there!

• Date: Saturday, May 24

• Time: 10am–1pm (contest starts at 12:30pm)

• Place: Circle City Bargains - 8251 US 31, Indianapolis

Picnic Concert Series Kick-Off at Mallow Run ft. Tastes Like Chicken

Kick off summer in style at Mallow Run Winery with the first Picnic Concert of the 2025 season! Come early for music on the patio by Ben Tatum from 12–3pm, then stick around for the main event featuring crowd-favorite band Tastes Like Chicken at 6pm. Enjoy a stellar lineup of food trucks and sip wine by the glass or bottle (no outside alcohol allowed).

• Date: Saturday, May 24

• Time: Music on the patio 12pm-3pm; concert at 6pm

• Place: Mallow Run Winery - 6964 W Whiteland Rd, Bargersville

Sip & Self Care Day at H2 Nutrition

Treat yourself to a little TLC at Sip & Self Care Day, hosted by H2 Nutrition and The Queen Bee Spa! This feel-good Saturday event includes a refreshing drink, a self-care goodie bag, a mini spa treatment, and a wellness consultation—all for just $20. Grab your friends and enjoy an afternoon of pampering, positive vibes, and a dose of much-needed relaxation. Limited spots available, so secure yours here.

• Date: Saturday, May 24

• Time: 2–4pm

• Place: H2 Nutrition - 53 S Madison Ave, Greenwood

Ghost Chat at Greenwood Happy Haunts

Do you believe in ghosts? Greenwood Happy Haunts is hosting a free, spooky meet-up for fans of all things paranormal. Bring your stories, your questions, and maybe even your own ghost-hunting tales to share during this fun and spirited community chat. Whether you're a seasoned paranormal investigator or just ghost-curious, everyone’s welcome!

• Date: Saturday, May 24

• Time: 7–9pm

• Place: Greenwood Happy Haunts - 248 Market Plaza, Greenwood

Sunday

Healthy Kids Running Series – Race 6

The Healthy Kids Running Series wraps up their series of fun, fitness, and community at Blue Heron Park. Open to kids of all ages, each runner will receive a race bib, an exclusive series t-shirt, and a finisher’s medal at the final race. Click here for more information.

• Date: Sunday, May 25th

• Time: 4pm–5pm

• Place: Blue Heron Park – 405 Driftwood Ct, Franklin

Looking for karaoke, trivia, bingo, and more?

👉 Check out our list of recurring events here!

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

• Friday

  • The Corner Bar Yard Party featuring The Nace Brothers

• Sunday

  • Pop Art Selfie by Wine & Canvas at MashCraft Greenwood

Upcoming Events You Can’t Miss

Thinking ahead? We've got you covered with a snapshot of upcoming events next week—because the South Side always has something fun in store!

Next Week

• Monday, May 26th: 2025 Memorial Day Mile in Downtown Franklin

• Thursday, May 29th: Author Event with Sarah Pinborough at The Historic Artcraft Theatre

• Friday, May 30th: Free Zumba In the Park by Franklin Parks and Recreation at DriveHubler.com Amphitheater

• Friday, May 30th: Mud Day by Greenwood Parks and Recreation at Freedom Park

• Friday, May 30th: Final Fridays in Downtown Greenwood

• Friday, May 30th: Bargersville Cultural Soundscapes at Umbarger Plaza featuring Helpling

• Saturday, May 31st: Opening Day for Franklin Farmers Market

• Sunday, June 1st: Author Event with Kristy Woodson Harvey at The Garment Factory

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

Friday

69 🌡️ 48 | ⛅️ | 7% | 🌬️ W 10-20 MPH

Saturday

72 🌡️ 51 | ⛅️ | 4% | 🌬️ NNE 5-10 MPH

Sunday

69 🌡️ 52 | ☁️ | 15% | 🌬️ 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

Friday

• Ale Emporium Greenwood | Dream Slice | 830pm

• Draft Day Pub | Kara Cole | 8pm

• SmockTown | Mike McCartney | 8pm

• That Place | Cornfield Mafia | 10pm

• Tried & True | Bryson Cooper | 8pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | Tyler Poe | 930pm

• Whit’s Inn | The Chaser Band | 7pm

Saturday

• Ale Emporium Greenwood | Groove Smash | 830pm

• Draft Day Pub | Gina and Joel | 8pm

• Greenwood Moose Lodge | Southern Distinction | 7pm

• Mallow Run Winery | Ben Tatum | 12pm-3pm

• Mallow Run Winery | Tastes Like Chicken | 6pm

• Mikie’s Pub | Toy Factory | 930pm

• Parkside Public House | Nora Belle | 11am

• SmockTown | Jalen Koehl | 830pm

• That Place | Spankys | 10pm

• The Corner Bar | Phil Pierle & Friends - The Nace Brothers | 7pm

• The Suds | Heartstone Crossing | 630pm

• Tried & True | Broken Reins | 8pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | The Famous Monsters | 930pm

• Whit’s Inn | 13 Gunz | 9pm

Sunday

• Ale Emporium Greenwood | Lynda Abshire DUO (Patio Show) | 3pm

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