🍦 What’s Going On This Weekend Around The Southside

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For the first time ever: Happy Thursday, Southsiders!

You’re getting your weekend news a day early! As part of a new cadence for the new year, I’ll be testing out Monday + Thursday newsletters with Thursdays covering everything happening Friday through Sunday. Same local fun, just a little earlier to help you plan ahead. Let’s dive into what’s going on this weekend!

In today’s South Side Scoop:

• 🎶 Franklin Parks & Recreation released dates for its 2026 Concert Series, featuring local favorites and tribute bands at the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater from May through September.

• 💒 Downtown Bargersville welcomes The Baldwin, a new boutique event venue and retail space kicking off the year with community gatherings.

• 🍷 From trivia nights and markets to live music, museum events, and winter winery weekends, there’s no shortage of ways to get out and support local this weekend.

Let’s get to it!

THE DIGEST

Franklin Parks & Rec Announces 2026 Concert Series Dates

Mark your calendars! Franklin Parks & Recreation has revealed the lineup for its 2026 Concert Series at the DriveHubler.comamphitheater in Youngs Creek Park. From the Festival Country Kickoff on May 16th to the Fall Festival concert on September 26th, local favorites like Jukebox Luke, Toy Factory, Absolute Queen, and Cornfield Mafia will take the stage throughout the season (see full schedule here). Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, country, or tribute bands, there’s something for everyone; so plan ahead and support your favorite local acts this summer!

LOCAL BUSINESS

New Venue Open in Bargersville

The Baldwin, a newly opened boutique venue in downtown Bargersville located at 23 N Baldwin St, is kicking off 2026 in style. In addition to hosting private events, this charming spot is opening its curated retail shop this month and welcoming the community with special gatherings — like Sip & Set Goals on January 22nd from 6–8pm. This vision board + networking night alongside Daniels Real Estate is perfect for anyone ready to dream big over drinks. Keep an eye on The Baldwin for more events and shopping hours as they settle into the new year!

🍦 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

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Friday

KPop: Demon Hunters Painting Party at uPaint Pottery Studio
Enjoy a KPop-fueled night of creativity with themed pottery painting, snacks, and good vibes inspired by KPop: Demon Hunters. Bring your favorite movie image and turn it into pottery art! Register here.
Friday, January 16th | 6–9pm | u3113 W Smith Valley Rd, Greenwood

The Thin Man at The Historic Artcraft Theatre
Catch this classic comedy-mystery-romance about a retired detective and his witty wife solving a case. Shown on 35mm film in both matinee and evening showings. Get your tickets here.
Friday, January 16th | 2pm & 7:30pm | 57 N Main St, Franklin

Harry Potter Trivia Night at The Sycamore at Mallow Run
Wizards and muggles alike can test their Hogwarts knowledge for prizes at this magical trivia night. Enjoy themed drinks, food truck fare, and all-ages fun. Secure your spot here.
Friday, January 16th | Doors 5:30pm, Trivia 7pm | 7070 W. Whiteland Rd., Bargersville

Steakhouse Night at The Lounge in Franklin
Indulge in an elevated steakhouse-style menu at this one-night-only dining experience with Garment Factory Events. Enjoy craft cocktails and house-made classics in a cozy lounge setting. Reservations are encouraged.
Friday, January 16th | 5–9pm | 101 E. Wayne St., Franklin

Saturday

Winter Vendor Fair at Greenwood Happy Haunts
Browse spooky and local finds at this indoor winter craft fair that’s free and open to the public. A great chance to support local makers.
Saturday, January 17th | 11am–5pm | 248 Market Plaza, Greenwood

Aberdeen Indoor Farmers Market
Shop local vendors at this indoor pop-up market inside the Aberdeen neighborhood. Fresh finds and handmade goods await.
Saturday, January 17th | 12–4pm | 5028 Abbeygate Blvd., Bargersville

Winter Warm-Ups Weekend: Craig Thurston at Mallow Run Winery
Sip on wine and enjoy hot Fiesta Taco Soup while listening to live acoustic music by Craig Thurston. Cozy up in the heated patio with food and drinks all afternoon.
Saturday, January 17th | 12–6pm (Music 2–5pm) | 6964 W Whiteland Rd, Bargersville

Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday at Johnson County Museum
Celebrate Ben Franklin’s legacy with inventions, activities, and birthday cake at this family-friendly event kicking offamerica’s 250th anniversary.
Saturday, January 17th | 1–3pm | 135 N. Main St., Franklin

After the Thin Man at The Historic Artcraft Theatre
Follow Nick and Nora Charles in this Thin Man sequel as they investigate another mystery with their signature wit. A must-see classic featuring James Stewart. Get your tickets here.
Saturday, January 17th | 2pm & 7:30pm | 57 N Main St, Franklin

Sunday

Open Tours at The Sycamore at Mallow Run
Planning an event? Take a free, no-appointment-needed tour of The Sycamore’s elegant indoor and outdoor event spaces. Show up anytime!
Sunday, January 18th | 12–4pm | 7070 W. Whiteland Rd., Bargersville

Winter Warm-Ups Weekend: Joe Johnson at Mallow Run Winery
Enjoy a cozy afternoon with live acoustic music by Joe Johnson, hot Fiesta Taco Soup, and fresh baked breads. Heated patio seating and wine tasting available.
Sunday, January 18th | 12–6pm (Music 2–5pm) | 6964 W Whiteland Rd, Bargersville

🎤 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.

• Monday, January 19th: 

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration at Franklin College

  • Indiana Small Batch Bourbon Tasting at Professional Smoke

• Tuesday, January 20th:

  • Sip & Sew Class at the Sycamore

  • Bingo Night at the Artcraft

• Wednesday, January 21st:

  • Sip & Paint Wine Glasses at the Sycamore

  • Author Alice Feeney at The Historic Artcraft Theatre (Waitlist)

• Friday, January 23rd: Bridgerton Trivia Night at The Sycamore

• Friday, January 23rd: America 250 Program at Franklin Central HS

• Friday, January 23rd & Saturday, January 24th:

  • Jackie Flynn at Mad Hatter Shows and Event Center

  • Mary Poppins at The Artcraft

• Saturday, January 24th: Isaiah 117 House “Pay What You Can” Prom Dress Sale Fundraiser at Grace Bible Church

• Sunday, January 25th: 3D Cardinal Welcome Sign Class at Southside Art League

• Monday, January 26th: Wild Geese Book Club - January Meet Up at RFD Franklin Event Center: Before I Forget

• Tuesday, January 27th: Sip & Dough: Pasta Making 101 at The Sycamore

• Friday, January 30th: Officer Eudy at Mad Hatter Shows and Event Center

• Saturday, January 31st: One Christian Church GriefShare Sessions Begin (Saturdays, 13-weeks)

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

• Draft Day Pub | Houseshot Band | 7pm

• Freddie’s Pub | Common Ground | 9pm

• SmockTown | Ellie Grace | 8pm

• The Corner Bar | Hired Gun | 7pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | Country Summer | 9pm

• Whit’s Inn | Pillow Fight | 9pm

Saturday

• Draft Day Pub | Larry Browning Band | 7pm

• Mallow Run Winery | Craig Thurston | 2pm

• Mikie’s Pub | Spankys Clubhouse | 9pm

• SIP Cocktails | Brianna Faith | 8pm

• SmockTown | Side Dishes | 8pm

• The Corner Bar | Doug Henthorn Band | 7pm

• Tried & True | Outlaw Nation | 8pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | Andrew Young | 9pm

• Whit’s Inn | Dawg Daze | 9pm

Sunday

• Chilly Water Brewing Co. South | Pillow Talk | 4pm

• Mallow Run Winery | Joe Johnson | 2pm

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