🍩 What’s New on the South Side? Find Out Here!

Discover what's happening in Greenwood, Center Grove, Franklin, Bargersville, and beyond this week!

TOGETHER WITH

It’s Monday, July 14th! Can someone please tell summer to slow down?

July is halfway gone, schools are already eyeing the end of the month, and somehow the calendar keeps filling up faster than an Indiana cornfield. This week, the Johnson County Fair rolls into town, bringing funnel cakes, rides, and all the reasons we love summer in the Midwest. So before the back-to-school rush sweeps us away, let’s soak up every bit of sunshine and all the fun happening around the South Side!

In today’s South Side Scoop:

  • đŸŽ„ Torchfire Film Festival Returns: Franklin’s Historic Artcraft Theatre will host indie films, shorts, and student projects on Aug. 21st.

  • 🚧 Smith Valley Road Updates: A public meeting on July 16th will share updates about planned improvements to Smith Valley Road.

  • 🍔 BRU Burger Bar Opens: Greenwood welcomes BRU Burger Bar opening on July 15th.

Let’s get to it!

A MESSAGE FROM Grace Counseling Indy

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THE DIGEST

Torchfire Film Festival Returns to Franklin with Indie Films

The Torchfire Film Festival returns for its second year at The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin on Thursday, August 21st at 7pm. This annual event celebrates independent filmmaking from Franklin and across Indiana, featuring award-winning feature-length films, shorts, and student projects. For just $5, attendees can enjoy bonus screenings, guest speakers, and door prizes, but note that films are not rated and some may not be suitable for young viewers. Categories include Best Feature-Length Film, Best Short Film, and several awards spotlighting Indiana filmmakers, so mark your calendar and support local cinema!

Public Meeting Set for Smith Valley Road Project Updates on July 16th

The Johnson County Highway Department will host a public information meeting about the Smith Valley Road construction project on Wednesday, July 16th, from 6:30-8pm at Center Grove High School. The project focuses on improving Smith Valley Road between I-69 and SR 135 to boost safety, ease traffic flow, and accommodate changes related to I-69, with construction anticipated to start in 2027. Attendees can speak with the project team, view displays in the Hall of Excellence, and get detailed updates. Project materials, including the presentation, will be available afterward at www.smithvalleyroadway.com.

LOCAL BUSINESS

BRU Burger Bar Opens This Week in Greenwood

Burger fans, rejoice! BRU Burger Bar Greenwood is officially opening its doors on Tuesday, July 15th at 11am! Located on W. Stones Crossing, BRU Burger is known for gourmet burgers, house-made condiments, and a modern, inviting atmosphere perfect for lunch, dinner, or drinks with friends. Greenwood joins the lineup of BRU locations serving up classic American flavors with a creative twist. Check out the menu and details at BRU Burger Bar Greenwood and get ready to dig in!

Have a heartwarming story, a positive community moment, or news about a local business? 💌 We’d love to hear it! Submit your stories for a chance to be featured in the news section of our next newsletter—let’s celebrate the good together!

A MESSAGE FROM South Side Scoop

Got something exciting coming up? Let’s shout it from the rooftops—or better yet, from the pages of the South Side Scoop!

We have advertising spots available just for you. Whether you’re hosting an event, running a special, or just want some extra love for your business, we’ll make sure our amazing readers hear about it.

Affordable, local, and totally tailored to you.

Spots are filling up—highlight your next event here!

📧 Email us at [email protected] to snag your spot!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Johnson County Fair

Head to the fairgrounds for a week of rides, games, delicious food, live music, and exciting events, including the crowd-favorite demolition derby. Check the full schedule and event times here.

  • Date: Sunday, July 13th – Saturday, July 19th

  • Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds - 250 Fairground Street, Franklin

Monday

uPaint Summer Camp - Swiftie Era

Get ready to dive into some sparkly fun at the Swiftie Era Summer Camp at uPaint Studio. Kids will paint adorable bracelet jars, decorating them with bright colors, glittery details, and even personalized lyrics from their favorite Taylor Swift songs. This drop-off camp is perfect for young fans looking to craft and sing along in true Swiftie style! Choose between 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day options - check out all the future days and projects here!

  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14th | 1pm–2:30pm

  • Location: uPaint Pottery Studio – 3113 W Smith Valley Rd D, Greenwood

The Original Swayzee Hand Breaded Tenderloin Pop-Up in Greenwood

The Original Swayzee Hand Breaded Tenderloin is bringing their famous tenderloins to Greenwood for a special pop-up event. Stock your freezer without the long drive to Swayzee by visiting their delivery van parked at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Frozen packages of tenderloins will be available in Original or Spicy (10-count packs for $23).

  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14th | 3–4:30pm

  • Location: Firestone Complete Auto Care - 1295 N US 31, Greenwood

Trees of Kephart Guided Walk at Kephart Park

Step into nature and explore the Trees of Kephart during a guided walk through Kephart Park in Bargersville. This interactive program will teach participants how to identify native and notable tree species by their leaves, bark, and seeds, while sharing fascinating facts about local ecosystems. Register here.

  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14th | 5:30–6pm

  • Location: Kephart Park, - 3936 W Co Rd 144, Bargersville

Pickleball Beginner Clinic at Kephart Park

Curious about pickleball? Join the fun with the Pickleball Beginner Clinics at Kephart Park, perfect for players with little to no experience! Friendly instructors will guide you through the basics, including rules, scoring, grip and paddle technique, footwork, serving, volleys, and game strategy. Don’t forget to bring your own paddle and register here.

  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14th | 5:30–7pm

  • Location: Kephart Park – 3936 W Co Rd 144, Bargersville

Summer Camp for Grown Ups: Jo Piazza at The Historic Artcraft Theatre

Kick off Summer Camp for Grown Ups with an evening of literary fun featuring international bestselling author Jo Piazza! Join Jo as she discusses her brand-new novel, Everyone is Lying to You, at The Historic Artcraft Theatre. Your ticket includes admission to the event plus a signed paperback copy of the book. Grab your ticket here!

  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14th | 6:30pm

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

Geocaching 101 at GPL

Ready to turn your next walk into an adventure? Join the Greenwood Public Library for Geocaching 101, a fun, free class where you’ll learn how to take scavenger hunts to the next level using GPS technology. Perfect for teens and adults ages 13 and up! Register here.

  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14th | 6:30–7:30pm

  • Location: Greenwood Public Library - 310 S. Meridian, Greenwood

KidsCraft at MashCraft Greenwood

Parents, enjoy an hour to relax while your kids dive into fun at KidsCraft at MashCraft Greenwood! Wonderful teachers and parents will guide kids through crafts, snacks, and learning activities, all themed around summer. Meanwhile, grown-ups can hang out at MashCraft and enjoy drinks and snacks. The event is first come, first served, and limited to 30 kids ages 5-10, so arrive early to snag a spot!

  • Date & Time: Monday, July 14th | 6:30pm

  • Location: MashCraft Greenwood - 1140 N State Road 135, Greenwood

Tuesday

Kid’s Time: Adopt-a-Cow at Chick-fil-A Greenwood

Bring the kids to Kid’s Time: Adopt-a-Cow at Chick-fil-A Greenwood, where little ones can pick out a brand-new cuddly cow friend to take home. Parents and guardians can relax and enjoy a complimentary hot or iced coffee while the kids join in the fun. This themed activity is part of Kid’s Time, hosted every third Tuesday of the month at Chick-fil-A Greenwood.

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th | 9:30–10:30am

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

Summer Movie at the Artcraft: Pokémon: Detective Pikachu

Catch Pokémon: Detective Pikachu on the big screen at the Historic Artcraft Theatre as part of their Summer Film Series. Tickets are just $6 and include a popcorn/soda combo!

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th | 10am

  • Location: The Historic Artcraft Theatre – 57 N Main St, Franklin

Regal Summer Movie Express – $1 Family Movies

Regal’s Summer Movie Express is back with $1 family-friendly films every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from now to August 6th! Enjoy classic favorites on the big screen and grab a $5 Snack Pack (drink, popcorn, fruit snacks). This week’s movies: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Get your tickets here!

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th | 10:45am

  • Location: Regal Greenwood - 461 Greenwood Park South Drive, Greenwood

Bargersville Tasty Tuesdays at Kephart Park

Tasty Tuesdays features 1 food truck and 1 dessert truck every Tuesday through July 29th.

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th | 11am–2pm

  • Location: Kephart Park – 3936 W. County Road 144, Bargersville

Wild Geese Summer Camp Session with The Yin Room

Take a mindful pause during your week with the Wild Geese Summer Camp session hosted by The Yin Room. This 45-minute class offers a peaceful escape to help you relax, reset, and reconnect for just $15. Sign up here!

  • Location: : Tuesday, July 15th | 1:30pm

  • Location: The Yin Room - 77 E Jefferson St, Franklin

Up Cellar – Cocktail Club

Join mixologist Professor Gordon Strain for a 60-minute experience exploring cocktail history, learning expert techniques, and crafting two signature drinks. Guests will also receive exclusive swag to commemorate the evening, plus enjoy light appetizers, cocktail equipment, and spirits included in the $50 fee. Seating is limited—reserve your spot for this spirited night out!

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th | 6pm

  • Location: Up Cellar - 55 Baldwin St, Bargersville

An Evening with Alexis Daria at Main and Madison Café

Join bestselling author Alexis Daria for a special evening at Main and Madison Café as she chats with Madge Maril about her brand-new novel, Along Came Amor. Each ticket includes entry to the event plus a signed paperback copy of the book. Get your tickets here!

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th | 6:30pm

  • Location: Main and Madison CafĂ© - 100 N Main St, Franklin

Cruise-In at The Suds - Every Tuesday for great food, drinks, and cars!

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th | 4:30pm

  • Location: The Suds - 350 Market Plaza, Greenwood

Whiteland Farmers Market

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th | 5:30-7:30pm

  • Location: JCPL Clark Pleasant Branch - 350 Clearwater Blvd, Whiteland

Pickleball 101

No matter your skill level, everyone is welcome every Tuesday and it is free to attend. Look for the Pickleball Bus!

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th | 6:30-8pm

  • Location: Honey Creek UMC - 2722 S. Honey Creek Road, Greenwood

Looking for karaoke, trivia, bingo, and more?

Upcoming Events You Can’t Miss

The Garage Sale Scoop: Find (or List) a Sale Near You

Are you or someone you know having a garage sale this weekend on the southside? We’ll help spread the word if you add it to the list! Looking for a good bargain? Check out the sales in your area here!

This Week

  • Friday, July 18th: Freedom Springs Adult Swim Night

  • Friday, July 18th: 90s Trivia Night at The Sycamore at Mallow Run (SOLD OUT)

  • Friday, July 18th: Nashville Night - Line Dancing Lesson at Old Towne Beer Hall

  • Saturday, July 19th: Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Johnson County Fairgrounds

  • Saturday, July 19th: Midwest Charm Market at Milk & Honey Coffeehouse

  • Sunday, July 20th: Surviving the Loss of a Spouse at One Christian Church

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

85 đŸŒĄïž 69 | đŸŒ€ïž | 24% | đŸŒŹïž NE 5 MPH

Tuesday

86 đŸŒĄïž 72 | ☁ | 24% | đŸŒŹïž SSE 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!

đŸŽ¶ LIVE MUSIC

Monday

  • Slippery Noodle | Scrapper and Skelton | 730pm

Tuesday

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

  • Slippery Noodle | Django Knight | 730pm

  • The Corner Bar | Phil Pierle | 7pm

  • Tin Roof | Aimee Duo | 9pm

🍒 THE CHERRY ON TOP

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Reach Our Community through The South Side Scoop

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