🍦 Your Weekend Scoop (Goat Sightings Included)

TOGETHER WITH

Happy Friday! It’s a very chilly start to the weekend, but good news, the temps are trending up just in time for a warmer Christmas week. School’s out, twinkle lights are glowing, and whether you're celebrating the holidays or simply enjoying a slower pace, it's the perfect time to bundle up, take a breath, and make space for a little joy.

In today’s South Side Scoop:

• 🎓 Southside pride on the national stage: Franklin Central senior Armaan Ghala earns national recognition with an essay set to be published by The New York Times.

• 🐐 Internet chaos, Southside style: Center GOAT Chatter takes over feeds with memes, sightings, and a goat that’s clearly living its best life.

• ☕ A new caffeine stop: Dutch Bros officially opens on South Emerson, bringing high-energy coffee (and free drinks for new app users) to the neighborhood.

Let’s get to it!

A MESSAGE FROM Haggerty and Haggerty

8122 South Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46217

Phone: 317.786.2225

Website: southindylaw.com

THE DIGEST

Franklin Central Senior’s Essay to Be Published by The New York Times

Franklin Central High School senior Armaan Ghala is receiving national recognition for his thoughtful essay, which will be published in The New York Times Upfront Magazine on January 5, 2026. Inspired by a challenge from his Dual Credit World Literature teacher, Mrs. Lisa Laker, Armaan entered the “What 250 Means to Me” contest and became one of the national winners. His essay reflects on America’s complex history, balancing its struggles and progress, and highlights the strength found in resilience. Congratulations, Armaan!

Center GOAT Chatter: The Goat Taking Over The Southside

What started as who even knows has turned into the Center GOAT Chatter phenomenon (formerly Center Grove Chatter, but priorities changed). Suddenly everyone’s a goat correspondent, posting memes of this fearless goat doing everyday human jobs, making surprise freeway appearances, and even Santa flying his sleigh pulled by goats because, of course. Honestly, it doesn’t matter how it began — the internet has spoken, Center Grove has found its new mascot, and we’re all just living in the goat’s world now.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Dutch Bros Now Open on South Emerson

Coffee lovers, rejoice! Dutch Bros has officially opened its newest drive-thru location at 8525 S Emerson Ave on the southside! The popular chain is known for its energetic vibe, friendly “Broistas,” and a wide range of coffee, teas, and specialty drinks. New app users can snag a free medium drink by joining Dutch Rewards™ (just don’t forget to use it within 14 days). Swing by and see what the buzz is about!

🍦 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 Brian Quinlan – Daniels Real Estate

🏡 Perry Township parent. Former teacher. Local announcer for CG sports & Franklin College football.

This community is home, and I’d love to help you find yours.

Ready to move? Call/Text Brian Quinlan – Daniels Real Estate.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

This Weekend

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at The Historic Artcraft Theatre

The Griswold family's holiday chaos returns to the big screen in this beloved comedy classic. Only the Friday 2pm show still has tickets available; Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday showings are sold out.
Friday, December 19th | 2pm | 57 N. Main St., Franklin

Live Nativity at Honey Creek Church

Experience a free live nativity scene complete with cookies, hot chocolate, and activities for kids.
Friday & Saturday, December 19th–20th | 6–8pm | 2722 S. Honey Creek Rd., Greenwood

Friday

Jumperoo Holiday Party at Urban Air

Toddlers ages 5 and under can jump, craft, and celebrate the season during this special holiday edition of Jumperoo. Get your tickets in advance here or purchase them at the door.
Friday, December 19th | 10am–12pm | 1172 N. Main St., Franklin

Paint ’til You Faint at uPaint Pottery Studio

Stay up late and get crafty with a festive night of pottery painting; perfect for last-minute gifts and ornaments. No reservation needed!
Friday, December 19th | 6–11:59pm | 3113 W Smith Valley Rd, Greenwood

Yule Ball Class at Greenwood Happy Haunts

Make your own Yule Ball ornament and enjoy magical winter vibes, crafts, and cozy treats in this seasonal make-and-take workshop. For tickets, DM or email Tam at [email protected] or tamsenchantedemporium.com
Friday, December 19th | 2–4pm | 248 Market Plaza, Greenwood

Meet Santa at New Whiteland P.D.

Bring the whole family to meet Santa and enjoy holiday fun at the police department.
Friday, December 19th | 5:30–7:30pm | 540 Tracy Rd., New Whiteland

Ugly Sweater Party at Planetary Brewing Co.

Break out your ugliest sweater and enjoy seasonal brews, snacks, prizes, and cookie decorating at this festive brewery party.
Friday, December 19th | 7–10pm | 188 S. Madison Ave., Greenwood

Skate Social Night at Franklin Skate Club

Join RISE and community partners for a free, all-ages skate night focused on fun, connection, and support in a substance-free environment.
Friday, December 19th | 7–10pm | 2680 N. Morton St., Franklin

Saturday

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 20th | 10am–12:30pm | 135 N. Main St., Franklin

Pictures with Santa at Greenwood Happy Haunts

Get free holiday photos with Santa—pets welcome! Bring your friends and family for this fun, casual event.
Saturday, December 20th | 12–4pm | 248 Market Plaza, Greenwood

Holiday Open House at the Johnson County Museum of History

Enjoy live music, refreshments, and see more than a dozen Christmas trees decorated by community groups. Free event.
Saturday, December 20th | 1–3pm | 135 N. Main St., Franklin

Sunday

New Years in Indy with Wine and Canvas at MashCraft Greenwood

Kick off your New Year with a joyful afternoon of painting, sipping, and relaxing at this guided art experience with Wine and Canvas. All supplies are provided, and no experience is necessary! Get your tickets here.
Sunday, December 21st | 2–5pm | 1140 N. State Rd 135, Greenwood

Christmas Festival at Southport Presbyterian Church

Enjoy live reindeer, crafts, games, a snowball fight, cocoa, cookies, and more festive fun for all ages at this free community event.
Sunday, December 21st | 4–6pm | 7525 McFarland Blvd, Indianapolis

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

• Saturday

  • ACC Breakfast with Santa at New Hope Church

• Sunday

  • Hogwarts-inspired Winter Solstice at Oak & Amethyst

🎤 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, December 22nd: Santa Claus at Antilogy

• Monday-Tuesday, December 22nd-23rd: Muppet Christmas Carol at The Artcraft

• Monday-Tuesday, December 22nd-23rd: Die Hard at The Artcraft

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

• January Registration Open: 4-Week Country Line Dancing Lessons at The Sycamore

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 | Lisa Frank & The Trapper Keepers | 830pm

• Draft Day Pub | Jess Jones | 7pm

• Freddie’s Pub | Muddy Bourbon Trio | 9pm

• SIP Cocktails on Main | Good Lord Rose | 8pm

• SmockTown | Joey Banfield | 8pm

• The Corner Bar | Gordon Bonham Blues Band | 7pm

• Tried & True | Sam King | 8pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | Billly & the Tall Boys | 9pm

• Whit’s Inn | The Fusion | 9pm

Saturday

• Ale Emporium Greenwood | Jai Baker | 830pm

• Brandywine Creek Winery | Ruben Guthrie | 6pm

• Draft Day Pub | Your Favorite Blues Band | 7pm

• Greenwood Moose Lodge | Hot Rod Lincoln | 7pm

• Mikie’s Pub | Roughouse | 9pm

• SIP Cocktails on Main | David Gerdt | 8pm

• SmockTown | Kevin Rafferty | 8pm

• The Corner Bar | Rose O’Neal Trio | 7pm

• Tried & True | Eddie & Jenna Rose | 8pm

• Whiskey Business Southport | Groovesmash | 9pm

• Whit’s Inn | Medicated Mind | 9pm

Sunday

• Chilly Water Brewing Co. South | Larry Browning | 6pm

🍒 THE CHERRY ON TOP

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