23 Things in 2023!
A New Year brings a lot to look forward to, and there’s no time like now to get started on finding your fun! To help, The Times has assembled a list of 23 great events coming up in Hamilton County in 2023. Make sure to check these out, and keep an eye out in each edition for new events, exciting attractions and all the news you need about your community! On behalf of the staff at The Times, have a Happy New Year and best wishes to all our readers!
Festival of Ice
The 2023 Festival of Ice features carving demonstrations by professional ice carvers on Jan. 20 in the Carmel Arts & Design District. On Jan. 21 at The Ice at Carter Green, events include a Big Block carving competition and a Carmel Fire Department chili cook-off. Jan. 22 at The Ice at Carter Green will feature a fast-paced carve-off on stage, skating to a live DJ and more!
Grab your family, friends or significant other for this great event and join the fun!
Westfield Bash!
An entire weekend of fun events awaits you in Westfield as part of the Hamilton County Bicentennial Celebration!
June 1 from 5-8 p.m. – Farmer’s Market with Westfield Washington Schools American Mainstreet Production’s performance of the historic play “Follow the Drinkin’ Gourd” at Westfield Playhouse.
June 2 – In the morning, attend the Westfield Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast along Park Street. In the evening, see the Summer Concert Series Kickoff on the main stage at Grand Junction Plaza. This is an exciting chance for a FREE concert! The Mural will continue to be painted during Friday as well.
June 3 – In addition to the Ferris Wheel, Mural Painting, and potential BBQ competition (check our online calendar for more), Mainstreet Productions will put on a storytelling program “Voices from the Past” at Grand Junction Plaza. Pie Concert, Ferris Wheel, and Collaborative Artist Mural Kickoff.
Holiday Tree Recycling
Did you get a live tree this holiday season and are now wondering what to do with the festivities over? Carmel Clay Parks & Rec would love to take it off your hands! Come by the Central Park Westermeier Commons parking lot to drop off your decoration free holiday tree and enjoy a warming beverage, free of charge. Your tree will be recycled into mulch and put to good use here in the community. A sustainability event that is good for you and good for the planet!
StoryWalk
Now you and your little ones can enjoy the great outdoors any time during free, self-guided reading hikes! In partnership with Hamilton East Public Library, each month Fishers Parks will feature a nature-based picture book on the trail for you to enjoy during a quarter-mile hike in the woods. Books are ideal for ages 6 and under and are available all month long (rain or shine!). Don’t forget to track your participation and earn reading badges on the Beanstack app. January’s StoryWalk will feature “Blizzard” by John Rocco, and will run daily, for free, from 7:35 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
First Friday at Nickel Plate Arts
First Friday at Nickel Plate Arts is a must-attend event each month so be sure to mark your calendar! The campus comes to life with new art exhibits, live music, refreshments, and a cash bar featuring local beer and wine.
In the Judge Stone House gallery, view the “Phocus on Photography” exhibit throughout the month of January. Come see the world through another’s eyes. Then grab a drink or appetizer before strolling over to the Stephenson House gallery for a special showcase titled “Do Art No Matter What” from Alice Lee. The evening is enhanced by live music from Andy Schomburg.
Don’t miss these once-a-month events, exploring arts in your community. Can’t make it? Nickel Plate Arts is open Wednesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carmel Winter Farmers Market
Join the Carmel Farmers Market inside the Winter Market at 510 3rd Ave SW every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. from Oct. 15 through March 25. The market will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Located just three blocks north of the Summer Market, the Winter Market presents forty three of the best vendors in a warm and comfortable setting. When you see the Jules Muck mural of the three giant bunnies standing amongst the vegetables, you’ll know you are in the right place.
Carmel Winter Games
Carmel Winter Games builds real team spirit through on-ice, non-skating competitive games like Ice Trike Relays, Human Curling and Human Hungry Hippo, all while supporting Carmel Area Food Pantries.
On Feb. 10, the Hometown Hero-Olympics will be held from 6-8 p.m., featuring the Carmel Fire Department vs. the Carmel Police Department at The Ice at Carter Green. On Feb. 11, the Carmel Winter Games will run from 12 p.m., noon – 4 p.m., featuring an Ice Trike Relay, Human Curling and Human Hungry Hippo. There will also be a live DJ, all taking place at The Ice at Carter Green.
Heart Hike
Just before Valentine’s Day, take the Heart Hike at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve with Fishers Parks! Finding images on the nature preserve’s trails that show heart shapes in nature and stick around after your hike to warm up by the campfire! During your short, self-led hike, look for images of hearts that are naturally occurring in nature that are placed along the walking trails, like a heart-shaped tree trunk, birds forming their wings into a heart shape and more!
This event is free and will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 11. No registration required. All are welcome.
Learn more online at playfishers.com/466/Heart-Hike
Westfield Winter Market
The Westfield Winter Market is back!
The Winter Market will take place every Saturday morning, Jan. 7-April 1, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., noon. Be on the lookout for more information and a list of vendors as opening day approaches. West Fork Whiskey will host the Winter Market in their new event space. With easy parking and space for dozens of vendors, they offer a premium venue for this year’s market.
Murder Mystery Dinner Express
All aboard for a memorable train journey that’s sure to keep you guessing! Be chill and ride the rails with, like, all the cool girls, and probably some dweebs not as tubular as you. Riding through Indiana’s scenic countryside, enjoy live music in Atlanta with the Stompers. Pick up your prom souvenir glass and keep it full on the train and at dinner in Atlanta. Prom Guests will exit the train for a buffet served 3-course dinner and your gnarly 80’s music. Will there be a murder during dinner? If so, who did it? Guests will mingle and ask questions as the sleuth their way through finding out what happened. After dinner, guests will board the train and head back towards Hobbs Station while continuing to solve the evenings mystery.
The dinner is open to all ages and is scheduled for Feb. 11 and 12, with tickets purchasable at nickelplateexpress.com/murder-mystery-dinner-express-2023/
Easter Express
A farmer has misplaced some eggs and is pretty sure they are somewhere on the Nickel Plate Express! Come share in a little rail adventure on April 1, 2 and 8 as you roll through Hamilton County’s northern countryside to see the trees in bloom while enjoying a snack and a springtime story.
Family Rides that last 65 minutes and include the train ride and on-board story, a special signature drink and cookie, and quality time together.
Ages 2 and under ride free as a lap child. Rides cost between $32 and $109, with rides scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on April 1 and 8, and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on April 2. Visit nickelplateexpress.com/easter-express/ to purchase tickets.
Civic Theatre: “The Sound of Music”
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars.
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre will host a series of runs of the beloved show, beginning April 28 and running the next three weekends, with varying 2 p.m. on and 7 p.m. start times. Tickets start at $55.50; head to thecenterpresents.org/tickets-events/events/2223/resident-companies/civic-sound-of-music/ to get yours now!
‘Waiting on the Bus Downtown” Mural Unveiling
The Sheridan Historical Society and Sheridan Township Representative partnered with local artist Melinda Spear-Huff to create an 8 feet tall, 7 feet wide mural on the side of her studio. This mural will portray transportation history in Sheridan, specifically the bus line that had a stop right next to where the studio currently is. Come out to see the mural firsthand and take part in the photo booth (with props!) and activities, including the historical society and art studio open house and free snacks.
The unveiling will take place at 12 p.m. on May 6 at the Spear Studio and Gallery in Sheridan.
Frisbee Golf Tournament
Join Sheridan Parks on May 8 at Biddle Park in unveiling their new-and-improved frisbee golf course. Each hole at this historic park will feature an outline of the course, as well as a history fact about Sheridan. Learn while you play and participate in a tournament, with prizes for the top teams. You can also play horseshoes and utilize other parts of the park while you watch! Teams will need to be registered.
Fishers Farmers Market Opening Day
Save the date for the Opening day at the Saxony Fishers Farmers Market! Opening day for the Saxony Fishers Farmers Market kicks off on June 7 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Ranked 6th in Indiana by the American Farmland Trust: Farmers Market Coalition, Fishers Farmers Market has become a growing success year after year.
The Saxony Market Farmers Market, Fishers Parks’ second market location, takes place on Wednesdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. This market continues a similar shopping experience with the addition of handmade and maker goods to the table!
Colts Training Camp
Attend the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Grand Park Sports Complex from July 27-Aug. 31, recurring daily. More information on ticket prices, hours and events to come, so stay tuned!
Farming Present and Past
Join lifelong farmers Donald and David Zeller on Aug. 13 at 230 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Clarksville Christian Church as they explain how farming in Wayne Township has changed over the decades. This will include show and tell of artifacts. Also in the church, see history displays about Clarksville and surrounding areas. Outside, experience the Hamilton Southeastern Schools FFA “touch a truck” area with old tractors alongside new Reynolds farm equipment and old Ford trucks and Model T’s alongside new trucks off the Don Hines dealership lot. Free refreshments will be provided at the church, with the Wayne/Fall Creek Lions Club providing food for sale.
Taste of History: Finding Your Farming
In the 1820s, 72% of the American workforce was engaged in “farm occupations.” Join the staff of Hamilton East Public Library’s Indiana Room from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Aug. 12 at the HCPL East – Noblesville to learn more about the sources available to research your farming ancestors by looking at a local farm family. Discover historic farming traditions in Wayne Township and take a taste of Hamilton County today as we sample a small harvest from a local farm. The event is free to attend.
Sign up will open on July 1 on the library’s website.
Bicentennial Memorial Unveiling
Delaware and Fall Creek Townships are partnering with Conner Prairie to create a permanent reminder of the Hamilton County Bicentennial! A memorial will be unveiled on the grounds of Conner Prairie on Sept. 8, time TBD, showcasing the history of the area where Conner Prairie now sits, as well as other parts of Delaware and Fall Creek Township. During the entire weekend, come to the memorial for activities and storytelling from local residents, and tell your own story too!
Taste of History: Fishing in Fall Creek
Discover the “lure” of fishing in and around Geist, Fall Creek Township, and Hamilton County! Join the staff of the Hamilton East Public Library’s Indiana Room on Sept. 13 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the HCPL East – Fishers to learn about Hamilton County waterways and aquatic life past, present, and future. Connect modern fishing methods to the history of fishing in our area as you learn to tie your own fishing lure.
Sign up will open on Aug. 1 on the library’s website.
Fall Whale of a Sale
Indiana’s largest kids consignment event featuring baby to teen clothing, toys, strollers, books, sporting goods, furniture and more from 500+ families, will take place at the Grand Park Events Center daily from Sept. 13-17. Average consignor earns $500 and gets first pick of shopping! Visit whale-sale.com to learn more.
A Retrospective of Carmel
The Carmel Clay Historical Society and Carmel Clay Public Library will host a family-friendly afternoon gathering to share memories of Clay Township from 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. Speakers, musicians, and family activities will teach about the rich history of Clay Township and Carmel. Plus, exhibits on display will remain in the library throughout November 2023. The event is free to the public.
Bicentennial Bash
The Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission will host a party from 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 3 at Ivy Tech Noblesville to celebrate the Hamilton County community and all the things they have accomplished during the year! Join them for food from local vendors, family-friendly activities and games, free giveaways and door prizes, a highlight reel from the year and more as they wrap up 2023. The event is free, though some food is for purchase.