July conjures up images of lazy days, fireworks, lightning bugs, summer fun, live music and outdoor dining. Don't forget to plan a visit to the great outdoors. Our calendar is filling up fast with summer activities, so be sure to get some of these fun events on your calendar to celebrate summer in Morgan County (and be sure to keep an eye out for Waldo!).
Tuesdays & Saturdays - Morgan County Farmers Market
Join local growers and crafters twice each week for the Morgan County Farmers Market. The Market takes place on Tuesdays in Mooresville from 3 to 6 pm at the Friends Church and on Saturdays in Martinsville from 9 am to 1 pm at The Main Connection.
Wednesdays - Kids' Summer Movie Series
Mooresville Showtime Cinema will continue their Kids' Summer Movie Series on Wednesdays through the end of July. Admission for this series of fun, kid-friendly movies is 50 cents per person or canned goods that will be donated to Churches in Mission. An especially good option on super-hot or rainy summer days, this is always a crowd pleaser for the kids! Show time is 10 am.
Thursdays - Cruise-in on the Square
Each week, on Thursdays beginning at 5 pm, you'll see some of the coolest cars, trucks and even motorcycles in the region at the Cruise-in on the Square as they cruise in to downtown Martinsville and set up around the historic courthouse square. This month, there's also live music nearby at the lawn adjacent to the Art Sanctuary of Indiana on select Thursdays. Come out and enjoy an evening in downtown Martinsville with great food, cool cars and live music!
Fridays - Taps on the Square
Join Spirit of '45 and the American Legion Post 230 Riders on Friday evenings for Taps on the Square. This weekly tradition in Martinsville takes place on the southwest corner of the Courthouse lawn each week to honor American heroes lost that week. Folks will begin to gather around 6:30 pm, names are read at approximately 6:50 pm and echoing Taps is played by live buglers at the seventh bell (7 pm).
July 1-31 - Where's Waldo!?
Participate in this fun Where's Waldo themed passport program presented by Fables and Fairy Tales. Throughout the month of July, get your passport verified when you find Waldo at various locations in downtown Martinsville. The more you find Waldo, the more you win! Choose to look a little several times throughout the month, or see how many times you can find Waldo in one day!
July 4 - Martinsville Independence Day Parade
Join the Indiana Spirit of '45 for a fun, old fashioned Independence Day Parade! The 3rd Annual 4th of July Parade will step off at 10 am on Monday, July 4, beginning at (and returning to) John R Wooden Middle School. All are welcome to participate.
July 4 - Live Music & Fireworks
You can't go wrong with fireworks on the Fourth of July! Choose from fireworks displays (and live music) launched from Pioneer Park in Mooresville or Jimmy Nash City Park in Martinville, both on the 4th. Both July 4 fireworks shows are set to begin at dusk. Live music begins earlier in the day at both venues. See our Independence Day blog post or Calendar of Events for more details on performers at both locations. Food vendors will be on hand at both locations as well. Be sure to bring your blankets or lawn chairs (and maybe some bug spray, too)!
July 5-14 - Morgan County Fair
Meet up at the Fairgrounds for the Morgan County Fair, July 5-14. You'll enjoy great food, entertainment, grandstand events, 4-H exhibits and more! Por Jack Amusements will be on hand with their carnival rides and midway, beginning Sunday, July 7. Don't miss the Free Stage with live performances every day! Grandstand events will include D&D Pro Rodeo, Truck and Tractor Pull, Tuff Truck, Touch-a-Truck, 4-H Night with a human tractor pull and more, ATV Racing, Dirt Bike Racing and two nights of Demolition Derby action! See the Morgan County Fair listing on our calendar for the full schedule.
July 6 - Live Music: King Bee & The Stingers
Join Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co & Distillery on Saturday, July 6 for live music from King Bee & The Stingers. Indulge in your favorite locally-crafted beverages and don't forget about their amazing eatery menu as well! This is a free performance and all ages are welcome. Music starts at 6 pm.
July 6 - Live Music: Steve Hickstick Hickman
Bring the whole family to Hoosier Que at Foxcliff Golf Club on Saturdays for live music on the patio (when weather allows)! On July 6, Hoosier Que will welcome Steve Hickstick Hickman to the stage for live music starting at 7 pm. All ages welcome! Hoosier Que serves up a popular mix of BBQ, pizza and snacks (try the giant pretzel!) for the whole family.
July 6 - Speaker: Mooresville's State Flag Designer - Paul Hadley
Join the Mooresville Public Library for their ongoing series of lectures about famous Mooresvillians thoroughout history as they celebrate the town's bicentennial this year! Beginning at 2 pm, learn all about Paul Hadley, the designer of the Indiana State Flag, who was from Mooresville. No RSVP required; all ages welcome.
July 11 & 13 - Terra Flora Gardens FREE Tours
Each year, the gorgeous Terra Flora Gardens are open for public tours for one weekend only. That weekend is July 11 & 13 this year! Come experience the beauty of these privately owned gardens featuring twenty themed gardens to explore. Roam and relax as you explore more than two acres containing a wide assortment of annuals, hardy perennials, ponds, waterfalls and art.
July 12, 13, 20, & 27 - Dirt Track Racing
Join Paragon Speedway for racing under the lights on this traditional dirt track oval. Dirt track racing at Paragon takes place most Saturdays and typically features several classes of cars each night. Pit passes are available. General admission for kids age 10 and under is free with a paid adult admission unless special event pricing is in effect. Race dates this month are June 12, 13, 20 and 27. (Special event pricing may apply for some events; see calendar for details!)
July 12 - 2nd Friday Open Studios Night
Join the resident artists at The Art Sanctuary for their monthly Open Studios Night event on July 12. The event features more than a dozen local artists in their studio spaces to talk with you about their work and preferred techniques. Stop by between 6:30 and 8:30 pm.
July 12 - Free Summer Concert: 45 RPM
Pioneer Park will host a Free Summer Concert on Friday, July 12 featuring 45 RPM. Music begins at 7 pm. Bring your own seating, picnics are welcome, but there will be food and drinks available on site. No outside alcohol. The stage will be set up in the grassy area between the Aquatic Center and the parking area for the ball fields. All are welcome.
July 13 - Drink at the Creek Concert: The Heart of Rock & Roll & Deadline
Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co & Distillery will host another Drink at the Creek Concert on Saturday, July 13, featuring The Heart of Rock & Roll (a Huey Lewis & The News tribute band) and Deadline. Music begins at 5 pm. Bring your own seating. Picnics are welcome, but coolers must be 12"x15" or smaller. No outside alcohol. Food trucks on site, plus the Cedar Creek Eatery will be open as well. Get tickets in advance online, or at the gate.
July 13 - Live Music: 8 Bit Audio
Bring the whole family to Hoosier Que at Foxcliff Golf Club on Saturdays for live music on the patio (when weather allows)! On July 13, Hoosier Que will welcome 8 Bit Audio to the stage for live music starting at 7 pm. All ages welcome! Hoosier Que serves up a popular mix of BBQ, pizza and snacks (try the giant pretzel!) for the whole family.
July 18 - Army National Guard Nash Bash
The Indiana Army National Guard will host another Nash Bash at Jimmy Nash City Park in Martinsville on Thursday, July 18, from 2 to 8 pm. Come out and enjoy this fun and free event featuring a gaming trailer, cornhole and football toss.
July 18 - Free Summer Concert: Chickenbone
Head for Bicentennial Park in downtown Mooresville for another Free Summer Concert on Friday, July 18. Featured performers will be regional favorites Chickenbone. Music begins at 7 pm. Food and drinks available on site, or grab takeout from a locally owned eatery! Picnics welcome, no outside alcohol. Bring your own seating. All ages welcome.
July 18 - Sunset Hiking Series
Martinsville's Jimmy Nash City Park invites you to join them for their monthly sunset hike on Thursday, July 18. This month's hike is set to start at 8:25 pm, timed to get you to the top of Park Hill just in time for sunset! Bring your camera. This is a free event, but please do register on the parks website so they can anticipate the number of participants. All ages welcome!
July 19 - Free Summer Concert: Powerhouse
Come out and enjoy another Free Summer Concert in downtown Martinsville on June 28, featuring musical performers Powerhouse! Music begins at 7:30 pm at The Venue, located at Jefferson and Pike Streets. Food and drink will be available on site. Bring your own seating. All are welcome!
July 20 - Downtown Mooresville Street Fair
Head to downtown Mooresville for a fun Street Fair on July 20 from 10 am to 3 pm! The Downtown Mooresville Street Fair will feature a wide variety of vendors, live music, food trucks, shopping and even a bounce house for the kids! Located at Indiana and East Main Street, next to Bicentennial Park, this is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy a day in Mooresville.
July 20 - Drink at the Creek: Best of Times & Midnight Blue
Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co & Distillery will host another Drink at the Creek Concert on Saturday, July 20, featuring Best of Times (a Styx tribute band) and Midnight Blue (a Foreigner tribute band). Music begins at 5 pm. Bring your own seating. Picnics are welcome, but coolers must be 12"x15" or smaller. No outside alcohol. Food trucks on site, plus the Cedar Creek Eatery will be open as well. Get tickets in advance online, or at the gate.
July 21 - Live Music: Ruben Guthrie
Join Cedar Creek Winery and Brewing Company on Sunday, July 21 for live music from Ruben Guthrie. Indulge in your favorite locally-crafted beverages and don't forget about their amazing eatery menu as well! This is a free performance and all ages are welcome. Music starts at 2 pm.
July 25-17 - Christmas in July
The Martinsville Candy Kitchen invites you to enjoy Christmas in July! This July 25-27, several downtown merchants will participate along with the Martinsville Candy Kitchen in this fun new event. On July 25, stop by to visit with Santa at the Candy Kitchen, beginning at 5:30 pm. The Martinsville Candy Kitchen will be making candy canes by hand (watch for specific pour times), you can come decorate your own gingerbread man sugar cookie (must reserve a time), then enjoy all the fun of Artie Fest on Saturday, July 27! Throughout this time period, you can earn a free candy cane at participating businesses by making a purchase and donating an item for a local food pantry. This Buy One, Give One, Get One process can be done at all participating locations!
July 26 - Free Summer Concert: Stella Luna & The Satellites
Pioneer Park will host a Free Summer Concert on Friday, July 26 featuring Stella Luna & The Satellites. Music begins at 7 pm. Bring your own seating, picnics are welcome, but there will be food and drinks available on site. No outside alcohol. The stage will be set up in the grassy area between the Aquatic Center and the parking area for the ball fields. All are welcome.
July 27 - Artie Fest
This fun, annual festival in Martinsville returns this year on July 27 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. Artie Fest features Colton Chapman live in concert on Friday evening along the the Direct Sales Vendor Market, and Touch-a-Truck, then enjoy a day full of fun on Saturday, starting with a 5K and continuing with the craft fair, car show, food vendors, cornhole tournament, trike race, kids' activities and live music throughout the day! The event will culminate at dusk with the Artie Fest movie featuring Disney's Encanto.
July 27 - Free Summer Concert: Jake Dodds with Tyler Poe & The Volunteer Railroad
Come out to downtown Martinsville on Thursday, July 21 for an evening of live music, shopping, dining and fun! Live music from popular regional favorites BIGG COUNTRY will begin at 7 pm, giving you time to hit a locally owned shop or boutique and/or grab some dinner from a local eatery (order to go to enjoy your meal outdoors at the concert). This is a free show and all ages are welcome. Beer and wine from Cedar Creek Winery and Brew Co will be available on site. Bring your own seating. Concert takes place on Jefferson Street.
July 27 - Dust Bowl 100 Gravel Bike Race
The tiny town of Eminence will welcome bicyclists from around Indiana and beyond for the Dust Bowl 100 Gravel Bike Race on Saturday, July 27. That's right, 100 miles of bicycling on some of the finest gravel roads in Indiana! Participants will cross several historic bridges and roll through scenic vistas in Morgan and Putnam Counties. The number of participants is limited and pre-registration is a must, but spectators are welcome to cheer them on at the start/finish or along the route.
