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 Count, and don't forget, we're always adding new events, so be sure to check our full event calendar frequently for even more fun things to do!
Mondays - Pioneer Pathfinders Community Walk
This FREE Community Walk takes place each Monday at 9 am at Pioneer Park in Mooresville. All are welcome. Walk begins at Shelter # 2 and participants are welcome to walk whatever distance meets their level of ability and comfort.
Tuesdays - Tuesday Farmers Market
Join the Morgan County Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 pm in Mooresville. This year's Mooresville Market will relocate to the parking lot outside of Tractor Supply Company due to an ongoing downtown construction project. Find them at Town Center S. Drive, just off of State Road 67 and Bridge Street.
Tues. & Thurs.-Sun. - Drive in Movies at The Centerbrook Drive-in
The Centerbrook Drive-in is open five days per week during the summer season, featuring two currently running films each week. Admission is only $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-12 and free for kids age 5 and under! Grab the family and head for the drive-in for movies under the stars! Concessions available on site. Come early to get the perfect parking spot - there's a large open place area for the kids to run off energy before the show starts.
Wednesdays - Martinsville in Motion City Walk
All are welcome to participate in this local health and fitness initiative in downtown Martinsville. Enjoy a stroll around the community every Wednesday at Noon. There are three routes with varying distances. Meet up outside of Churches in Mission on Pike Street.
Thursdays - Martinsville Cruise-in on the Square
One of our favorite area traditions is set to return to the downtown courthouse square in Martinsville on Thursdays, beginning in April. Join unique and historic car owners from around the area as they gather on the east side of the square each Thursday, beginning at 5 pm for the Cruise-in on the Square. Cars are welcome all along Jefferson Street, from Pike to Jackson Streets. This creates a fun and festive atmosphere downtown, perfect for enjoying dinner at one of several downtown eateries, browsing local shops and of course, checking out all the cool cars!
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 typically 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). In mid-July, the location will change to the Veteran's Memorial Park at the corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets on the southeast corner of the square, where it will remain until mid-November.
Saturdays - Morgan County Farmers Market
Saturday brings the Morgan County Farmers Market to Martinsville, each week through October! Stop in and browse the weekly Saturday Market for locally grown produce and meats, fresh eggs and baked goods and a variety of handcrafted items. Find them from 9 am to 12:30 pm at The Main Connection in Martinsville - 460 South Main Street.
1st & 3rd Saturdays - Morgantown Farm Market
Stop by the Morgantown Farm Market on the first and third Saturdays of each month. You'll find them outside the Morgantown First United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Washington and Church Streets. Browse locally grown produce, honey, baked goods and more!
July 2 - Free Summer Concert: The Big 80s
Enjoy a special live music event in downtown Martinsville on Thursday, July 2 with The Big 80s! Attendees will enjoy live music beginning at 7 pm at The Venue in downtown Martinsville. Bring your own seating; food trucks are typically on site and downtown eateries area open for dine in before the show, or carryout! Don't forget, the Martinsville Cruise-in on the Square will also be taking place from 5 to 9 pm, so check out those cool cars while you're downtown!
July 3 - Meet the Characters & Movie Screening of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
The Martinsville Entertainment Theatre and Martinsville Arts Council are teaming up for a fun collaboration around the 2007 award-winning film and the also award-winning Sondheim stage musical! On July 3, the MET will show the Tim Burton film featuring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter at 7 pm. Beginning at 6 pm, you can meet the characters from the upcoming Martinsville Arts Council production of the live musical! Don't forget to buy your tickets early for the musical at The Depot, showing July 10-19 - it's a small venue and does tend to sell out!
July 4 - Martinsville Independence Day Parade
Join the Indiana Spirit of '45 for a fun, old fashioned Independence Day Parade! The Annual Independence Day Parade will step off at 10 am on Saturday, July 4, beginning at (and returning to) John R Wooden Middle School. All are welcome to participate.
July 4 - Torchlight Free Kids' Movie Series: Sing
This month's featured film at Torchlight Cinema for their monthly free kids' movie is Sing! Remember to bring a non-perishable food or hygiene item to benefit Churches in Mission to qualify for free admission! (Admission is a free-will donation if you don't remember to bring a donation.) Doors open at 9:30 am; movie begins at 10 am.
July 4 - 1976 Time Capsule & Family Fun Activities at the Park
Join Jimmy Nash City Park for a variety of fun family activities during the day on July 4. The 1976 time capsule that was buried at the Morgan County Courthouse will be opened at 11:30 am. Items from the time capsule can be claimed at the opening, or at a later date at the Morgan County History Center. There will also be a variety of fun family activities at the park throughout the afternoon, including on site food trucks!
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 Martinsville, both on the 4th. Both July 4 fireworks shows are set to begin at dusk. Live music begins earlier in the evening 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 9 & 11 - Terra Flora Gardens FREE Tours
Each year, the gorgeous Terra Flora Gardens are open for public tours for two days only. Those two days are Thursday, July 9, and Saturday, July 11 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 9 - Christmas in July Bingo
Enjoy 10 games of Christmas in July Bingo at 5 East in Mooresville on Thursday, July 9. There will be awesome prizes, a cash bar and more, plus proceeds from this fun event will benefit the Mooresville Victorian Christmas Celebration, held the first Saturday in December - go ahead and mark your calendar now for a fun and festive day!
July 10-18 - Morgan County Fair
Meet up at the Fairgrounds for the Morgan County Fair, July 10-18. 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, July 10-17, plus a two Cincinnati Circus performances on July 18! Don't miss the Free Stage with live performances every day! Grandstand events will include Truck and Tractor pulls, a Rodeo, Go Karts, ATV Races, Dirt Bike Races, the annual Demolition Derby, and Tuff Truck! See the Morgan County Fair listing on our calendar for the full schedule.
July 10 - 2nd Friday Open Studios Night
Browse the open artist studios at the Art Sanctuary of Indiana on Friday, July 10, beginning at 6 pm. Resident artist will be on hand in their working studio space to talk about their work. Learn more about this local artist studio and gallery space and how it contributes to the downtown Martinsville economy.
July 10-19 - Martinsville Arts Council presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
If you've seen the 2007 film, you won't want to miss the live musical production of this dark story of vengeance and cannibalism. The award-winning Sondheim musical score and the compelling story of family, revenge, and survival make this a unique evening of musical theatre. Tickets are available online in advance and at the door if still available. Performances will be held at The Depot Theatre on Marion Street in Martinsville with both evening and matinee start times. The former train depot is a small, intimate venue that often sells out, so don't wait!
July 11 - Mooresville Street Fair
Head to downtown Mooresville for a day of fun at the second Mooresville Street Fair of the year on July 11 from 10 am to 3 pm! The Downtown Mooresville Street Fair will feature a wide variety of vendors, live music, food trucks, shopping and activities for the kids! This is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy a day in Mooresville.
July 11 - Author Q&A and Screening of Footloose
The Martinsville Entertainment Theatre invites you to come enjoy a brief presentation and Q&A session with author, film historian, and professor of Media Studies, Dr. Justin Rawlins. Rawlins' recent book, Imagining the Method: Reception, Identity, and American Screen Performance, will be available for purchase in the lobby, courtesy of Fables & Fairy Tales. Presentation begins at 7 pm on Saturday, July 11; followed at 7:30 pm by a screening of one of everyone's favorite 80s films, Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon.
July 11 - Drink at the Creek: Family Tradition & Eliminator
Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co & Distillery will host another Drink at the Creek Concert on Saturday, July 11, featuring the music of the the legendary Hank Williams, Jr and ZZ Top, courtesy of the Family Tradition and Eliminator. Music begins at 6 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 at rdptickets.com, or at the gate.
July 11 - Dirt Track Racing: 410 Sprints, USAC D2 Midgets, Bombers, Hornets
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. July 11 will feature 410 Sprints, USAC D2 Midgets, Bombers, and Hornets.
July 11 - Live Music: Brian Wiser
Black Dog Brewing Company presents their Live Summer Patio Concert Series, every Saturday through October 3! The patio is open, the beer is cold, the flat bread pizza is hot, and all are welcome! Beginning at 7 pm, Brian Wiser will perform on July 11.
July 16 - FREE Summer Concert: Big Rosco & The Hammers
Pioneer Park will host a Free Summer Concert on Thursday, July 16 featuring Big Rosco & The Hammers. 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 18 - Live Music: Jamie Nichole
Black Dog Brewing Company presents their Live Summer Patio Concert Series, every Saturday through October 3! The patio is open, the beer is cold, the flat bread pizza is hot, and all are welcome! Beginning at 7 pm, Jamie Nichole will perform on July 18.
July 18 - Music at The Met: Jay Gates (Barry Manilow)
The Martinsville Entertainment Theatre invites you to enjoy a celebration of the music of Barry Manilow with performer Jay Gates. Music begins at 7:30 pm on Saturday, July 18; doors open one hour before show time. Concessions available on site.
July 24-26 - Martinsville Candy Kitchen presents Christmas in July!
Get in the holiday spirit in Downtown Martinsville - the Martinsville Candy Kitchen will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they enjoy their summer vacation. They're making time to meet with the little ones at the store on Friday, July 24 from 5:30 to 7 pm and Saturday, July 25 from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Watch for candy cane making times as well, and drop off a non-perishable food or hygiene item to benefit Churches in Mission at any participating downtown business to get a free candy cane!
July 25 - Martinsville VFW Post 1257 Steak n Fish Dinner
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1257 in Martinsville hosts a steak n fish dinner on the fourth Friday of each month at their location, 1000 Josephine Street. Meal choices are steak, baked potato, and salad for $20 per plate or fish, fries, and cole slaw for $15 per plate. This monthly event is open to the public and sometimes is followed by live music.
July 24 - Movie at the MET: Dead Poets Society
The Martinsville Entertainment Theatre presents Dead Poets Society, a breathtaking coming-of-age story about a charismatic English teacher who inspires rebellious, tradition-bound boarding school boys to "seize the day" and live authentically. Movie begins at 7 pm on Friday, July 24; doors open one hour before showtime.
July 25 - Dust Bowl 100 Gravel Bicycle Race
The tiny town of Eminence once again welcomes the annual Dust Bowl 100 Gravel Bicycle Race on July 25. This fun event takes cyclists on a journey over back roads and bridges through Morgan and Putnam Counties. The race sells out each year, but spectators are welcome to line the route or the finish line and cheer them on!
July 25 - Live Music: Rich Dowell
Black Dog Brewing Company presents their Live Summer Patio Concert Series, every Saturday through October 3! The patio is open, the beer is cold, the flat bread pizza is hot, and all are welcome! Beginning at 7 pm, Rich Dowell will perform on July 25.
July 25 - Music at The MET: Simply the Best (Tina Turner)
The Martinsville Entertainment Theatre invites you to enjoy a celebration of the music of the great Tina Turner with the nationally touring group Simply the Best. Music begins at 7:30 pm on Saturday, July 18; doors open one hour before show time. Concessions available on site.
July 29 - Morgan in Motion 5K Fun Run/Walk
Join the YMCA of Morgan County for the Morgan in Motion 5K Run/Walk Series on the last Wednesday of each month, April through October. Each month, the run/walk takes place at a different location within the county, featuring parks and camps. This is a free, family-friendly event. Race begins at 6 pm. This month's location is Burkhart Creek Park, near Paragon.
July 29 - Dirt Track Racing - USAC 410 Sprints
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. June 29 will feature USAC 410 Sprints.
July 29 - Tread Trimmers Car Club Monthly Cruise-in at Culver's
The Tread Trimmers Car Club of Martinsville will host a monthly cruise in event at the Culvers location at the corner of Ohio Street and Prather Drive, Martinsville on the last Wednesday of each month. Stop by from 5 to 8 pm to check out all the cool classic and unique vehicles!
July 30 - Aug. 2 - Mooresville Old Settlers Fair
This fun annual event takes around the first of August each year at Mooresville's Pioneer Park, giving you the entire weekend to enjoy the rides, games and performances at this final summer festival before we look toward fall. Lots of community booths, great food, live musical performances and more are always on hand - and don't miss the parade on Sunday!
July 30 - FREE Summer Concert: Soul Street
Enjoy a special live music event in Mooresville on Thursday, July 30 at Pioneer Park! Featured performer for this evening will be Soul Street, who will take the stage at 7 pm. Food trucks will be on site; bring your own seating.
July 31 - Drink at the Creek: Journey From the Heart & Fancy Sauce
This rescheduled Drink at the Creek concert was unfortunately impacted by severe weather... but the bright side of that is now you can enjoy the sounds of Journey and Heart, courtesy of Journey From the Heart, and regional favorites Fancy Sauce on the Cedar Creek Stage on Friday, July 31! Music starts at 6 pm. Bring your own seating. If you had tickets for this show, they are still valid - if you still need tickets, get 'em at in advance at rdptickets.com.
July 31 - Movie at The MET: The Karate Kid
Enjoy another favorite film from the 80s with Ralph Macchio starring in The Karate Kid! Learn the art of "wax on, wax off" from an unlikely mentor, as main character Daniel learns karate, gains self confidence and ultimately confronts his bullies. Movie begins at 7 pm on Friday, July 30; doors open one hour before showtime.
