Travel back in time
For the history buffs out there, the C-119 Flying Boxcar Aircraft will be open to the public this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Along with the aircraft, visitors can explore the history of the air field at the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum, which is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kids and teens
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Preschool STEAM: 11 a.m., May 8; Builders’ Guild, 3 p.m., May 8; Teen Watch-It Wednesday: New Releases, 3:30 p.m., May 8, 15, 22; Library Babies, 10, 10:35, and 11:05 a.m., May 9, 16, 23; Preschool Dance Class, 10 a.m., May 9; Teen Thursgame, 3:30 p.m., May 9, 16, 23; Tween Game Time, 3:30 p.m., May 9, 16, 23; Teen Board Game, 3:30 p.m., May 9; Family Exercise and Movement Storytime, 4:30 p.m., May 9; Sports for Littles, 10 a.m., May 10; Teen STEAM, 3:30 p.m., May 10; The Disassemblers, 1:30 p.m., May 11; Pupper Petting Party, 3:30 p.m., May 13; Family Storytime, 6 p.m., May 13, 20; Toddler Time, 9:15 and 10 a.m., May 14; Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m., May 14; Teen DIY, 3:30 p.m., May 14; Playdate at the Library, 11 a.m., May 15; Cuentos y Cantos Spanish Storytime, 11 a.m., May 17; Teen Book Club, 3:30 p.m., May 17; Sing & Play with Allie Jean, 4 p.m., May 17; Kids Ukulele Class, 4:35 p.m., May 17; Sans Souci Storytime, 3:30 p.m., May 20; Pokémon Club, 4 p.m., May 20, 21; Teen Last Day of School Ice Cream Party, 3:30 p.m., May 21; Preschool Art Studio, 11 a.m., May 22; After School Special, 3:30 p.m., May 22; Teen Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m., May 23. Information: mybcpl.org/events.
Education
NAMI PEER-TO-PEER, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, Columbus Recovery Café, 1412 Sycamore St., Columbus. NAMI Peer-to-Peer is an eight-session recovery-focused course for adults with mental health conditions. Free and confidential and led by peers with mental health conditions. A great resource for information on mental health and recovery that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope to build on the strength and resilience of participants. To register, email [email protected], call 812-373-6055, or call or text 812-344-1542.
AGE MY WAY, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 30, Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St., Columbus. The Financial Literacy Coalition of Bartholomew County is offering a free seminar entitled “Age My Way: Don’t Leave It To Chance, Make Informed Decisions”. WAW Planning and Investments will also offer a shredding event during the seminar. Free transportation is available through Columbus Transit on established bussing routes. Open to all ages in the community. Those interested should RSVP at https://shorturl.at/rNX24 by May 24 to guarantee a lunch.
Music
BATTLE OF THE BANDS, 5 to 7 p.m., May 9, Clifty Creek Elementary School, 4625 E. 50N, Columbus. Five classes will perform, one will win. Featuring Clifty Creek Rock Band with special guests Flat Earth Rock Band. A rock festival with food trucks, face painting, photo booth, and other activities catered to the kids. Public welcome, admission is free.
FLICK N RAINWATER, 6 to 7:30 p.m., May 16, Hope Town Square, Hope. Join this amazing band in the town square for a lovely evening of Americana Music. Bring your lawn chair, your supper, and an appropriate beverage for an evening of music on the square.
Sports, exercise, wellness
HEARTLAND 5K RUN/WALK, 8:30 a.m., May 11, Ivy Tech Community College, 4475 Central Ave., Columbus. The Heartland Division of Kiwanis is sponsoring its third annual 5K Run/Walk to benefit Riley Hospital for Children. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. Goodie bags, random drawings for more than 40 great prizes, along with food and drink will be available to all participants. New this year is a special reduced rate of $15 for all elementary students. Riley Hospital will be on campus to distribute information about its services. For pre-registration, go to indianatiming.com. Online, hard copy and day of registration also available.
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE, 1 to 6 p.m., May 23, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Donate and Save Lives.
BLACKWELL PARK STORYWALK, Blackwell Park, 1550 Whitney Court, Columbus. Enjoy some fresh air while strolling the Bartholomew County Public Library’s StoryWalk. The StoryWalk is located along the People Trail near the Pollinator Park in Blackwell Park.
SWIMMING FOR EXERCISE, Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. Lap swimming, water aerobics and public swim are available. You must preregister for current swim sessions. Information: foundationforyouth.com.
Miscellaneous
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Scheduled: Author Talk, 7 p.m., May 8, 21; Mindful Meditation, 6 p.m., May 9, 23; Flow Yoga, Noon, May 13, 20; Photography 101, 6 p.m., May 13; Chair Yoga, 1 p.m., May 14, 21; Our Community’s Mental Health, 6 p.m., May 14; Civil War Book Club, 5:30 p.m., May 15; Music with Valerie, 10:30 a.m., May 17; Master Gardener’s Plant Sale, 9 a.m., May 18; Hooks and Needles Meet Up, 11 a.m., May 18; Adults Reading YA Book Club, 6 p.m., May 20; Columbus Viewfinders, 6:30 p.m., May 20; Genealogy Jam, 6 p.m., May 21; Adult Craft Night, 6 p.m., May 21; Reading with Friends, 9:30 a.m., May 22. Information: mybcpl.org/events.
PROPELLER LEGO CLUB, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Mondays, May 13, 20, 27, Columbus Propeller, 4760 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus. Come join Propeller’s ever-growing Lego Club. The club is free and open for all ages.
FIRST FAMILIES OF HOPE, 10 a.m. to noon, June 1 and the first Saturday of each month, Yellow Trail Research Center, west side of Hope Town Square, 644 Main St., Hope. The Bartholomew County Genealogical Society would like to recognize the Yellow Trail Museum’s 50th Anniversary in 2025 with the First Families in the Hawcreek/Flatrock area. The First Families of Hope Talks continue through August 2025. Suggestions for names for Group 2 are welcomed. Bring photos, genealogy, documents, stories, or anything else you might want to share. With your permission, the genealogical society will scan copies during the sessions, so you can take home the originals you bring. These digital copies will be available for all attendees (bring your own jump drive), as well as the Yellow Trail Research Center.
ELKS LODGE BINGO, 6:30 p.m. Fridays and 12:30 p.m. Sundays, Elks 521 Lodge Bingo Hall, 4664 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. The first game is at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Open to the public. Information: 812-379-4386.
VFW POST 1987 BINGO, 215 N. National Road, Columbus, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.), and the second Saturday of each month from 2 to 6 p.m. (doors open at noon). Open to the public.
AMERICAN LEGION BINGO & KARAOKE, American Legion Post 25, 2515 25th St., Columbus. Bingo is on Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m. Karaoke is on Wednesdays starting at 6 p.m.
COLUMBUS CHESS CLUB, 5 to 9 p.m., Thursdays, Lewellen Chapel, corner of Middle Road and Grissom Street, Columbus. Equipment is furnished. Open to chess players 16 and older. Information: 801-856-4812.
COLUMBUS AREA RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE, noon to 4 p.m., May 18 and the third Saturday of each month. Trains will be operating layouts in four scales — HO, N, O, and On30. The club is located at the Johnson County Park headquarters building adjacent to Camp Atterbury. Information: Greg Harter, 812-350-8636, or on Facebook at Columbus Area Railroad Club.
GRACE’S TABLE FREE MEAL, 5 p.m., May 12 and the second Sunday of each month, East Columbus United Methodist Church, 2439 Indiana Ave., Columbus. Free meal in the youth center as well as music and storytelling. Enter the church parking lot on Indiana Avenue.
THE TABLE, 6 p.m., May 9 and the second Thursday of each month, Petersville United Methodist Church, 2781 N. County Road 500E, Columbus. There will be a free meal and a time of sharing, discussion and prayers.
AMERICAN SEWING GUILD, 9 to 11 a.m., June 1 and the first Saturday of each month. Neighborhood group welcomes sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels and walks of life, meets monthly to learn new sewing skills, network with others who share an interest in sewing and participate in community sewing projects. If you are interested in attending, email Marilyn at [email protected] for meeting location.
COLUMBUS STAR QUILTERS, 9:30 a.m. to noon, June 6 and the first Thursday of each month, First Baptist Church Columbus, 3300 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus. Each gathering consists of a short business meeting followed by a quilting lesson/program, along with show-and-tell of finished projects. Members participate in various service projects. New and experienced quilters are invited to attend. Membership dues are $15 per year. For information, visit starquiltersofcolumbus.weebly.com.
EVENING STAR QUILTERS, May 14, Zoom at IUPUC, 4601 Central Ave., Columbus. David Sirota (www.quiltmavendave.com) will host a workshop on paper piecing using the Storm at Sea pattern. He calls this pattern “The perfect quilt for beginners AND experienced Paper-Piecers alike.” The cost will be $10. For more information, please contact CSQ president Susannah Lipinski at [email protected].
EVENING STAR QUILT GUILD, 5:30 to 7 p.m., May 14 and the second Tuesday of each month, Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St., Columbus. The featured speaker is Marilyn Brackney, a CAAC Flourishing through Art Grant Recipient, who will demonstrate the ancient art of Turkish fabric marbling. The Evening Star Quilt Guild is a group of women who enjoy creating traditional and modern art quilts while learning new methods. For more, visit starquiltersofcolumbus.weebly.com.
FRIENDS DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB, 1 to 4:30 p.m. every Thursday, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2561 N. California St., Columbus. Bridge club open to the public.
Galleries, museums, exhibits
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 524 Third St., Columbus. Through June 28, “Columbus Connections at the 1904 World’s Fair” explores local contributions to the famous exhibition 120 years ago in St. Louis. BCHS hosts two permanent exhibits that share the history and heritage of Bartholomew County. Learn about our county through interactive, hands-on exhibits that include a map table, notable people, county timeline, Then and Now, Did You Know, early industrialists and videos of Reeves steam engines. The historical society also hosts rotating exhibits throughout the year featuring items from their extensive collection. Admission is free, with a donation suggested. Information: 812-372-3541, bartholomewhistory.org.
GALLERY 506, Columbus Indiana Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St., Columbus. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dutch photographer Iwan Baan’s architecturally focused work documenting Columbus’ many notable Modernist structures will be featured at Gallery 506 through August.
YELLOW TRAIL MUSEUM/VISITORS CENTER/RESEARCH CENTER, west side of Hope Town Square, 644 Main St., Hope. The museum is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment. The Research Center is open by appointment. Contact the museum at 812-546-8020. Follow Facebook page “Yellow Trail Museum/Hope Visitors Center” for updated information.
ATTERBURY-BAKALAR AIR MUSEUM, at Columbus Municipal Airport, 4742 Ray Boll Blvd., Columbus, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Special tours may be scheduled by calling 812-372-4356. The museum preserves the history of the former Atterbury Army Air Field, later named Bakalar Air Force Base. The C-119 Aircraft will be open to the public the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission. Visit the museum online at atterburybakalarairmuseum.org and on Facebook.
PERCEPTIONS YOGA, MINDFULNESS & ART, 139 State Road 3, Vernon. Gallery hours are from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Information: perceptionsyoga.org or facebook.com/northvernonyoga.
T.C. STEELE STATE HISTORIC SITE, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, 4220 T.C. Steele Road, Nashville. Staff is offering special indoor tours — each with a limited number of people. Tours are included with site admission, but preregistration is recommended by calling 812-988-2785. Information: indianamuseum.org/tcsteele.
TRI-STATE ARTISANS, 422 Washington St., Columbus. Handmade retail gallery of more than 60 local artisans. Unique gifts, fine art, art classes for youth and adults, youth art programs, art parties and home parties. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Information: tsartisans.com.
JENNINGS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM, 134 Brown St., Vernon. Museum hours are Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Information: 812-346-8989, jenningscounty.org.
BROWN COUNTY ART GUILD, 48 S. Van Buren St., Nashville. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
THE REPUBLIC BUILDING GALLERY, 333 Second St., Columbus. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
411 GALLERY, 411 Sixth St., Columbus. The galley is open Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Columbus Area Arts Council, in partnership with Mental Health Matters, announces an exhibition at 411 Gallery in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month. “Psyche Relics” by Columbus-based artist Kimberly Rose Free features 2D and 3D artworks that portray Free’s journey through psychiatric treatment over the past three decades. The exhibit is from May 1 to 24. The public is invited to visit the gallery during open hours. Learn more about the current exhibition and artists at artsincolumbus.org/411.
HOOSIER ARTIST GALLERY, 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: hoosierartist.com.
BROWN COUNTY ART GALLERY, 1 Artist Drive, Nashville. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Information: 812-988-4609, [email protected], browncountyartgallery.org.
CHARLENE MARSH STUDIO & GALLERY, 4013 Lanam Ridge Road, Nashville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Mondays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, please call the studio/gallery at 812-988-4497 or visit charlenemarshstudio.com.
Ongoing
FABULOUS FIRST FRIDAYS WITH MISS POLLY, 12:15 p.m., May 3 and the first Friday of each month. Viewpoint Books, 548 Washington St., Columbus. Information: 812-376-0778.
FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, 405 Hope Ave., Columbus. The Boys & Girls Club is open to children ages 5-18. Information: 812-372-7867.
KIDSCOMMONS, 309 Washington St., Columbus. Ongoing activities are all free with museum admission. Information: 812-378-3046.
