Events taking place in Kokomo, Howard County, and the surrounding area from Nov. 9, 2025, and beyond
This article is brought to you by Johnson’s Paint and Body.
Family Recipes and Stories
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Genealogy Department, 220 N. Union St., on Sun., Nov. 9, from 2:30-4 p.m. to swap treasured family recipes and their stories. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Spelling Bee Explosion
Carver Community Center and Gentlemen & Scholars Inc., will present a Spelling Bee Explosion on Sun., Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. The event will take place at the Carver Center, 1013 N. Purdum St. This contest is open to children in grades 3-5 and is free to enter. To register for the competition, email scholarup1@gmail.com.
IU Kokomo Athletics Meet and Greet
Calling all Cougars fans! Meet and greet the IU Kokomo men’s and women’s basketball teams. Harvey Hinklemeyers, 1554 S. Dixon Road, a proud sponsor of IU Kokomo Athletics, is hosting a special meet and greet with the IU Kokomo men’s and women’s basketball teams Mon., Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. Enjoy great food, hang out and meet the squads, snag signed photos, pick up season schedules, and enter to win free tickets.
Taylor Coat Drive
Taylor Schools is holding a Coat Drive now through Nov. 10. The school system is accepting new and gently used coats of all sizes for distribution at its annual community Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 20. Coats may be dropped off at Taylor High School, Taylor Middle School, or Taylor Elementary School. The school is also accepting financial donations to assist in the coat drive and the meal. Donate by visiting https://elweb.app/puuynyw .
Turkey Trot
The Kokomo Family YMCA will hold its annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning, Thu., Nov. 27. Join them to work off the holiday calories while racing or strolling through downtown. This timed race offers every participant a t-shirt and a medal if registration is completed by Nov. 10. Save $5 on registration by using the code WOBBLEGOBBLE at checkout or register as a group of four to 10 racers for a $5 per person discount. All proceeds will benefit the YMCA’s annual campaign. Register by clicking here.
Free Veterans Lunch
Community First Bank of Indiana will offer a tenderloin meal for veterans in the Kokomo area on Tue., Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the bank’s 1308 E. Hoffer St. location while supplies last. This will be a drive-thru event, featuring Swayzee Tenderloins. For additional information, visit www.cfbindiana.com/veterans or call 765-236-0600.
Maker Zone
Join the Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., on the second Tuesday of each month for crafts and fun in the Maker Zone. The next session takes place Tue., Nov. 11, from 3-4 p.m.
Pages Across Kokomo
Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or looking to expand your reading list, turn the page together with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library and the IU Kokomo Library and share the power of stories on Tue., Nov. 11, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The meeting takes place at the IU Kokomo Library, 2300 S. Washington St. This month’s pick: “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now” by Jason Reynolds.
PCA Mental Health Panel
Prevent Child Abuse will visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Tue., Nov. 11, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to allow parents and providers to ask questions of mental health professionals regarding teenagers.
Question, Persuade, Refer
The signs of mental health crisis are all around us. Through three simple steps, you can be equipped to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives through innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. Join CrisisReady Howard County for QPR training on Wed., Nov. 12, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Russiaville Lions Club, 555 N. Liberty St., Russiaville. Or join the training at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. until noon. This training is specific to lay responders. NOTE: QPR requires at least five participants. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Registration required: https://form.jotform.com/243434429595162
Howard County Stand Down
Howard County Stand Down, a free event for Veterans, will be held Thu., Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the United Autoworkers Local 685 Union Hall, 929 E. Hoffer St. Lunch will be provided. Free services offered at the event include VA and state benefits information, housing and financial assistance, mental health screenings and referrals, job and education information, legal assistance, hair cuts, flu shots, food and clothing referrals, giveaways, and door prizes. For additional information, call 765-513-8504 or 765-457-4357 ext. 1006.
Emerald Evening
Step into the sparkly world of Oz with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Nov. 13, from 4-5:30 p.m. During this magical Emerald Evening, celebrate friendship with crafts, games, and music inspired by your favorite good and wicked witches.
CrisisReady Howard County
Cold weather is coming – are you ready? Attend CrisisReady Howard County on Thu., Nov. 13, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St. Explore methods to prepare for freezing temperatures with tips on staying warm, recommendations for supplies both at home and in your vehicle, and guidance on recognizing the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. As always, free disaster supplies are available for participants. This month features a jumper cable kit as the door prize.
Craft Night in the Digital Den
Come to the Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Nov. 13, from 6-7:30 p.m. and use their tools to craft your ideas. The Digital Den has items available to use, such as button-making and Cricut supplies. Or feel free to bring your own. Join the wait list for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Breakfast and BINGO
The Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., holds a morning of breakfast and BINGO on the second Friday of each month. Play for big prizes on Nov. 14., from 9-10 a.m.
Good News Market
Shop, sip, and savor during Cross America Inc.’s Good News Market, 840 Daniel Dr. Browse a variety of local vendors offering handmade goods, unique gifts, and seasonal treasures. Enjoy food trucks serving delicious bites and favorite cafe drinks from Doubting Thomas Cafe. The market will run Friday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Rocking Kokomo by Candlelight
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will present Rocking Kokomo by Candlelight, a fundraising event, on Fri., Nov. 14, at The Hobson, 110 N. Washington St. Doors open at 6 p.m. with charcuterie boards and a cash bar. The KSO rock quintet will perform at 7 p.m., featuring music from Queen, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Coldplay, Shawn Mendes, and Maroon 5. Tickets are $35 each. VIP reserved tables are available at $100-$400 per table (2-8 people). Call 765-236-0251 or visit www.kokomosymphony.net for tickets.
Brother Dusty at Rhine Hall
Brother Dusty will perform in concert on Fri., Nov. 14, at Rhine Hall Events, 507 N. Union St. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with opener The Peaceful Kings. General admission is $15. A pre-party VIP show will take place before the event at 6:30 p.m., featuring both bands, along with a Q&A session. VIP tickets are $25 and include premium seating. Tickets are available at www.rhinehallevents.com
Becoming Madam Murder
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre will take place Fri., Nov. 14, from 7-9 p.m. at the Elite Event Center, 2820 S. Lafountain St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 each or $450 for a table of 10. Call 765-457-3242 to inquire about purchasing tickets.
‘Little Women’ at IUK
IU Kokomo’s Fall play, “Little Women,” will be performed Nov. 14-16, at IU Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. Performances start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 15., and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 students. Children 6 and under are free. Visit https://cougarlife.kokomo.iu.edu/event/11830312 to purchase tickets.
Thanksgiving Outreach
Sts. Joan of Arc and Patrick School is collecting items for the St. Vincent de Paul food baskets to be distributed for Thanksgiving. Students can bring donations to school through Nov. 14 with the goal of filling 60 food boxes. Preschool, Pre-K, 3rd, 4th, and 6th graders are asked to bring in boxed stuffing, boxes or pouches of potatoes, jars or packages of gravy, and packaged egg noodles. Students in Kindergarten, 5th, and 8th grade are asked to provide broth, canned green beans, and cream of mushroom soup. Students in 1st, 2nd, and 7th grade are asked to bring in canned fruit, brownie mix, and icing or frosting. The school also is accepting $25 gift cards to Meijer, Kroger, or Walmart.
Walk with a Doc
This free community walking program takes place on the second Saturday of each month, led by a local healthcare provider, and is open to people of all ages and abilities. The next walk takes place Sat., Nov. 15, at 9 a.m. on the campus of Indiana University Kokomo, 2300 S. Washington St. The program allows participants to safely take a walk, learn about current health topics, and meet new people. For more information, visit www.walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/kokomo-indiana.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
Alzheimer’s Association support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to develop a support system, exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions, talk through issues and ways of coping, share insight, and learn about community resources. A support group will meet on the third Thursday of each month in Inventrek Technology Park, 700 E. Firmin St., from 1-2 p.m. The next meeting takes place Nov. 20. Learn more at alz.org/indiana.
Taylor Thanksgiving Dinner
Taylor Community School Corp. will hold its sixth annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thu., Nov. 20, from 5-7 p.m. on the Taylor Middle/High School campus. This free dinner is open to the entire community. In addition to dinner, the event features games and activities for families along with a giveaway of coats, hats, gloves, and hygiene items. Local nonprofit community partners also will be on hand to provide information about various assistance programs. The school is also accepting financial donations to assist in the coat drive and the meal. Donate by visiting https://elweb.app/puuynyw .
Cowboy Church
On the third Saturday of each month, Fairview Baptist Church holds Cowboy Church. It’s a combination of Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Hymns and a lot of serious goofing off. The next Cowboy Church will take place at 5 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 22. Fairview Baptist Church is located at 2108 E Vaile Ave. behind the Walmart Plaza.
Fire Truck Pull
Howard County Special Olympics will hold a Fire Truck Pull on Sun., Nov. 23, in the Family Farm and Home parking lot in the Walmart Plaza. The first pull begins at 2 p.m., and you can test your strength! Create a team of up to 10 people to see who can pull a fire truck 50 feet the fastest. The cost is $40 per person. Registration begins at 1:15 p.m. To register in advance or for more information, call 765-416-4305 or email howardcounty5023@gmail.com .
Coat Drive
Items are being accepted now for a community coat drive. Coordinated Assistance Ministries, the Carver Community Center, Refreshing Springs Church, and Rhine Hall Events are teaming up to provide winter clothing to those in need. The coat drive will take place Thu., Dec. 4, from noon until 2 p.m. at Rhine Hall, 507 N. Union St. Donations of coats, scarves, hats, gloves, sweaters, backpacks, boots, socks, handwarmers, and blankets will be accepted. To arrange a drop-off, call the Carver Community Center at 765-457-9318
Youth Symphony
If your child has ever air-conducted an orchestra with a pencil, played air violin to movie soundtracks, or just loves music, the Kokomo Symphony Youth Programs are calling. The programs are an inexpensive way to teach violin, cello, or bass locally. A second semester of classes will take place from Jan. 4-May 3, 2026. Beginning Strings classes for children in third grade or higher and with fewer than two years of experience will run from 4-5:15 p.m. Intermediate Strings classes for children with two to four years of experience will run from 5:15-6 p.m. The classes are designed for children to advance to the Kokomo Symphony Youth Orchestra. For more information, visit www.kokomosymphony.net or call 765-236-0251.