Free events in Anderson, IN

Active play, read-alouds, and simple crafts come together in a friendly storytime for children 0 to 5 with their caregivers at the Lapel Branch Library. Activities support early literacy, encourage social time, and keep the experience fun and engaging. This program is free and open to everyone, and no library card is needed to visit or participate.

Step into a cool, air conditioned big top at the Indiana State Fair for a circus packed with high flying stunts, daring acrobatics, high energy acts, and plenty of family friendly laughs. New performances created for 2026 add fresh excitement to the lineup. Shows take place each day and are included with Fair admission, and box or reserved seating upgrades are available.

Open play for Bandai trading card games, featuring options from Gundam to One Piece. Participation is free.

Spend your summer evening downtown with Jams at the Junction, a free outdoor concert series at Grand Junction Plaza. This installment features Groovesmash, playing classic rock, pop, funk, soul, and R&B. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy live music with friends and neighbors. Parking is available at the Union parking garage, and a free shuttle runs from the Westfield Washington Public Library.

Stop by the Noblesville Farmer’s Market for local produce, goods, and community shopping. The market runs from late morning into noon on Saturday, August 8.

Merciful HELP Center’s Choice Food Pantry offers curbside service for all Hamilton County residents and for residents of 46240 and 46260. If you need assistance, complete a simple form, attach your photo ID and a utility bill, then remain in your car and proceed through the curbside line to receive groceries including produce, frozen meat, and cleaning supplies. To access grocery assistance every 14 days, proof of Hamilton County residency is required, which means a photo ID plus one of the following: a lease or an electric, gas, water, or cable bill.

Stop by the Anderson Farmers Market to meet adoptable dogs from The Animal Protection League. You can also browse local vendors, enjoy crafts, and listen to music during the Saturday morning event.

Enjoy an outdoor playdate at Forest Park Noblesville with time to connect with NPCP friends in a relaxed setting. The gathering is open to all. If you plan to bring a snack or lunch, please choose nut free options.

Grits & Groove presents a special Juneteenth edition with live music, brunch favorites, and an upbeat patio vibe at Nine Ten North Event Center. Entry is complimentary with an RSVP or as a walk-in, and food and drinks are available for purchase. Settle in for good tunes, great flavors, and a relaxed setting that invites you to eat, groove, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Enjoy a casual Warhammer 40,000 Paint & Play at Next Level Games, Carmel. It is free to attend and open to absolute beginners as well as long-time hobbyists. Supplies are on hand, including painting handles, water cups, Warhammer 40K paint and tool kits, small synthetic layer brushes, paper towels, Wraithbone spray primer, and easy push-fit demo miniatures that do not require glue. Spend some relaxed hobby time painting, pick up new techniques, and connect with other Warhammer fans. No prior experience is required.

This monthly neighborhood dog walk gathers Broad Ripple neighbors and their pups at Upland Brewery’s dog-friendly patio in SoBro. The group heads out together along nearby, pup-friendly routes and then returns to the patio, where participants can relax over brunch, enjoy a beer, or chat with fellow dog lovers. Dogs should be on fixed leashes and comfortable in social settings, and attendees are encouraged to bring waste bags and any other essentials their pups may need. Pack leaders from Uptown Pup provide basic safety and first aid supplies, water, and treats. To keep everyone safe in hot weather, the walk is canceled if temperatures reach 80 degrees or higher. Sponsored by Upland Brewery, Uptown Pup, and Royal Paws Pet Sitting.

Every Sunday features a family-friendly offer where children 12 and under receive a complimentary kids entrée, valued up to $15, with the purchase of an adult entrée. The promotion is limited to one free kids entrée for each adult entrée purchased and cannot be combined with other offers, specials, or dip certificates. It is not available on holidays.

Spend time with pets available for adoption at the Irvington Farmers Market. Visitors can enjoy some furry companionship, consider whether welcoming a new pet into the family is the right fit, and learn how to support ARPO.

At Social Latitude Playground & Pub in Greenville, SC, this welcoming women’s networking gathering centers on meaningful connection, encouragement, and growth for those in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Participants support one another by sharing experiences and leave feeling inspired. Each session features a guest who offers practical insight, helpful tools, or a personal story to foster both professional and personal development. The format moves from casual conversation over coffee or breakfast to introductions and a featured segment, then wraps up with a brief close. Conversations are designed to be genuine, uplifting, and impactful. This event is free and open to the public, welcoming business owners, professionals, creatives, and anyone seeking a supportive community.

The Grace Care Center’s Choice Food Pantry offers a grocery-style experience that serves as the first step to connecting with additional Care Center programs and services. Visiting weekly helps the team learn more about your household and identify other ways to support you. Eligibility includes anyone who lives or works in Hamilton County, as well as those living in the northern part of Marion County north of 56th Street. No documentation is required for an initial visit. Reservations are encouraged but not required. If you do not have a reservation, plan to arrive during the first half hour after the waiting room opens, which is one hour before the pantry begins serving. Upon arrival at the Grace Church campus, follow the entry drive to the back and park in the north lot, then enter through the Care Center entrance at door 18. Check in at the waiting room down the hallway, where you will be paired with a personal shopper to help you select groceries. After shopping, pull up your car and volunteers will load your items. Visits are available once per week.

Grace Care Center hosts a Choice Food Pantry at Grace Church that offers a grocery style experience and serves as the starting point for additional support available through the Care Center. Guests may visit once each week, and reservations are encouraged to help manage traffic, though they are not required. On arrival, follow signs to the Care Center entrance, check in at the waiting room, then shop with help from a personal shopper. When finished, pull up your car so volunteers can load your groceries. The pantry is open to those who live or work in Hamilton County, as well as residents of the northern part of Marion County. First-time visitors do not need to bring identification or documents. Regular weekly visits help the team learn more about your household and connect you with other Care Center programs and services.

The Grace Care Center offers a Choice Food Pantry that serves as the first step to receiving support through its programs. Guests may visit once each week, which helps the team learn more about each household and connect them with additional services as needed. Reservations are recommended but not required. Those arriving without a reservation should plan to come within the first 30 minutes of the waiting room opening, which begins one hour before the Care Center opens. When you arrive on the Grace Church campus, follow the entry road to the north side and park in the large lot, then enter through the Care Center entrance at Door 18 marked by bright green signs. Continue down the hallway to the waiting room to check in with staff and volunteers. After check in, a personal shopper will accompany you through the pantry to help select groceries. When shopping is finished, pull your car around and volunteers will load the items. No identification or paperwork is required for a first visit. The pantry is available to anyone who lives or works in Hamilton County and to those living in the northern part of Marion County, north of 56th Street.

Low-impact stretching at the Lapel Branch Library offers a gentle way to move and stay flexible, created with adults ages 55 and older in mind while welcoming everyone. Please wear comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes. An activity waiver must be signed before the session begins. The program is free to attend, and no library card is required to visit or participate. For more information, call (765) 313-4089.