Free events in Elkhart County, IN

The Movie in the Park series concludes at Ullery Park with a screening of Hoppers. Enjoy a free outdoor film with family and friends, and bring blankets or lawn chairs for your own seating. Concessions will be available, and City of Elkhart departments will be on site to connect with the community. Arrive a little early to grab snacks and settle in for a final summer movie night.

Elkhart Farmers Market brings a lively mix of fresh ingredients and local creativity to Kardzhali Park in downtown Elkhart. Browse produce from area farms, sample baked goods and specialty foods, and discover items from makers and small businesses. Enjoy live music as you pick up breakfast, sip a coffee, or explore the latest seasonal offerings. Vendor lineups and special features change regularly throughout the season, so each visit offers something new.

This free, easygoing dad group with Nest and Grow Co. is all about genuine connection without any fuss. Bring your children and a cup of coffee, come as you are, and spend unhurried time getting to know other dads. There is space to trade stories about both successes and stumbles, offer support, and leave feeling a bit lighter. No registration is required, and kids are welcome to be with you the whole time.

Take a free group tour of The Birthplace at Goshen Hospital to get acquainted with the unit. Tours run about 30 to 45 minutes and require advance registration. All participants must follow Goshen Hospital visitor guidelines. Depending on room availability, a tour may need to be rescheduled, in which case the Childbirth Education Coordinator will reach out to set a new time. If available options do not fit your schedule, call (574) 364-BABY or email ChildbirthEducation@GoshenHealth.com to request additional dates.

These monthly meetings bring together advocates of tree preservation and planting, with a focus on enhancing urban forestry. Discussions center on protecting existing trees, planning future plantings, and supporting efforts that strengthen urban forests. The meetings take place in the Council Chambers.

Supported by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Wellfield provides complimentary garden admission for Elkhart County residents every Tuesday, valued at up to $10 per person. Individuals who are not Elkhart County residents, or who do not present proof of residency, will need to pay admission fees. Guests may arrive at any time, and final entry takes place 30 minutes before closing. Those who prefer not to register in advance and want to save on tickets to events and classes, as well as visit other gardens for free, can consider a membership. Staff are available to share membership options. Thank you for supporting Wellfield.

Little Sprouts offers a relaxed, come-and-go program designed for young children through the early elementary years. Held in the Children’s Garden, it features story time, engaging activities, and simple craft projects. Participation is included with membership or regular admission to Wellfield. Elkhart County residents receive free admission on Tuesdays, and preregistration is recommended.

Kids can dig into gardening in a brand new club held in the Children's Garden. Designed for elementary-age participants, the session introduces practical skills such as watering, weed removal, and compost care. The program is included with Wellfield membership or regular admission. Tuesday free admission for Elkhart County residents applies, and advance registration is encouraged.

Monthly meetings of the Goshen Redevelopment Commission take place in the Council Chambers. These sessions focus on the work of the City of Goshen’s Redevelopment Department and its five-member Commission, which operates under Indiana Code 36-7-14 to guide redevelopment in blighted and economic development areas. The Commission, with a majority of members appointed by the Mayor and the remaining members appointed by the City Council, oversees initiatives that help spark new development in targeted parts of the city. Efforts may include acquiring real estate, preparing sites, addressing environmental remediation, and providing public infrastructure. Common financing tools are Tax Incremental Financing and Redevelopment General Obligation Bonds. A webinar viewing option is available.

Enjoy open play dedicated to casual Pokémon games. There is no cost to participate. Players who sign in with a Player ID can receive promotional packs as a perk for attending.

Come to the Children’s Garden area for free, interactive Storytime at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. It’s geared toward kids and families, and the program runs during the garden’s free Tuesdays. If weather is iffy, check the event page and their Facebook for updates.

Make the most of the season at the Bristol Farmers Market, where fresh finds and handmade creations come together with a warm community feel. Bring the family and turn it into a relaxed evening out.

Goshen’s Board of Public Works and Safety meets to keep core city services and daily operations running smoothly. The board reviews contracts and bidding, handles road closure requests, and addresses personnel matters. It also oversees the city’s stormwater system as well as municipally owned water and sewer utilities. The Mayor and four appointed members consider issues that affect residents, businesses, and the broader community. Meetings are held in Goshen’s Police and Courts building, are open to the public, and are recorded with a live viewing option. To request an agenda item, contact Goshen’s Clerk-Treasurer’s Office at clerktreasurer@goshencity.com or 574-533-8625, with submissions due by Monday before the meeting. Time is set aside for public comment during privilege of the floor.

A free, structured support group for adults 18 and older who care for a loved one living with mental illness meets at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center. Guided by NAMI tools, sessions include a check-in, shared guidelines, the Principles of Support, and discussion of the emotional stages of recovery. No registration is required, and the group gathers monthly.