Free events in Hamilton County, IN

Shepherd’s Gate Pantry offers a drive-through distribution at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church and School, providing basic necessities to people in Hamilton County. Operated by volunteers as a ministry of the parish and working alongside the HELP Committee, the pantry serves in the spirit of Matthew 25:36 to care for the hungry, the thirsty, and the newcomer. Residents seeking assistance are asked to show proof of Hamilton County residency, and visits are limited to once per month. In addition to food, limited baby supplies may be available. Cribs and mattresses are provided only with referrals from agencies such as Good Samaritan, Birthright, Healthy Families, and the County Trustees, and items like baby clothing up to size 2T, baby food and formula, high chairs, and strollers are sometimes on hand. The pantry is among the few in the area that offer these kinds of baby items.

The Grace Care Center hosts a Choice Food Pantry where guests can select the groceries that best fit their household. It serves as the starting point for receiving support through the Care Center, and weekly visits help the team learn more about each family and connect them with additional programs and services. Reservations are recommended but not required, and those arriving without one should plan to come within the first 30 minutes after the waiting room opens. On arrival at the Grace Church campus, follow the entry drive to the north side, park in the large lot, and enter through the Care Center entrance at Door 18, marked by bright green signs. Inside, head to the waiting room on the left to check in with the Care Center team. A personal shopper will guide each guest through the pantry to make choosing items simple, and volunteers will load groceries into the car afterward. The pantry is available to anyone who lives or works in Hamilton County, as well as residents of northern Marion County north of 56th Street. No documentation is required for a first visit, and guests may access the Care Center once per week.

The Choice Food Pantry at the Merciful H.E.L.P. Center offers curbside service for community members in need. Service is available to all Hamilton County residents and to residents of the 46240 and 46260 ZIP codes. Upon arrival, participants complete a brief form, provide a photo ID and a utility bill, remain in their vehicle, and open the trunk. Staff then load groceries that may include staple foods, fresh produce, frozen meats, and cleaning supplies. Grocery assistance can be received every 14 days for Hamilton County residents who show proof of residency, which consists of a photo ID together with either a lease or a recent electric, gas, water, or cable bill.

Next Level Games hosts competitive Star Wars: Unlimited in the Twin Suns format. Entry is $0, and prize support includes a promo pack. This weekly gathering is a chance to prepare for larger events, test new decks, and connect with the growing community in Carmel. Bring your best deck for focused, friendly competition.

Merciful H.E.L.P. Center’s Choice Food Pantry offers curbside service for households in Hamilton County and for residents of the 46240 and 46260 ZIP codes. Guests complete a brief form with a photo ID and a utility bill, remain in their vehicles, open the trunk, and receive a selection that can include fresh produce, frozen meats, and cleaning supplies. Grocery assistance is available every 14 days for those who provide proof of Hamilton County residency, defined as a photo ID plus a lease or an electric, gas, water, or cable bill. The pantry emphasizes family health by prioritizing fruits and vegetables and, when available, multiple meat options, along with choices that can support allergen aware, low sodium, keto, and vegan diets. Rescued groceries may also include gluten free items to help families prepare wholesome meals at home. A dedicated hygiene aisle supplies essentials not covered by food stamps, including items such as laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioner, razors, feminine hygiene products, bar soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, paper towels, and various cleaning products. Families with children may request washers and dryers with paperwork verification, and delivery is provided. Budgeting classes are available to help compare household utility costs with laundromat expenses. Requests for adult underwear and socks are connected to the spring cleaning event, while children ages 2 to 21 receive these items through the Tools for School program.

Enjoy an easy morning stroll sponsored by Carmel Clay Parks that brings families together for fresh air and conversation. After a short walk, attendees may bring a snack or drink, spend time connecting with one another, and give children a chance to play. Regular walking can support postpartum recovery by strengthening the body, boosting energy, improving sleep, easing stress, aiding weight loss, lowering the risk of blood clots, enhancing cardiovascular fitness, and nurturing social connection and overall mental well-being. Participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and consult healthcare professionals to keep their routine safe and effective. Advance registration is requested. Each walk takes place at a different location, and a reminder email is sent beforehand. If weather interferes, organizers will share updated plans. This family support group welcomes all parents, and friends and siblings may attend. For questions, contact Erin at 317.688.2465 or eharkess@iuhealth.org.

Shepherd’s Gate Pantry provides basic-needs support for neighbors in Hamilton County as a volunteer ministry of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, working in collaboration with the parish HELP Committee. Individuals seeking assistance are asked to present proof of residency in Hamilton County and may visit once per month. In addition to food, some baby items are offered when available. Cribs and mattresses are distributed by referral from local agencies including Good Samaritan, Birthright, Healthy Families, and County Trustees, and other items that may be on hand include baby clothing up to size 2T, baby food and formula, high chairs, and strollers. Guided by the message in Matthew 25 to care for the hungry, the thirsty, and the stranger, this distribution takes place at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church and School.

Pokémon TCG League Night at Next Level Games Carmel is a free, casual meetup where you can play in whatever format you bring, including Standard or GLC. Trade cards, connect with other players, learn the game, or test a new deck, with staff available to help anyone just starting out. This relaxed, drop in style event has no set rounds and no pressure, providing a friendly space to play and be part of the community. Participation can earn Pokémon Prize Packs while supplies last, and all league attendees are entered into a weekly raffle with a rotating prize pool that may include booster bundles, packs, sleeves, deck boxes, binders, playmats, and more. It welcomes both newcomers and longtime players. Bring a deck and a binder and enjoy some games.

Take part in a free, 45-minute mat Pilates class on the plaza lawn at The 106 Plaza, a new community gathering space where the Nickel Plate, Cheeney Creek, and The 106 trails meet, just outside Fishers Parks HQ and Maker Playground. The session is guided in partnership with Jetset Pilates and welcomes all skill levels, with no experience or registration required. Please bring your own mat and water. Free parking is available in the main Hub&Spoke lot, with overflow across the street at the Cheeney Creek trail head parking lot.

Complimentary Friday dinners are available to help ensure no one goes without a meal, offering a simple way to care for the community. Volunteers can contribute by assisting with meal preparation, packaging, or serving. Those who prefer to help in another way may make a financial contribution to sustain the outreach and keep the ministry moving forward. Every shared meal supports neighbors and strengthens community care.

SLI Audio presents a music-themed take on bingo at Pinheads inside Alley's Alehouse in Fishers. Instead of numbers, brief clips from songs and music videos prompt players to mark the matching titles on their cards. It is free to participate, there are four chances to win, and prizes are awarded to the winners. The atmosphere is family friendly and open to all ages.

Merciful HELP Center’s Choice Food Pantry provides curbside distribution for all Hamilton County residents and for residents of 46240 and 46260. Visitors complete a brief form and present a photo ID along with a utility bill, then remain in their vehicle and open the trunk to receive food, fresh produce, frozen meat, and cleaning supplies. Grocery pickups can be repeated every 14 days with proof of Hamilton County residency, which means showing a photo ID plus either a lease or a current bill from electric, gas, water, or cable service.

Shepherd’s Gate Pantry is a volunteer basic-needs outreach of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, carried out with the parish’s HELP Committee. Neighbors in Hamilton County can receive assistance by presenting proof of county residency, and clients may visit once each month. Service days include Thursday, Saturday, and Monday, with a drive-through option available on Monday, and the pantry is closed on Friday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. In addition to food, some baby necessities may be available. Cribs and mattresses are provided by referral through Hamilton County agencies such as Good Samaritan, Birthright, Healthy Families, and County Trustees. Depending on supply, baby clothing up to size 2T, baby food and formula, high chairs, and strollers may also be offered. The pantry is among the few in the area that provide these kinds of baby items, reflecting a spirit of welcome and care.

Wasson Garden Center in Fishers, Indiana hosts a family friendly autumn celebration with no admission cost. Guests can enjoy complimentary pumpkin painting along with activities and games suitable for all ages. Barnyard Party Pals will present live animal encounters, adding an educational twist to the day. Local food trucks will be on site, and the store will offer special deals on plants. This community gathering blends learning and entertainment for visitors of every age.

Paint & Play for Warhammer 40,000 at Next Level Games in Carmel offers a friendly space for newcomers and veteran hobbyists to paint together, share tips, and connect with the community. Admission is free. Starter gear is provided, including painting handles, water pots, Warhammer 40,000 paint and tool sets, small synthetic layer brushes, push-fit demo miniatures that need no glue, paper towels, and Wraithbone spray primer, so participants can learn techniques and take part even without prior experience or their own supplies.

Give the gift of life at the Grace Fishers Blood Drive. The need for blood never slows, and donating is a simple way to create meaningful change for neighbors in need. Although about six in ten people in the United States are eligible to give, fewer than one in twenty actually do, so every donation counts. Appointments can be made online, and walk-ins are welcome. For details or to schedule a time, visit the website.

A free meetup welcoming fiber arts makers of all ages at Tabby Tree Fiber Arts. Bring your current project and enjoy creating alongside other creative folks in an inviting space. No RSVP is required, just drop in and spend time with others who love fiber arts.