Events in Newark today

Granville Farmers Market brings together local growers and makers at Raccoon Valley Park in a friendly, community atmosphere. Shop for fresh produce, baked treats, flowers, and a variety of handcrafted goods.

Hosted by Heath Girls Soccer at Heath High School, this preseason girls soccer showcase features 12 programs and 12 games across a full day of play. It ranks among the largest preseason gatherings in Central Ohio. Participating teams include Heath, Bishop Ready, Northridge, Sheridan, Granville, Lancaster, Watkins Memorial, Bishop Hartley, Licking Valley, Coshocton, Buckeye Valley, and West Muskingum. Games are 40 minutes with a running clock, there is a 10 minute break between contests, and a two referee crew manages each matchup. Admission is free for all spectators. The concession stand operates all day, and a Kona Ice truck will be on site. Expect a family friendly setting with continuous soccer from morning to evening.

Create a vibrant hibiscus in acrylic with guidance from local artist Diana Andres, who studied at Columbus College of Art & Design. This hands-on session walks you through each stage so you leave with a finished 8x10 painting. All materials for an 8x10 piece are included. The fee is $35 per person, plus tax. Enrollment is capped at 14 participants and is limited to ages 16 and older. Advance registration and payment are required.

Christian Life Center hosts its annual back to school rally featuring a backpack giveaway for local students. Past editions have provided hundreds of supply filled backpacks, and the event returns with a full family focus. Guests can enjoy free lunch and sno cones, live music, games, fun prizes, and chances to connect with community resource vendors. The local fire department will be on site, and WIC along with other organizations will be available to support families, with a few extra surprises planned. Backpacks will be distributed until quantities run out, and children must be present to receive one.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking & Perry Counties presents the first annual Back 2 School Summer Slam Volleyball Tournament, a day filled with matches, cheering, and upbeat energy. Highlights include giveaways of school supplies, raffles with prizes, and a welcoming mix of community and competition. Whether stepping onto the court or supporting from the sidelines, attendees can enjoy a fun back-to-school celebration centered on volleyball.

Children entering kindergarten through sixth grade can dive into a summertime splash fest with showdowns using water balloons, kickball played on a slippery slide, and other lively games that bring plenty of laughter. Participants should wear water-friendly clothing and shoes, and pack a towel. Friends are welcome. Activities will proceed only if the weather cooperates. Registration is available.

This drop-in party celebrates the start of kindergarten with games, crafts, and treats. It is intended for rising kindergartners. Registration is not required, and participation is first come, first served.

This event features live musical performances presented in real time for an in-person listening experience.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy stepped into the grunge era in sharp suits with brass in hand and kept the spirit of swing in the spotlight. More than three decades later, they remain a standard bearer. Founded by singer and guitarist Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, the band helped fuel the 1990s swing resurgence by blending classic American jazz, swing, and dixieland with the punch of a modern rock show. Their breakthrough with the film Swingers sent songs like "You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3" and "Go Daddy-O" into the mainstream. Highlights since then include a Super Bowl halftime performance, seven appearances on The Tonight Show, music featured in Friends and Despicable Me, collaborations with leading symphony orchestras, performances for three U.S. Presidents, more than two million albums sold, and over 3,000 concerts at a steady touring pace. The original core remains in place, anchored by Morris and Sodergren and driven by a powerhouse horn section made for the stage. Recordings capture part of what they do, yet the live show is the focus. The brass hits with extra force, the rhythm loosens just right, and by the second song a roomful of strangers often becomes a loud, happy crowd. A 1928 stage sets the scene for a night like this.

Now in its tenth year, the fairies have returned to the Wildflower Trail at Infirmary Mound Park, turning the path into a whimsical neighborhood that welcomes visitors. Fairy attire is encouraged, since these tiny hosts enjoy seeing guests dressed in their finest wings and sparkles. New residents will continue to appear over the summer, and the community plans to remain through September, so each walk may reveal something new. Leave a note at the United Fairy Postal Service for the fairies and their friends, and there is a chance you will receive a reply. While exploring, visit the Nature Playscape at Shelter 5 for extra outdoor fun. To reach the trail, continue straight into the park, turn left at the T, and park by the lake near Shelter 6. Stop at the fairy wing kiosk for a map, then follow the route around the water and watch for signs. The trailhead sits about a quarter mile from the Shelter 6 parking area, and the fairy loop is an additional quarter mile. Please care for the space by being kind to all creatures, packing out everything you bring and avoiding glitter, trash, or plastic, staying on the path since plants like poison ivy and stinging nettle grow nearby, and leaving each fairy house just as you found it so others can enjoy the magic. Share your adventures with #LPDfairytrail.

A community cars and coffee meet centers on a food drive for the food pantry network. A red truck will be parked on the square to be filled with donated food, with a shared goal of surpassing 780 pounds. Expect a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of cars and coffee while contributions are gathered.

Enjoy a creative session focused on pressed flowers, where each person makes three hanging pieces to take home or give as a gift. The cost is $20 plus tax per person. Attendance is capped at 14 and is limited to ages 16 and up. Advance registration and payment are required.

Turn a photo of your home or a favorite building into a personalized painting with guided instruction. Email your photo to Projectgoodpaint@gmail.com, and a custom sketch will be prepared to help you follow along step by step as you create your artwork. A portion of proceeds supports the rescue animals of A Brighter Day Animal Rescue League, and you will be able to meet some adoptable pets during the paint party. When you send your email, attach the photo and include your name, the names of any guests, and your class date in the subject line.

Led by instructor Sarah Gray, the fifth annual large scale summer art camp at Bryn Du Art Center is for kids ages 7 and up and focuses on abstract and contemporary styles and techniques using a wide variety of materials. Each participant creates a 32 by 40 inches artwork to take home. All materials are provided, and all skill levels are welcome.

Kids Korner is a free community event, sponsored by the BEST wall, and open to all ages. Children can take part in a new craft each week, with activities planned to keep them engaged and add a little extra fun to their summer. There is no charge for kids to participate.

Gather at Shelter 3 for an inclusive yoga session led by Mary Beth Sassen. The practice features a full-body sequence that starts with foundational poses and offers ways to build as you go, so beginners feel comfortable and experienced yogis stay challenged. Expect a well-rounded stretch while you develop strength, improve flexibility, deepen awareness, and boost confidence. Bring a yoga mat or a towel. This class is free and no sign-up is required. Please check for updates before class in case of cancellation or a change in meeting location.

In the Lucky's Market parking lot, a farmers market brings together local growers and makers with in-season fruits and vegetables, pork from nearby farms, scratch-made baked treats, fresh-cut flowers, honey from local beekeepers, and a selection of wellness essentials and handmade goods. Pick up ingredients for dinner, treat yourself to something sweet, or take a leisurely walk among friendly vendors while supporting small businesses in the community.

Parishioners, friends, and family gather to show support for the team, share food and drinks, and connect with one another. It is a chance to be present in the community while living out the Catholic faith.

Enjoy a gentle introduction to Tai Chi and Qi Gong at Infirmary Mound Park, meeting at Shelter 3. This beginner friendly class uses simple, repetitive movements that are easy to follow, helping increase flexibility and range of motion in muscles and joints. Participants can notice improved balance and a lift in mood. The session lasts about an hour and is free. Activities are weather dependent, so please check the day of in case of any cancellations.

West Church Social hosts a lively bingo night with laughs, cold drinks and great food, plus prizes up for grabs. Expect a friendly atmosphere and plenty of number-calling excitement. An in-house trivia system is also available on multiple TVs and free to play, letting participants face off with friends or even compete with bars across the country.

Immerse yourself in a Taylor themed evening at Endless Chains - Permanent Jewelry & Boutique that blends hands-on creativity, jewelry, and treats. Tickets are $80.00 (a $115.00 value) and include making a custom 10 oz eras themed candle, a sterling silver bracelet chain by Endless Chains, and ten strands of tinsel hair provided by Frank's Fairy Hair. An upgrade to a 16 oz candle, as well as charms, connectors, or 14k chains, will be available for an additional cost during the event. Enjoy a continuous screening of the Eras Tour movie, a champagne fountain, sweet tea, cake pops, cookies, and stickers inspired by Taylor. Capture the moment with a Polaroid photo and share the experience with friends.

Enjoy a weekly line dance night that blends instruction and social dancing. Instructor Lori Ferbrache teaches two to three line dances to kick things off, then the floor opens for more dancing with music from DJ Jeff James. Drinks are available for purchase. A cover charge applies for those participating in the class: $5 for ages 21 and up, and $10 for ages 18 to 20. All cover proceeds support the instructor and DJ.