Upcoming events prove there’s still some summer left

Autumn is on the doorstep.

Football season is starting up, Halloween decorations are up in the stores, and early mornings have more of a chill than they have in months.

But before falling leaves and pumpkin-spice everything take over, people still have to check a few last things off their summer fun list. The coming weeks offer a precious few opportunities to wring the last ounce of entertainment from the season.

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From one last dip in the pool to a chance to hear music under the night sky to savoring the tastes of local farms, now’s the time to take advantage. Here’s a rundown of what to do and how to take advantage before summer’s gone.

Farmers markets

Details: Greenwood, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Sept. 29, 525 N. Madison Ave.; Franklin, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, downtown Franklin

Why: Farm-fresh food grown just miles from where you live is one of the best things about summer in Johnson County, and for a few more weeks, people can get their hands on sweet corn, peppers, cucumbers and other summertime produce at local farmers markets. Get locally raised meat, baked goods, flowers and other items as well during the weekly markets, going on for one more weekend in Franklin and through September in Greenwood.

Last days for the pools

Details:

Franklin Family Aquatic Center, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday

Freedom Springs Aquatic Center, Greenwood, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today through Saturday and Monday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

What: Temperatures are still pretty steamy in Johnson County, which makes spending the unofficial last weekend of summer poolside all the more appealing. Kids and adults can take advantage of water slides, diving boards, water play features and lazy rivers at the two community pools remaining open. Both Franklin and Greenwood’s aquatic centers will stay open through Monday.

Wayne Repp Memorial Car Show

Details: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 722 Eisenhower Dr., Edinburgh

Why: Nothing goes better with hot weather than hot rods. See some of the area’s best classic cars, along with a craft fair set up simultaneously. The event is named after Repp, a longtime Edinburgh resident active in the street rod car scene who participated in tours and shows before his death in 2013.

Touch A Truck

Details: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Greenwood Parks Maintenance Lot, South Madison Avenue and East Smith Valley Road

What: For little ones who can’t get enough dump trucks, cement mixers and fire engines, Greenwood officials have put together an up-close look at the kids’ favorite trucks. City departments and local companies will have some of their noisiest, most awe-inspiring vehicles for children to climb up into. Cost is $2 per child.

Indy LaborFest

Details: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Georgia Street, downtown Indianapolis

What: Beyond all of the barbecues, beers and the three-day weekend, Labor Day is about recognizing the contributions workers make to American society. Learn about different career opportunities from businesses and skilled tradespeople, as well as enjoying some live music by Down Stroke and the Meek Sisters, a massive slide, a bubble station and beer garden. The event is free to attend.

Doggy pool days

Details: 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Franklin Family Aquatic Center; 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 8, Freedom Springs Aquatic Center,

Why: Local pools may be closing to the public for the summer, but people’s four-legged friends will have one last opportunity to splash away. Both Franklin and Greenwood aquatic centers will feature events specifically for the dogs, with different time slots for small and large dogs. Pet-centric vendors will also be hand with a variety of local products at the Franklin event.

Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra

Details: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 8, Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville

Why: Drift away to the easy-going sounds of the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra while taking in the rustic scenery of Mallow Run’s vineyard and grounds. The concert is free thanks to the Franklin Symphonic Council, so people can bring their blankets and lawn chairs out to enjoy locally made wine throughout the concert. The event will close with a fireworks show.

CANvitational

Details: 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 8, Georgia Street, downtown Indianapolis

What: The aluminum can is the ideal vehicle for hot-weather beer consumption, perfect for the pool, the race track, the beach or the backyard. Celebrate some of the best brews in the country with Sun King Brewing’s ode to canned beer. People can sample from more than 50 breweries, including many that beer lovers don’t have access to normally in Indiana. Tickets are $50, or $75 for early entry at noon.

Movies in the Park

Details: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14, Greenwood Amphitheater

What: When “Back to the Future” came out, it was the biggest movie event of 1985. Relive the excitement during an outdoor screening of the classic movie as part of Greenwood’s Movies in the Park series.

Greater Whiteland Community Day

Details: Sept. 14 and 15, Main Street, Whiteland

Why: The Fourth of July is long over, but people can still get their fireworks fix at this annual event, designed to bring the communities of Whiteland and New Whiteland together. The celebration will feature food, a parade, a memorial 5K, a car and tractor show, and kids activities. Blue River Band will perform country-rock classics on Sept. 14, and a fireworks show will close up the festivities on Sept. 15.

Rooftop Oktoberfest

Details: Noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 15, Fountain Square Theater Building, 1111 Prospect St., Indianapolis

What: So Oktoberfest is more of a fall thing, but this annual event in Fountain Square is the last opportunity to take advantage of one of the best outdoor dining views in the city. Pick up a bratwurst made locally by Claus’ German Sausage and a variety of beers while soaking up the rays one last time this year.