Free Events for September 2009 in Columbus, Indiana

The milder temperatures of fall almost beg us to get outside and enjoy what's going on. Columbus, Indiana, always seems to have outdoor activities scheduled and September has one every weekend. The best part is they are all free and kid friendly.

September 5th is the annual Hospice Concert, a big event, popular and well attended. The music will be oldies but don't let that keep you younger people away. It's always a good time, with food and fireworks and families having fun. Columbus band 40 Years of College will take the stage at Mill Race Park at Fifth and Lindsey Streets at 7pm, followed by Starship starring Mickey Thomas. I've found the food prices for sandwiches, soft drinks, and cookies to be reasonable, even with grandkids to feed.Bring lawn chairs and your dancing shoes.

Mill Race Park at Fifth and Lindsey Streets is also the location for the Bluegrass Jamboree on September 12th. The music begins with an open jam session at 4pm, so feel free to bring your instruments and jump right in. Bands will begin at 5pm. This event should not be so filled that lawn chairs will be necessary but they would be more comfortable than bleacher seating. In case of rain the Jamboree will be moved to Donner Center at 22nd and Sycamore Streets. I've not attended this event but bluegrass is an Indiana favorite and local bands tend to be talented, so expect a good show.

September 19th brings Hot Rods and Rock & Roll, a personal favorite. Downtown Columbus has been the location for this car show for thirteen years. Streets are blocked off to make room for the hundreds of hot rods, street rods, and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles that gather for one of the best car shows in Indiana. Food vendors will be out and restaurants will be open, because you will work up an appetite walking around downtown to see all the fabulous cars. The car show starts at 3pm and music byRick K. and The Allnighters begins at 7pm. Many folks bring lawn chairs and find a spot on the sidewalk or on Washington Street in front of the stage to watch the show and the dancing. There is no registration fee to enter a car in this show because there are no trophies or prizes, just the bliss that comes with owning and showing off a classy car.

Learn more about green living at the Sustainable Living Fair that will be held September 26th at Mill Race Park, Fifth and Lindsey Streets. Hours are 9am until 4pm. The concept is to promote sustainable living and earth friendly products. Vendors will demonstrate their products and ideas to help promote environmental awareness in a fun filled atmosphere with speakers, music, and food booths. The details are slim on this event, vendors appear to be few, and entertainment is not listed at all but I expect that to change as the event date approaches. Columbus is a forward moving city and I predict that this will be a well attended event.

Fair on the Square and Farmer's Market happens every weekend in summer months and will continue through September 26th. Shop from 9am till noon every Saturday morning at Sixth and Washington Streets, in the Irwin Union Bank parking lot, for fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, eggplant, melons, herbs, and other just picked produce. Treat yourself to bouquets of sunflowers or daisies or a pot of mums. Fresh baked goodies, art, crafts and demonstrations by local artists, and cook-offs are all found here. Driving past one morning, I heard live music so expect that, too.

All of these events are free to attend and all are within walking distance of the new free parking garage at Fifth and Jackson Streets. The Fair on the Square has plenty of parking if walking a few blocks is not for you. The Hospice Concert draws 10,000 people or more so get there early to find a parking spot. Police will probably be directing traffic and parking inside the park is iffy. Most business parking lots will be empty by Saturday afternoon so that is an option that many people choose. Don't let the attendance numbers scare you off, there's plenty of room and I've never felt crowded. Just don't forget the lawn chairs.

Sources: Columbus Visitor Center
104.9 The River
Sustainable Living Fair