Summer is coming, and that means it’s a great time to visit or live in Greenfield, Indiana! Our city offers a number of places to visit on your own time, as well as local community events to attend, that will make 2021 a fun summer for all. Check out the following summer activities and be sure to add them to the calendar for you and your family. 

Farmers Market at the Fairgrounds

Shop local goods, produce and more when you visit the Farmers Market at the Fairgrounds. With more than 20 vendors offering items like fresh-cut flowers, handmade soaps and, of course, delicious food, you can’t miss out on the weekly farmers market. Located at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, the market is open every Saturday from 8 am-noon and every Wednesday from 8 am-noon during July, August and September. 

Summer Reading Program at Greenfield Public Library

If you or your child is a voracious reader, check out this year’s Summer Reading Challenges hosted by the Greenfield Public Library. With challenges and prizes for every age from pre-readers to adults, there’s something for everyone in the Summer Reading Program. Starting June 15, track your reading in the Beanstack app to earn virtual badges and grand prize drawing tickets. 

Riley Park Splash Pad/Pool: Opens Memorial Day Weekend

In addition to our many beautiful local parks, Greenfield is home to the Riley Park Splash Pad and Swimming Pool, which open on Memorial Day weekend. Free to all visitors, the splash pad is open from dawn to dusk and has available concessions, restrooms and free designated parking. Pool admission costs $5 for adults, or $3 for children over 5 (as well as seniors/military). Local families love to cool off with a trip to the splash pad or pool on a hot Greenfield day. 

JW Riley Boyhood Home and Museum

The James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum provides an opportunity to view 1850s and ’60s life from the poet’s perspective by offering a glimpse into a pioneer era homestead. With family items and objects from his career on display, the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-4 pm. Summer 2021 also offers a variety of events at the Riley Home, including: 

  • Pixy Book Celebration and Meet the Author: June 11
  • Pixy/Goblin Tea Party Annual Fundraiser: June 27
  •  2 Jason’s Singer/Songwriter Series: July 9
  • The Art of Matthew Aaron Opening Night: August 13

Greenfield Main Street Events

Greenfield Main Street is an initiative to bring more awareness to local downtown areas in small towns across the country. Along with historic preservation and downtown facade grants, Greenfield Main Street also hosts regular free events that allow people to enjoy our downtown spaces like the Courthouse Plaza. Summer 2021 events include:

  • Bikes in Bloom: On Display May 9-June 20
  • Food Truck Fridays: May 14 and July 9
  • Reserve a National Road Yard Sale Space: June 5-6
  • Ice Cream Festival: Aug. 14

Greenfield Strawberry Festival: June 11

This annual hometown tradition is a free event hosted in downtown Greenfield across from the Bradley United Methodist Church. Enjoy a delicious homemade strawberry shortcake topped with either ice cream and/or whipped topping!

National Road Yard Sale: June 5-6

The annual Historic National Road Yard Sale takes place the week after Memorial Day, with homeowners hosting sales all the way from Missouri to Maryland. We highly recommend driving along the Greenfield route to shop the sales for treasures, or you can reserve a 10×10 space to host your own sale on the Courthouse Lawn & Plaza via Greenfield Main Street for just $20.

Pennsy Trail Art Fair and Music Festival: July 31

We’ll close out summer with the annual Pennsy Trail Art Fair and Music Festival, hosted by the Mental Health Partners of Hancock Co. This non-profit event benefits not just the local arts and cultural community, but also our local social service and mental health needs. Stop by the Courthouse Plaza to view and purchase one-of-a-kind handmade wares from local artists.