’80s Night at Friedman Park
5:30-8 p.m. July 6
Friedman Park, 2700 Park Blvd., Newburgh, Indiana
Friedman Park’s July food truck night includes an ’80s band playing boombox hits. Dress in your raddest attire and dance the night away.
Ellis Park Live Racing Opening Day
noon July 7
Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, 3300 Highway 41, Henderson, Kentucky
The Tri-State’s thoroughbred racetrack opens its 101st season after hosting a slew of spring meets relocated from Churchill Downs. Stop by for Heroes Day on July 8, where Ellis Park honors veterans, active military, and first responders with free hotdogs, chips, and drinks.
Haynie’s Corner Hot Dog-Eating Contest
6:30- 8 p.m. July 7
Haynie’s Corner, 1022 S.E. Second St.
July’s First Friday includes a hot dog eating contest for $5. Proceeds benefit the Haynie’s Corner Arts District Association. If you’d rather fill up on food truck fare, check out Bruce Li, La Plaza, Taco Bar, Jeanne’s Gelato, and Brisket Biscuit. Enjoy art vendors and live music from The Chugs and Cynthia Murray & The End Times. Read more about Cynthia Murray in the upcoming July/August issue of Evansville Living.
Indiana’s Entertainer of the Year Pageant
7 p.m.-12 a.m. July 7
Bally’s Evansville, 421 N.W. Riverside Drive
Have a fun night out by supporting local drag performers. This regional pageant competition winner will advance to nationals. Tickets start at $15.
Blazin’ Glazin’ Race
7 a.m. July 8
Garvin Park, 23 Don Mattingly Way
We’ll cut to the chase: a three-mile race through Garvin Park and Greenway Passage, and at the finish line, you’ll be given miniature doughnuts. Partial proceeds will go to the North Posey Youth Tennis Program.
Family Fun Day
9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 8
Henderson County Fairgrounds, 381 Sam Ball Way, Henderson, Kentucky
The Henderson Farmers Market presents the Second Annual Family Fun Day. Live music, food and ice cream trucks, a foam factory, a mobile book library, and more will entertain you. Check out vendors with hairbows, woodworking, jewelry, home decor, crochet, crystals, stuffed animals, keychains, and dog treats.
Historic Tour of Angel Mounds
10-11:30 a.m. July 8
Angel Mounds State Historic Site, 8215 Pollack Ave.
Explore the sights at Angel Mounds and learn about a piece of history including how the mounds were used, who lived there, and how they shaped Indiana. Tickets are $10 per person and discounted for ages 14 and under.
DIY Travel Journal Class
10 a.m.-noon July 8
Memo, 209 Main St.
Learn how to capture memories of your summer adventures in this class. Artist Kim Jones walks participants through using no-sew ribbon binding, accordion photo book inserts, washi tape, and embellishments to make your journal truly yours. Registration is $45. Supplies are included.
WNIN Jazz Fest
3-10 p.m. July 8
WNIN Studios, Two Main St.
This event features free music from Bokeh Big Band, The Keith Farney Jazz Collective, Jose Gobbo Trio, and Monte Skelton and Friends. Food trucks including Paradise Pizza, Prime Time Food Truck, Sweet Dreams A La Mode, and 2 Bud’s BBQ will offer dinner, which attendees can eat in a $10-per-person wine and beer garden.
Metro Ballroom Dance Club Community Dance
7-10 p.m. July 8
Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 Court St.
Learn East Coast Swing at 7 p.m. with a beginner-level dance lesson. After that, spend the evening dancing to a mix of modern and classic music. Admission is $10 per guest.
