Curbside Concerts: Jake Miller and the Midwest Heat
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Jake Miller and his guys play the two best types of music: country and western. The Midwest Heat wraps up the 2025 season of Curbside Concerts on Sept. 19.
Graduates of Kansas Bible Co., Jake and friends are familiar to stages around Michiana. Just like his past rooftop performances, his supporting cast is exceptional – you never know who might sit in for a song or three.
Curbside Concerts are free to attend. Food and beverages are available for purchase – That Guys Gourmet Ribs and Tropicana Ice Cream Shop will be here with us. Bring a camp chair, bring a blanket, bring your ready-for-the-weekend mood.
The “Well Crafted” events have the support of the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Check out MyEPL.org/curbside for all the series info.

Sonic the Hedgehog Back to School Party
2025-09-22 16:30 - 17:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Join us for Sonic-themed fun games, food and more.

What to Watchlist
2025-09-25 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-30 17:30 - 18:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Share the latest on your favorite TV shows and movies. Discuss fan theories and hidden gems. Plus, we’ll watch trailers for what’s coming up.

Manhattan SHORT Film Festival
2025-09-26 18:30 - 22:00, 2025-09-27 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-01 19:00 - 22:30, 2025-10-03 18:30 - 22:00, 2025-10-04 15:00 - 18:30 | IN
You get to be the judge at this short film festival. Watch 10 movies from around the world and vote for a favorite. Movies are unrated but intended for an adult audience. Click here to find out more about each of the films.
Friday, Sept. 26 – Dunlap, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27 – Downtown, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 1 – Pierre Moran, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 3 – Osolo, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4 – Cleveland, 3 p.m.

Una Conversación con Zulma Prieto/A Conversation with Zulma Prieto
2025-09-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Zulma Prieto, founder of El Puente newspaper leads a powerful conversation about the Latinx experience in Elkhart County. Explore 30 years of local migration history, challenges and the role of journalism.

Conoce la experiencia de la comunidad latina en el condado de Elkhart. 30 años de historia migrante, desafíos locales y el poder del periodismo para dar voz a quienes no siempre son escuchados.

Stories and Songs
2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Songwriters and libraries have one thing in common — too many stories to tell. Experience the music of the area’s best creative talents and their friends in a new way. Beverages will be available for purchase, no cover charge.
This event is Well Crafted with the support of the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau and is supported by Pillars of Elkhart.
Oct. 3 – Nate and Amber Butler (“Shiny Shiny Black”) with Mike Vial and Noraa Hazlett
Nov. 6 – Eli Kahn (“After Ours”) hosting with three local guests:
Nov. 7 – Jim Van Dyck (“The Hatchbacks”) hosting, joined by Devin Vargo, Nick Wort and Landon Grwinski

Tons of Trucks
2025-10-08 16:30 - 17:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Get up close with the trucks kids love. Big trucks take over the library parking lot and you can ask drivers questions and sit in their rigs.

Behold! The National Ambassador for Young People's Literature is Coming to Elkhart!
2025-10-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Concord Junior High, 59397 C.R. 11, Elkhart, IN, 46517, United States
Award-winning author Mac Barnett is excited to share his passion for picture books with children and adults in Elkhart and the surrounding community. The tradition of the picture book is a tradition of experimentation, just like childhood itself. Every page turn contains infinite possibilities – a journey of discovery and connections. On his nationwide tour as national ambassador, Mac invites readers of all ages to join him in celebrating what’s vibrant, joyful and inspiring about this quintessential American art form.

“What excites me is the living, thinking, feeling kid who exists right now and needs a good story. Magic is what happens at that moment in childhood.”

— Mac Barnett, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

This free event is open to all ages. On site book sales and a book signing will take place following the program.

This event is free. Registration is required.

Click here to register for this event as space is limited.

Preschool Bluey Party
2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Dunlap Branch, 58485 C.R. 13 East, Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Celebrate all things Bluey with games and activities. Plus, a special prize drawing.

Genealogy Watch Party
2025-10-17 12:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Celebrate Family History Month with genealogical presentations from the Genealogy Network of Texas. Plus, EPL staff share local resources and tips for your genealogical journey.
Watch remotely or in person at the downtown library. Register to receive a link for remote viewing.
Registration for this program opens Sept. 1.

Trunk-or-Treat at Pierre Moran
2025-10-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Pierre Moran Branch, 2400 Benham Ave, Elkhart, IN, 46517, United States
Drop in for a free, fun afternoon of trick-or-treating in a family-friendly and safe environment. Wear a costume and pick out candy. Plus, face-painting, games, crafts and snacks.
If you’re interested in participating in the festivities, call Angie at 574-294-6418 by Oct. 17. Prepare for 200 participants. You should have pre-wrapped candy or alternative treats (such as small toys) and no vehicles larger than a pickup truck or van.
The Friends of the Elkhart Public Library support this program.

WWII Stories with author Barbara Morrow
2025-11-01 11:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Join an immersive talk with Barbara Morrow, author of Army Guy, Red Cross Girl: The Lives and Letters of Two Small-Town Hoosiers who Helped Win WWII. Through letters and photos of two Auburn, Ind. natives, it tells their stories of service in the Army and Red Cross. From preparing for D-Day to comforting troops fighting in Italy, these were just two of the people helping win the war.

¡Esqueletos en la Biblioteca!
2025-11-01 12:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
¡Concurso de Disfraces de Esqueletos por el Día de los Muertos en la Biblioteca! Celebra con nosotros esta tradición especial y participa en nuestro concurso de disfraces de esqueletos, Habrá premios en tres categorías:
Mejor disfraz tradicional
Más creativo
Mejor grupo
¡Ven a honrar el Día de los Muertos con estilo, imaginación y alegría! ¡Regístrate ahora!

Stories and Songs
2025-11-06 19:00 - 21:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Songwriters and libraries have one thing in common — too many stories to tell. Experience the music of the area’s best creative talents and their friends in a new way. Beverages will be available for purchase, no cover charge.
This event is designated Well Crafted by the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau and is supported by Pillars of Elkhart.
Nov. 6 – Eli Kahn (“After Ours”) hosting with three local guests: Abbie Thomas, Heyzeus and Trevor McDonald
Nov. 7 – Jim Van Dyck (“The Hatchbacks”) hosting, joined by Devin Vargo, Nick Wort and Landon Grwinski

Stories and Songs
2025-11-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Songwriters and libraries have one thing in common — too many stories to tell. Experience the music of the area’s best creative talents and their friends in a new way. Beverages will be available for purchase, no cover charge.
This event is designated Well Crafted by the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau and is supported by Pillars of Elkhart.
Oct. 3 – Nate and Amber Butler
Nov. 6 – Eli Kahn (“After Ours”) hosting with three local guests:
Nov. 7 – Jim Van Dyck (“The Hatchbacks”) hosting, joined by Devin Vargo, Nick Wort and Landon Grwinski

Pick the Right Medigap Plan
2025-11-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Heading into enrollment season, learn how to pick the right supplemental policy that fits your needs with experts from Weiss Financial Ratings. You can find a customized policy for free with your library card.

Preschool Playdough Party
2025-11-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Dunlap Branch, 58485 C.R. 13 East, Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Stations of playdough fun and creation to explore and play with. Make something to take home.

Noche de Lotería
2025-11-20 17:00 - 18:00 | Pierre Moran Branch, 2400 Benham Ave, Elkhart, IN, 46517, United States
Play the Mexican bingo-like game that’s easy to learn and fast to play. Practice Spanish words while winning prizes and eating snacks.
Divértete y juega a la lotería, come deliciosos aperitivos y gana permios!

Christmas Card Stampin'
2025-12-01 16:30 - 17:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Design your own holiday cards with our stamps and materials. We’ll snack on cookies and cocoa while we create.

Winterfest at the Library: Holiday Crafts and Music
2025-12-06 12:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Bring the whole family to the downtown library between noon and 2 p.m. during downtown Winterfest to make an ornament. Kids can also make a candy cane mouse. Plus, live music from Shiny Shiny Black from noon to 2 p.m., including selections from their new seasonal EP.

Miss Judy's Retirement Party
2025-12-12 14:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Miss Judy is retiring after 25 years of leading various children’s programs over the years. Come and send off Judy with well-wishes anytime from 2 to 5 p.m.

Christmas Party with Santa Claus
2025-12-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Celebrate the season with games, activities, prizes and a gift while supplies last. Plus, Santa will be in the atrium for free pictures.

Elizabeth Klehfoth: The Lost Heiress
2025-12-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Elizabeth Klehfoth, an Elkhart native, is back with her second novel. During this author event, she’ll be reading selections of “The Lost Heiress” and talking about her career. She’ll also sign copies of her book, which can be preordered from Fables Books and picked up at the Goshen store or at the library event.

Start a New Business
2026-01-12 17:30 - 18:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
LaQuisha Jackson, founder of Soulful Kitchen, shares her insights and experience for aspiring entrepreneurs. LaQuisha has nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry and launched her own catering and culinary education business in 2017.
LaQuisha has been recognized for her impact, receiving the Notre Dame Bootcamp Distinguished Alumni Michael H. Boyce Award, the Leadership South Bend Distinguished Alumni Award, the Northwest Indiana Influential Women’s Award in the Up and Coming Arts category. She was also honored in the 2021 South Bend Tribune class of 40 under 40.

KPop Demon Hunters Party
2026-01-16 16:30 - 17:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Stay golden, Huntrix girls! Enjoy snacks, activities, sing-alongs, and learn a dance with other fans of the popular movie.
