September has arrived in Rising Sun, and while summer isn’t officially over just yet, the calendar is beginning to look a lot more like fall.

There is plenty happening around town this month — from First Friday and homemade ice cream this week to the Ohio Valley River Cats Catfish Tournament, the Navy Bean Fall Festival, community yard sales and another Motor Meet Up later in September.

Here’s a look at what’s happening around Rising Sun.

Families gathered Friday evening for Critter Cinema Family Night at the Ohio County Tourism Visitors Center, and it looked like everyone had a great time. From face painting and games to Boots & Mini Moo’s and the movie after dark, there was plenty for families to enjoy.

Thank you to Kendal with Ohio County Tourism for sharing a few photos from the evening!

September is just getting started, with even more activities and community traditions coming later in the month.

Friday, September 4 — First Friday Night Market
Rising Sun Market Place, 201 Main Street, will have extended hours from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. for shopping, ice cream and more. This is the final First Friday of the 2026 season.

Sunday, September 6 — St. Peter Lutheran Church Ice Cream Social
Beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until sold out, the annual Ice Cream Social will feature seven flavors of homemade ice cream along with pie, cake, barbecue, hot dogs and drinks. A freewill offering will be accepted. St. Peter Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Bear Branch and South Fork Roads in Ohio County.

September 12–13 — Ohio Valley River Cats Catfish Tournament
The 21st Annual Ohio Valley River Cats Catfish Tournament returns to downtown Rising Sun. Registration is open for anglers, and spectators can watch the weigh-in for free at Rising Sun Riverfront Park.

September 18–19 — Navy Bean Fall Festival
One of Rising Sun’s biggest fall weekends returns downtown with beans, bands, amusement rides, vendors and live entertainment along the riverfront. The Navy Bean Festival Parade steps off Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m.

The Student Art Show will also take place inside Heritage Hall during the festival.

September 22 — First Day of Autumn
Fall officially arrives!

September 24–26 — Fall Community Yard Sale
Rising Sun’s fall community yard sale returns, with participating homes setting their own days and hours.

September 25 — Motor Meet Up Cruise-In
Ohio County Tourism’s Motor Meet Up returns downtown from 4–7 p.m. Cars, trucks and motorcycles are invited, with deejay JD Hughes providing the music.

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 9:30 AM – Tai Chi with Rosie
• 1:00 PM – Relaxing with Watercolor

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 9:00 AM – Walking Club
• 9:30 AM – Chair Yoga
• 1:00 PM – Learn to Crochet

🏛️ Rising Sun City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
200 N. Walnut Street

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 9:00 AM – Walking Club
• 9:30 AM – Chair Yoga

🛍️ First Friday Night Market
10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Rising Sun Market Place
201 Main Street
Extended hours for shopping, ice cream and more.

🎵 DJ Adkins at Rising Star Casino Resort
4–7 p.m.
Rising Star Pavilion
Country music featuring traditional favorites, modern hits and heartfelt ballads.

🍦 St. Peter Lutheran Church Ice Cream Social
Begins at 4 p.m. until sold out
Corner of Bear Branch & South Fork Roads
Seven flavors of homemade ice cream, pie, cake, barbecue, hot dogs and drinks. Freewill offering.

Labor Day
Most government offices will be closed.

All In Bar & Grill at Rising Star Casino Resort has added six new sports-inspired dishes to its menu. The new lineup includes hearty sandwiches, a champion-sized cut of meat, shareable dips, and a sweet ballpark-inspired dessert. Take a look below—and if one catches your eye, stop in and give it a try!

It has been a busy couple of weekends around here. I spent this past weekend helping my son Evan with Rising Sun Metal Works at the Michiana Indiana Renaissance Festival, and this Friday we’ll be hitting the road again for the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Festival season will have me traveling most weekends for a while, but I’ll still be keeping up with what’s happening back home in Rising Sun.

Have a wonderful week, and welcome to September!

— Peggy

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