Rain on Main

Rain on Main Rain on Main is a painted rain barrel display and silent auction in Carmel Indiana to raise funds for water quality education.

Rain on Main is an annual event held to increase awareness of water quality and conservation in Carmel and to raise funds for water education signage in Carmel Clay Parks. Local artists transform 65 gallon urn style rain barrels into one of a kind pieces of art. The barrels are displayed in the Arts and Design District along Main Street starting with the Carmel Arts & Design District Gallery Walk

the 2nd Saturday in August. The public is invited to vote for their favorite in a "People's Choice" contest. The barrels will then be featured at the 3rd Saturday in August Carmel Farmers Market and a silent auction, where the barrels will be auctioned off to the highest bidders, will be held with all proceeds going to educational signage in Carmel parks. In addition to the "People's Choice" competition, the barrels are judged by a panel of experts and the first, second, and third place artists receive cash prizes!

💧⭐Today we’re celebrating Carmel Utilities' Kelli Prader (pictured here on the right) and all she’s done to make Rain on...
05/01/2026

💧⭐Today we’re celebrating Carmel Utilities' Kelli Prader (pictured here on the right) and all she’s done to make Rain on Main what it is today. Kelli has been an incredible leader—bringing creativity, energy, and a true commitment to making this event something special for the Carmel community.

Rain on Main won’t be quite the same without you, Kelli—but we'll do our best to carry on!

Wishing you a well-earned and wonderful retirement!

Artists: Want to turn a rain barrel into prize-winning art? We’re now accepting artist applications for this year’s even...
03/18/2026

Artists: Want to turn a rain barrel into prize-winning art?

We’re now accepting artist applications for this year’s event. Selected artists will design and paint rain barrels that will be auctioned to support local water conservation programs.

It’s also an art competition, with cash prizes for artist winners and a People’s Choice award — prizes have been increased by $50 this year.

Applications due April 6
Details + application: www.rainonmain.com/artistinfo

**Thursday 3/19 update - We're having a bit of trouble with the website this morning. The artist application is still available via this direct link: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HamiltonSWCD1/ROMArtistApplication2026

Congratulations to Chelsea Primason-- winner of the 2025 People's Choice competition! Chelsea also won this year's Art ...
08/23/2025

Congratulations to Chelsea Primason-- winner of the 2025 People's Choice competition! Chelsea also won this year's Art Competition. Janus Developmental Services, Inc. came in second place.

You can own one of these amazing barrels! The online auction ends at 11 am today (Saturday the 23rd)!

Bid at www.rainonmain.com

Today's the day! Join us at the Carmel Farmers Markets to see all 20 barrels. The People's Choice competition closes at...
08/23/2025

Today's the day! Join us at the Carmel Farmers Markets to see all 20 barrels. The People's Choice competition closes at 10am (vote by liking your favorite barrel photo in our PC Facebook album) and the online auction closes at 11am. Bid online to win your favorite barrel!

Don't forget that Carmel residents can get up to $75 back as a rebate after installing a rain barrel!

www.rainonmain.com

Tomorrow's the day! All 20 barrels will be at the Carmel Farmers Markets! Stop by to see the barrels, meet artists, & ...
08/22/2025

Tomorrow's the day! All 20 barrels will be at the Carmel Farmers Markets! Stop by to see the barrels, meet artists, & learn about water conservation!

While we'd love to see you there, you can vote and bid from anywhere. Vote for your favorite barrel on our page before 10 am on 8/23. The online silent auction ends at 11am tomorrow so get your bids in now!

www.rainonmain.com

Congratulations to the winner of the 2025 Rain on Main painted rain barrel art competition—Chelsea Primason!1st Place – ...
08/18/2025

Congratulations to the winner of the 2025 Rain on Main painted rain barrel art competition—Chelsea Primason!

1st Place – Barrel #16 – Golden Growth by Chelsea Primason
2nd Place – Barrel #17 – From Night to Day by Walt Thacker
3rd Place – Barrel #4 – It Was a Dark and Stormy Morning by Carolyn Martens
Honorable Mention – Barrel #1 – Timeless Sophistication by the Carmel High School Art Honor Society

You can purchase these barrels via our online auction! Learn more & bid at www.rainonmain.com.

🎉🎨💧Celebrating 10 Years of Creativity! This year, we’re thrilled to recognize a very special member of the Rain on Main ...
08/16/2025

🎉🎨💧Celebrating 10 Years of Creativity!

This year, we’re thrilled to recognize a very special member of the Rain on Main family — Linda Gilmore, our very first 10 year Rain on Main artist!

For 10 years, Linda has transformed blank barrels into beautiful, meaningful works of art that inspire, educate, and brighten the streets of Carmel. From bold colors to thoughtful messages, Linda’s contributions have helped shape this event.

Please join us in thanking and celebrating Linda for a decade of dedication to art, conservation, and community in Carmel and scroll through to see Linda's barrels throughout the years!

Thank you Linda!👏👏👏

See the Rain on Main 2025 painted rain barrels displayed along Main Street through Friday August 22nd. Our handy map s...
08/16/2025

See the Rain on Main 2025 painted rain barrels displayed along Main Street through Friday August 22nd. Our handy map shows the location of each barrel so you don't miss any.

Can't make it to Main Street this week? See all 20 barrels on our website RainonMain.com

🎨🗳 The People's Choice competition is now open! Vote for your favorite barrel by liking the photo in the album below. ...
08/15/2025

🎨🗳 The People's Choice competition is now open! Vote for your favorite barrel by liking the photo in the album below. The barrel with the most likes at 10am on Saturday August 23rd will be the winner! First and second place artists will receive cash prizes.

The silent auction is also open so don't forget to place a bid so you can take your favorite barrel home.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=RainOnMain&set=a.1088035726862364

City of Carmel, Indiana Carmel Utilities Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District

The barrel with the highest number of reactions at 10am on August 23 will win the Rain on Main People’s Choice competition. The winner and runner up will receive a cash prize.

View the barrels in person along Main Street in the Arts and Design District August 15-22 or at the Carmel Farmers Market on Saturday August 23. Place a bid at www.RainonMain.com. The silent auction ends at 11am on Saturday August 23.

Learn more about the artist and their painting process at www.rainonmain.com/2025barrels

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Carmel, IN

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+13177732181

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