Festival season is in full swing! You can find lots of charming celebrations happening all around the state. Here are some of the more popular festivals that are worth traveling for.
Fort Wayne Germanfest
Headwaters Park East, Fort Wayne
June 5-8
This 4-day festival features authentic German food, beer, music, entertainment, games and so much more! Join thousands of local residents to kick off the summer and celebrate Fort Wayne’s rich German heritage. Families won’t want to miss FamilienFest on Saturday, a special day filled with free kid-friendly activities, games and entertainment.
Kokomo Strawberry Festival
Downtown Kokomo
June 6
Nothing says summer like strawberries and whipped cream piled high atop local shortcake. The 27th annual Strawberry Festival is expected to attract 10,000 guests to the heart of Kokomo, offering strawberry shortcake and ice cream desserts for sale, more than 150 booths, a juried Artsapalooza Art Market, art-making activities, free kids play areas, food vendors, craft beer and cocktails throughout the walkable downtown festival grounds, all with free admission.
Elkhart Jazz Fest
Downtown Elkhart
June 19-22
Jazz legends and fans will gather for a memorable weekend that showcases more than 100 performers and draws an audience of 20,000 to this community celebration. Known as the Band Instrument Capital of the World, Elkhart combines warm, small-town hospitality with the excitement of big city jazz at this internationally acclaimed event.
Canal Days Festival
Wabash & Erie Canal Park, Delphi
July 5
Celebrate Indiana’s canal heritage with historic demonstrations, canal boat rides, music, food, craft vendors and more! Get a taste of 19th century Hoosier history and have a blast exploring the last remaining navigable section of the Wabash & Erie Canal in the state.
Peru Circus City Festival
Downtown Peru
July 11-19
Every year in Peru, Indiana, more than 200 kids and youth, ages 7 to 21, present circus performances during this week-long summer festival. Celebrate Peru’s circus heritage by witnessing beautifully costumed, skilled performers, as well as rides, food, games and more on the main streets of Peru. And for the grand finale, grab a seat and watch Peru’s own Circus City Parade, one of Indiana’s largest parades.
Pierogi Fest
Downtown Whiting
July 25-27
Pierogi Fest is an opportunity to celebrate the city’s Eastern European history with the current culture that blends many backgrounds from around the world into a community that is totally unique. Numerous live music acts will be performing throughout the three-day event across multiple stages, and dozens of food vendors will be serving up tasty eats to enjoy.
Jasper Strassenfest
Downtown Jasper
July 31-Aug. 3
This family-oriented street festival is filled with German music and merriment. At the Jasper Strassenfest, visitors can enjoy a variety of authentic German food and tasty treats, dancing, games, a car show, parade and carnival rides. A popular activity at this fest is the free polka and German dance class that’s open to everyone to enjoy.
Art Beat
Downtown South Bend
Aug. 9
The largest annual event in South Bend, where the streets of downtown are filled with performing, visual and culinary artists, for a day-long celebration of local artists! See the hand-crafted work of local potters, photographers, painters, weavers, jewelers, sketchers, woodcarvers, crocheters and filmmakers. Hear the sound of acoustical melodies, African drumming, soulful jazz, rock and more. Taste the flavors of the region, the fresh local produce and the intricate creations of top chefs.
Marshall County Blueberry Festival
Centennial Park, Plymouth
Aug. 29-Sept. 1
Celebrate one of nature’s best blue fruits: blueberries! At the Blueberry Festival, families can come together to enjoy carnival rides and games, pony rides, laser tag, a lumberjack show, sports competitions, and of course, lots of blueberries and blueberry foods! There will also be hundreds of crafters selling unique handmade wares. There’s something for everyone at this festival.
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
Sept. 6
This long-standing community tradition returns for its 43nd year! The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival offers family-fun activities for all ages, with more than 250 arts and crafts booths, dozens of food booths, kids’ games, the five-mile Popcorn Panic race, two live music stages and the nation’s first Popcorn Parade.
