8 Amazing Small-Town Indiana Festivals Worth the Drive

Festival season is in full swing, and you can find lots of charming celebrations happening all around the state. Here are some of the more popular small-town Indiana festivals that are worth traveling for!

Peru Circus City Festival
Peru Circus City Festival in Peru Indiana

8 Small-Town Indiana Festivals:

Rosedale Strawberry Festival

Location:  Rosedale, Indiana
Date: June 7-9

For the best home‑baked shortcakes in Indiana, visit Rosedale in June. This family‑friendly street fair has free concerts daily, crafts, KidZone, adult hobby shows, car, truck, heap shows, and more. Free parking, no admission, and a literal ton of freshly baked strawberry shortcakes.

Rosedale Strawberry Festival

Madison Regatta and Roostertail Music Fest

Location: Madison, IN
Date: July 5-7

Madison Regatta has been held annually for 73 years along the Ohio River and is one of the largest hydroplane races in the United States. The festival includes numerous other events, including the Roostertail Music Festival, Regatta Pageants, and more.

Madison Regatta and Roostertail Music Fest

Peru Circus City Festival

Location: Downtown Peru
Date: July 12-20

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.

Peru Circus City Festival
Peru Circus City Festival

Pierogi Fest

Location: Downtown Whiting
Date: July 26-28

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. Enjoy the wacky Polka Parade, beer and wine gardens, specialty arts and crafts, and food galore. Tuck into a variety of different kinds of pierogi, and participate in games like the pierogi toss and pierogi-eating contest. 

Pierogi Fest July 29-31 Downtown Whiting
Pierogi Fest

Artie Fest

Location: Downtown Martinsville
Date: July 27

Each July, Martinsville gears up for Artie Fest, an annual community celebration of all things Artesian. The festival kicks off on Friday night with live music and food vendors, and Saturday brings a 5K run/walk, car show, live music, kid’s activities and more. The festival culminates in an outdoor, family-friendly movie shown under the stars.

Artie Fest

Jasper Strassenfest

Location: Downtown Jasper
Date: Aug. 1-4

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 open to everyone. 

Jasper Strassenfest
Jasper Strassenfest

Marshall County Blueberry Festival

Location: Centennial Park, Plymouth
Date: Aug. 30-Sept. 2

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 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.

Marshall County Blueberry Festival

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

Location: Valparaiso, IN
Date: Sept. 7

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.

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

Upcoming Small Town Indiana Festivals

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Indy's Child Staff
Indy's Child Staff
For over 40 years, Indy's Child has been the go-to resource for Indianapolis families seeking fun, educational, and enriching experiences. Our award-winning magazine and website are devoted to offering expert advice, insider tips, and the latest information on everything from the top local attractions and events to invaluable parenting resources and support. As deeply rooted members of the central Indiana community, our passionate team at Indy's Child is committed to uncovering the best family-friendly experiences and resources that our city has to offer. Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Indy's Child is here to guide you in the adventure of raising a family in central Indiana.

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