These 11 Unique Festivals In Indiana Are Something Everyone Should Experience Once
In the state of Indiana, there is one thing we Hoosiers know how to do – party. You may not think of us corn loving Hoosiers as party animals. But, we have a lot of great events and parades that take place every single year. I’ve been to a handful of events and I can say, they always make for a great time! If you’re looking to get out of the house and spend some time with your family, check these out!
The Indianapolis 500 Festival always takes place on Memorial Day Weekend in May. The city of Indianapolis (and the state) is largely defined by the Indianapolis 500. So, it only makes since that this huge festival would make the list. In 2014, there were over 500,000 Hoosiers who came out to enjoy the festival downtown. I’ve actually been to the parade downtown a few times. While it is always insanely crowded, it's still a lot of fun.
In honor of the Indianapolis 500, the Indianapolis Zoo hosts a tortoise race every year towards the end of May. The race always happens about a week before the actual Indianapolis 500. Did you know this is actually one of the oldest and most popular events in Indianapolis?
The Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival takes place in Jackson every year in the middle of June. Did you know this is the oldest running bluegrass festivals in the entire world? It has been running for a total of 46 years now. It's actually considered to be one of the main events you have to see as a visitor or tourist to Indiana.
During the Circus City Festival the city of Peru is transformed into what can only be described as a massive amusement park. This event is a nine day festival that you're not going to want to miss if you have children – or if you just enjoy amusement parks. Did you know this is actually an event where one of the largest parades in the state of Indiana takes place?
The Three Rivers Festival is a nine day celebration that takes place in the middle of July in Fort Wayne every year. The event includes children activities, an art festival, senior activities, food, a parade, and a marketplace. This event draws in a crowd of more than 400,000 people. This makes it the second most populated event in the state of Indiana coming behind only the Indianapolis 500.
The Pierogi Fest takes place in Whiting every year in the later part of July. It's a dream event for anyone who enjoys Pierogis. If this Eastern European treat is something you enjoy eating, you are going to have a blast at an event with other people who enjoy the treat as much as you do.
As the name implies, Jasper Strassenfest is an event that takes place in Jasper. It's an annual German event that takes place in the earlier portion of August every single year. There is German food, music, rides, games, and beer every year. You can also enjoy a car and garden show while you're there.
Every year on Labor Day weekend, you can head over to Plymouth to participate in the Blueberry Festival which is one of the top 100 events in the United States. This is one of the largest four day events Indiana has and there are over 300 craft vendors sampling everything from blueberry pies to donuts. Meaning – you're going to want to fit this into your schedule if you like blueberries.
Also on Labor Day weekend, there's what's known as the greatest classic car show and festival in the world happening in Auburn. Every year this festival features more than 300 classic cars for you to feast your eyes on. If you have any kind of interest in automobiles, this is an event you're not going to want to miss out on.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of popcorn. But, the state of Indiana is also home to a Popcorn Festival which takes place in Valparaiso in the earlier portion of September. Naturally, there will be tons of different flavors of popcorn and popcorn treats for you to try. There's a beer garden, a one-of-a-kind popcorn parade, and more than 30 food booths for you to enjoy.
Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art is considered to be the premiere outdoor event of Southern Indiana. It takes place during the last full weekend during the month of September. It started out as just a sidewalk art sale back in the 70s and has progressed into being so much more. If you like arts and crafts, this is an event to add to your books.
Have you ever been to any of these events before? Can you think of any other events in Indiana that you enjoy going to every year? We have so many events and festivals that happen every year, it would have been impossible to include them all in one piece. But, if you guys give this piece enough love and enough suggestions – I can make a sequel featuring some more events!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
