25 Popular Festivals In Indiana, USA

1. Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival

The Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival is the place to be to enjoy Bluegrass music, a genre of American roots music. It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and move to the rhythm of traditional African-American blues and jazz. This popular Indiana event and festival takes place at the Bill Monroe Music Park in beautiful Brown County, Indiana. In fact, this is the world’s longest-running bluegrass festival and visitors are invited to participate in the multiple instruments and music workshops conducted by industry experts. Best of all, the venue allows camping throughout the festival provided that campsite reservations are made early.

Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival

Address: Bill Monroe Music Park, 5163 N State Road 135, 46160 Beanblossom, Indiana

Website: Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival

Takes place: June

2. Circus City Festival

Get together to celebrate Circus Heritage in Peru, Indiana, at the Circus City Festival. It promises great family entertainment in the American tradition. Watch how downtown Peru amazingly transforms into an amusement park packed with fun and excitement. What’s more, this event is one of the best amateur youth circuses in the country. Who doesn’t love watching a flying trapeze, high-wire walking, bareback riding and more? Bring the family and friends to enjoy wonderful circus performances, games, rides, food and, arts and crafts. Not to be missed is Peru’s own Circus City Parade, one of Indiana’s largest parade as the grand finale.

Circus City Festival

Address: 154 N Broadway, Peru, IN 46970, USA

Website: Circus City Festival

Takes place: July

3. Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

Make it a summer to remember by attending the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration. It’s the largest ethnic, cultural event in the USA that provides multiple opportunities for business networking, education, healthy living, career and cultural enrichment. Visitors can expect free concerts, celebrity basketball, films, arts and culture, where proceeds support their Indiana Black Expo (IBE) programs. Held at the Indiana Convention Centre, the exciting event attracts a growing number of attendees each year.

Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

Address: 100 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225, United States

Website: Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

Takes place: July

4. Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival

For the love of culture, tradition and heritage, the Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival brings you on a journey of exploration with an amazing showcase of craft masterpieces. Held at the 80-acre (32-hectare) Amish Acres, an Amish farm listed in the National Register of Historic Places, visitors will love its spacious surroundings next to nature. Better yet, the festival grounds and marketplace are located outdoors around the farm’s pond. So, everyone can enjoy the great outdoors. Discover a wide variety of glass, pottery, sculptures, drawings, paintings, jewelry, textiles, wearable art and woodwork.

Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival

Address: Amish Acres, 1600 W Market St, Nappanee, IN 46550, United States

Website: Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival

Takes place: August

5. Indiana State Fair

Summertime fun awaits all visitors to the Indiana State Fair. Held at Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Indianapolis, this event promises to bring people together for a celebration of agriculture, youth and education. Bring the whole family to enjoy the art contests, hot-air balloon races, marching band contests, and auto races. What’s more, the exciting entertainment includes performances, concerts, superheroes and, amusement park games and rides that will thrill the senses. Get ready to try all the best food, snacks, drinks and treats that you can eat. Due to its popularity, parking is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Indiana State Fair

Address: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205, United States

Website: Indiana State Fair

Takes place: July to August

Price: 13 USD general admission (Free for kids aged 5 years and under)

6. Three Rivers Festival

With over half a million visitors attending each summer, the Three Rivers Festival brings together the best of fun and food among family and friends. Enjoy the wonders of Food Alley, Art in the Park, Bed Race, Three Rivers Festivals Parade, Trivia Night, Children’s Fest and many more activities. Celebrating the best of Fort Wayne since 1969, the annual Three Rivers Festival presents over 80 entertaining events to thrill the crowds. Further, the activities focus on arts, education and community involvement. As such, over half a million visitors from the surrounding vicinity attend the festival each year.

Three Rivers Festival

Address: 102 3 Rivers North, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Website: Three Rivers Festival

Takes place: July

7. Zoopolis 500

Ready, set, go and watch Turbo the tortoise move at its top speed in the cutest tortoise race in Indiana. Everyone loves Zoopolis 500 as this spectacular Zoo event includes family-friendly pre-race festivities leading up to “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing”. There’s plenty to see and do at Zoopolis 500 for the whole family. Festivals princesses grace the race and pre-race activities such as race-themed photo op, animal artifacts and tortoise themed events entertain all visitors. For the brave-hearted, there’s even a snake pit for meeting the slithery creatures close-up for photos. Best of all, join the crowds as they cheer for their fave tortoise to win the race.

Zoopolis 500

Address: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, United States

Website: Zoopolis 500

Takes place: May

8. Jasper Strassenfest

Get ready for a family-oriented street festival filled with German music and merriment. At the Jasper Strassenfest, visitors enjoy a variety of food, dancing, games, car show, parade and carnival rides. In addition, the festival is handicapped accessible too. With so many things to do, visitors will be amazed by performances from comedians, magicians, gospel singers and musical quartets. What visitors love is the free Polka and German Dance class that’s open to everyone to enjoy. In search of authentic German food? Follow the aroma of tasty meals and yummy treats at the food booths in Jasper Strassenfest.

Jasper Strassenfest

Address: Courthouse and Downtown Area, 302 W. 6th St., Jasper, IN 47547

Website: Jasper Strassenfest

Takes place: August

9. Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market and Festival

Spend the summer appreciating Native American art, history and cultures at Eiteljorg Museum’s Indian Market and Festival. Taking place at the museum’s beautiful grounds, this one-of-a-kind cultural event features performers and artists from over 50 Native American cultures. Touted to be one of the nation’s top Native arts festivals, visitors are greeted by sensational music and dance performances surrounded by verdant greens and blue skies. Not to be missed is the glorious food available to whet every appetite.

Eiteljorg Museum’s Indian Market and Festival

Address: Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States

Website: Eiteljorg Museum’s Indian Market and Festival

Takes place: June

Price: 15 USD at the gate. (Free for youth aged 17 and below)

10. Marshall County Blueberry Festival

For lovers of luscious blueberry treats, the Marshall County Blueberry Festival is the perfect place to sample them all. Moreover, the festival offers plenty of carnival fun and tons of musical entertainment. As a family-friendly and a free admission event, visitors are wowed by carnival rides, a car show, hot-air balloons, a fireworks show and family activities. Not to be missed is the grand Blueberry Festival parade and free musical performances on three separate stages. Runners get ready! The 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) run at the festival is a test of stamina and endurance. Make sure you eat, buy and take home all the delicious blueberry goodies you can carry before the festival ends.

Marshall County Blueberry Festival

Address: 233 E Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN 46563, United States

Website: Marshall County Blueberry Festival

Takes place: September

11. OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

Put on your running shoes and join one of the nation’s largest half marathons that starts and finishes at Downtown Indianapolis. The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon attracts over 500,000 people annually. As one of the most iconic races in America, the festival also has life-enriching events aimed at celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500. Watch out for avid joggers, marathoners and even wheelchair racers who turn up and race in this sporting event with gusto. Further, the kids can join in the many kid-themed games and activities. Getting healthy together is one of the aims of this famous festival.

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

Address: 21 Virginia Ave, Ste 500, 46204 Indianapolis, Indiana

Website: OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

Takes place: May

Price: From 72 USD

12. Pierogi Fest

Known to celebrate Eastern European food and culture with a wacky familial twist, the Pierogi Fest, held in Whiting, Indiana, attracts almost 300,000 people annually. Not to be missed are the wacky Polka Parade, beer and wine gardens, specialty arts and crafts, and food galore. Just like its name implies, visitors tuck into lots of pierogi, the tasty savoury or sweet-filled dumplings, during the festival. For the love of pierogi, there is also the Mr Pierogi songfest, the pierogi toss and pierogi eating contest. Gaining popularity every year, the parade and festival has received huge countrywide recognition. No wonder this is the 3rd largest festival in Indiana.

Pierogi Fest

Address: 1417 119th St, Whiting, IN 46394, United States

Website: Pierogi Fest

Takes place: July

13. IndyFringe Festival

Great plays and a lovely atmosphere await all guests to the IndyFringe Festival, where a world of performance art comes to life. Be dazzled by a showcase of traditional and non-traditional theatre plus a wide range of performances and visual arts by local, national and international artists. Discover creativity and imagination in abundance at each show. Known to be big, bold and bodacious, visitors keep coming back for more of their alternative theatre shows and performing arts. Be blown away by every imaginable genre of live theatre from comedy, drama, cabaret and musicals. Best of all, guests enjoy a free outdoor beer tent, plus free buskers and street performances.

IndyFringe Festival

Address: 719 E St Clair St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States

Website: IndyFringe Festival

Takes place: August to September

14. Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival

Touted as the world’s greatest classic car show and festival, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival will leave car enthusiasts revving with excitement. During the festival, visitors are treated to a garage tour, downtown cruise-in and parade of the classics. This is where art and automobiles converge with impressive results. Vintage car lovers will simply be spellbound by the automobile display at the festival. The finale includes a showcase of fast and fabulous automobiles from all over the world. In addition, the funding efforts from the festival help support the onward growth of the festival and automobile-related museums in Indiana.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival

Address: 1600 Wayne St, Auburn, IN 46706, United States

Website: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival

Takes place: August to September

15. Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

Should you love the crackle and pop of popcorn, the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is not to be missed because it’s the nation’s first-ever Popcorn Parade. The festival includes craft, food, fine art booths and the Popcorn Panic 5-kilometre (3-mile) run and walk. What’s most impressive is the Popcorn Parade that features innovative floats with popcorn theme and marching bands amidst the huge cheers from the audience. Kids join in the fun too with playtime on inflatables, exciting games and kiddie run. Stroll along the streets to explore the variety of food, drinks, crafts and fine-art booths.

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

Address: Downtown Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Indiana

Website: Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

Takes place: September

16. Indy Jazz Fest

“Never play anything the same way twice,” seems to be the motto of the Indy Jazz Fest organized by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. In support of the vibrant jazz scene in Indianapolis, the fest creates better jazz awareness among the community. Awesome jazz music performed by students, locals and international artists fill the air and set the mood for the 10-day fest. Be prepared for mind-blowing performances by jazz artists from all over, masterclasses and panel discussions on jazz. Tickets for this Indiana music festival, at different venues, are reasonably priced and many are free.

Indy Jazz Fest

Address: Various venues throughout Indianapolis

Website: Indy Jazz Fest

Takes place: September

17. Indianapolis 500 Festival

Share in the month-long festival celebrations at the Indianapolis 500 Festival, which comprises the nation’s largest half-marathon and one of the nation’s premier parades. With almost 300,000 party-goers attending the parade each year, visitors can expect a thrilling parade with celebrity appearances, race car drivers, magical floats, marching bands and more. In fact, this festival is one of the nation’s most respected events that add to the quality of life for Indiana residents and guests. Key highlights include the 500 Festival Kid’s Day & Rookie Run, the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, the 500 Festival Memorial Service and the 500 Festival Snakepit Ball.

Indianapolis 500 Festival

Address: 21 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States

Website: Indianapolis 500 Festival

Takes place: May

Price: From 40 USD

18. Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art

Explore the splendor of fine arts and crafts at the two-day Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art. The festival showcases the handmade work of artisans displayed in about 250 booths lining the streets surrounding the Lanier Mansion and on Broadway. Pumping up the action at the festival is the music and continuous live entertainments. Never go hungry as the riverfront food fest offers plenty of delicacies to tempt the taste buds. Bring the kids to enjoy all kinds of games in the kids’ activity tent. Finally, the evening concert in the park provides a relaxing end to each festival day.

Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art

Address: 601 W 1st St, Madison, IN 47250, United States

Website: Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art

Takes place: September

Price: From 15 USD

19. Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

Bridge the gap between heritage and happenings today at the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, known to be home to Indiana’s largest festival. After all, Parke County has 31 covered bridges set within lush, charming landscapes. Every bridge offers a unique past to uncover and strolling across them is akin to a walk in history. Incidentally, the most popular bridge in Parke County is the Kissing Bridge, a must-visit place for couples and couples-to-be during a romantic weekend getaway. Another attraction at the festival is the exceptional local food served by the friendly locals. Moreover, visitors enjoy authentic arts and crafts created by artisans and master crafters. Nothing beats exploring the festival’s offerings amidst scenic fall foliage.

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

Address: 401 E Ohio St, Rockville, IN 47872, United States

Website: Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

Takes place: October

20. Feast of the Hunters’ Moon

Be part of history retold in The Feast of the Hunters’ Moon, a re-creation of the annual fall gathering of the French and Native Americans that took place at Fort Ouiatenon in the 1700s. Watch how thousands of participants re-enact this event and wow the audience. Get close enough to smell the wood smoke, hear the rifles and experience the cultures of the past. Visitors are feted to French and Native American music and dance, drum corps performances, tomahawk throwing and many other activities for the whole family. Just as amazing is the variety of authentic food for all to savor and enjoy.

Feast of the Hunters’ Moon

Address: Fort Ouiatenon is located at 3129 S. River Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906.

Website: Feast of the Hunters’ Moon

Takes pace: October

Price: From 13 USD (gate price)

21. Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt

Celebrate the Yuletide season early at The Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt with over 200 booths packed with Christmas goodies. Discover quality hand-created items, antiques, delicious regional food and wine. Come together to watch live entertainment, free concerts, plus enjoy free tours and amusements aplenty. What’s more, there are toymakers, basket weavers, woodcarvers, candle makers and artisans of various skills who set up booths to tempt the crowds with their wares. All the festivities and celebrations light up the holiday season in the quaint, little “Bavarian” village of Ferdinand in Indiana.

Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt

Address: Ferdinand, Indiana 47532, USA

Website: Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt

Takes place: November

22. Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival

Enter a world of fibre art and old time artisan skills at The Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival. Stroll through booths that feature sales of fiber such as wool and alpaca. Also available are yarn and related tools such as knitting needles, spinning wheel and books for visitors to explore. Better yet, the festival also organizes workshops to learn new skills or expand current ones. In addition, there are various demonstrations, top-notch classes and a wide selection of vendors to make your day at the festival worthwhile.

Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival

Address: Johnson County Indiana 4-H Fairgrounds Franklin

Website: Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival

Takes place: June

23. Indy International Festival [Last event in 2019]

Make it a cultural experience to remember at the Indy International Festival, where over 50 ethnic groups in Central Indiana gather to share cultural histories and traditions. In fact, this festival is central Indiana’s oldest pan-ethnic celebration that’s not to be missed. Festival highlights include authentic food from ethnic vendors, ethnic music and dance by local and national performing groups. There is also an International Marketplace offering gifts from around the world. Shop for international goods, explore cultural displays, savor a diverse variety of food and go home happier than before.

Indy International Festival

Address: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46205

Website: Indy International Festival

Takes place: November

Price: 12 USD (adults), 8 USD (kids & seniors) (Free for kids aged 6 and under)

24. Talbot Street Art Fair

The free admission Talbot Street Art Fair is an all-time favorite event in Indiana. After all, this juried art fair continues to be ranked as one of the finest fairs in the country as it features fine arts and crafts. In addition, the family-friendly fair presents a wide range of artist styles and mediums for visitors’ enjoyment. What visitors can expect at the fair are beautiful paintings, photographs, sculptures, metal and ironworks, pottery and much more. Art enthusiasts will be amazed by the creativity and imagination of the works on display.

Talbot Street Art Fair

Address: 1600 N Talbott St., Indianapolis, IN 46202

Website: Talbot Street Art Fair

Takes place: June

25. Viking Festival

Before Valhalla beckons, experience the best of Norse cultures, food and music at the Viking Festival at Whitestown, Indiana. The three-day festival celebrates medieval North European culture with much merriment. Guests are feted to performances and battle re-enactments, as well as games that bring out your inner Viking. Tuck into good food plus enjoy the mead and ales made by independent liquor makers. This festival has all the historic makings of an outstanding event that transports you to another world in time.

Viking Festival

Address: 4671 Anson Blvd., Whitestown, Indiana

Website: Viking Festival

Takes place: April to May

Visit Indiana and experience the best festivals

The year 2020 shines bright with so many popular festivals in Indiana to amaze your senses. So, gather the family and friends together to visit them all. After all, there’s always a reason to celebrate in Indiana. With hundreds of festivals to choose from, we’ve picked all the fan-favorites that will make your year extraordinary.

If you’re looking for more interesting things to do apart from festivals, you can check out the beautiful lakes as well as the best places for kayaking also found in Indiana.