These 6 Fantastic Festivals Will Show You The Best Of Indiana
By Tori Jane|Published February 02, 2024
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Indiana is one of those places where there’s always something going on somewhere. It’s a beautiful place filled to the brim and beyond with intriguing history, natural wonders, and, of course, plenty to do and see. One of our favorite pastimes in the Hoosier State is the art of the street festival. Truly, no matter what you’re into, you’re sure to find something that fascinates you. Here are six of the best festivals in Indiana you’ve just got to attend:
Lovers of all things wine and brews, this one's for you! Taking place at Terre Haute's historic Brewing District in April, this awesome festival celebrates... well, all things wine and hops. This awesome festival includes unlimited samples and pours from more than 20 Indiana wineries, breweries, and more, plus some vendors from out-of-state. The annual Haute Hops and Vines Fest is a must-do for everyone over 21.
As Indiana's second-largest summer festival, this delightful annual tradition is second only to the state fair in its total awesomeness. Going strong since 1969, this festival lasts for nine awesome days in the summer and is a family tradition for countless Hoosiers. The Three Rivers Festival is attended by a TON of people, and it's grown exponentially over the decades. We wouldn't have it any other way.
Taking place the last weekend in September every year, the James Dean Festival is put on by none other than the ultimate authority on Dean: the James Dean Museum. With fun things to do and see like a classic car show and competition, flamethrowing, and other delights, this is one the whole family can enjoy. It's a rebellious, fun way to remember James Dean, one of the many famous people from Indiana folks don't typically realize came from right here.
Mmmmm, pierogi. Each and every July, the small town of Whiting, Indiana, puts on a whole festival to honor this delicious little delicacy. Okay, okay - it's also to celebrate the eastern European heritage of the town, but the pierogis are the real star. Here you'll see a polka parade, wine and biergartens, and, of course, tons of food and pierogi. Pierogifest is a tasty tradition you don't want to miss.
Now solidly within its fourth decade of existence, the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival will return with more than 250 booths, vendors, and all the popcorn your heart can handle. Can you conquer the five-mile race? Maybe you can be in the parade, too. Do it. Nobody can stop you (except for security, so don't do that... just enjoy).
Having been a thing for nearly 60 years now, the annual Marshall County Blueberry Festival honors... well, blueberries. But it's also about community, and the whole town seems to gather for this one. Held on Labor Day weekend, it's a popular event for Hoosier families all over the place - some folks even travel to attend. This particular blueberry festival has received numerous accolades, including the title of one of the "Top 100 Events" as listed by the American Business Association. Yum!
There you have ’em: six delightful festivals in Indiana you ought to add to your Hoosier State bucket list. If you need a place to stay while visiting any of these towns or attending any of these festivals, check out the offerings from our friends at VRBO. You never know what you’ll find!
