Top Festivals in Indiana 2025: Date, Location, Significance, and Activities

Overview of Festivals in Indiana 2025

Indiana, known as the Crossroads of America, is a state rich in tradition, natural beauty, and community spirit. The state’s vibrant festival scene reflects its diverse cultural heritage, agricultural roots, and love for music, art, and outdoor activities.

Indiana’s festivals span the entire year and offer a diverse mix of experiences. From large-scale events like the Indianapolis 500 Festival to intimate art fairs in small towns, every corner of the state has something unique to celebrate. The state’s deep connection to agriculture is evident in events like the Indiana State Fair, while its vibrant arts scene shines through at the Penrod Arts Fair. Whether you’re indulging in Hoosier cuisine, enjoying live music, or immersing yourself in local traditions, Indiana’s festivals reflect the warmth and hospitality the state is known for.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

Scenic Seasonal Festival Highlights

List of Festivals in Indiana - Calendar 2025

Note: Festival dates and similar events in this state are updated frequently, and times may change. Please report any date errors in the article in the comments below.

January

Indianapolis Winter Magic Festival

• Date: January 20–28, 2025
• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: A celebration of winter fun and entertainment in the heart of Indianapolis.
• Activities:
  • Ice skating, snow sculpting competitions, and sledding.
  • Live music, hot cocoa stations, and fire pits.
  • Family-friendly activities, including face painting and magic shows.
• Tickets: Free general admission; some activities may require a fee.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; public transit and rideshare services encouraged.

Fort Wayne WinterFest

• Date: January 26–28, 2025
• Location: Fort Wayne, IN
• Significance: A festival embracing the winter season with activities for all ages.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing, ice sculpting demonstrations, and winter crafts.
  • Food trucks offering seasonal treats like warm cider and chili.
  • Nighttime fireworks display.
• Tickets: Free admission; optional activity fees.
• Transportation: Parking on-site; shuttle services provided.

February

Carmel Chocolate & Wine Festival

• Date: February 10, 2025
• Location: Carmel, IN
• Significance: A Valentine’s-themed celebration of chocolate and wine pairings.
• Activities:
  • Tastings from Indiana’s best chocolatiers and wineries.
  • Live jazz music and artisan vendors.
  • Wine education sessions led by sommeliers.
• Tickets: Tickets available online; early booking recommended.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; rideshare services encouraged.

Mardi Gras on Main

• Date: February 17, 2025
• Location: Evansville, IN
• Significance: A vibrant Mardi Gras celebration with a Hoosier twist.
• Activities:
  • A parade featuring colorful floats and marching bands.
  • Cajun food vendors offering gumbo, jambalaya, and king cake.
  • Live music performances and street dancers.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available near Main Street; public transit accessible.

Mardi Gras Day: Date, Time, Traditions Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday is celebrated popularly in New Orleans and some places in the world.

March

Indiana Flower & Patio Show

• Date: March 9–17, 2025
• Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: A showcase of gardening and landscaping inspiration for spring.
• Activities:
  • Interactive garden displays and landscaping demos.
  • Workshops on sustainable gardening and outdoor design.
  • Vendors offering plants, tools, and home décor.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking available at the fairgrounds; rideshare services recommended.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Greening of the Canal

• Date: March 16, 2025
• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: Celebrating Irish culture with a festive parade and canal dyeing ceremony.
• Activities:
  • Floats, marching bands, and cultural performances in the parade.
  • Irish food and drink vendors.
  • Live music and family-friendly activities.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Public transit encouraged; limited parking downtown.

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April

Hoosier Literary Festival

• Date: April 5–7, 2025
• Location: Bloomington, IN
• Significance: A celebration of Indiana’s literary talent and love for storytelling.
• Activities:
  • Book readings and signings by local authors.
  • Writing workshops and panel discussions.
  • Exhibits featuring independent publishers and literary organizations.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; shuttles from Indiana University provided.

Earth Day Indiana Festival

• Date: April 20, 2025
• Location: Garfield Park, Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: Promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.
• Activities:
  • Educational exhibits on green living and conservation.
  • Volunteer tree planting and clean-up events.
  • Live music and local food trucks.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available near Garfield Park; public transit accessible.

May

Indianapolis 500 Festival

• Date: May 3–26, 2025
• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: A month-long celebration leading up to the iconic Indy 500 race.
• Activities:
  • Mini-Marathon, parade, and public race car displays.
  • Concerts featuring national artists.
  • Community events and kids’ activities.
• Tickets: Event-specific tickets available online.
• Transportation: Public transit and rideshare services recommended; parking limited near venues.

Shipshewana Mayfest

• Date: May 10–11, 2025
• Location: Shipshewana, IN
• Significance: A charming small-town festival celebrating spring.
• Activities:
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides and craft markets.
  • Traditional Amish cuisine and baked goods.
  • Live music and family games.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; bike rentals encouraged for exploring.

June

Talbot Street Art Fair

• Date: June 7–8, 2025
• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: One of Indiana’s oldest and most celebrated art fairs, showcasing local and national talent.
• Activities:
  • Art exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, and mixed media.
  • Live demonstrations by artists.
  • Food trucks and live music performances throughout the fair.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Street parking available; public transit and rideshare services recommended.

Elkhart Jazz Festival

• Date: June 21–23, 2025
• Location: Elkhart, IN
• Significance: A vibrant celebration of jazz music, drawing top artists from around the country.
• Activities:
  • Performances by renowned jazz musicians on multiple stages.
  • Workshops on jazz history and instrumentation.
  • Food vendors offering local specialties.
• Tickets: Day passes and weekend packages available online.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; shuttle services provided from downtown hotels.

July

Madison Regatta and Roostertail Music Festival

• Date: July 5–7, 2025
• Location: Madison, IN
• Significance: Combining high-speed hydroplane boat racing with live music in a picturesque riverfront setting.
• Activities:
  • Hydroplane boat races on the Ohio River.
  • Music performances by local and national artists.
  • Food and drink vendors, including craft beer and barbecue.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP packages available online.
• Transportation: Parking available near the riverfront; rideshare services recommended.

Three Rivers Festival

• Date: July 12–20, 2025
• Location: Fort Wayne, IN
• Significance: A week-long festival celebrating Fort Wayne’s community and heritage.
• Activities:
  • Parades, art exhibits, and live music performances.
  • Interactive activities for kids, including a carnival and scavenger hunts.
  • Fireworks display over the St. Marys River.
• Tickets: Free admission for most events; carnival tickets available on-site.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; public transit accessible.

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August

Indiana State Fair

• Date: August 1–17, 2025
• Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: The state’s largest annual event, celebrating Indiana’s agricultural roots and community.
• Activities:
  • Livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, and farm-to-table food demos.
  • Thrilling rides and games at the Midway.
  • Concerts featuring top artists across genres.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online and at the gate; discounted family packages offered.
• Transportation: Parking available at the fairgrounds; shuttle services provided.

Kokomo RibFest

• Date: August 24, 2025
• Location: Kokomo, IN
• Significance: A mouthwatering celebration of barbecue and live music.
• Activities:
  • Rib cook-offs featuring top pitmasters.
  • Beer tastings from Indiana breweries.
  • Live rock and country music performances.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking on-site; carpooling encouraged.

September

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Festival

• Date: September 13–15, 2025
• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: A unique festival combining fine dining and live theater performances.
• Activities:
  • Dinner shows featuring classic and contemporary productions.
  • Meet-and-greets with performers.
  • Workshops on acting and stage production.
• Tickets: Dinner and show packages available online.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; rideshare services encouraged.

Apple Festival of Kendallville

• Date: September 28–29, 2025
• Location: Kendallville, IN
• Significance: A traditional fall festival celebrating Indiana’s apple harvest.
• Activities:
  • Apple cider tastings and pie-eating contests.
  • Artisan markets and craft demonstrations.
  • Live folk music and hayrides.
• Tickets: Free admission; activity fees apply.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; shuttle services provided.

Indiana Map with Festival Icons

October

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

• Date: October 11–20, 2025
• Location: Rockville, IN
• Significance: Indiana’s largest festival, celebrating the state’s iconic covered bridges and rural heritage.
• Activities:
  • Tours of over 30 historic covered bridges.
  • Craft fairs, antique markets, and food vendors.
  • Scenic drives through autumn foliage.
• Tickets: Free admission; guided tours require tickets.
• Transportation: Parking available at designated lots; shuttle services provided.

Haunted Trails at Potato Creek State Park

• Date: October 25–26, 2025
• Location: North Liberty, IN
• Significance: A spooky Halloween event for families and thrill-seekers alike.
• Activities:
  • Haunted trails with themed zones.
  • Pumpkin carving contests and trick-or-treating.
  • Seasonal food and hot beverages.
• Tickets: Tickets available online and at the park entrance.
• Transportation: Parking available at the park; carpooling recommended.

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November

Spirit & Place Festival

• Date: November 2–10, 2025
• Location: Various venues in Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: A community-centered festival exploring art, religion, and social change.
• Activities:
  • Interactive discussions and performances.
  • Art exhibits and film screenings.
  • Community workshops and panel discussions.
• Tickets: Free admission; registration required for some events.
• Transportation: Accessible via public transit; parking available near venues.

Harvest Homecoming Festival

• Date: November 15–17, 2025
• Location: New Albany, IN
• Significance: A celebration of the fall harvest and community spirit.
• Activities:
  • Parades, food vendors, and craft markets.
  • Pumpkin patch and hayrides for families.
  • Live music and beer gardens.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; rideshare services encouraged.

December

Indianapolis Circle of Lights

• Date: December 1, 2025
• Location: Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN
• Significance: A festive kickoff to the holiday season in downtown Indianapolis.
• Activities:
  • Tree lighting ceremony with live performances.
  • Holiday-themed food and beverage vendors.
  • Appearances by Santa Claus.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Public transit recommended; parking limited near Monument Circle.

Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes

• Date: December 14–15, 2025
• Location: Madison, IN
• Significance: A picturesque holiday event featuring historic homes decked out in Christmas décor.
• Activities:
  • Guided tours of beautifully decorated historic homes.
  • Carolers and live holiday music performances.
  • Seasonal treats and refreshments.
• Tickets: Tickets available online and at the event.
• Transportation: Parking available near the tour route; shuttle services provided.

Conclusion

Indiana’s 2025 festival lineup offers something for everyone, from vibrant city celebrations to quaint small-town fairs. With its deep-rooted traditions and community-driven events, Indiana is a destination where culture, history, and fun collide.

FAQs About Indiana Festivals 2025

1. What are Indiana’s top festivals?

• Key events include the Indianapolis 500 Festival, Indiana State Fair, and Parke County Covered Bridge Festival.

2. Are there free festivals in Indiana?

• Yes, many events, like the Spirit & Place Festival and Three Rivers Festival, are free to attend.

3. Can I bring pets to Indiana festivals?

• Some outdoor events are pet-friendly, but confirm specific festival rules beforehand.

4. Do Indiana festivals have camping options?

• Festivals like the Indiana State Fair and Parke County Covered Bridge Festival often have nearby camping facilities.

5. How can I get around during major festivals?

• Many festivals provide shuttle services, and public transit is recommended in cities like Indianapolis.

6. What’s unique about Indiana festivals?

• Indiana’s festivals highlight its agricultural heritage, arts, and community-driven spirit, with events like the Apple Festival of Kendallville offering authentic local charm.

7. Are there kid-friendly festivals in Indiana?

• Absolutely! Events like Shipshewana Mayfest and Haunted Trails at Potato Creek State Park are perfect for families.

8. What’s the best time to visit Indiana for festivals?

• Spring through fall are peak seasons, with major events like the Indianapolis 500 Festival and Parke County Covered Bridge Festival.

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