HUNGRY FOR INDIANA-MADE CUISINE AND HOMEGROWN PRODUCE? FEAST YOUR EYES ON THIS ROUNDUP OF FOODIE FESTIVALS THAT RUNS THE GAMUT OF FLAVORS—FROM PICKLES TO PIEROGIS TO PERSIMMONS.
Mansfield Village Mushroom Festival | April 19 - 20
It is a morel imperative in the community of Mansfield to celebrate the mighty mushroom the third weekend in April. Activities include a mushroom auction and contest, live music, a car show, and tours of the nearby Historic Mansfield Roller Mill.
Indianapolis Strawberry Festival | June 12
Every second Thursday of June, Monument Circle in Indianapolis fills with tents and tables offering generous servings of shortcake, juicy strawberries, ice cream, and whipped topping. Stop by for breakfast, lunchtime dessert, or an afternoon snack. Proceeds fund grants to approximately 30 charities.
Shoals Catfish Festival | July 4-6
Fourth of July weekend means more than fireworks for the Southern Indiana town of Shoals. In addition to munching on catfish sandwiches, festival attendees can watch sports tournaments, cooking and fishing contests, a catfish weigh-in, and a battle of the bands.
Famous Pickle Festival | July 17 - 19
St. Joe, Indiana, is a big dill during this three-day tribute to pickled veggies that includes pickle-eating and juice-drinking contests, tours of Sechler’s Pickle Factory, live music, a spoon race, pickle derby, bingo, face painting, bake sales, and more.
Hot Dog Festival | July 25-26
Frankfort goes to the dogs during this weekend celebration of frankfurters, wiener dogs, and summer fun, with special events like a hot dog eating contest, Doxie Dash, talent show, street vault, mini circus, BMX stunt show, Dock Dogs pool jumps, and K9 demonstrations.
Pierogi Fest | July 25 - 27
Downtown Whiting teems with literally hundreds of thousands of visitors reveling in Polish heritage. Centered around the namesake filled dumplings, Pierogi Fest features buscias, beer gardens, polka bands, folk dancing, magic and cooking shows, and pierogi toss and eating contests.
Rock the Rind | July 31 - August 2
Watermelon season in Brownstown hits its peak the first weekend in August with a festive concert featuring a full lineup of talented musicians. Grab a refreshing watermelon shake-up and participate in the watermelon steal, seed spitting contest, and 5K.
Swiss Wine Festival | August 21 - 24
Featuring pours from 10 Indiana wineries, Vevay’s annual wine festival starts with polka dancing and wrestling and ends with a songwriters showcase and grape stomp. Throughout the multiday event, guests can enjoy live music, cornhole games, and a firefighter waterball tourney.
Marshall County Blueberry Festival | August 28 - September 1
Indiana’s largest five-day festival draws visitors to Plymouth’s Centennial Park every Labor Day weekend for activities like an antique car show, 5K and 15K runs, bicycle cruise, hot air balloon launches, and a parade. Visit food vendors to partake of blueberry pie, ice cream, doughnuts, and cheesecake.
Tipton County Pork Festival | September 4-6
You’ll go hog wild for Tipton’s tribute to fine swine-ing, from the kickoff parade through the final concert. In between, visit the Famous Pork Chop Tent, take a spin on carnival rides, grab breakfast at the Elks Tent, and watch pageant queens take their crowns
Napanee Apple Festival | September 18 - 21
As American as its signature 7-foot, 600-pound apple pie, Nappanee’s annual September showcase features activities such as apple peeling, baking, and pie eating contests. Take home tasty treats like apple fritters, dumplings, turnovers, bread, applesauce, cider, fry pies, and apple butter.
Mitchell Persimmon Festival | September 20 -27
Dating back to 1947, this weeklong street fair hosted by the community of Mitchell elevates the status of this sweet fall and winter season fruit. Visitors can sample persimmon pudding, ice cream, and novelty dishes while taking in exhibits, yard sales, tours, and concerts.
