Explore international customs and cuisines without leaving the state through these festivals celebrating global cultures.
Viking Fest | April
Plundering and pillaging may be prohibited at this Whitestown gathering, but reenactors will simulate Nordic battles. Enjoy the sounds of horns and bagpipes and partake of mead while watching iron skillet and keg-toss competitions.
Frühlingsfest | May 1-3
Welcoming spring in fine German fashion, this Seymour jamboree features live music, handmade crafts, a biergarten, a dunk tank, and treats like currywurst, German potatoes, and sticky buns.
Arab Fest | May/June
Learn about the culture of nations from West Asia to North Africa at Fort Wayne’s Arab Fest. You can enjoy sweet and savory dishes, watch dance performances, get a henna tattoo, and maybe even pet a camel.
Muncie Juneteenth | June
Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, the Juneteenth celebration in Muncie features live music, an array of vendors and community resources, a talent show, cornhole and chess games, and raffles.
Indian Market & Festival | June
Featuring stunning displays of handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, beadwork, and artisan crafts, the annual Indian Market & Festival at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis spotlights Native American cultures.
Miami Nation of Indiana All Nations Gathering | May 31 - June 1st
Indiana’s indigenous Native American tribe gathers in Rockville to convey its history and pageantry through arts and performance.
Berne Swiss Day | July 24 - 26
Berne observes its namesake Swiss origins with a summer celebration that features carnival rides, live entertainment, Steintoss and Big Wheel competitions, food and craft vendors, and a 5K race.
Jasper Indiana Strassenfest | July 31 August 3
Jasper celebrates its German heritage and roots with a four day street festival that includes pageants, parades, hot air balloons, a wine and art fair, carnival rides, and no shortage of lederhosen.
Little Italy Festival | August/September
Say, “Ciao,” to Labor Day weekend during Clinton’s Little Italy Festival, which features Italian food, a grapevineroofed wine garden, grape stomping, and an authentic gondola.
Latino Festival | September
Plymouth pays tribute to its Latino community and brings cultures together during this one-day event that showcases folk dancing, mariachi bands, and DJs. Food and gift vendors abound.
St. Boniface GermanFest | September 6
Enjoy polka music, casino games, and carnival rides, at Lafayette’s GermanFest. Don’t miss the chocolate amaretto pies at Fr. Tim’s Bavarian Chocolate Haus.
Hispanic Heritage Festival | September
Embrace the vibrancy of Hispanic heritage at this North Manchester gathering that includes interactive Spanish and bilingual performances and family-friendly activities.
World Cultural Festival | September
Valparaiso’s Central Park Plaza comes alive with global and Native American entertainment, fair trade shopping opportunities, handicrafts, a parade of nations, food, and so much fun.
Celegrating US Festival | September
One Warsaw champions diversity and inclusion with its Celebrating Us Festival featuring live music and dancing, food vendors, community groups, children’s activities, and games.
Global Fest | September
Since 1995, West Lafayette has hosted its Global Fest highlighting music, dance, arts and crafts, and food from Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Trail of Courage Living History Festival | September
Rochester recreates pioneer and Native American life in the 1800s with hawk throws, muzzleloading contests, and canoe rides.
Andersontown Powwow and Indian Market | September
Delve into Native American history at this two-day event in Alexandria, showcasing intertribal dance, arts, storytelling, and music.
Chinese Mooncake Festival | September 20
Carmel’s Midtown Plaza embraces Chinese culture with a dragon parade, live music, dance performances, and mooncakes, which symbolize unity and harmony.
Amigos International Festival | October
Richmond’s Amigos Latino Center hosts an evening of music, dancing, arts, and international cuisine to raise cultural awareness.
Scottish Highland Games & Festival | October
Take in rugby and sword fighting matches, as well as caber, sheaf, and hammer toss contests at the Scottish Highland Games in Indianapolis.
