Indiana has a full calendar of events for all ages. We’ll look at four of the top festivals in the Hoosier State that offer year-round fun for families.
Living in and visiting Indiana is always exciting. There’s something to do no matter the season and no matter where you live in the state. This article will introduce four family-friendly, popular outdoor festivals in Indiana that will give parents and kids something to look forward to throughout the year.
1. Meltdown Winter Ice Festival
Not everyone thinks of winter as an ideal festival season in Indiana, but the Meltdown Winter Ice Festival proves that assumption wrong. For one weekend in late January, professional ice carvers get together to transform more than 20,000 lbs of ice into sculptures.
The Meltdown Winter Ice Festival occurs throughout Richmond, Indiana’s city center. It’s free and includes activities for visitors of all ages, including the Meltdown Throwdown ice carving competition, Chili for Charity dinner, and fireworks to close out the weekend.
2. Frühlingsfest – One of Many German Festivals in Indiana
Frühlingsfest is a celebration of spring held in early May in German Park. This unique experience of German culture reflects the tradition of Frühlingsfests, which began being held in Indiana in the mid-1800s and remained popular until WWI.
The Frühlingsfest tradition was resurrected in 2017 by Your Klub and has been going strong ever since. Expect to sample delicious German foods and observe the tapping of the Frühlingsfest Maibock, along with a craft fair, kids’ area, and all-day music.
3. Strawberry Festival
The strawberry harvest is a harbinger of summer, so it should come as no surprise that many festivals celebrate the humble berry. We’ll focus on just one, the Strawberry Festival in downtown Kokomo. Taking place in early June, it attracts over 10,000 guests to north-central Indiana.
The Strawberry Festival features plenty of strawberry shortcakes, a juried Artspalooza Art Market, free kids’ play areas, food vendors, and much more. You can also check out similar festivals in Shirley, Jasper, Borden, Greenwood, Metamora, and elsewhere.
4. Harvest Moon Fall Festival
Held in the town of Bargersville, the Harvest Moon Fall Festival celebrates another popular agricultural occasion: the reaping of the harvest. Families and individuals flock to this event in late September with exciting activities for all ages.
You’ll find a dance tent, car show, craft market, and lots of delicious seasonal treats. Want to experience the bounty closer to home? Over 20 other harvest festivals occur across Indiana in the fall, as well.
Discover Hundreds of Festivals Throughout Indiana
These four festivals will give your family something to look forward to for each season, but they cover only a tiny percentage of the exciting events occurring across the Hoosier State each year.
You’ll find that every city and town in Indiana has its own unique traditions and occurrences. Check your town or city’s website for information about what to expect at your local outdoor festivals throughout the year.
