{"id":7399,"date":"2024-05-23T09:43:10","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T13:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/talk.talktotucker.com\/?p=7399"},"modified":"2024-05-23T09:43:12","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T13:43:12","slug":"discover-indianas-best-festivals-and-fairs-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/talk.talktotucker.com\/things-to-do\/discover-indianas-best-festivals-and-fairs-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover Indiana\u2019s Best Festivals and Fairs This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summer is the season when Indiana comes alive and the air is filled with the sounds from all sorts of festivals and fairs (and happy humans).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you like car shows, carnivals, street fairs or music festivals, you can find a rich array of things to do and people to see, much of which celebrates the state\u2019s culture, heritage and community spirit \u2013 whether you\u2019re a local or a visitor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would be impossible to list all of Indiana\u2019s summer fairs and festivals in any great detail, but here is a roundup of some of our top favorites for you to explore with friends, family or even on your own:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Indiana State Fair<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When: Aug. 2 – Aug. 18<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Indiana State Fair<\/a> is the state\u2019s premier <\/em>summer event, offering a mix of agricultural exhibitions, entertainment, food and fun for all ages over 250 acres of land. Some of the highlights include grandstand concerts with live performances from the area\u2019s top emerging artists and bands \u2013 but every day of the fair is different. You can take in the Indy 1500 Gun & Blade Show and the Midwest Reptile Show on different days or check out the Indiana Vintage Market.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also livestock shows, educational exhibits, all the classic carny games you know and love \u2013 and tons of rides. And talk about food! From BBQ pig wings and \u201cBratchos\u201d to chocolate glazed popcorn and deep-fried corn on a stick, this is Midwestern fair food at its absolutely most decadent.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Three Rivers Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When: July 12 – 20<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where: Fort Wayne<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fort Wayne\u2019s Three Rivers Festival<\/a> is a nine-day celebration that captures the essence of summer as it has been doing since the summer of 1969! Some must-see attractions include a parade featuring floats, local bands and community groups, an \u201cArt in the Park\u201d showcase of regional artisan goods and crafts and tons of music lineups on the Hoosier Lottery festival stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also tons of interactive activities and entertainment for the kids (and the young at heart), and the whole shebang wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display to close out the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Elkhart Jazz Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When: June 20 – 23<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where: Elkhart<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 36th Elkhart Jazz Festival<\/a> is coming to the Summer of \u201824, with more than 100 hours of music and world-class jazz performances. Check out notables like Connie Han Trio, Keb\u2019 Mo\u2019, Bria Skonberg and the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a veritable \u201cmust-visit\u201d for music lovers with multiple stages, where you can check out both the renowned and well-known jazz musicians and the emerging talents that will one day rule the stage. There are also tons of educational or jam sessions with budding musicians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While making your plans, don\u2019t forget to book a room in the historic Hotel Elkhart, where the past and the present weave together in celebration of the whole city\u2019s jazzy past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When: May 31 – June 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where: Franklin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interest in fiber crafts has exploded in the last few years, partly related to the desire to incorporate natural elements into home decor<\/a> and the desire many people have to connect the past with the present \u2013 so the Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival is going to be huge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s free parking, free admission and workshops on weaving, crochet, knitting, dying fabric, spinning, wet felting and needle arts (and scholarships available for folks who can\u2019t afford the fees). You can even learn beginner peg loom weaving and macrame! Plus, this is a beautiful opportunity to explore some of the fabulous fiber creations and tools the artisans bring, including pure alpaca wool and handmade jewelry and accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Marshall County Blueberry Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When: Aug. 30 – Sept. 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where: Plymouth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Marshall County Blueberry Festival<\/a> is Indiana\u2019s largest festival \u2013 and one of the most popular, drawing visitors from all over the region throughout Labor Day weekend. Key attractions include blueberry treats and sweets \u2500 from pies to pancakes, jams and jellies and much, much more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also find tons of carnival rides and games to keep the family occupied, and you can browse the wares of numerous crafters and vendors. If you want a full weekend of fun and live entertainment from the likes of NightShift, Amarillo Sky or Silly Safari, you won\u2019t be disappointed. You can also take in an amateur talent show and maybe spot the \u201cnext big thing\u201d coming to the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When: July 21 – July 29<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where: Lafayette<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair<\/a> is a community-focused event that offers a classic fair or festival experience \u2013 just like the kind you remember from your youth!\u00a0 See livestock and other projects from local 4-H members, take in live guitar music and all the requisite rides and attractions that will be there.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t want to miss the hilarity of the Animal Calling contest or the Greased Watermelon contest, because the results are always unpredictable. While you\u2019re there, indulge yourself a little in all the classic fair food favorites, from elephant ears and funnel cakes to corn dogs and deep fried Oreos \u2013 because once they\u2019re gone, you\u2019ll have to wait until next year to enjoy them again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The IndyFringe Theatre Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When: August 15 – 25<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where: Indianapolis<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who appreciate the arts, the IndyFringe Theatre Festival<\/a> is a dynamic celebration of live performance with 11 full days of fascinating events over 300 performances spanning genres that include comedy, drama, dance and cabaret.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are acts coming from all over the United States, Germany and Canada, with this year\u2019s lineup featuring one national premier event, 17 world premieres and 29 regional premiers. Support and enjoy the work of new and innovative performers, relax and socialize while enjoying local craft brews, take in sketch comedy, storytelling, Queer theater, ballet, modern dance and poetry slams \u2013 and engage with buskers strategically located all over the grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Fishers Renaissance Faire<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When: October 5 – 6 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where: Fishers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who doesn\u2019t love a good Ren Faire? Step back in time at the Fishers Renaissance Faire<\/a>, a lively celebration of Medieval history and culture. Key attractions include jousting, swordplay between knights in shining armor and actors portraying historical characters.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also find tons of utterly unique handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry and Medieval-themed merchandise, as well as dance, henna tattooing, Tarot readings and theatrical performances scattered all around the fairgrounds. And, naturally, there\u2019s food galore \u2013 so grab a turkey leg and a hand-shaken lemonade and eat your fill!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Make the most of your summer 2024 by exploring these vibrant events and experiencing the unique charm of the Hoosier State. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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