Indiana Festivals and Events
Before you have eaten so many “fun size” candy bars, raided from the kid’s Halloween bags, that getting up from the sofa seems impossible, consider taking a little trip. To see all the festivals and events this weekend and beyond, please view the Little Indiana Festivals and Events Calendar to help you plan your adventure. There’s more than Halloween happening this weekend, there’s a diverse range of things to do.
Learn about bugs along the National Lakeshore and the world, spend a day immersed in Irish Gaelic, get an autograph from Tom Sullivan at Action Con, Links head to more information about the events, including contact information and websites, when applicable. Please try to call ahead or verify dates and times before heading out. You know how it is in small towns. Sometimes things change and the word doesn’t always get out like we might expect.
Please remember that I am only one person and that this is a large state. I’ve chosen the following events randomly. If I have left off your favorite festival or event from the actual calendar, don’t hesitate to let me know either via the contact form or through the comments section below. Whether it is a seasonal event, a church chicken dinner, a firehouse pancake breakfast, or special town shopping hours, it’s all good. I will get it added in so everyone can find it. To really be a pal, include not only the name and date of the festival, but the location and website or social network associated with it, as well.
Indiana Festivals and Events
The Indiana Dunes State Park isn’t just for summer. There’s always something going on. This weekend, they have “Howl”oween at the Dunes. Running all weekend long, see the Dunes in a new light.
Again I am reminded that I have to share the Art Sanctuary in Martinsville. Until then, know that they offer numerous studio spaces and plenty of workshops–like Irish Language Day. Register for this class and spend the day learning Irish Gaelic. They will provide course materials. It’s about the only time grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary will be a welcome, fun experience.
Although I typically try to only include one event from each town or city, you know I am such a fan of those festivals that occur around a town square, that I couldn’t resist adding one more from Martinsville. Halloween on the Square is a family friendly event on October 31 with trunk or treating and plenty of contests, like a pumpkin seed spitting contest and a costume contest. There’s even a pumpkin carving contest. Make the visit, make some memories.
Wabash High School art students are displaying their finest carved pumpkins during the Pumpkin Walk at Charley Creek Inn Gardens. From now until November 1, admire their creative carving skills.
Best Vineyards Winery 4th Annual Talent Contest starts at 2 PM on October 31 and runs until 5 PM. If you have never gotten a chance to hear local musicians in action, this would make a great introduction. Find Best Vineyards Winery in Elizabeth, Indiana. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on–and enjoy the show.
You can’t spend all weekend shoving treats in your face. Instead, take the opportunity to learn a little something about the creepy crawlies that live at the Indiana Dunes at the Insects of the Dunes event. Insect expert Tom Louderman, from the Field Museum of Chicago, will be on-hand to educate and inform about regional insects–as well as share insects from around the world. It’s a free event on October 31 at the Douglas Center for Environmental Education.
Action Con is here! It’s Valparaiso’s biggest and newest comics, cosplay, toys, and collectibles event. Tom Sullivan, the special effects creator of Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2 fame, will be on-hand with his traveling props museum featuring items from the film. In addition to autographs, there will also be art prints of pages from the Necronomicon. It’s October 31 at the Porter County Expo Center from 10 AM – 6 PM. Details at the link.
I heart Chesterton. If you have ever visited the European Market, I am going to guess that you probably do too. Well, this Saturday marks the European Market Pumpkin Palooza! Kids can decorate a pumpkin for free, take part in the costume contest, or you can bring your pup for the dog costume contest. Hilarious, right?
Things to Do in Indiana
This meaty list should get your trip-taking juices flowing. You still have awhile to wait for Little Indiana: Small Town Destinations (my book published by Indiana University Press). It will make your small town travel oh, so easy. But, if you need more inspiration until then, well, that’s what Little Indiana is for.
Head to the home page and take a peek at the latest articles. There’s sure to be something that suits your needs. Or, browse the extensive archives. There are more than 1800 articles on Little Indiana. That should keep you busy for awhile.
Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus! I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is little Indiana!
Just don’t forget to tell ’em that little Indiana sent you!
Locations of Indiana Festivals and Events
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