We Hoosiers like to have a good time. And, apparently, we like to eat as evidenced by the multitude of food-based festivals happening in Indiana during the month of September. As the old theme song goes, there’s more than corn in Indiana…there’s marshmallows, blueberries, popcorn and more!
Ligonier Marshmallow Festival
Ligonier, Indiana September 3-7
Don’t miss the Friday night marshmallow roast, the marshmallow bake-off on Saturday, live bands all weekend and the Marshmallow Festival Parade on Monday (Labor Day).
Marshall County Blueberry Festival
Plymouth, Indiana September 4-7
If blueberries are your thing, be sure to get in on the blueberry pie eating contest that takes place at 10:00am on Saturday, September 5. The 35th Annual Hoosier Old Wheels Car Show and Swap Meet gets underway at 8:00am on Sunday, September 6. Work off all the blueberry yumminess at the Blueberry Stomp 15K, 5K or 1-mile run on Labor Day. For the full festival schedule, click here.
Tipton County Pork Festival
Tipton, Indiana September 10-12
Somebody tell Miss Piggy — there’s a Pork Festival Princess Pageant taking place on Thursday, September 10. Then show up between 5 and 10am on Friday, September 11 for an all-you-can-eat breakfast. Of course, there’s delicious pork served up all festival long. Check out the menu here. Don’t miss the Grand Parade through downtown Tipton on Saturday, September 12 at 2pm. Then stick around for free entertainment all day, including at 9pm concert by former American Idol contestant Amanda Overmeyer.
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
Valparaiso, Indiana September 12
What started 31 years ago as a salute to Valparaiso native Orville Redenbacher, is now a fun-for-the-whole-family tradition. Bring the gang out for a poppin’ good time including over 200 food and craft booths, kids’ games and rides, a Radio Disney live road show, the Popcorn Panic 5-mile run and 5K walk, live entertainment and the nation’s first popcorn parade! A hot air balloon launch and glow will take place on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12.
Brownstown Melonfest
Brownstown, Indiana September 11-12
A two-day celebration of the watermelon harvest, the Brownstown Melonfest takes place in Jackson County (south central), Indiana. The line-up of events includes a watermelon carving contest, bubble gum blowing contest, a 5K run and, of course, a watermelon seed-spitting contest.
Nappanee Apple Festival
Nappanee, Indiana September 17-21
The 34th Annual Nappanee Apple Festival promises bushels of free fun for families. From an apple peeling contest to an antique farm equipment show to a parade with an airplane flyover on Saturday, September 20, there’s almost too much fun to choose from! Be sure to get a slice from the world’s largest (7 feet across!) apple pie and stock up on apple-y goodies including fresh-baked apple dumplings, apple butter and homemade applesauce.
Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival
Huntington, Indiana September 26-27
Ok, so it’s not food, but “forks” seemed to fit the theme. Re-enactors in Pioneer Village, Olde Town and an encampment will live the life of Indiana’s pioneer days. Visitors can get a close-up view of sheep shearing, blacksmithing, woodcarving, cream separating, pottery making and many other arts of yesteryear. Shoppers can get their fill of antiques and hand-made crafts and the youngsters can occupy their time with pioneer games and activities – even ride a giant wooden merry-go-round.
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