Upcoming Foodie Festivals Around Indiana

Just because the kids are back in school and the Indiana State Fair wrapped up yesterday doesn’t mean summer fun has to end. A great way to keep summer alive is by attending an outdoor festival, and if you’re like me, the best are those that celebrate food and drink! So be sure to check out some of these delicious festivals scheduled between now and Labor Day.

Thursday, August 23-Sunday, August 26: Swiss Wine Festival
Held in Vevay along the Ohio River in southern Indiana, this annual event just keeps getting bigger and better. Perhaps best known for its grape stomping excitement, there’s much more, like riverboat cruises, arts and crafts, and country music concerts.

Saturday, August 25: Kouts Pork Fest
Did someone say pork candy? Celebrate all things piggy at this fun-filled day in northwest Indiana.

Saturday, August 25: Taste of the Gardens
The Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart serves as a beautiful backdrop to this event, which mixes fine art and food from a variety of local restaurants.

Saturday, August 25: Taste of Montgomery County
Held on the grounds of the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum, here you can sample some of this county’s best food while enjoying several live bands.

Sunday, August 26: DigIN: A Taste of Indiana
In just its 3rd year, this is quickly becoming a beloved Hoosier tradition. It showcases Indiana’s top chefs, growers/producers, brewers, vintners, and value-added food producers at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis.

Thursday, August 30-Monday, September 3: Marshall County Blueberry Festival
To say there’s a lot going on at this multi-day festival in northern Indiana would be an understatement. Check out this jam-packed schedule (and I’m not just talking blueberry jam)! If you’ve got kids, you’ll love the Blueberry Buddies activities.

Friday, August 31-Monday, September 3: Ligonier Marshmallow Festival
You can celebrate this classic summer treat, which also happens to be produced in Noble County in northeast Indiana. A parade, marshmallow games, marshmallow roast and bake-off are all a part of the festivities.

Friday, August 31-Monday, September 3: Little Italy Festival Town in Clinton, Indiana
Lots of wonderful Italian food, a wine garden and plenty of entertainment are staples of this yearly event in western Indiana, dating back to the 60s. Don’t miss the genuine Italian gondola!

Friday, August 31-Monday, September 3: Rib America Festival
The highlight of Labor Day Weekend in downtown Indianapolis, this celebration of pork and barbecue is also a haven for music lovers. My recommendation is to go earlier in the day, when admission is free.

Photo courtesy of the Swiss Wine Festival.