Sights and sounds of the AES 500 Festival Parade
The AES 500 Festival Parade marched through downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, May 25, 2024, on the eve of the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
Summer is here, and if you’re looking for sweet or savory ways to spend the next few months, Indiana has an assortment of food-themed festivals that should serve up good memories.
Here’s what to know about summer food festivals happening around Indy.
Taste of Indy
Starting off our list is Indy’s largest food festival, Taste of Indy. There is a kids play area and bounce house, as well as performances, a video game truck, face painting and a rock climbing wall.
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 6
Where: White River State Park 901 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Website: tasteofindy.org
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Pickle Fest
The annual Pickle Fest in Saint Joe, a town north of Fort Wayne in DeKalb County, features a pickle juice contest, a pickle eating contest, pizza eating contest, a volleyball tournament, parade and more.
When: July 18-20
Where: Saint Joe, Indiana
Website: stjoeindiana.org/pickle-festival
Pierogi Fest
Indiana’s Pierogi Fest is celebrating 30 years this year. There will be live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, beer gardens and more. Visit the website to view the festival map and schedule of events.
When: July 26-28, Parade is at 7 p.m. on Friday
Where: 1417 119th St., Whiting, Indiana
Website: pierogifest.net
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Hot Dog Festival
This annual festival takes place in Frankfurt and includes art and food vendors, a 5K race, Dock Dog diving, the Doxie Dash competition for daschunds, a classic car show and (of course) a hot dog eating contest.
When: July 26-28
Where: 62 N. Main Street, Frankfort, IN 46041
Website: frankfortmainstreet.org
Van Buren Popcorn Festival
The Van Buren Popcorn Festival is a free festival. This year marks the 51st anniversary of this event and this year’s theme is ‘Poppin’ Up Behind the Scenes Honoring the Blue Collar Worker.” There is music, parades, a 5K and more. Visit the website for the full 2024 schedule.
When: August 1-4
Where: 205 S. 1st Street, Van Buren, IN 46991
Website: popcornfestivalofvanburen.org
Chocolate Walk
Are you a lover of chocolate? Hancock County will host its 15th annual Chocolate Walk, a scavenger hunt type of event, where attendees pick up a punch card and stop by local business to receive samples of chocolate. Register to attend the event on their website, $20 per ticket.
When: Chocolate Walk is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: One Courthouse Plaza, Greenfield, IN 46140
Website: greenfieldcc.org
More Indiana Festivals
For the full list of festivals across the state through the rest of the year, the Indiana Festival guide can be viewed here.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman.
