Annual Events

There's a lot to see but even more to do when you visit Elkhart County, Indiana.

You’ll always find something fun for the whole family to do, see and explore in the cities and towns along the Heritage Trail. Take in a vibrant contemporary quilt exhibit, breathtaking Quilt Gardens or take advantage of the Midwest Museum of American Art’s Free Family Sunday. There are fun times and great entertainment along the Heritage Trail in Elkhart County, Indiana.

Comic Con

Hall of Heroes Comic Con

May 31 - June 1, 2025

Join us for the 2025 Hall of Heroes Comic Con happening May 31 - June 1, 2025, at the Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart, Indiana.

 

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Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival

April, 25 - 27, 2025

Maple syrup, giant jellybeans, and a whole series of sweet surprises happen at the Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival. During the last week of April, Wakarusa hosts this taste-tempting event for families, friends, and small-town festival lovers with an insatiable sweet tooth.

But there’s more to the festival than just food. There’s the annual Maple Syrup Festival Parade, demonstrations, a visit to a syrup camp, chain saw carving, pedal pull contests – and, of course, all-you-can-eat pancakes. It’s a week of eating, greeting, and meeting friends from around the world ...over an all-day breakfast in Northern Indiana.

 

Elkhart ArtWalk

the fourth Thursday of each month

Elkhart ArtWalk - Hands-on arts activities, live music and fun are all in works in downtown Elkhart for the return of Elkhart ArtWalk in April. Festivities will be from 5 to 8 p.m. and be sure to mark your calendars this summer as Elkhart ArtWalk is a monthly event on the fourth Thursday of each month.

 

View from behind the band looking out at the crowd at the Elkhart Jazz Festival.

Elkhart Jazz Festival

June 19 - 22, 2025

It’s been Elkhart’s signature event since 1988. Over four days, join in a celebration of jazz and the city’s history as the Band Instrument Capital of the World. More than 100 performers will take the stage at a variety of downtown venues. The Elkhart Jazz Festival will be June 20 - 23, 2024, in downtown Elkhart. Ticket prices vary.

 

Middlebury Fest face painting

Middlebury Summer Festival

Third weekend in June, annually. Dates TBA

Middlebury Summer Festival - It’s the kind of small-town festival you remember as a kid, but with the vibrant town of Middlebury’s spin on it. Get your fix of cotton candy and munch on kettle corn as the parade passes by.

 

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Elkhart County 4-H Fair

Third full week in July, annually. Dates TBA

It’s nine glorious days of everything from Midway rides to a rodeo to carnival games. Sprinkle in amazing concerts, farm animals and 4-H exhibits and you have a perfect summer day.

The Elkhart County 4-H Fair brings together so many fantastic things that it can be a bit overwhelming. But you have nine days and our list of top things to do on the fairgrounds.

 

Elkhart Grand Prix

Elkhart Grand Prix

August 2 - 3, 2024

Return to the streets of Elkhart, IN for a weekend of fun that you will never forget! Kart racing, free concerts, corn hole tournament, kid events, fireworks, and SO MUCH MORE!
More information

 

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Taste of the Gardens

August 25, 2024

Enjoy a gorgeous summer day at Michiana’s most beautiful outdoor location while perusing fine art, listening to live music and enjoying a sampling of the area’s tastiest food and drinks. 

Wellfield comes alive with art, music, food and FUN at this popular festival, attracting guests from around the region. You’ll love what’s in store!
Delicious bites await you! More Information.

 

Middlebury

Middlebury Fall Festival

September 13 - 14, 2024

Don’t miss our 22nd Annual Middlebury Fall Festival! Join us as we kick off Fall 2024 in the heart of downtown Middlebury. Admission is free. More Information.

 

Nappanee Apple Festival

Nappanee Apple Festival

September 19 - 22, 2024

The festival is home to Indiana's largest 7-foot baked apple pie and comes out of the oven just in time to kick off the Nappanee Apple Festival! We were even chosen as #1 in the State of Indiana in the Top Ten Fall Festival Signature Food Items for our 7-foot apple pie in 2013 & 2016! Known for our family-friendly atmosphere, fun activities and a lot of shopping, you can be sure to have a good time no matter what your age. With the festival attracting an average of more than 80,000 people annually, it has become one of the largest festivals in the State of Indiana! So come join us for some games, shopping, entertainment, rides and delicious apple pie!

More information

 

Wellfield Botanical Garden Lights

Wellfield Holiday Lights

November - December, 2024

Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights. Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart is transformed into a wintry paradise of glowing garden spaces.

 

Shipshewana Lights of Joy

Shipshewana Lights of Joy

November - December, 2024

Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy, Tuesday – Sunday now through January 2 features more than 2 million LED Christmas lights displayed in a mile-long symphony of various light scenes

More Information