12 Indiana Festivals to mark on your calendar

*New* Entries have been added since the original post
I’ve always been a firm believer that spending money on experiences is more enjoyable than spending money on things. Festivals are a great way to get out and see the lovely folks in a community, see some cool things, and eat some good food. While not many festivals take place in the middle of winter, I figured I’d get your attention to some of these so you can mark them on your calendars before they get too filled up.

1. Buskerfest
Buskerfest was a festival that I knew nothing about going in, but ended up being pleasantly surprised. This festival in Fort Wayne is a celebration of street performers, and it contains all kinds of eclectic acts. When I was there, I encountered a sword swallower, fire dancers, a unicycle crew, street gymnastics, and musicians! What is nice about this festival is that there is no entry fee and every performance is free!
Date: June 29, 2019
Address: Corner of Wayne and Calhoun in Fort Wayne, IN
Times: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

2. Ribfest
If you like barbecue, this festival is heaven. There are multiple BBQ celebrations in Indiana over the course of a year, but Ribfest is a festival that continues to amaze me. As it is another Fort Wayne festival, it usually brings an above average turnout and some amazing BBQ crews. There is an entire walkway full of award-winning barbecue to consume, and don’t even get me started about the glorious smell. This is not strictly a food event, either, as live music under a bandshell helps provide entertainment. This event will burn a hole in your wallet quickly, however, so be prepared.

Last year’s information…
 JUNE 14TH - 17TH, 2018  |  FREE THURSDAY-SATURDAY UNTIL 5:30PM
$6 ADULTS (13 & OVER) | $5 SENIORS | $4 STUDENTS, MILITARY, FIRE, POLICE
SUNDAY ONLY $3 ALL DAY (Headwaters Park in Fort Wayne, IN)
 
3. 3 Rivers Festival
Yes, I know, another Fort Wayne festival. However, this is one of Fort Wayne’s biggest gatherings of the year, generating over half a million attendees each year. This one week festival contains over 80 events, from things like bed races or raft races to Junk Food Alley and Art in the Park.  It also brings in some pretty good musical acts as well, from talented cover bands to well-known Christian artists and 90’s-00’s bands.

Dates: July 12-20, 2019
Various Locations

4. Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival

This fair is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, which is a feat not a lot of fairs can claim nowadays. If you like the sugary goodness of authentic maple syrup, this festival is worth checking out! They will have all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage, a parade, carnival, kettlecorn, animal acts, a 5K, plenty of vendors, and contests!

Dates: April 26-28, 2019 11am-6pm

5. Indiana State Fair
The state fair is possibly the biggest “festival” Indiana has, and sadly I’ve never actually been to it. This is largely due to the fact that the fair happens in August when I’m just getting back to school. I really want to drive down and check it out one of these years. At this fair you have a whole bunch of carnival rides, fair food, and animal showings. The live music is another big draw. Even though I can’t tell you much more about the fair, I do know that a fair lasting 17 days has got to be worth checking out!

Dates: August 2-18
Cost: Currently $8 online + a convenience fee, but will be $12 closer to the fair

6. Heritage Days
Heritage is a festival held in Huntington, Indiana, every summer. There are a lot of events going on during Heritage Days, from car shows to a hot air balloon festival. There are also several special breakfasts and food events going on as well. Typically, a few blocks of downtown Huntington are blocked off for carnival rides. There will be a parade, too, which will highlight the theme that will be shown through each day’s activities. This year’s theme is 50’s. Heritage Days doesn’t contain an attraction that truly impresses me, but it is a good, old fashioned festival that I’ve had the opportunity to go to and enjoy over the years.

Dates: June 19-23
Cost: varies by event

7. Johnny Appleseed Festival
This festival is one that I was able to experience 2 years ago because I had heard a lot of people talking about how entertaining it is. I must, say, I was not disappointed. I’d be lying to you if I said that I cared a lot about the history of such fairs and festivals; I am all about the food that is available there. I couldn’t help but appreciate the set-up of Johnny Appleseed, however. An entire green space is taken over and set up to be like an 1800’s pioneer village, and this place was PACKED when I was there. That would probably be the one negative I’d have to say about my experience. It’s right next to the Coliseum in Fort Wayne, and parking there isn’t free. However, you can park at IPFW or Concordia High School and have a free shuttle come and take you to the festival.  The festival has many sections: food, crafts, antiques, reenactments, and entertainment stages. There are typically over 200 booths there, and all vendors must sell/make food that was available in the 1800’s. People flock to the root beer stand, where you can have bottles refilled from previous years for a reduced price.

Dates:  September 21st & 22nd Sat: 10am - 6pm    Sun: 10am - 5pm
Cost: Free entry

8. James Dean/Ducktail Run
Now we come to another event that I have missed out on over my 5.5 years of living in Marion: James Dean/Ducktail Run. While these two are technically different events, they coincide on the same days and are very close to each other. Ducktail Run is a car show event featuring over 2,500 cars from 1972 and older. This event holds a flamethrower competition with the cars, which sounds awesome. Apart from the cars, there is also live music and a huge craft swap. This event runs September 26-29 in Gas City Park in Gas City, IN. James Dean Festival is a flashback to the 50’s, with a 50’s/custom car show, 50’s dance contest, James Dean look-alike contest, showings of Dean’s films, live music, a pet parade, and a 5K run. This event runs September 27-29 at Playacres Park in Fairmount, IN.

9. Greekfest
All things Greek take place during this event, which include food, music, dancing, and raffles! This is another Fort Wayne event at Headwaters Park, which plays host to many of Fort Wayne’s best festivals. I have not personally been to this event, but it sounds like a blast. There is also a marketplace and an area for amusement rides.

Dates: June 27-30. Admission is free between 11am-4pm each day, with a $5 charge from 4pm-10pm. It is free admission all day on Sunday.

10. Blueberry Fest
This festival, which takes place in Plymouth, IN, is one I remember as a child as being a highlight of the summer. My wife and I drove by on our way home from a weekend getaway 2 years ago, and it seems to still be going strong. While it does not take place during blueberry season, the name comes from the fact that the county used to produce 1/3 of Indiana’s blueberries. There is no shortage of blueberry foods at this festival, though. There are so many events during the days of the festival, some of which are races, a bike show, a car show, a horseshoe tournament, a dog show, a parade, live music, a craft show, a swimming competition, sports competitions galore, a balloon launch/glow, a fireworks show, a carnival, a pageant, a craft market, a tractor pull, and horse shows. If you’re reading this and are impressed by that list, know that there are even more events that I did not mention! No wonder 500,000 people come and check this event out each year! Parking is $8 at the high school, which includes a tram ride, but there are also plenty of other places to park (fees vary or are free). This event takes place in Centennial Park.

Dates: August 30-September 2, 2019


11. Indiana Bacon Festival (Delphi)

That’s right, Hoosiers. Indiana has a bacon festival. This festival doesn’t just offer different types of bacon to sample, it offers all kinds of other foods that bacon compliments, like bacon wrapped items and chocolate covered bacon. There is also quite of bit of craft beer as well. Other events besides sampling food include live music, a hog calling contest, a bacon eating contest, boat rides, and a singing competition.

Dates: August 24, 2019 3-11pm

12. Versailles Pumpkin Show

This show/festival is one of the oldest in the state and dates back over 100 years! That alone makes it noteworthy, but it also has a giant pumpkin weighing contest that is quite a spectacle. Apart from that, it has a lot of other common festival events like live music, a carnival, eating contests, face painting, and a talent show.

Dates: September 27-29, 2019

10 donut places in Indiana that you need to visit

One of the sweet, sugary substances I can't get enough of are donuts. I've always had a love for them, but over the years my delight in donuts has swelled. I've also become a much pickier eater when it comes to donuts. No longer am I content with Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme, or anything you can get at a local grocery/convenience store. That's not to say I won't eat a donut from one of those places if it is presented to me; I don't enjoy them as much. As a result, I've ventured out to quite a few local donut establishments in my 5.5 years of living in Indiana. If you love donuts, I encourage you to take a trip and give each of these places a try.

1. Long's Bakery in Indianapolis
Long's is the first place on my list because it probably is the most well-known. It has been around for awhile, and it has made it to quite a few "Best donuts in the Mid-West/Indiana" lists. Yes, those lists are a thing, and yes, I've spent too much time looking at them. Long's is just down the road from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and is a CASH ONLY establishment. It's crazy to think that a bakery would have lines at all hours of the day, but Long's does. I've been several times and have stood in those lines. This place has a lot of baked goods to offer besides donuts, but most people are there for the donuts. In my visits, I sampled mostly cake donuts, all of which have been delightful. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd go with the Applesauce Donut, but I'm a sucker for anything apple.

2. Rise'n Roll Bakery (3 Locations)
Rise'n Roll was a revelation when I first discovered it in Fort Wayne. The Fort Wayne store is not their main store, but it is the only one I've been to and the closest one to me. The store has Amish food, specializing in jams/jellies, other canned goods, meat, and cheese, and bakery items. They also can do meals there as well, with simple breakfast items and lunch sandwiches. The main draw for me is their Cinnamon Caramel Donut, affectionately known as the Amish Crack donut. These beauties are covered in a caramel glaze, but then are covered in powdered sugar after that, so when you take a bite it just melts in your mouth. These donuts are truly a dream, and it's no wonder they were voted to be the official donut for National Donut Day in 2018. If you go on that day (June 5th), and they do what they did last year, you'll get one FOR FREE.


3. Deluxe Donuts in Anderson
Deluxe Donuts has, in my humble opinion, some of the best cake donuts I've ever had. This place has been serving delicious donuts for quite some time based on the decor of the place, and they are open 24 hours! This huge, seeing as how many local donuts stores will close in the early afternoon or when they sell out. Not here! I've enjoyed every kind of donut I've had from this place, and have especially enjoyed seasonal flavors like peach and pumpkin. My favorite from here would have to be the Dutch Crunch Donut. It's hard to describe, so you'll have to go try one for yourself.


4. Jack's Donuts (Multiple Locations)
More and more of these places have popped up around Northern Indianapolis over the last couple years, which has been great to see. This local chain serves up anything from a classic chocolate glazed to maple bacon donuts or donuts with cereal on them. I wouldn't say these are as good as some of the others on this list, but I haven't had a bad donut from there yet. I appreciate Jack's because they stay open later than most local places and have good seating areas to hang out and visit.


5. Mary Lou Donuts in Lafayette
It was by chance that I happened upon this gem while out disc golfing in Lafayette. I immediately fell in love with both the donuts here and how much I had to pay for them. These are fairly cheap donuts, but be warned this is a CASH ONLY store. This place tends to garner lines as well, though the couple times I have been in the afternoon I have not encountered a line. My favorite from here is the Apple Fritter, which is large and packed with cinnamon and apples. The blueberry cake donut was a close second.


6. Titus Bakery (2 locations)
I was lucky enough to be able to try Titus Bakery this winter, and I was not disappointed. This is another place that sells a wide variety of baked goods, so it's definitely worth a visit even if you're not a donut person (but let's be real...if you're already this far into this blog you ARE a donut person). They have quite a few types of donuts here too, so I'm eager to go back and try more. Their most popular donut is the Pershing, a donut with maple icing and cinnamon on the inside. I can attest, that is a GOOD donut.


7. Poppy's Xtreme Donuts in Marion
The donut store took off a couple years ago in my town after Marion's other donut store closed. It has been expanding its business ever since and now has a second location along with many other venues that sell their donuts. The draw here is their yeast donuts, especially their filled donuts. Even though I'm more of a cake donut guy, I enjoy their Peanut Butter Fluff filled donut and their Blueberry filled donut. They do have a small selection of cake donuts here, but they aren't as special as their yeast donuts.


8. Quack Daddy Donuts in Pendleton
This store is located right in the small downtown of Pendleton, and was quite busy when I stopped in. The reviews for the place are glowing, and it seems like many people are delighted in a donut store that lets you customize your own donut. They pump out fresh (mini) cake donuts quite often during the day, and you are able to pick toppings and frostings for your donuts. Toppings range from peanut butter drizzle to cereal to bacon, which reminds me a lot of toppings at Jack's donuts.  This store is a lot like the chain Peace, Love, and Little Donuts in Ohio, which is high praise. One thing that sets this place apart from Jack's and PLLD is that they will serve you milk in a frosted mug, which many people seem to enjoy.


9. Tom's Donuts in Fort Wayne
I usually end up at Rise'n Roll when I'm looking for a donut in Fort Wayne, but Tom's made a Buzzfeed list for best donuts in Indiana, so I've ventured there twice and left satisfied both times. It's a pretty nondescript building, but the donuts are amazing and cheap. I bought 3 donuts there for less than $2, so that's saying something. Once I came in and there were a lot of regulars in there drinking coffee and socializing, and I couldn't help but smile. My favorite donut from here was the Apple Spice donut.


10. Dan's Variety Bakery in Kokomo
To close out my list, I go with another place whose donuts I have yet to taste. Here's the deal: I've gone twice and they've been sold out both times. Normally that would be upsetting, but both times I've come an hour or so before their closing hour (noon). Dan's, more affectionately known as Dirty Dan's, is unique is that they open at 1am. Who would want donuts that late? It turns out that a lot of people do. Reviews on Tripadvisor and Yelp declare that there are frequently lines out the door when they open, and many friends of mine who went to nearby colleges said they loved going on donut runs to Dan's at 1am. I'm conflicted on whether I want to have a late night and get fresh donuts, or if I should wake up early and get them around 8am.


 (Note: I did not include any orchards for their apple cider donuts, though if you like the sound of that, check out Tuttle Orchard, Apple of His Eye Orchard, and Deer Creek Orchard)

Honorable Mention: Heyerly's in Ossian: I was reminded about this one after posting this, but I don't think it beats out any of the 10 I listed. The place smells great and has a variety of baked goods (even homemade pasta!), and had a pretty good applesauce donut. I also remember buying cookies and enjoying those as well.

If you like donuts, you may notice there are some notable ones missing. I either haven't been there yet, haven't heard about it yet, or it may be just okay. Here are some examples of that last reason...
-Square Donuts (multiple locations): fun concept, but donuts are just okay
-Concannon's (Muncie): the store impressed me, the cake donuts notsomuch (they are better known for yeast donuts)
-Taylor's (Indianapolis): good, not great
-GADCO (Indianapolis): expensive craft donuts, and though the ones I had were good, the were out of the one I really wanted (french toast donut)
-Wabash Donut Shoppe(Wabash)- good apple fritters, but they either closed or moved away
-Rocket 88 Donuts (Indianapolis)- closed, and they were expensive (though pretty decent)