Michigan City announces special events for 2026

Michigan City Special Events and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch are excited to announce the 2026 Michigan City Special Events schedule, highlighted by the return of 5^th Annual Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival and Oktoberfest.

“Our special events are a cornerstone of what makes Michigan City such a vibrant and welcoming community,” said Mayor Angie. “From long-standing traditions to signature festivals that draw visitors from across the region, these events bring people together, support our local businesses, and showcase the very best of our lakefront city. We’re excited to invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy another incredible year in Michigan City.”

Ten major events will shape the Michigan City Special Events schedule this year, beginning with the annual Michigan City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14, and the Easter Egg Hunt in Washington Park on Saturday, April 4.

Harbor Country Adventures will team up with the special events team for the MC Food & Music Festival on Memorial Day weekend, May 23^rd and 24^th. This two-day festival will include food trucks, craft vendors, as well as live music all day and all evening.

Michigan City Special Events, in coordination with the Parks & Recreation Department and local businesses, will host the annual Juneteenth celebration in Washington Park on Friday, June 19. This one-day celebration will include live entertainment as well as local art, craft and merchandise vendors, along with a large variety of food vendors.

Michigan City celebrates America’s 250^th birthday with the annual Patriotic Parade on Saturday, June 27, and the Fireworks Spectacular in Washington Park on Saturday, July 4. In addition to the parade on June 27^th, MC native and NFL superstar Braden Fiske will host the 2^nd Annual Braden Fiske Family Fun Day at Ames Field.

July 17-19 features the 5^th annual Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival, presented by Arnett Construction. This 3-day festival brings the world’s most talented and well-known sand sculptors to Washington Park to create the most amazing works of art in the challenging singing sands of Lake Michigan. Live music, incredible food vendors, an artisan market, the Kids Zone, and the world-famous Quick Sand speed sculpting competition offers fun for the entire family.

Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, will see the return of Oktoberfest, presented by Arnett Construction, to Washington Park. Last year’s event featured more than 50 entertainment acts, 75 artisan vendors, and a huge variety of food vendors. 

“Having Oktoberfest back for the 5^th straight year is just incredible,” said Special Events Director Terry Greetham. “The community wanted it back, and seeing how it has grown over the years, I believe it will be here for many years to come.”

The final event on the City’s special event schedule will be the Festival of Lights Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 5. The Festival of Lights Parade will welcome Santa Claus, followed by the KindlMarket and annual Chili Challenge.

In addition to City-sponsored special events, the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau will present the Great Lakes Grand Prix July 29^th through August 2^nd in Washington Park.

For more information, visit Michigan City Special Events on Facebook.