Summer’s End, Fall’s Beginning: Festivals You’ll Love

Plan your getaway to LaPorte County and experience a season filled with unforgettable moments! From lively end-of-summer and fall festivals to a festive parade, scenic wagon rides, and spooky train adventures, there’s fun for all ages. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or exploring your own backyard, you won’t want to miss the excitement happening across the county.

Fox Park Music Fest – 8/23 – fox Park, laporte

Get ready for a full day of live music at the 16th Annual Fox Park Music Fest, presented by the Guardian Riders. Taking place Saturday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park, the festival features a lineup of great bands, food, and fun for all ages.

mill pond festival – 8/23-8/24 – mill pond Rd, union mills

Celebrate 39 years of small-town tradition at the Mill Pond Festival! Enjoy live music, classic cars, bingo, local eats, cold drinks, and plenty of hometown fun all weekend long.

michigan city oktoberfest – 8/29-9/1 – Washington Park

Oktoberfest returns to Michigan City this Labor Day weekend with 50+ live performances across three stages, multiple bars, delicious food, unique vendors, and a fun-filled Kids Zone. Free admission and fun for the whole family!

door village harvest festival – 9/6-9/7 – scipio township park, laporte

History comes to life at the family-friendly Door Village Harvest Festival! Enjoy a car and tractor show, live entertainment, petting zoo, historical wagon tours, pioneer village, local crafters, and more.

Apple Fest Arts and Crafts Show – 9/6-9/7 – Garwood Orchard, LaPorte

Celebrate fall at Garwood Orchard’s 2-day Apple Fest! Enjoy unique vendors, tasty treats from the orchard market, and classic u-pick fun for the whole family.

26th Annual LaPorte Sunflower Fair – 9/20 -Downtown on Michigan Ave, LaPorte

Spend the day at the Sunflower Fair with 100+ vendors, live music, rides, kids’ activities, a sizzling rib cook-off, sunflower contest, and so much more!

Wanatah Scarecrow Festival – 9/26-9/28 – Main Street, Wanatah

Soak up small-town charm at the 3-day Wanatah Scarecrow Festival! Browse arts & crafts, enjoy the parade, marvel at creative scarecrow displays, tap your toes to live music, and dig into festive eats and family fun.

Pioneer Days – 9/27-9/28 – Creek Ridge County Park, Michigan City

Step back in time at Pioneer Days! Meet costumed re-enactors, explore traditional crafts, try candle dipping, enjoy outdoor cooking, take a wagon ride, and soak in the sights and sounds of days gone by.

Westville Pumpkin Festival – 10/4 – Prairie Meadow Park, Westville

Join the fall festivities at the Westville Pumpkin Festival! Enjoy a lively parade, dazzling fireworks, classic car show, 5K run/walk, and all things pumpkin—from contests to plenty of pie.

Hesston Ghost Train – October Weekends – Hesston Steam Museum, LaPorte

Take a spooky, family-friendly ride through the haunted woods at the Hesston Steam Museum. Enjoy gentle thrills and ghostly sights as the historic train winds through shadowy trees and eerie scenes—perfect for kids and grown-ups looking for a little Halloween fun.

Boo at the Zoo – 10/18 – Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City

Boo at the Zoo – Dress up in your favorite costume and trick-or-treat your way through the Washington Park Zoo, magically transformed into a spooky (but not-too-scary) wonderland! Enjoy festive decorations, treat stations, and plenty of wild sights as you explore the zoo in a whole new way.

LaPorte Santa Parade – 11/29 – Downtown LaPorte

Santa Claus is coming to town! Enjoy the festive Santa Parade, followed by the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Plaza 618. With holiday floats, photos with Santa, food trucks, hot cocoa, and festive music, it’s a magical way to kick off the season!

festival of lights – 12/6-1/3, 2026 – Washington Park, Michigan city

The spectacular Annual Festival of Lights has been delighting visitors for years. Thousands of twinkling bulbs and festive displays illuminate Washington Park, guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. The event begins with a parade, tree lighting ceremony, chili cook-off, visits with Santa, and more!