A Taste of Indiana’s Cool North at Flavorful Festivals

Indiana’s Cool North serves up flavor all summer long at its mouthwatering food festivals. County fairs in Elkhart, Porter and LaPorte counties deliver deep-fried favorites and local treats. Savor the smoky links at Whiting’s Kielbasa Fest or sweet apple delights in Nappanee. The Kouts Pork Fest celebrates all things pork with small-town charm. And Farmed and Forged in LaPorte County blends farm-fresh ingredients with culinary creativity. From heritage eats to chef-crafted fare, food lovers will be full and happy with these 16 festivals to explore!

Kielbasa Fest: A Sizzling Summer Tradition in East Chicago

 

 

 

August 16, 2025

Kielbasa Fest is a vibrant, free annual celebration held every mid-August in East Chicago’s Kosciuszko Park. This lively festival honors Polish heritage with authentic kielbasa, traditional Polish foods, and a festive beer garden. Attendees enjoy live polka music, cultural entertainment, traditional dance performances, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. It’s a joyous community event where culture, food, and fun come together to create lasting memories.

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  • 34 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
  • 49 Minutes to Michigan City
  • 94 Minutes to Elkhart County

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