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!

Pierogi Fest: Where Quirky Meets Delicious

The Pierogi Fest - Celebrating the Stuffed

 

 

 

July 25-27, 2025

Pierogi Fest is Whiting’s quirky end‑of‑July street festival celebrating Polish dumplings, draws over 300,000 attendees. Held on 119th Street, it features pierogis, kielbasa, polka parades, pierogi tosses, eating contests, carnival rides, live music across stages, and funny costumed characters—creating a wildly fun cultural tradition

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  • 37 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
  • 51 Minutes to Michigan City
  • 97 Minutes to Elkhart County

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