Cool North, Hot Festivals: From Sand to Songs
Posted on May 26, 2025 by Dina Miller
Summer in Indiana’s Cool North bursts with unforgettable activities for all ages. Dive into fun at sand-filled festivals like Michigan City’s Singing Sands or the Indiana Dunes sand sculpture contest. Savor local flavors at tasty celebrations like Pierogi Fest and the Festival of the Lakes. County fairs and 4-H exhibitions bring classic charm, while music takes center stage at festivals from Elkhart to Munster. It’s a season packed with sunshine, community, and creativity.
Map of Top Summer Events
- Elkhart County 4-H Fair, Goshen
- Middlebury Summer Fest
- Ekhart Jazz Festival
- Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail
- LaPorte 4th of July Parade
- LaPorte Lakefest
- Singing Sands Sculpting Sand Festival, Washington Park Beach, Michigan City
- XInsurance Great Lakes Grand Prix
- Indiana Dunes State Park Sand Sculpting Contest
- Festival of Magic (Aftermath, Chesterton and Running Vines, Valparaiso)
- Houses of the Holy (Memorial Opera House)
- Porter County Fair, Valparaiso
- Gary Air Show, Marquette Park
- Cedar Lake Summerfest
- Decades Music Festival, Munster
- Pierogi Fest, Whiting
