Event Calendar

WHAT’S UP

 

Tuesdays + Wednesdays through October
Shipshewana Flea Market

State Road 5 South, Shipshewana – Shop ‘til you drop at Midwest’s largest outdoor flea market. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 260.768.4129

 

Thursdays through September

Classic Car Cruise

Das Dutchman Essenhaus, 240 U.S. Highway 20, Middlebury – Cruise in or just check out the classic cars. Parking lot by restaurant and Village Shops. 5:30-8 p.m. Free.

 

Thursdays through September 25

Annual Car Cruise

Historic downtown square, Crown Point – Free event showcases classic cars. Oldies music, shopping, dining options. 5-8:30 p.m.; possible location change July 31-Aug. 14. 219.662.3290; crownpoint.in.gov

 

Fridays by the Fountain 2008

Outdoor summer concert series

at Jon R. Hunt Plaza in front of historic Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend – Live entertainment includes oldies, rock, blues, country, Irish and New Orleans Fusion. Buy lunch from a downtown vendor or BYO. July 11, 25; August 8, 22. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free. 574.235.9198

 

Friday, Saturday nights through September 13

Movie in the Park Series

Crown Point – Bring the family, a blanket/chairs and enjoy new and old movies under the stars. Free movie; refreshments available. July 11 at Sauerman Woods Park off Indiana Avenue by Hub Pool. Saturdays July 26; Aug. 9, 23; Sept. 13 at Kaiser Park off S. Main Street. July 26 picnic $2 per person. 219.661.2271; crownpoint.in.gov

 

First Friday each month

First Fridays

Downtown Goshen – Enjoy a free evening of music and dance by local artists. 5-9 p.m. artseverywhere.com

 

Fourth Friday through December 26

4th Friday Arts

Historic downtown Crown Point – Weekly art walks in historic district begin at South Shore Arts, 138 S. Main St. Gallery reception, light refreshments; walking guide maps provided. Participating businesses display 4th Friday Arts logo. Outdoor entertainment during warmer months. 6-10 p.m. spring to early fall; 6-9 p.m. winter. Rain or shine. 219.662.3290; 4thfridayarts.com

 

Saturdays July 12 through September 27

Barr Street Farmers Market
302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne – Locally grown produce and flowers, crafts in family-oriented environment. Entertainment. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission. 260.426.2882, Ext. 311

 

Third Sunday each month

Music in the Garden

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne – Local performers present acoustic music during informal concerts held throughout the year. 1-3 p.m. Preregistration not required. Adults $4; children (ages 3-17) $2;  ages 2 and under free. 260.427.6440; botanicalconservatory.org

 

Sundays, Tuesdays throughout summer

Lake City Skiers Water Ski Show

Hidden Lake, State Road 15 and U.S. Highway 30, Warsaw – Enjoy a themed show featuring a competitive water ski team. Dance routines, comedy acts, ballet line, jumping, swivel skiing, pyramids and high-speed bare footing. July 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29; August 3, 5. 6:30 p.m. show. Free. 574.267.3718; lakecityskiers.org

 

UP AND RUNNING

 

Through July 13

The Music Man

Amish Acres Round Barn Theatre, 1600 W. Market St., Nappanee – Meredith Wilson’s much-loved musical about life in Gary, Indiana and the power of believing in others –– and finding love where we least expect it. Season/single tickets, various packages available. 800.800.4942; 574.773.4188; amishacres.com

 

Through November 1

Plain and Fancy

Amish Acres, The Round Barn Theatre, 1600 W. Market St., Nappanee – Enjoy 1955’s first Broadway musical –– a tale of a New York couple that experiences a glimpse of life and love on an Amish farm –– at its national home in Amish country. 8 p.m. Tuesday; 2 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday. Adults $27.50; ages 4-17 $6. 800.800.4942, ext. 2

 

COMING UP

 

ART

 

July 12-13

Chalk Walk 2008

Calhoun and Main streets, downtown Fort Wayne – Ninth annual event showcases works of artists and wannabes of all skill levels as they brighten pavement surrounding Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Cash prizes; People’s Choice Award. Free; registration required. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 260.422.6467, ext. 337; fwmoa.org

 

July 31-August 3

46th annual Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival

Amish Acres Historic Farm, Nappanee – Nearly 400 artists, food and entertainment surround Amish Acres pond for this annual event, ranked as seventh Best Classic and Contemporary Craft Show in the Country for 2008. Hours vary; admission charged. 574.773.4188 Ext. 215; 800.800.4942; amishacres.com

 

CONCERTS/MUSIC/DANCE/FILM

 

July 5

MusicFest IX

Downtown FremontDay-long event features variety of musical entertainment, parade, crafts and food vendors. Fun for all! Call 260.495.9010; fremontchamber.org

 

July 12-13

NWI International Music Festival

Sunset Hill County Park, Valparaiso – Celebrate Northwest Indiana’s diversity with topnotch entertainment from around the world; food, beer gardens. Admission charged. 219.465.5209; porterco.org

 

July 12

MasterWorks Orchestra performs at Rodeheaver Auditorium

Grace College, Winona Lake as part of annual MasterWorks Festival. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Program TBA.

 

July 17-19

MasterWorks Festival Theatre Performance

Rodeheaver Auditorium, Grace College, Winona Lake – John Kirby directs Moliere’s Tartuffe, an event you won’t want to miss. 8 p.m. Thursday; 2 and 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday. Free. 888.836.2723

 

July 25-26

Country Concert

Hog Hill, Hamilton – Popular annual event features Amarillo and Cactus on Saturday night. Gates open noon Friday. $10/day. RV parking, primitive camping welcome. Myers Hog Hill located at State Road 427 and State Road 1. 260.488.4545; 260.668.1806; myershoghill.com

 

July 26

South Bend Firefighters Blues Fest

Crumstown Conservation Club, Crumstown Highway next to the tavern, Crumstown – Annual venue features national and regional performers: Little Ed & the Blues Imperials, Dick James & the Chicago Playboys, Howard & the White Boys and Elwood Splinters Blues Band. Food, beverages available. Noon to midnight. $20 at gate. 574.233.9045

 

August 1

Spike & the Bulldogs Sock Hop

Honeywell Center, 275 W. Market St., Wabash –   Dance to music by LAKES Country’s favorite oldies band. 8:30-11:30 p.m. $5 general admission; $120 reserved table for 8. 260.563.1102; honeywellcenter.org/eventscalendar.html

 

August 6

Great American Salon Series: The Sounds of Sinatra

South Bend Regional Museum of Art, Century Center, 120 S. St. Joseph St., South Bend – Nafe Alick is featured performer in this tribute to one of the 20th century’s most iconic entertainers. Ages 21 and over. Doors open 6:30 p.m. $30. Ticket includes performance, hors d’oeuvres and wine. Advance purchase at SBRMA office; walkup seating not guaranteed. 574.235.9102.

 

August 15-17

25th annual Osceola Bluegrass Festival

Fern Hunsberger Park, one block north of Lincoln Way East/933 between LaPorte and Erie streets, Osceola – Food, crafts and bingo, pancake breakfast, bluegrass music. Hours vary; free admission. 574.674.8878; ocba.us

 

August 16

Rooftop Rendezvous

Wayne Street Parking Garage, St. Joseph and Wayne Streets, South Bend – Enjoy a summer evening up on the roof. Music by Vyagra Falls, food and cash bar make this one of the city’s biggest summer parties. 6-11 p.m. rain or shine. Admission $7; free garage parking. Proceeds benefit AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist of North Indiana. 574.234.2870

 

August 16

Chubby Checker in concert at the Honeywell Center

275 W. Market St., Wabash – Join the renowned ‘60’s Twister and special guest Blackbyrd in Oldies 106 presentation. 7:30 p.m. $100-$27. honeywellcenter.org; 260.563.1102

 

August 29

Meet Me on the Island

Century Center, Island Park, 120 South St. Joseph Street, South Bend – Kick back by the riverside and enjoy a cold drink and hot music during summertime in Michiana. 5-9:30 p.m. Adults/SBRMA members $5; 12 years and under free. 574.235.9102;

sbrma.org

 

CHARITABLE EVENTS/SALES

 

July 26

Rockin’ For Riley

Angola Elks Lodge, N. Wayne St., Angola – Fundraiser for Indianapolis’ Riley’s Children’s Hospital. Opening act Mike Conley, band Fawn Lebowitz, silent auction. 7 p.m. to midnight. 260.833.2031

 

August 1-2

13th Annual LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity Benefit Auction Shipshewana Auction Barn, Shipshewana – Haystack meals, homemade baked goods, handmade quilts, handcrafted furniture. Entertainment by Wasepi Bluegrass Gospel Singers. And, of course, an auction. 4-8 p.m. Friday; 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat. 260.463.8519; lagrangehabitat.org

 

August 22-23

Recycle

your goodies

and donate them to the annual summer Lakes James Association garage sale. Drop off 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 21 at  Lake James Christian Assembly Chapel. Request a receipt for tax purposes. Event hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Remaining items benefit families through South African Christian Mission. 260.833.4922

 

FESTIVALS/FAIRS

 

July 7-12

Kosciusko County Community Fair

Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw – Parade 4 p.m. Sunday kicks off event. Midway opens 6 p.m. opening day; 1 p.m. thereafter. Kiddies Day 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 8. Music, games, entertainment, truck pull, scholarship pageant, food vendors and more. Daily/weekly admission passes. 574.269.1823; kcfair.org

 

July 11-12

American Countryside Midsummer Festival American Countryside Farmers Market, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart – Live music, artisans, petting zoo, wagon rides and kids’ activities. Hundreds of vendors, fresh produce/flowers and crafts. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 574.296.7827; AmericanCountryside.us

 

July 11-12

Musicfest, Fremont Fourteenth annual event sponsored by Fremont Chamber of Commerce. Food and craft vendors, sidewalk sales, Friday night music by Spike and the Bulldogs. Parade 11 a.m. Saturday. 260.495.9010.

 

July 11-12

Butler

Heartland Festival Downtown Butler – Event showcases 10 a.m. Saturday parade; concludes with Saturday evening fireworks. Friday night auto/‘cycle drive-in; Saturday Kids’ Day in the Park; corporate water ball contest; town-wide garage sale; food/craft vendors. Live entertainment 7 p.m. daily ($5). 8 a.m. to dusk. Free admission. 260.868.5666.

 

July 11-24

Huntington

County 4-H Fair

Hiers Park, S. Bryant St., Huntington – 4-H livestock/garden exhibits plus special events, including 10 a.m. worship service July 20, with rain dance that evening. Pie-baking contest, 4-H archery demonstration and pet/hobby parade. Spike & the Bulldogs onstage 7-9:30 p.m. July 23. 260.358.4826

 

July 12-17

Wells County

4-H Fair

County Fairgrounds, 1240 South 4-H Road, Bluffton – Livestock judgings, horse shows, freeway with food vendors, entertainment  by Spike & the Bulldogs and Miss Wells County contest. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; free admission. 260.824.6412

 

July 12-19

LaGrange County 4-H Fair

Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1030E 075N, Warsaw –  Fun things to do and see at 55th annual event. Star Family Circus and Thrill Show; petting zoo, pony rides, classic car show; kids’ crafts, bull riding contest. Fireworks display 10 p.m. July 12; parade 4 p.m. July 13. $5/vehicle; $15 weekly pass. 260.463.6267; lagrangecounty4hfair.com for complete schedule.

 

July 12-20

Fort Wayne Newspapers’ Three Rivers Festival

Headwaters Park and other locations, Fort Wayne – Fortieth annual event features activities for all ages –– most are free. Arts fair, concessions, marketplace and Saturday morning kickoff parade. Featured entertainers Candlebox and Dark Star Orchestra. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. 260.426.5556; trfonline.org

 

July 17-27

Best Ten Days of Summer

Porter County Fair, 215 E. Division Rd., Valparaiso – Fun! Excitement! Annual county fair features demo derby, king and queen, games, food, entertainment and more. Adults 16-plus $7; ages 10-15 $3; under 10 free. Ten-day pass $40. Details at

portercountyfair.org

 

July 18-20

Cromwell Days

Downtown Cromwell – Annual event kicks off 4 p.m. Friday with car show, old-timers softball game, talent show. Weekend activities include pancake/sausage breakfast 6:30-9 a.m. Saturday at Cromwell Community Center; parade 1 p.m.; evening entertainment by Shiloh. Brunch 10 a.m. to noon Sunday. Free admission; hours vary.

 

July 18-20

25th annual Culver Lake Festival

Culver – Enjoy an annual family-focused tradition on Lake Maxinkuckee’s beach front. Parade, kid’s fest, car show, food, handmade crafts, entertainment, fun run. 574.952.7677; culverlakefest.com

 

July 18-24

Elkhart County 4-H Fair

4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Road 34, Goshen – One of largest county fairs in the nation. 4-H exhibits, demonstrations, rodeo, tractor pull, harness racing, entertainment, giant midway and lottsa food. 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission charged. 574.533.FAIR (3247); 4hfair.org

 

July 18-24

Whitley County 4-H Fair

County Fairgrounds, 680 Squawbuck Rd., Columbia City – 4-H exhibits/competition, demolition derbies, combine pull, local entertainment food vendors and more. Hours vary; free admission and parking. 260.244.7615

 

July 18-25

Steuben County 4-H Fair

Steuben County Fairgrounds at Crooked Lake, Angola – Daily livestock judging, auction, horse pulls, volleyball tournament. Rodeo July 18-19; craft show July 18-20. 260.668.1000, ext. 1400;  ces.purdue.edu/steuben/fair/fair.html

 

July 22-27

Allen County 4-H Fair

County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne – Fun, food, entertainment, carnival rides, teen dance, fireworks plus 4-H exhibits. Hours vary; admission charged. 260.449.3675

 

July 24-26

Swiss Days Festival

Berne – Discover Switzerland (without the Alps) in Indiana at 37th annual event. Polka dancing, children’s activities, factory tours, quilt show, entertainment and first ever yo-yo contest. Swiss Days Furniture Frenzy offers $1,000 grand prize. Hours vary; free admission. 260.589.8080; berneswissdays.com

 

July 25-27

New Carlisle Hometown Days