There are plenty of events in Indiana and Indiana festivals that you can plan your vacations around. If you've already booked one of the Indiana vacation packages that are available, you probably will find Indiana activities to participate in while you are there.

Probably the most famous of all Indiana events are those that celebrate the Indy 500. The prestigious 500-mile race is held in May at the famous Indianapolis Speedway, and throughout the month, there is a series of Indiana festivals and concerts, events, and other Indiana activities held throughout the state. They include a mini-marathon with more than 35,000 runners and a black tie Snakepit Ball held on the eve of the great race. Most of the Indiana activities in honor of the race are held in and around the city, but there are festivals in Indiana associated with the race throughout the state. Among all the events in Indiana and other things to do in the state, the Indy 500 probably ranks as number one.

One of the festivals in Indiana that has been going strong since 1967 is the three-day Bean Blossom Blues and Bluegrass Festival. This is held every June in Bean Blossom near the town of Nashville, a lovely little arts and crafts village that is one of the attractions in the state and a popular site for weddings. Events in Indiana also include the Evansville Freedom Festival held in June that features an air and parachute show and hydroplane racing on the Ohio River.

Indiana Map

All states have a celebrated and popular state fair, and this is one of the Indiana events that draws visitors each year for a week during August. It's held at the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, and includes a U.S. Gymnastics competition, concerts, and an antiques exposition, in addition to the agriculturally-themed events one normally associates with a state fair. This is one of the most popular Indiana events for both visitors and residents. One of the Indiana festivals that celebrates an unusual heritage of the state is the Swiss Wine Festival. This celebrates the first commercial wine produced in the United States and began with the small group of Swiss immigrants who settled in Vevay near Cincinatti in Ohio.

One of the largest food and crafts festivals in Indiana is held all through Brown County and is actually best experienced on a driving tour, so you might want to look into car rentals to participate. It occurs during the month of October, a beautiful time of year showcasing vibrant fall foliage in all northern states. You can drive through scores of towns and visit as many as 20 studios representing nearly 40 artisans, staying at cheap hotels or luxury hotels as your taste and budget dictate. Along the way, you can participate in Indiana activities like an arts festival in Valparaiso, the Ethnic Expo in Columbus with international markets and ethnic food from around the world, and an antiques carnival and flea market in Terre Haute.

If golfing is your game, then you might consider a trip to the Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. This course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., famous son of the legendary golf course architect who designed the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama. Events in Indiana include golf tournaments and many IGA championships are held on this course.