Summer is here and that means in addition to all the fun things to do that come with the season, it's also time for summer festivals and special events! We've got a ton of fun things on the schedule for this summer as major festivals return to the schedule after last year's pandemic-induced hiatus. From antique machines to fun runs to street fairs to live music, here's your handy list of upcoming summer festivals taking place in Morgan County this June, July and August. Get them on your calendar and plan to make it a weekend!
Cruise-in on the Square - Every Thursday
This fun weekly event brings classic cars, trucks and even sometimes motorcycles to the courthouse square from 5 to 9 pm. Participants and spectators are encouraged to enjoy dinner at one of several downtown eateries and visit the 100+ year old Martinsville Candy Kitchen for a sweet treat!
2nd Friday Open Studios Nights - 2nd Friday of each month
On the second Friday of each month, the Art Sanctuary of Indiana invites the public to come and visit the facility's resident artists in their working studios. Just off the courthouse square in Martinsville, the Art Sanctuary is home to nearly 20 working artists. You never know what you'll find at Open Studios Night - a work of art you need at home, a fun conversation with an artist or just the pleasure of enjoying the many styles of artwork on display. Open Studio Night dates will be June 11, July 9 and August 13.
3rd Thursdays on the Square - 3rd Thursday of each month
On the third Thursday of each month, downtown Martinsville merchants stay open late to welcome shoppers. Watch for special events, activities or sales at individual shops. Coinciding with Cruise-in on the Square, and the downtown summer concert series, there are multiple reasons to be in downtown Martinsville on third Thursdays this summer.
Drink at the Creek Concert Series - June - Oct.
The perfect place to enjoy locally handcrafted beverages and live music, Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery present the Drink at the Creek Concert Series. It kicked off in May, but continues all the way through October, so you've got plenty of time to pick out the concerts you want to attend. This fun series features a mix of regional favorites and popular tribute bands. Be sure to check the complete schedule for performers. Most shows take place on Saturdays with music starting at 5 pm, with a few exceptions. Tickets are available online. All ages are welcome. Bring your own seating. View the complete schedule.
Downtown Martinsville Summer Concert Series - June & July
Just in case you needed another reason to be in downtown Martinsville on a Thursday night in June and July, well, here are four! The Downtown Martinsville Summer Music Series takes place at the corner of Jefferson and Pike Streets, in the grassy area next to the Art Sanctuary. Just steps from the courthouse square, these concerts are a great opportunity to check out a local eatery or grab some carryout to bring to the show. Music begins at 7 pm and beer and wine will be available on site. These are free shows and all ages are welcome. Bring your own seating.
June 3 - Big Rosco & The Hammers
June 17 - Groove Smash
July 8 - 45 RPM
July 22 - Jambox
Mooresville Summer Concert Series - June & July
What do you get when you combine a beautiful park setting, on-site food trucks and adult beverages and live music from some of the region's best performers? The Mooresville Summer Concert Series, of course! The series kicked off in late May but continues with performances on select Friday evenings. Music begins at 7 pm at Pioneer Park. Bring your own seating. These are free performances and all ages are welcome (as are well-behaved four-legged friends on leashes). Scheduled performers are below.
June 4 - Country Summer
June 11 - Big Rosco & The Hammers
June 18 - The Doo! Band
July 9 - Stella Luna & The Satellites
July 16 - Bigg Country
July 23 - Tastes Like Chicken
YMCA Fun Run Series - June - Oct.
The Barbara B Jordan YMCA in Martinsville invites you to participate in a series of free fun runs this summer! Each month, June through October, these runs will be held at area parks. Meet up a the designated location for each month to enjoy a run in the park beginning at 6 pm on the last Wednesday of each month. The June run will take place at Old Town Waverly Park, July's run will take place at Burkhart Creek Park and August's event will take place at Pioneer Park. Stay tuned for fall locations.
Roadrunner Rally in the Valley 5K & Car Show - June 12
The 2021 Roadrunner Rally in the Valley will return this year with a new location at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 8 am. The course will take you down historic Washington Street before circling back to return to the fairgrounds via Columbus Street. Registration is available online. The motorcycle ride will leave the fairgrounds at 10 am and take participants on a ride through scenic Morgan County before returning to the fairgrounds. Participants in the Car and Bike Show will begin arriving at the fairgrounds at 7 am. Judging begins at 8 am and awards will be announced at 2 pm. There will be live music and great food throughout the day.
Justin Moore Concert - June 25
This year's Morgan County Country Concert will feature country music start Justin Moore, along with opening acts Bigg Country and Split Rail. The show will take place at the Morgan County Fairgrounds on Friday, June 25. Tickets are available online with prices ranging from $25 to $100. The show will be festival seating with three seating zones - bring your own chairs or blankets. Food vendors will be available onsite along with beer and wine from nearby Cedar Creek Winery and Brew Co. Music begins at 7 pm and all ages are welcome.
LYKKE Summer Fest - June 26
The Mooresville Arts Partnership presents LYKKE Summer Fest on Saturday, June 26. The Danish word Lykke means happiness and good fortune, so expect this to be a fun and cheerful event, lasting from 11 am to 7 pm. The free event will feature arts and crafts, a variety of vendors, good food, live music and a fun kids zone. Come celebrate the good fortune of fun summer festivals!
Rock Tribute Concert - June 26
On Saturday, June 26, grab your friends and head out for an evening of fun at the Morgan County Rock Tribute Concert at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. This fun day of live music will feature not one, not two... but four fantastic rock tribute bands! You'll enjoy songs from some of your favorites from Panama (Van Halen Tribute), Freebird (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute), Heartache Tonight (Eagles Tribute) and The System (Bob Seger Tribute). Bring your own seating. Food vendors will be available onsite along with beer and wine from nearby Cedar Creek Winery and Brew Co. Music begins at 5 pm and all ages are welcome. Tickets are $20 in advance (purchase online), $25 at the gate and children ages 12 and under are free.
Morgan County Antique Machinery Show - June 26 & 27
The annual Morgan County Antique Machinery Show is back on June 26 and 27 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. This fun annual event features antique tractors, steam engines and other antique machines on display as well as a fun toy tractor display and even a tractor parade. There are also live working demonstrations throughout the show and a swap meet area. Food and drinks are available on site, including homemade ice cream!
Martinsville 4th of July Celebration - July 4
Enjoy a full afternoon of live music and fun at Jimmy Nash City Park in Martinsville leading up to a fireworks display at 10 pm. Live entertainment begins at 4 pm on the free stage at Jimmy Nash Park. Featured performers will include Southern Bridges, Two for the Show, Main Street, Pure Country, Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders and Bigg Country! This is a free, all ages event. There will be food vendors available on site at the park. Bring your own seating, and get comfortable for this six hour event!
Artie Fest - July 9 & 10
The annual festival celebrating all things Artesian returns in 2021. Taking place at the Morgan County Fairgrounds this year, Artie Fest will present all your favorite events, beginning with Friday night's concert featuring Colton Chapman, beginning at 7:30 pm. Bring your own seating. Saturday will feature a 5K run/walk, car show, craft fair, children's activities and more live entertainment, all culminating with this year's featured film, shown at dusk.
Downtown Mooresville Street Fair - July 17
The merchants of downtown Mooresville, led by The Farmhouse Market, will present another fun Street Fair on July 17! There will be lots of vendor booths, great food, bounce houses, live music and more from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, July 17. Food trucks will include Johnson's BBQ and Indy Beer Taps. (Mark your calendar for September 18 as well!)
Morgan County Fair - July 30-Aug. 5
Everyone loves a good old-fashioned county fair! The Morgan County Fair does not disappoint, providing everything you'd expect from the County Fair - carnival rides, 4-H projects, farm animals, merchant booths, live entertainment and of course, fair food! Check back closer to the fair dates for updated information on this year's featured grandstand events and free stage performers.
Old Settlers Picnic - Aug. 8-10
Mooresville's signature festival, the Old Settlers Picnic is more than just a picnic... it's three days of fun with carnival rides, games, vendor booths, food booths and live entertainment! The event kicks off on Sunday with the Old Settlers Parade through downtown Mooresville, with the festival grounds at Pioneer Park opening immediately after the parade.
Carnival of Cars: Midwest Edition - Aug. 21
The hit car show from the east coast has migrated to Indiana! The Carnival of Cars: Midwest Edition brings together car, truck, and motorcycle enthusiasts for a day of fun with live entertainment. All vehicles are welcome to participate. This event is in its second year in Martinsville and will take place at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. All are welcome to attend. The fun starts at 9 am with awesome cars, live performances, vendors and more. Early admission is available online as is car show pre-registration.
Paragon Homecoming Festival - Labor Day Weekend
The town of Paragon, just south of Martinsville on State Road 67, may be small, but they know how to throw a big celebration! The annual Paragon Homecoming Festival takes place each year on Labor Day Weekend and features carnival rides, games, food booths, vendors and of course lots of live entertainment.
Be sure to check our event calendar for pop up events as well - we're adding new events all the time and you won't want to miss anything!
If you choose to make it a weekend, find lodging options ranging from traditional hotels to independent rental homes on our where to stay page.
