Are you looking for ways to make this summer memorable? Attending a local event is always fun, and Vincennes, Indiana, has some great local events happening this summer. While there's too much going on to include everything on our list, we checked out some of the family-friendly things happening around Vincennes in the summer and compiled the details here. Use this guide to help you get an idea of what you can do to make some amazing memories with your kids during their summer break.
Knox County Watermelon Festival
a pile of watermelons sitting on top of hay by Dagmara Dombrovska is licensed with Unsplash License
The Knox County Watermelon Festival is a tribute to the area's massive watermelon industry. It typically takes place the first weekend in August each year. While we know that watermelons will be the main guests at the event, this year's agenda is yet to be released, so we'll keep you posted as we learn more about what's to come. At last year's festival, First City Music Festival hosted a concert, and Vincennes Brewing Company hosted the outdoor beer garden. And everyone always looks forward to the Miss Watermelon Pageant, which should be a big draw again this year.
- Location: George Rogers Clark Memorial site.
- Date: TBD but typically the first weekend of August.
- Time: TBD.
- Cost: Depends on event.
Red Skelton Festival and Parade
This year is the 18th annual Red Skelton Festival and Parade. The event takes place at the Red Skelton Museum. You can start off by checking out the displays inside the museum, which opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Clown-O-Rama classes and parade prep take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., but parade spectators can enjoy the show from noon. Then from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can listen to stage entertainment, let the kids participate in fun activities, and grab something to eat from one of the food trucks.
On Sunday, the event starts with a tent show lecture by Grace Swank-Davis at 11 a.m. Afterward, you can catch the Red Skelton Film Festival where you can enjoy three Red Skelton movies.
- Location: Red Skelton Museum.
- Date: June 10 and 11.
- Time: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 10 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 11.
- Cost: Museum admission is $8 per adult, $5 for students, $7 for seniors over 60, and free for children under 5.
Electric River Jam
If you and your family enjoy listening to great live entertainment and spending time in a laid-back atmosphere with other music lovers, then put the Electric River Jam on your calendar. This concert event features bands such as Memory Motel, Home by Dark, The Randys, Cage Willis, and Way Down. You'll also hear tunes from Joe's Last Stand, Cody Williams, and the Honkey Donkeys. You won't have to worry about dinner because there will be food trucks on-site that give you plenty of options. There's also going to be a bar available for adults and free camping.
- Location: French Commons.
- Date: June 10.
- Time: Noon to 11:30 p.m.
- Cost: $20 for anyone over 12, kids 12 and under are free, and parking is $5.
Food Trucks on the Wabash
On Mondays throughout the summer, you don't have to worry about dinner. Just take a stroll along the Riverwalk downtown and see what's available from the local food trucks gathered there. Food Trucks on the Wabash has become a community event that people look forward to each week. You not only get to enjoy a tasty meal from one of the exceptional food trucks around Vincennes, but you also get outdoors for some fresh air and an evening walk. Although you never know which food trucks might show up, some common participants include Thainamite and Big Boys Burgers.
- Location: Riverwalk in downtown Vincennes.
- Date: Recurring on Mondays throughout the summer.
- Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Cost: Varies by food truck and menu item.
Historic Vincennes Farmers Market
The Historic Vincennes Farmers Market is so popular that it has an evening time on Wednesday and a morning time on Saturday to make it more convenient. Vendors at the market offer a variety of fresh and local produce as well as fresh flowers, baked goods, and much more. Pick up some farm-fresh eggs so you can bake a treat at home, or grab a loaf of freshly baked bread from one of the many vendors. You can find fresh herbs, tomatoes, watermelon, squash, potatoes, and a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables. Local craftspeople also offer their wares.
- Location: Riverfront Pavilion.
- Date: Recurring on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer.
- Time: Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Cost: Free.
8th Annual Heaps of Jeeps Festival
Believe it or not, 2023 marks the eighth annual Heaps of Jeeps Festival, and you don't want to miss it. This family-friendly festival is fun for attendees of all ages. Head to Highland Woods Park on Friday night to watch the Jeep Show & Shine, and stay for the adorable kids show as well. There will be activities for the kiddos, food trucks when you get hungry, and live entertainment to keep your toes tapping.
The proceeds from this event are used to support first responders, and on Saturday, there will be a first responders' presentation. You can also get some great deals at the auction. On both days, a beer garden will provide adult beverages for those aged 21 and over.
- Location: Highland Woods Park.
- Date: June 16 and 17.
- Time: Gates open at 5 p.m. both nights.
- Cost: Festival bracelets are $10 per person for anyone over 15; Jeep entry is $45 per Jeep and includes festival bracelets for all riders.
Check Out the Events Happening in Vincennes This Summer
There's a lot happening around Vincennes this summer, and we know we didn't include it all. Plus, we know that things can pop up in the community on short notice. If we missed an event or you hear about anything in the works, please drop us a line so we can get the details and hopefully share them with our customers.