Food, art, and music!

Find Fun for Everyone at These Evansville Festivals & Events

Police motorcycles lead a parade during the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival in Evansville, IN

From indulging with fluffy cotton candy or basking in the sounds of the blues, the 2024 festival & event season has something for everyone.

There's nothing quite like the magic of festival season. When the weather finally turns, and the sun starts to shine, we're all eager to get out and enjoy the fresh air.  The smell of caramel corn lingers in the air, new inspiration is discovered in the imaginative works of local artists, and family-friendly events help make lifelong memories with the kids. From wine walks to Ferris-Wheel-filled festivals, there's something for everyone at these Evansville festivals and events in 2024.

Funk in the City EVV

Funk in the City

There’s nothing some good food, local art, and live music can’t remedy. On May 18th, head to Haynie’s Corner for one of the most creative and vibrant gatherings of local artists and musicians at the Spring Funk in the City. With free admission, this event features over 80 artists from the Evansville Region. It’ll take place rain or shine, so make sure to dress for the sometimes-indecisive Spring Indiana weather ☔️.

Strawberry Fest Newburgh

Newburgh Strawberry Social

Late Spring is strawberry season, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything that tastes better than a perfectly ripe, juicy strawberry 🍓 fresh from the vine. That’s why you should attend to the 4th annual HNI Strawberry Social in Newburgh, IN. From noon to 5 pm, you can enjoy fresh strawberry shortcakes, participate in a basket raffle filled with tasty treats, enjoy the rides, join in on games, and so much more. It’s the best way to send Spring off with a fond farewell and welcome the best that’s yet to come with the Summer season.

River City Pride Festival EVV

River City Pride Festival

Back and bigger than ever in 2024, the River City Pride Festival invites everyone (seriously, everyone) to come out and have the most epic day of fun, entertainment, and celebration of the LGBTQIA+ 🏳️‍🌈 community in the Evansville Region. Grab a front-row seat to the parade at noon and stick around for the rest of the festivities, which will run until 10 p.m. 

A live band plays on a stage at the W.C. Handy Blues & BBQ Festival in Henderson, KY

W.C. Handy Blues and BBQ Festival

Held every Summer the week prior to Father’s Day, the W.C. Handy Blues and BBQ Festival in Henderson, Kentucky features a huge lineup of live music for 4 straight days and nights. This free outdoor music festival really comes to life when the stage lights turn on after the sun goes down. For more information about this annual event, visit their website

A couple shops at an outdoor street vendor during the Wine Walks events in Evansville, IN

Downtown Evansville’s Wine Walk

In Both the Spring and the Fall, Downtown Evansville hosts annual Wine Walks. This fun night of wine sipping, live music, and nighttime shopping is always a big hit. Many of the Downtown storefronts stay open late to accommodate shoppers, and guests can enjoy light displays and take advantage of photo opportunities along the way.

An interior shot of a playroom at the Children's Museum of Evansville

Family Free Nights at CMOE

Kids can enjoy Evansville at night, too! On the first Thursday of every other month, the Children’s Museum of Evansville stays open late and offers FREE admission to families and kids from 5-8pm. Explore the 20,000 square feet of exhibits and galleries (and maybe let the kids stay up past their bedtime.)

Patrons shop local art pieces during Haynie's Corner First Fridays

First Fridays at Haynie’s Corner

Every first Friday of the month in April through October, Haynie’s Corner Arts District invites people of all ages to come out and enjoy live music, check out local art, and grab a meal from a food truck or local eatery. Bring your kids, friends, or dog…everyone is welcome!

An aerial view at sunset overlooking Franklin Street during the Fall Festival in Evansville, IN

West Side Nut Club Fall Festival

Every October, the West Side Nut Club sponsors this massive week-long event on West Franklin Street that features over 100 food booths, rides, talent competitions, and a parade. Although the Fall Festival is open all day, the magic really begins at night when the colored lights come on, and the sparkling Ferris wheel lights can be seen for miles. This family-friendly Fall Festival is, far and above, one of Evansville’s most popular events to attend

Front Porch Fest EVV

Front Porch Fest 2024

Though the Front Porch Festival's origins date back to 2007 in Ithaca, NY, September 2nd and 3rd will mark the 8th year that local musicians will gather on front porches around Evansville to delight attendants with a diverse display of musical talent. With over 50 musicians, you can stroll from porch to porch or pack a lawn chair and pop a squat to stick with your favorite. And when your stomach starts rumbling, head over to the fountain at Haynie's Corner for food trucks and, yep - you guessed it, MORE music 🎶.

Come One, Come All to the Best Festival & Event Season of All

Food, shopping, and music enthusiasts can all agree; the 2024 festival & event season in the greater Evansville Region is set to be the best yet. Break out of your routine with a night at the Children's Museum of Evansville or fall in love with handmade local art. Whatever you choose, you're sure to make memories that last a lifetime.