It’s August, the school year is bearing down on parents and students. So it’s the perfect time to find cool activities and things to do for family fun in Elkhart County.
May 30 - September 15. Quilt Gardens patterns change every year and, as the flowers grow and flourish in the heat, the gardens can take on an even more spectacular appearance with more than a million colorful blooms. Take a day or two to see all 13 Quilt Gardens and 12 Quilt Murals. After filling up your camera roll, find something taste to nosh on in nearby downtown restaurants and shops.
Goshen First Fridays: Picklefest
The city of Goshen’s monthly festival of fun brings all things pickle to downtown Goshen from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, August 2. Visit food vendors and local restaurants for pickle-based dishes, play in the pickleball tournament, or ride a mechanical bull. There will be activities for all ages and live music.
Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix
Experience the thrill of high-speed go-kart racing in downtown Elkhart on August 2-3 at the Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix. There will be fun for everyone with a kids’ zone, food and merchandise vendors, a cornhole contest, live music and fireworks to close out the festivities on Saturday night.
Tasty Tuesdays
Sample bites from a rotating selection of tasty fare from food trucks in the shadow of The Lerner Theatre’s marquee on Tasty Tuesdays. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of August, check out something new for lunch in downtown Elkhart outside the Lerner, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart.
Shipshewana Flea Market
Whether you’re bargain-hunting or looking for unique hand-crafted items, the Shipshewana Flea Market, 345 S. Van Buren St. (State Road 5), Shipshewana, is the place to be. Browse nearly 700 vendors at the Midwest’s largest flea market from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August.
Groovin' in the Gardens
Jam to the tunes of Memphis Underground as the Groovin’ in the Gardens concert series continues at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 8, at Wellfield Botanic Gardens, 1011 N. Main St., Elkhart. Live music amid the glory of the beautiful gardens is a fantastic combination.
August Friday Fest
A fun night out for the family awaits at the city of Nappanee’s August Friday Fest from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, August 9. Choose from the offerings available in the popular Food Truck War, enjoy the musical stylings of Quentin Flagg, and browse handmade crafts from local artisans in the heart of downtown Nappanee.
Rock the Quarry Triathlon and Mile Swim
Get your pulse pounding in the city of Goshen with the Rock the Quarry Triathlon and Mile Swim at Fidler Pond Park, 1424 E. Lincolnway, Goshen, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10. Compete solo or bring friends and family to form a relay team.
Pedal Party
Bicyclists and runners are invited to join in the Pedal Party, a community bike ride connecting Nappanee and Wakarusa, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 10. The ride starts from The Barns at Nappanee, 1600 W. Market St., Nappanee, and proceeds to Doc’s Pavilion, 116 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa. A 5K fun run begins from Doc’s Pavilion at 10:30 a.m. All skill levels are invited to join the ride and the other fun activities, including a light breakfast in Nappanee and lunch in Wakarusa.
Martinis and Music
Have an after-work drink and enjoy some live music at Martinis and Music, a monthly social event on the third Thursday of each, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 15, at the Goshen Theater, 216 S. Main St., Goshen.
Summer Chill Concert Series
An outdoor concert is the perfect way to cap off your week. The Summer Chill Concert Series returns to NIBCO Water and Ice Park, 303 Nibco Parkway, Elkhart, on the third Thursday of the month. Groove to the tunes while enjoying food and drink from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, August 16.
Wakarusa Vintage Power Show
Things go old school August 16-17 at the Vintage Power Show at the Wakarusa Historical Museum, 403 E. Wabash Ave., Wakarusa. Marvel at the amazing demonstrations of old-fashioned and vintage machines and stay for food and fun.
Hiking Club
Join Elkhart County Parks' monthly Hiking Club at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, at Lieber Nature Preserve (otherwise know as Pipewort Pond), 51602 County Road 23, Bristol. It’s a great chance to get outdoors, explore and meet fellow hiking enthusiasts.
Happy Together Tour
Kick back to the nostalgic tunes of the Happy Together Tour, featuring The Turtles and Jay and the Americans and more, at 8 p.m. Friday, August 23, at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 195 N Van Buren St.
Cast Iron Cookout & Swap Meet
Grab a taste of the best in cast-iron cooking, learn and build your skills in this unique cooking style, and wheel and deal in a swap meet at the Cast Iron Cookout & Swap Meet from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 24, at Bonneyville Mill County Park, 53373 County Road 131, Bristol. All events are at the Feedlot Shelter, including a Cast Iron 101 session and Dutch oven gathering.
River Bend Film Festival
The celebration of independent film returns August 30-31 at the Goshen Theater. Enjoy fascinating film screenings, workshops and talk-back sessions.
Check our event calendar for more things to do.