Vibrant summer community festival in a Lake County Indiana town square
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Events & Festivals in Lake County, Indiana

Every festival, farmers market, and community happening across the 219 — organized by season.

By Liz Rytel June 19, 2026 13 min read

One of the best things about living in Lake County is the year-round calendar of festivals, farmers markets, concerts, and community events. From the Crown Point Independence Day Celebration to the Christmas Walk on the historic square, there's always something happening in the 219. This guide organizes every major event by season so you never miss the ones that matter most.


What events happen every week in Lake County?

Beyond the big annual festivals, Lake County has a strong weekly events culture that keeps the community connected year-round:

Crown Point Farmers Market — Every Saturday, May – October
Highland Free Concert Series — Summer months
Bulldog Park Events — Year-round
Library System Events — Year-round
Park District Programs — Year-round

Spring Events

Crown Point Farmers Market

Saturdays, May – October Downtown Crown Point

Fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and the Saturday morning community vibe that makes it one of the most popular weekly gatherings in the 219.

Lake County Spring Garden Walk

May Various communities

Tour stunning private gardens across Lake County — a hidden gem for plant lovers and garden enthusiasts.

Highland Spring Fest

April Main Square Park, Highland

Live music, food vendors, and the official kickoff of festival season in Highland.


Summer Events

Crown Point Independence Day Celebration

July 4th Downtown Crown Point

Parade, live music, food, and one of the best small-town Fourth of July celebrations in Indiana. The historic square comes alive with patriotic energy.

Festival of the Lakes

July Wolf Lake Memorial Park, Hammond

A beloved multi-day celebration featuring live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and family-friendly fun right on the shores of Wolf Lake. One of the largest free events in the region.

Cedar Lake Summer Fest

June Cedar Lake

Boat parades, live entertainment, and lakeside fun — the quintessential summer in the 219.

Schererville Corn Festival

August Schererville

A beloved annual tradition with corn-themed everything, carnival rides, and community pride. A true Lake County classic.

Highland Free Outdoor Concert Series

Summer months Main Square Park, Highland

Grab a lawn chair and enjoy free live music under the stars all summer long. One of the best free summer traditions in the 219.


Fall Events

Crown Point Fall Festival

September Downtown Crown Point

Artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, and the county seat in full autumn glory. One of the most well-attended festivals in the area.

Oktoberfest at Crown Brewing

October Crown Point

Craft beer, brats, and Bavarian vibes at one of the 219's favorite breweries. A must-visit for beer lovers.

Lowell Hollowfest

September Lowell

A classic small-town Indiana festival with parades, cook-offs, and community spirit.

Griffith Fall Fest

October Griffith

Pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and fall family fun in one of Lake County's friendliest towns.


Winter Events

Crown Point Christmas Walk

December Downtown Crown Point

The historic square transforms into a holiday wonderland with lights, carriage rides, carolers, and the kind of small-town holiday magic that makes the 219 special.

Highland Holiday Market

November – December Highland

Handmade gifts, local artisans, and hot cocoa — the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Munster Shop Small Crawl

December Downtown Munster

Local shops and businesses offer special deals, refreshments, and holiday shopping experiences throughout downtown Munster.

New Year's Eve on the Square

December 31 Downtown Crown Point

Ring in the new year right on the historic square with live music and community celebration.


Want the complete events calendar? Our Events & Festivals page has the full list with dates, locations, and details. Looking for what to do this weekend? Check out my weekly weekend guide for fresh ideas. And if you're trying to decide which town fits best, check our Crown Point or Munster neighborhood guides to see which community's events match your vibe.


FAQ

Lake County Events FAQs

Common questions about festivals, events, and things to do in Lake County, Indiana.


What are the biggest annual festivals in Lake County, Indiana?

The most popular annual events include the Crown Point Independence Day Celebration on July 4th, the Schererville Corn Festival in August, Festival of the Lakes at Wolf Lake in Hammond (July), Cedar Lake Summer Fest in June, the Crown Point Fall Festival in September, and the Crown Point Christmas Walk in December. Each town has its own signature events throughout the year.

Are there free things to do in Lake County during the summer?

Absolutely. Highland hosts a free outdoor concert series at Main Square Park all summer, Crown Point has free events at Bulldog Park, and the Crown Point Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May through October. Many community events, park programs, and library activities across Lake County are also free. Festival of the Lakes in Hammond is a free multi-day event with live music and carnival rides.

When is the Crown Point Farmers Market?

The Crown Point Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May through October in downtown Crown Point. You'll find fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and the Saturday morning community vibe that makes it one of the most popular weekly gatherings in the 219.

Is Lake County, Indiana good for families with kids?

Yes — Lake County is very family-friendly. Events like the Crown Point Fall Festival, Griffith Fall Fest, and Cedar Lake Summer Fest are designed for families. The parks system offers splash pads at Bulldog Park and other facilities, playgrounds, and youth sports programs. Highland's Park District runs year-round youth activities, and Crown Point's Bulldog Park has an amphitheater and splash pad.

What holiday events happen in Lake County in the winter?

Winter brings the Crown Point Christmas Walk (where the historic square transforms with lights, carriage rides, and carolers), Highland's Holiday Market for handmade gifts and local artisans, Munster's Shop Small Crawl with deals at local businesses, and New Year's Eve on the Square in Crown Point with live music and a community countdown.

Tree-lined Lake County Indiana neighborhood in autumn

This community is waiting for you.

From summer festivals to holiday walks, Lake County knows how to celebrate. Let me help you find your place in the 219.