Things to Do

Indoor Farmers Market

Elkhart Farmers Market presents an Indoor Market, April 19, at High Dive Pavilion. Enjoy local vendors, fresh produce, and handmade goods. Rain, snow, or shine, it’s the perfect way to show support for local business owners and get your market fix!

plant a seed, 80’s style

Ruthmere Museum hosts an 80’s themed Mini Garden Workshop, April 19, at Bowly’s Crystal Bar in Elkhart. Rock out in your 80’s attire, sip on popular 80’s drinks, and get your hands dirty while you create your fun, 80’s themed mini garden in a cassette tape planter.

Fun, fashion, food, and spring trends!

Middlebury’s Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center presents the Essenhaus Village Shops Spring Home & Fashion Show, April 22-24. Enjoy door prizes, fun skits, a fashion show, and a delightful meal. Get all the inside tips on the newest trends for the spring season!

catch randy travis at the lerner

The Lerner Theatre in Downtown Elkhart presents Hall of Fame country singer Randy Travis, April 24 at 7 p.m. The legendary singer’s More Life Tour presents his original, long-time touring band, and also features country star James Dupré.

the maple syrup festival returns!

The 56th annual Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival, April 25-27 in Wakarusa features unique artisan vendors showcasing a variety of products from across the region. Food trucks present an array of treats, and fun times are available for all!

Cycle show and swap meet

Cycle Works of Goshen, at 1210 E. Lincoln Avenue, presents the Goshen Vintage Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet, April 27 at 3 p.m. The show and swap meet begin at 11 a.m. and the show awards begin at 2 p.m. Entry is free for non-vendors at this exciting outdoor event.

goshen’s green day celebration

Choose your own adventure at Goshen’s annual Green Day Celebration. This May 2 festival features First Fridays specials, outdoor activities, and music performances. Visit downtown bars, restaurants, shops, and food trucks for good times with family and friends!

celebrate the pumpkinvine trail!

On May 8, Elkhart’s Wellfield Botanic Gardens hosts the Toast to the Trails Dinner—a festive evening celebrating the progress and future of the Pumpkinvine Trail Network. Enjoy delicious food, lively conversation, and a toast to continued growth and community impact!

Scavenger Hunt

Bristol’s Bonneyville Mill County Park hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt, March 17 from 5-7 p.m. Adventure-seekers up for a challenge can decipher clues and find the hidden golden shamrocks. Snap a pic and share on social media for your chance to win a prize!

Spring Artisan Market

Elkhart Parks and Recreation presents the Spring Artisan Market, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McNaughton Pavilion. Browse a variety of handcrafted goods, artwork, jewelry, home décor, and more—all made by talented local makers, crafters, and artists.

PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

Goshen Theater is excited to bring the show Puffs to its stage! A parody of the Harry Potter book series by J. K. Rowling, this comedy will leave you laughing, and is appropriate for general audiences. Shows are March 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., and March 30 at 2 p.m. Get tickets while you can!

March Concert

The Elkhart County Symphony presents Passion and Poetry, March 30 at 4 p.m., at Downtown Elkhart’s The Lerner Theatre. The concert features a collaboration between the Elkhart Symphony and the young musicians from the Goshen High School Symphony Orchestra.

April First Fridays

First Fridays presents Goshen Gives Back, April 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy great First Friday festivities while also supporting local nonprofit organizations! A percentage of all purchases at participating downtown businesses will be donated to assist local partner charities.

Hoppy Together

Elkhart Health & Aquatics hosts the Hoppy Together Easter Family Day celebration, April 6 from noon to 3 p.m. An egg drop for toddlers, painting, and games of Easter Bingo are all in the mix, and kids can meet the Easter Bunny! This community event is free but you must register in advance.

Mini-Camp for Kids

The Elkhart County Railroaders, Elkhart County’s vintage baseball team, hosts a Vintage Baseball Mini-Camp on April 11 for kids ages 8 through 12. Register by April 10 for this unique event, presented by Elkhart County Parks and held at the Elkhart County Historical Museum in Bristol.

Free Movie Series

The free community series The Lerner Loves You, made possible by the Elkhart County CVB, presents Clue: The Movie on Sunday, April 13 at The Lerner Theatre. The showing is at 3 p.m. and the first 300 guests get a free box of popcorn in appreciation of 100 years of community support!

During this Season of Giving, please support Elkhart County nonprofit organizations every way YOU can!

The holiday season is once again upon us and, first and foremost, we wish happiness and joy to you, your family and friends, your loved ones, and your neighbors.

In the spirit of this Season of Giving, we ask you to please consider supporting Elkhart County nonprofit organizations with a year-end gift, or by pledging time in 2025 as a volunteer. Local nonprofit organizations rely on community support and work hard every day to meet the needs of all our valued residents. There is no better feeling than knowing YOU played a part during this holiday season to help make someone’s world a little bit brighter!

To learn more about Elkhart County nonprofit organizations, and the ways in which you can help, please visit the Community Foundation of Elkhart County website at inspiringgood.org.

Let’s celebrate the season together!

The holiday season is a time for giving, and also a time to create memories and enjoy our many blessings. Luckily, Elkhart County is full of great opportunities to enjoy well-crafted holiday events and activities, discover unique shopping and dining options, and to share fun new experiences with family and loved ones.

Here are some highlights from the Event Calendar so generously provided by our friends at the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau:

Holiday Lights

Presented by the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, the Holiday Lights drive-through holiday light experience is fun for the whole family! For a complete list of dates and times, visit the Holiday Lights landing page on the ECCVB event calendar.

Breakfast With Santa

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Breakfast With Santa at The Barns at Nappanee! This jolly-good event offers a delicious breakfast buffet and quality time and a story with Santa. Space is limited, reserve your spot today!

An Elegant Christmas Tree Tea

Nappanee’s Market Street Manor Bed and Breakfast presents An Elegant Christmas Tree Tea, featuring a traditional tea with sandwiches, scones and spreads, and sweet treats. Hot Christmas teas will be served, gather around and enjoy!

Goshen Nights of Lights

Shanklin Park is the scene for this wondrous holiday light show full of animated light silhouettes, walk-through silhouettes, and tree wrappings. Drive-through, bike-through, or walk-through from 5-10 p.m., daily, through New Year’s Day.

Mistletoe Market

The Mistletoe Market at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, Dec. 19-20, is a magical addition to the Holiday Lights event. Stroll along through this festive wonderland featuring a variety of food and artisan vendors.

Big Little Christmas Party

Gather your team, friends, or small group to celebrate the holiday season in style at Hotel Elkhart’s Big Little Christmas Party! This festive party provides an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer with entertainment and a holiday buffet!

NYE at Hotel Elkhart

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable night of live music, delicious dining, and luxury accommodations at the New Year’s Eve Soulful Celebration, Dec. 31, at Hotel Elkhart! Featuring live music with Abbie Thomas and the Crazy Hearts.

The Fire & Ice Festival

At Downtown Goshen’s January First Fridays event, carvers turn 300-pound ice blocks into time-bound art while fire dancers light the night sky. Downtown stores provide warmth with delicious drinks, treats, and post holiday shopping deals, and activities for kids abound!

For all the information you need about fall events and Elkhart County’s Thanksgiving and holiday shopping options, visit the ECCVB event calendar.

The first Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30, is Small Business Saturday, and it’s a big day for so many of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are Elkhart County small business owners.

Small businesses are the backbone of our community. They create local jobs, foster community engagement, help build community identity and vibrancy, and keep revenue right here in Elkhart County. Just like you, they are fully-invested in the success of our community, and they understand and care about our important causes.

When you spend money at a local small business, you are directly supporting the people of Elkhart County, our causes, our success, and our quality of place!

Saturday, November 16

Indoor Farmers Market
The Indoor Farmers Market has everything you need to plan a great Thanksgiving celebration. Visit your favorite local vendors, shop for fresh local produce, and find handmade goods that will make great holiday gifts. Whether you’re a market regular or new to the scene, the Indoor Market offers something for everyone!

Saturday, November 16

Craft & Vendor Bazaar
The annual Craft & Vendor Bazaar at Elkhart Northside Church of the Nazarene presents over 50 booths of crafts and small businesses, and a delectable Bake Sale! Admission is FREE, but donations are accepted to help the Women’s Ministry team continue to help the Elkhart County community. For more information, call (574) 264-5866.

Saturday, November 16

Nappanee Craft & Vendor Market
The Claywood Center hosts the Nappanee Home for the Holidays Craft & Vendor Market from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring more than 120 distinctive vendors—including Palacios wreaths and other crafts, Laser Beams & Needful Things, and the Little Red Hen Candle Company.

Tuesday, November 26

Tuesday Thanksgiving Market
The Goshen Farmers Market presents its Tuesday Thanksgiving Market from 3-7 p.m. This special farmers market, on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, offers an assortment of items—including produce, meats, baked goods, and cheeses—to make your your Thanksgiving unforgettable!

Friday, November 29

After Thanksgiving Sale
The Realm Yoga & Mystery School presents its After Thanksgiving Sale, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop in for 50% off all books, yoga mats, and Buddha statues. Yoga packages are offered at 25% off, and The Realm offers an assortment of sales and specials to help you in your journey to better health and wellness.

Friday, December 6

Hometown Holiday
Hometown Holiday, from 5-9 p.m. in Downtown Goshen, is a holiday celebration that brings the entire community together to sing carols with friends and neighbors and join in the (6:30 p.m.) community tree lighting on West Washington. This FREE event also offers kids activities, like free pictures with Santa!

For all the information you need about fall events and Elkhart County’s Thanksgiving and holiday shopping options, visit the ECCVB event calendar.

Unless you live under a giant pumpkin, you probably know that October in our area means it’s almost time for ghouls, ghosts, fun costumes, and hair-raising adventures with family and friends.

There are fun and exciting Halloween activities throughout Elkhart County for people of ALL ages—from the young to the young-at-heart—and in our October newsletter we are happy to help you choose your own adventures and plan your very own Halloween itinerary!

You can’t go wrong with the classics

Trunk or Treat events are all the rage, and Elkhart County offers no shortage of these fun and safe gatherings. The 12th annual Island Park Trunk or Treat event, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Elkhart’s Island Park, is a family-friendly celebration that is FREE for children under 12. Costumes are encouraged and candy will be plentiful—bring your little ones for an afternoon of safe Halloween fun!

Goshen is the the place to be for the Shanklin Park Trunk or Treat Fall Fest, Oct. 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the park’s Schrock Pavilion. This FREE family event presents trunk or treating, blow-up Halloween figures for fun photo opportunities, and hay rides. Local vendors are also on-hand to provide treats for revelers of all ages, and a drive-in movie is shown from 7-9 p.m.

The Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds presents a FREE Trick or Treat event on Oct. 25 from 1-5 p.m. and the Indiana Black Expo Elkhart Chapter presents its 6th annual Community Halloween Trick or Treat, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m., at Elkhart’s Tolson Center.  Elkhart County Parks presents its Spooky Night Hike, Oct. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Cobus Creek County Park, and also presents a Halloween Campfire and Hayrides event, Oct. 25 and 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Ox Bow County Park.

Harrowing Halloween Highlights

October 18-20

Little Shop of Horrors
Miller Auditorium, inside the Goshen Theater, is the place to be for three scary screenings of the one and only classic, Little Shop of Horrors! A 7:30 p.m. showing is featured on Oct. 18 and 19, and the theater presents a special daytime 2:30 p.m. showing on Oct. 20. Tickets are $17 for students and seniors, and general admission for adults is $25.

Saturday, October 19

Southgate Crossing Trunk or Treat
Southgate Crossing presents a Trunk-or-Treat event, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. This is a FREE, fun, and family-friendly community celebration! Just bring a bag or a bucket for collecting treats, and be prepared to come with a smile. Kids are encouraged to dress up in costumes and decorate their buckets. The rain date for this event is Oct. 25. For more information, or to inquire about sponsorships, please call (574) 221-1999.

October 24-26

Haunted Walk Through The Woods 
The Elkhart Environmental Center presents the 5th Annual Haunted Walk Through the Woods event, Oct. 24-26. Enjoy decorated trails and choose from both kid-friendly and spooky walking options. A $5 donation is suggested for entry and times vary depending on the date. For more information about this fun Halloween activity, please call (574) 293-5070.

Thursday, October 26

Halloween Party
Sponsored by Sanders Pianowski, LLP and Friends of the National New York Central Railroad Museum, Elkhart’s National NYC Railroad Museum present a Halloween Party Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Trteats and games are on the agenda, and the museum’s NIBCO Century Flyer mini train gives rides through the haunted tunnel! Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for children 4-12 and seniors 61+, and free for kids under 3.

Thursday, October 26

Let’s Get Spooky Market
The Let’s Get Spooky Market, Oct. 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, presents goods, treats, and FUN of all kinds! Shop from over 40 local, small businesses, enjoy an assortment of food trucks, and bring the kids for exciting and festive activities—including trick or treating, creative face painting by Diana, a mini pumpkin patch, and an array of cool photo opportunities! Find more information on the event landing page.

Thursday, October 26

Science Spooktacular
The E3 Robotics Center in Elkhart presents Science Spooktacular, an exciting community-based event that offers a unique opportunity for families to engage in STEM and science demos provided by local groups and organizations. The event, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, features an array of hands-on activities, interactive displays, and fun experiments that aim to promote a love for science and encourage curiosity among people of all ages. Admission is $5. For more information call (574) 536-4847.

For all the information you need about fall events and Elkhart County’s Thanksgiving and holiday shopping options, visit the ECCVB event calendar.