Savor the Last Days of Summer: Must-Visit End-of-Season Events to Celebrate the Season!

As the sun starts setting a little earlier and the air carries that subtle hint of fall, it’s time to soak up every last drop of summer magic. Before the season officially says goodbye, communities everywhere are rolling out vibrant end-of-summer events packed with fun, food, music, and memories waiting to be made. Whether you’re looking to enjoy lively farmers markets, outdoor concerts, festive fairs, or family-friendly adventures, now’s the perfect moment to get out and celebrate the sun-soaked days one more time. Let’s dive into some of the best events that will make your late summer unforgettable!

NORTHWEST INDIANA

Market on the Square – Your Friday Night Plans are Set!
🗓 When: Every Friday, June 6 – September 26 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM 
Where: Founders Square Park, 6300 W Main St, Portage, IN
Get ready for the ultimate summer hangout! Market on the Square brings the heart of Portage to life with fresh produce, handmade goodies, one-of-a-kind crafts, and delicious bites from local vendors. Kick back with live music, sip something cold in the beer garden, and let the little ones splash around in the kid-friendly splash pad.

Crown Point Farmers Market – Your Saturday Tradition Starts Here!
🗓 When: Every Saturday, now through September 27 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
Where: Bulldog Park, 183 S West Street, Crown Point, IN
Wake up and head to the heart of Crown Point for a Saturday filled with flavor, fun, and fresh finds! The Crown Point Farmers Market is your go-to spot for locally grown produce, tasty baked goods, handcrafted treasures, and all-around good vibes. Stroll through 70+ vendors, move your body with free yoga or tai chi (9–10 AM), let the kids splash and play, and enjoy live tunes most weeks by the Lakeside Artists Guild.

Valparaiso Market – Fresh Finds Twice a Week!
🗓 When: Every Tuesday & Saturday, June 3 – October 11 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
Where: William E. Urschel Pavilion, 70 Lafayette Street, Valparaiso, IN
Start your day in the heart of downtown Valpo, where local flavor meets small-town charm! The Valparaiso Market brings the best of the season to you—twice a week—with farm-fresh produce, homemade goodies, and handcrafted treasures. Shop local vendors and artisans, grab a bouquet of fresh flowers, pick up a warm loaf of bread, and discover something new with every visit.

INDIANAPOLIS

Indiana State Fair – Summer’s Biggest Tradition!
🗓 When: August 1–17 
Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN
Get ready, Indiana—it’s almost fair season! The Indiana State Fair is back and bringing 17 days of non-stop fun, flavor, and family memories that last a lifetime.
With over 750,000 visitors each year, the fair is packed with everything you love; barnyard animals, thrilling rides and games, deep-fried favorites and fabulous fair food, live music, goat yoga (yep, it’s a thing!), and the always-popular Indiana Beer, Wine & Spirits Expo. There’s something around every corner for kids, grown-ups, and everyone in between!

Brownsburg Farmers Market – Fresh, Local & Full of Fun!
🗓 When: Every Thursday, June 5 – August 28 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM 
Where: Brownsburg Town Hall Green, 61 N. Green St., Downtown Brownsburg, IN
Thursday evenings just got a whole lot tastier! The Brownsburg Farmers Market, sponsored by IU Health West Hospital, brings the community together with over 30 local vendors offering fresh, affordable produce, handcrafted goods, and specialty foods—all in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Each week features interactive fun at the Brownsburg Public Library tent, plus exciting, themed events like Kid Biz Night, Non-Profit Day, and the fan-favorite Kiwanis Strawberry Festival. Whether you're shopping, snacking, or just strolling the green, there's something for everyone!

Cumberland Farmers Market – Fresh Picks & Family Fun!
🗓 When: Saturdays, May – October | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: 11501 E. Washington St., Cumberland, IN
Kick off your weekend with a visit to the Cumberland Farmers Market, where local flavor meets community charm! Shop the season’s best farm-fresh produce, browse handcrafted artisan goods, and chat with vendors who grow and make it all right here in Indiana. From garden-fresh veggies to one-of-a-kind crafts, there’s something for everyone—and plenty to keep the kiddos smiling too. Whether you're grabbing ingredients for the week or just soaking in the small-town vibes, it’s the perfect Saturday morning outing.

FORT WAYNE

Muddy River Concert Series – Your Summer Wednesdays Just Got Better!
🗓 When: Every other Wednesday, June 11 – August 27 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
Where: Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street, Fort Wayne, IN
Get ready to kick back and enjoy free live music at beautiful Promenade Park! The Muddy River Concert Series, presented by Riverfront Fort Wayne, brings local bands and great vibes to your midweek evenings all summer long. All concerts are wheelchair accessible and totally FREE! Bring your friends, your dancing shoes, and enjoy the soundtrack of summer under the stars. Grab tasty bites and drinks from Teds Snack & Bar while you groove to an awesome lineup.

Wild Wednesdays at the Zoo – Midweek Adventures Await!
🗓 When: Every Wednesday, May 7 – July 30 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
Where: Fort Wayne Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN
Get ready for some wild midweek fun! Wild Wednesdays at the Fort Wayne Zoo mean extended hours to explore the animal kingdom after hours—all for just $15. Wander through the zoo from 4 to 8 p.m., see your favorite animals, and soak up the summer vibes. Please note, the popular Glo Wild exhibit won’t be open on Wednesdays during this time.

Fort Wayne’s Farmers Market – Fresh, Local & Full of Life!
🗓 When: Every Saturday, Year-Round | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
Where: 1620 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN (Electric Works, West Central Neighborhood)
Step into the heart of Fort Wayne every Saturday for the original year-round farmers market bringing farm-fresh veggies, flowers, plants, and handcrafted goods right to your neighborhood. From delicious baked treats to homemade natural products, plus unique artisan creations, there’s something fresh and flavorful waiting for you every week. Make it a day—explore downtown’s fantastic restaurants, specialty shops, and vibrant atmosphere just steps away. Plus, enjoy free 2-hour parking at Electric Works while you shop, dine, and soak up the sights and sounds of the city.

Grab your friends, mark your calendar, and get ready to soak up all the fun before the leaves start to turn. Here’s to a memorable end to a wonderful summer!