Parks and Recreation
Events
Parks and Recreation.
Parks and Recreation.Discover Exciting Events with Elkhart Parks & Recreation!
Join us throughout the year for a variety of engaging events designed to bring our community together. From seasonal festivals and family-friendly activities to live music, outdoor adventures, and special programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our events celebrate the vibrant spirit of Elkhart, providing opportunities for fun, relaxation, and connection in our beautiful parks and public spaces. Whether you’re looking to make memories with loved ones, meet new friends, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Elkhart Parks & Recreation has an event for you!
Community Events
Weston Park Playground Dedication
Come celebrate the new playground at Weston Park with a free neighborhood event!
Thursday, May 29
4–6 PM | Dedication at 5 PM
🎉 Free hot dog meals for the first 100 people
🍧 Free Kona Ice for everyone
🏞 Info booths from City departments
👨👩👧👦 Family fun in the park
Sponsored by Cappy’s North Side Bar & Grill—thank you for supporting our parks and community!
Bring the kids, meet your neighbors, and help us make it official!
Foundation Fun Day at Walker Park
Saturday, June 7 | 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Walker Park | East Bristol St. & Marguerite Ave, Elkhart, IN
Join us for a day of fun, food, and celebration at Foundation Fun Day—a free community event hosted by the Elkhart Park Foundation and Elkhart Parks & Recreation!
We’re celebrating exciting improvements at Walker Park, including a brand-new playground, outdoor fitness equipment, and public restrooms. Come see the updates, connect with your neighbors, and enjoy a full lineup of activities for all ages.
📅 First & Third Sundays | 🕟 4:30–6:30 PM | Through Labor Day
Take in stunning views and explore local history from the top of Elkhart’s iconic High Dive Tower! Tours run on the first and third Sundays of each month through Labor Day.
Love sharing stories? We’re also looking for volunteer docents to help lead the tours—reach out if you’re interested!
Art Walk Wednesdays
Art Walk is back for 2025! Join us on the last Wednesday of each month from June through September in Downtown Elkhart for an evening filled with local art, live music, family activities, and more.
This year, we’re focusing on creativity, connection, and community—celebrating local artists and makers inside downtown businesses and along Main Street.
🗓 2025 Dates: June 25, July 30, August 27, September 24
⏰ 5–8 PM | 🌧 Rain or shine
Presented by Ruthmere, in partnership with the Downtown Elkhart Merchants Alliance.
👉 For full details and applications, visit ElkhartArtWalk.com
Live Music
Join us for Elkhart’s premier celebration of arts, music, and culture! Rhapsody Arts & Music Festival brings live performances, local artists, delicious food, and family-friendly fun to the heart of the city.
Visit our Rhapsody website for more information!
Kick back, relax, and enjoy live music in the park! The Summer Chill Concert Series brings great tunes and good vibes to Elkhart all season long. Grab a blanket, bring some friends, and soak up the summer evenings with free outdoor concerts featuring a variety of local and regional artists.
Sponsored by NIBCO INC.
Get ready for an afternoon of soulful sounds and smooth rhythms at Island of Blues! This annual music festival brings incredible live blues performances to Elkhart, creating the perfect summer vibe. Enjoy the soulful melodies, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere as we celebrate the blues in a beautiful outdoor setting. Whether you’re a longtime blues fan or just looking for a great night out, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Family Day in the Park
Presented by Elkhart Parks & Recreation and Bad Entertainment
Get ready for triple the fun this summer! Join us once a month from July through September for Family Day in the Park—a series of free events designed to bring the whole community together for laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories.
Each event is packed with crafts, food trucks, games, live music, and plenty of surprises along the way! Whether you’re bringing little ones, teens, grandparents—or just your inner child—there’s something for everyone.
Celebrations
Memorial Day in Elkhart: Honor and Remember
Monday, May 26, 2025
Join us for a meaningful day of remembrance as we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. This year’s Memorial Day events reflect the theme “Honor and Remember,” inviting the community to come together in gratitude and reflection.
Veterans Memorial Service
📍 Rice Cemetery – Veterans Burial Section
🕘 9:00 AM
Start your Memorial Day by attending a solemn Veterans Memorial Service at Rice Cemetery. Held at the Veterans Burial Section, this ceremony pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Memorial Day Parade
📍 Parade Route: Marion St. to Lexington Ave.
🕚 11:00 AM
Following the service, gather along Main Street for Elkhart’s Annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade begins at 11:00 AM and features local veterans, community groups, marching bands, and more as we celebrate the lives and legacies of our nation’s heroes.
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a night full of fun, food, and fireworks! Elkhart’s Independence Day Celebration brings the community together for an unforgettable evening featuring live music, delicious food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display. Grab your friends and family, find a great spot, and enjoy a night of patriotic festivities.
Join us for a spooktacular daytime Trunk or Treat! Bring the kids in costume and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of candy, creatively decorated trunks, and festive Halloween activities in a safe, family-friendly setting. Stroll through the lineup of decorated cars, play games, and soak up the Halloween spirit—no tricks, just treats!
Stay tuned for more details—let’s make this a Halloween to remember!
Get ready for a spooky but family-friendly adventure at the Pine Not So Haunted Woods Walk! Explore the eerie but not-too-scary trails as you wander through the woods, encountering fun and silly surprises along the way. Perfect for all ages, this walk offers a little bit of Halloween thrill without the chills. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and surprises in this spooky, lighthearted outdoor experience!
Stay tuned for more details—this Halloween walk is sure to be a fun, not-too-scary experience for the whole family!
Kick off the holiday season with Winterfest in downtown Elkhart! This all-day celebration is filled with holiday magic from start to finish. Begin your day with Breakfast with Santa at the Fire Station, followed by holiday shopping at downtown merchants, kids’ activities, and much more. The festivities wrap up with the lighted parade and the tree lighting ceremony in the heart of downtown, creating a truly magical evening for all ages.
