May in Indiana is in full swing: gardens are blooming, the air smells like grill smoke and fresh-cut grass, and locals are flocking outdoors for weekend fun. With the Indianapolis 500 festivities ramping up downtown, this May 15–17 weekend serves up everything from peony-packed parks to Renaissance jousts, smoky brisket battles, and whimsical fairy parades. Pack a spring jacket and your curiosity—there’s a festival for every mood.

Tri-State Antique Market

Indiana's largest antiques and vintage market is a true treasure hunt at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds. Expect around 200 vendors, a country-fair setting of shaded groves and pavilions, and local food vendors on site. The market runs early to mid-afternoon with a classic schedule (typically 6:00 AM–3:00 PM) and an admission of $5 for adults while children and pets enter free. A whimsical place to hunt Pyrex, mid-century finds, vintage toys, and early Americana.
Location highlight: Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds offer paved walkways and modern restrooms.
Website: lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com
Phone: 5137022680

Southern Indiana Renaissance Faire (Apr 25 – May 24)

Step into swashbuckling fantasy at Swifty Farms with full-contact jousting, four stages, three pubs, and a kid-friendly Fantasy Forest. Running weekends through May 24, the faire’s themes change each weekend—this one includes Wizards & Wands on May 16–17—plus artisan demos like blacksmithing and glassblowing, medieval feasts, and interactive shows that smell faintly of roasting meats and mead. Hours: Saturdays & Sundays 10 AM–6:30 PM.
Location highlight: Seymour’s Swifty Farms turns into a medieval village.
Website: renaissancefaireindiana.com
Phone: 8129361837

500 Festival (April 29 – May 31)

Indy is buzzing: the 500 Festival fills downtown and the Speedway with parades, runs, kids’ days, and signature events like the Mini-Marathon and the 70th IPL Parade. Look for family zones, packet pick-up at the Indy Mini Expo, and community favorites like the Breakfast at the Brickyard. Many events are free to watch while races require registration—plan for downtown crowds and celebratory energy tied to the Indy 500.
Location highlight: Downtown Indianapolis & Indianapolis Motor Speedway are festival hubs.
Website: 500Festival.com
Phone: 3179273378

Miami County Farmers Market

Every Saturday in downtown Peru the market bustles from 9 AM–1 PM (May–Sept) with fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and artisan crafts. This seasonal market is free to attend and perfect for snagging early-summer berries, artisan breads, and one-of-a-kind crafts while chatting with growers.
Location highlight: East 5th Street between N. Broadway and Court Streets in Peru.
Website: miamicochamber.com
Phone: 7654721923

Shipshewana Flea Market

Spread across nearly 40 acres in Shipshewana, this flea market offers 600–700 booths every Tuesday and Wednesday through September (8 AM–4 PM). Expect antiques, furniture, local produce, and the lively Wednesday antique auction. Admission is free; parking carries a small charge.
Website: shipshewanatradingplace.com/flea-market
Phone: 2607684129

Tri-State Gas Engine & Tractor Association Swap & Sell Meet (May 13–16)

For lovers of vintage machinery, this Portland swap meet is loaded with antique engines, tractors, parts, and a lively consignment auction Saturday at 1:00 PM. Food is served on-site (including breakfast), and the trading atmosphere is pure nostalgia.
Location highlight: Club grounds adjacent to the Jay County Fairgrounds in Portland.
Website: tristategasenginetractor.com
Phone: 2607262031

Harrodsburg Heritage Days (May 15–16)

A classic small-town weekend in Harrodsburg with a Friday fish fry, Saturday parade, kids’ tractor pull, about 40 vendor booths, live music under an outdoor pavilion, and possibly Saturday fireworks. Hours: Friday 4–10 PM; Saturday 10 AM–10 PM. The setting is handicap-friendly with community warmth.
Website: harrodsburgheritagefestival.com
Phone: 8123203020

Frühlingsfest (May 15–16)

Seymour’s German-style Spring Fest at 118 E. 2nd St. brings bratwursts, pretzels, beer in a Biergarten, and live music (including polka). Admission is free, food and shopping abundant, and evenings light up with headline bands—perfect for clinking steins and dancing in the parking-lot festival vibe.
Phone: 8125222989

Celebration in the Ville (May 15–16)

Downtown Connersville turns into a music-and-car-lover’s playground with live bands, a classic car show, craft vendors, kids’ zones, and tasty festival eats. Admission is free, and the historic downtown adds charm for strolling between stages and shops.

Smoke on the Square (May 15–16)

Hope’s 15th annual BBQ showdown on Hope Town Square pits pitmasters judged by Kansas City BBQ Society-certified judges across brisket, ribs, chicken, pulled pork, sauce, and dessert categories. Food service runs Fri 4–8 PM and Sat 11 AM–sellout; awards include cash prizes for top meats. Proceeds support the Community Center of Hope.
Website: columbus.in.us
Phone: 8123782622

Franklin County Quilt Show (May 15–16)

At the Franklin County Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Brookville, view 100+ quilts, watch demonstrations, enjoy homemade chicken & noodles, apple dumplings, and pie, and browse arts & crafts. Free parking and on-site camping make this cozy show easy to linger at.

Website: quiltbatts.org
Phone: 8666476555

Fairy, Gnome and Troll Festival (May 16)

Downtown Kendallville transforms into a magical street fair with 100+ art, craft & food vendors, story time with Tink, a fairy tea party, unicorn meet-and-greets, sword‑fighting comedy, and family-friendly whimsy—admission free, typically 10 AM–7 PM.

Website: kendallvillemainstreet.com
Phone: 2603180883

Haute Hops & Vines Fest (May 16)

Sip and sample in Terre Haute’s Historic Brewing District with unlimited samples from 20+ Indiana breweries, wineries, and distilleries, paired with live music, food trucks, and local artists. Hours: 1–5 PM; paid admission grants tasting access and free parking nearby.
Website: hautehopsfestival.com
Phone: 8129170001

Shirley Strawberry Festival (May 16)

Head to historic Shirley for homemade strawberry shortcake with ice cream, vendors, music, children's activities, and tours of the Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House. Hours: ~9 AM–4 PM; admission free—a perfect small-town Saturday outing.
Website: townofshirley.com
Phone: 7657386561

Blue River Highland Games (May 16)

Feel the thunder of caber tosses and the skirl of pipes at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in Shelbyville. Expect heavy athletics, Highland dancing, clan tents, Scottish food (think haggis and fish & chips), and bagpipe bands—gates open early with competitions into the afternoon. Admission varies; check local listings for exact pricing.

Indiana Peony Festival (May 16)

Downtown Noblesville's Seminary Park blooms with 150+ vendors, floral installations, classes, contests, live music, and peony-inspired shopping from 10 AM–4 PM. Admission is free, with shuttle service and ADA parking available—Instagram-ready peony displays abound.
Website: indianapeonyfestival.com

Zoom Town Covered Bridge 5K (May 16)

Run or walk through Parke County’s scenic countryside and cross the historic Sim Smith and Phillips Covered Bridges. Awards go to top finishers and largest groups; the route is handicapped accessible—an iconic, springtime five‑K in Montezuma/Rockville.
Website: montezuma.in.gov
Phone: 7655920829

Fort Wayne Cherry Blossom Festival (May 17)

Celebrate sakura at Purdue Fort Wayne’s Walb Student Union from noon–6 PM with taiko, kimono dance, tea ceremony, anime & cosplay, haiku contests, and Japanese food. Admission is free, and the festival blends performance, workshops, and vendor stalls—a lovely cultural Sunday in Fort Wayne.
Website: cherryblossomfw.com
Phone: 2604245070

Spring-Palooza Peony Festival (May 17)

Avon Gardens in Avon opens five acres of display beds showcasing 100+ peony varieties, live music, artisan vendors, garden crafts, photo ops, and food trucks. This free, pet- and kid-friendly garden festival is ideal for a leisurely Sunday stroll among fragrant blooms.
Website: avongardens.net/events
Phone: 3172726264

Three days, nineteen festivals—soak in peonies, cheer at Highland games, sample craft pours, or hunt antiques. Whether you want to run a covered-bridge 5K, crown a BBQ favorite, or dance beneath Renaissance banners, Indiana’s weekend scene is ready. Get out there, support local makers, and make a weekend memory (or two).