Memorial Day weekend in Indiana feels like the official start of summer — warm evenings, parade flags, and plenty of outdoor music and markets to choose from. This May 29–31 roundup brings everything from Indy’s month-long 500 Festival grand finale to Whitestown’s free concert kickoff, riverside fairs, and treasure-hunt flea markets. Pack sunscreen, your dancing shoes, and an appetite for funnel cakes and vintage finds.

Tri-State Antique Market

The Tri-State Antique Market is a true treasure hunters’ outing with around 200 vendors spread across the charming Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds. Expect to sift through early Americana, mid-century modern art, vintage Pyrex, vinyl records, garden décor, comic books, and toys — all merchandise must be at least 30 years old, so you’re hunting bona fide classics. The fairgrounds' shaded groves, open-air pavilions, paved walkways, and ample parking make for an easy day of browsing. Typical market hours run 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and admission is $5 for adults (children and pets enter free).
The market radiates that whimsical treasure-hunt energy — imagine the smell of coffee and old books, vendors calling out bargains, and families tracking down that perfect vintage lamp. It's a long-running staple for collectors and decorators alike. The event is held at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, and the setup is wheelchair accessible.
Website: Lawrenceburg Antique Show
Phone: 5137022680
Location: Lawrenceburg

Corydon Extravaganza (May 30)

If antiques, handmade goods, and a lively Saturday scene are your thing, the Corydon Extravaganza delivers with 175+ vendors, live music, food trucks, and a wine bar at the Harrison County Fairgrounds. This Kentuckiana favorite blends vintage and handmade booths — find primitives, jewelry, art, candy, and more — while live bands and the wine bar keep the energy upbeat. Early Bird admission typically starts at 8:00 AM (early-bird pricing), with general shopping continuing into the afternoon; gate admission is usually $5 for general admission (children under 13 free).
The fairgrounds’ indoor spaces help keep things comfortable no matter the weather, and free infield parking makes arrival simple. Expect friendly haggling, baked treats, and the kind of discoveries that pair well with a cold glass of local wine.
Website: This Is Indiana
Phone: 8887382137
Location: Corydon

500 Festival (through May 31)

May in Indianapolis culminates this weekend with the tail end of the storied 500 Festival, a city-spanning celebration of speed and community. The Festival blends athletic events (the legendary Mini-Marathon and 5K), the treasured 70th IPL 500 Festival Parade, kids’ activities, the Indy Mini Expo, and family-friendly pop-ups across Downtown Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Many Festival events are free to watch, while races require registration; check individual events for details.
This is sensory theater — marching bands, parade floats rolling down Monument Circle, cheering crowds, and the scent of pork tenderloin sandwiches and food trucks on busy downtown streets. If you’ve never felt the buzz of the Mini finish line or the glow of Monument Circle during parade day, this weekend is a quintessential Indy moment.
Website: 500Festival.com
Phone: 3179273378
Location: Indianapolis

Miami County Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM)

For a laid-back Saturday morning plan, head to downtown Peru and the Miami County Farmers Market on East 5th Street (between N. Broadway and Court). Running every Saturday through September, the market is a cornucopia of just-picked produce, baked goods, plants, and handmade crafts — think ruby tomatoes, artisan breads, heirloom jams, and pottery. The market runs 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and is free to attend, making it perfect for a relaxed stroll, sampling, and picking up picnic supplies.
The vibe is small-town Indiana at its best: neighbors swapping recipes, kids peeking at farm animals, and live music or demos sometimes adding a cheerful soundtrack to the morning.
Website: Miami County Chamber
Phone: 7654721923
Location: Peru

Shipshewana Flea Market (Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 8 AM–4 PM)

While not a weekend market, the Shipshewana Flea Market is worth a planning note for lovers of sprawling bargains. Spanning nearly 40 acres with 600–700 open-air booths, it’s the Midwest’s largest flea market and a near-legendary day trip into Amish Country. Booths sell everything from furniture and clothing to tools, books, and home décor; the farmer’s market section offers fresh produce and plants. Market hours are 8:00 AM–4:00 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May through September, and parking carries a small charge.
Beyond shopping, Wednesdays feature the high-energy antique auction at 9 AM, with multiple auctioneers working different rings — a must-see spectacle if your schedule allows a midweek pilgrimage.
Website: Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market
Phone: 2607684129
Location: Shipshewana

Banks of the Wabash Festival (May 21–30)

Terre Haute’s riverside celebration, the Banks of the Wabash Festival, runs through May 30 and is a ten-day mix of live music, midway rides, food vendors, crafters, and Bingo at Fairbanks Park. The event leans into the Wabash River’s scenic charm — picture sunset concerts, Ferris wheels lighted against the darkening sky, and the aroma of funnel cakes and smoky barbecue. Best of all: admission and parking are free, making it an easy stop for families and music fans.
Expect multiple stages, kid zones, and weekend fireworks — bring lawn chairs to soak up the bands and the river breeze.
Website: City of Terre Haute
Phone: 8122322727
Location: Terre Haute

Noble County America's 250th (May 23–September 7)

Noble County’s county-wide celebration of America’s 250th runs from May 23 to September 7, stitching together parades, concerts, historical reenactments, fireworks, and boat parades across towns like Kendallville, Albion, and Rome City. This is a season-long salute to national history with local flavor — expect patriotic concerts, craft fairs with quilts and pies, veterans’ tributes, and lakeside fireworks over Chain O’ Lakes. Most events are free or low-cost, with schedules varying by town.
If you’re in Northeast Indiana this holiday stretch, watch for special July 4 programming and family-friendly activities that pair small-town charm with semiquincentennial pride.
Location: Noble County

Whitestown Summer Concert Series (Fridays, May 29–July 31)

Kick off the weekend with the opening night of the Whitestown Summer Concert Series at Anson Acres Park — the series officially begins May 29, with gates opening at 6:00 PM and live music from 7:00–9:00 PM. These free Friday night shows bring rotating local and regional bands, theme nights (think Rodeo Night or 80s Night), food and beverage vendors, and a picnic-friendly vibe where blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. It's a perfect Memorial Day weekend ritual: warm air, live music, and neighbors gathered under the stars.
Website: Whitestown Concert Series
Phone: 7657324537
Location: Whitestown

From parade floats in Indianapolis to riverside fireworks in Terre Haute and a free Friday-night concert in Whitestown, Memorial Day weekend is brimming with ways to celebrate, shop, and listen to live music. Wherever you head, plan for crowds at big downtown events, bring water and sunscreen, and leave room for that inevitable fair-food detour. See you out there — and happy festivaling, Hoosiers!