Spring is in full swing across Indiana, and the May 8–10 weekend is packed with chances to get outdoors, shop local, and celebrate Mom (Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10). Whether you're hunting vintage treasures, sipping craft pours by the river, strolling an art-filled downtown square, or laughing with costumed knights and fairies, there’s a festival for every pace and palate this weekend.

Tri-State Antique Market

The Tri-State Antique Market is Indiana’s largest antiques and vintage market, held on the first Sunday of each month (May through October) at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds. Expect a whimsical treasure hunt among roughly 200 vendors selling furnishings, vintage Pyrex, mid-century pieces, vinyl records, garden décor, comic books, and toys. The fairgrounds’ country setting—with shaded groves, open-air pavilions, paved walkways and modern restrooms—makes for a relaxed hunting ground for collectors and decorators.

Hours: 6:00 AM–3:00 PM (market day)
Admission: $5 adults (cash), children and pets free
Location highlight: Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds provides free parking and wheelchair access.
Website: lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com
Phone: 5137022680

Heritage Day – Spring (May 9)

Step back into the pioneer era at Rockport’s Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum for Heritage Day – Spring, marking the village’s 90th anniversary. Costumed interpreters and living-history demonstrations recreate frontier life during Abraham Lincoln’s youth amid 14 replica pioneer cabins and museum exhibits like Lincoln’s handmade hutch and Civil War memorabilia. Kids’ activities, music, and period food vendors bring the park alive with hands-on learning.

Location: Rockport City Park
Website: lincolnpioneervillage.com
Phone: 8126499147

Southern Indiana Renaissance Faire (Apr 25 – May 24)

The Southern Indiana Renaissance Faire at Swifty Farms in Seymour runs across multiple themed weekends (Apr 25–May 24), and this Mother’s Day weekend spotlights the Fantasies & Fairies theme (May 9–10). Expect four stages, three pubs, lane entertainers, artisan demos (blacksmithing, wool spinning, glassblowing), and full-contact jousting—raw, thrilling combat that’s a crowd favorite. Families will love the Fantasy Forest, and Mother’s Day guests may receive carnations on the fairies weekend.

Hours: 10 AM–6:30 PM on festival days
Admission: Ticketed (single-day and weekend passes; student discounts apply on select weekends)
Location highlight: 351 S US-31, Seymour—ample parking, onsite food, and re-entry wristbands.
Website: renaissancefaireindiana.com
Phone: 8129361837

500 Festival (Apr 29 – May 31)

All month long Indianapolis hums with racing pride thanks to the 500 Festival. Highlights this weekend include family-focused activities like the JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run (check specific dates) and ongoing Expo programming leading up to parade and race-season events. The Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 5K capture the city's athletic energy, while the Parade and Breakfast at the Brickyard celebrate Indy’s racing history and community spirit.

Locations: Downtown Indianapolis & Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Website: 500Festival.com
Phone: 3179273378

Miami County Farmers Market (Saturdays, May 2–Sep 26)

Kick off a Saturday morning in downtown Peru at the Miami County Farmers Market (every Saturday, 9 AM–1 PM through September). The market overflows with fresh produce (seasonal berries, sweet corn), baked goods, plants and flowers, plus local crafts and demos. It's a great spot to pick up Mother’s Day blooms or homemade jams from neighborhood growers.

Hours: 9 AM–1 PM Saturdays
Location highlight: East 5th Street between N. Broadway and Court Streets, downtown Peru
Website: miamicochamber.com
Phone: 7654721923

Shipshewana Flea Market (Tuesdays & Wednesdays, May 5–Sep 30)

At the Midwest’s largest flea market in Shipshewana, nearly 40 acres of open-air booths (600–700 vendors) promise endless browsing for antiques, furniture, crafts, plants, and Amish-made goods. Visit on Wednesdays for the lively 9 AM antique auction in the Antique Building—several auctioneers, move-ring action and bargain thrills.

Hours: 8 AM–4 PM on market days (Tues/Weds)
Admission: Free (parking fee applies)
Location highlight: Shipshewana Flea Market Grounds—on-site dining and RV parking.
Website: shipshewanatradingplace.com/flea-market
Phone: 2607684129

Fortville Chocolate Walk (May 8)

Sweet tooth? The downtown Fortville Chocolate Walk on Friday, May 8 sends you on a tasting tour of 25+ stops sampling gourmet chocolates while discovering local shops open late. Tickets are typically around $20 and the event benefits downtown businesses—perfect for a pre-Mother’s Day indulgence or a festive date night.

Hours: Evening event (approx. 5:00 PM–8:00 PM)
Location highlight: Downtown Fortville
Website: hancockinchamber.org
Phone: (317) 477-4188

Second Saturdays May (May 9)

Downtown Peru's Second Saturdays (this installment on May 9) stitches together store sales, food, entertainment and kids’ activities from 1 PM–5 PM, dovetailing with the Peru Visual Art Festival and petting zoo nearby. It’s a lively afternoon for shopping and catching local performers.

Hours: 1 PM–5 PM, downtown Peru

Columbus on Tap (May 9)

If craft beverages are your thing, Columbus on Tap at Mill Race Park on Saturday, May 9 is a can’t-miss: unlimited tastings from 50+ breweries, distilleries, and wineries (250+ pours), live music on the Custer‑Nugent stage, local food vendors and lawn games. This is a 21+ event—designated driver tickets are available.

Hours: 1 PM–5 PM
Age: 21+ (ID required); designated driver tickets available
Location highlight: Mill Race Park, Columbus
Website: columbus.in.us
Phone: 8123782622

Mosey Down Main Street – May (May 9)

Downtown Lafayette shuts down part of Main Street for this free street festival on May 9, featuring three stages of live music, food vendors, beer and wine sales, street performers, family activities like hula hooping and drum circles, and pop-up merchant displays. It’s a breezy way to sample local flavor and shop small businesses.

Hours: Daytime event in downtown Main St., Lafayette
Website: moseydownmain.com
Phone: 7654232550

Goataqua – Vevay Community Art Fair (May 9)

Goataqua at the Switzerland County Community Art Center in Vevay is a delightfully quirky one-day art fair celebrating “Fred the Goat.” On May 9 you’ll find goat yoga, a Goat Costume Contest, kids’ crafts, local artists’ booths and the Color Fred the Goat contest awards—fun, photo-ready moments along the Ohio River.

Hours: 10 AM–3 PM
Location highlight: Switzerland County Community Art Center, Vevay
Website: switzcotourism.com
Phone: 8124273237

Peru Visual Art Festival (May 9)

Also on May 9, the Historic Downtown Square in Peru blooms with the Peru Visual Art Festival—plein air competitions, youth workshops, three art contests (including a people’s choice photo contest), live performances and vendor booths. Arrive early (around 10 AM) to catch artists at work and vote in the contests.

Location highlight: Historic Downtown Square, Peru
Website: miamicountyartisangallery.com
Phone: 7652443242

Tarquini’s Mother's Day Event (May 9)

Plan ahead for Mother’s Day shopping at Tarquini’s Fresh Produce in Perrysville on May 9. With 50+ vendors, food trucks, wine, flowers, fresh produce and artisan gifts, it’s a one-stop spot to find thoughtful Mother’s Day presents or enjoy a relaxed family outing the day before Mother’s Day.

Location: Tarquini’s, 402 North Jackson Street, Perrysville
Website: tarquinis.com
Phone: 7652313146

No matter your mood—antiquing at sunrise, sipping craft pours by the river, cheering knights at a joust, or picking out flowers and honey for Mom—this May weekend stitches together the best of Indiana’s spring festivals. Pack comfy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure, and get out there to sample, shop, and celebrate what makes Hoosier weekends special. See you at the festivals!