This weekend’s playbook: Feb 27–Mar 1, 2026

Indiana puts on its springtime game face this weekend. From the hush of dawn as Sandhill Cranes lift over Greene County to the sweet steam of maple sap in Parke County, and the roar of engines and the gleam of hulls at the State Fairgrounds — there’s a story for every kind of adventurer. Below are the details, the must-dos, and the quick tips to help you pack the perfect weekend.

Marsh Madness — Sandhill Crane Festival (last weekend!)

Humphreys Park & Goose Pond Visitor Center, Linton (Greene County, South Indiana)
Dates: February 1–28, 2026 (this weekend is your last chance)
Admission: $5 at the door; kids free. Friday dinner $30.
Website: http://friendsofgoosepond.org | Phone: 812-890-3673

What makes it special: For 17 years Marsh Madness has been the calendar highlight for bird lovers across Indiana. In late February the skies and marshes around Goose Pond fill with the rattle and rush of thousands of Sandhill Cranes — and if you’re lucky, a rare Whooping Crane might glide through. Guided and self-guided birding tours run throughout the day, and nature sessions break down migration, habitat, and conservation in plain, excited language.

Must-do moments: Get to a blind at dawn for the big lift-off; join a guided tour to learn crane calls; catch the Live Birds of Prey demo for close-up raptor magic. Kids’ programming is hands-on: owl pellet dissections, scavenger hunts, and bat house building. The Linton Civitan Club runs a dependable breakfast and lunch that tastes like local hospitality.

Practical tips: It’s the last weekend — expect a full schedule. Pack binoculars, warm layers, and waterproof boots for muddy trails. $5 admission supports local programming; kids in sneakers will find plenty to do.

Hendricks County Flavor Fest

Countywide — participating independent restaurants across Hendricks County (Central Indiana)
Dates: February 17–March 17, 2026
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.visithendrickscounty.com/flavorfest | Phone: 1-800-321-9666

What makes it special: Think of this as a county-wide culinary scavenger hunt. Forty-six independent restaurants have created exclusive new menu items for the second annual Flavor Fest. It’s about flavors that tell local stories — farm-to-fork, bold comfort food, and inventive small-plate experiments.

Must-do moments: Scan the QR codes at each restaurant to “Dine, Check-In & Win” — weekly drawings for $50 gift cards keep the weekend crawl exciting. Try a three-stop dinner plan: a starter at a gastropub, a main at a family-run bistro, and a dessert at a bakery or coffeehouse.

Practical tips: No admission fee — bring a sense of adventure and share dishes to stretch your culinary credits. Weeknights are quieter; for weekend evenings make reservations where offered.

31st Annual Indiana Motorcycle & Powersports Expo

Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis (Marion County, Central Indiana)
Hours this weekend: Fri 12:00–8:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: $16 adults; $10 kids 6–12; free under 5. Two-day pass $26. Parking $10.
Website: http://www.indysportshow.com | Phone: 765-641-7712

What makes it special: Ninety thousand square feet of chrome, leather, and custom paint. Major manufacturers — Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Ducati, Indian, Can-Am, KTM, Suzuki — show new models and aftermarket bling. Add in independent builders, custom shops, apparel vendors, and a community of riders swapping stories.

Must-do moments: Let the kids try the ABATE-sponsored kids test track. Walk the custom paint row for inspiration, and stop by the apparel booths for cold-weather riding layers and unique patches. Chat with local clubs — they’ll point you toward the best Sunday morning rides in Indiana.

Practical tips: Park at the Fairgrounds (expect a $10 fee) and arrive Friday afternoon to beat Saturday crowds. Buy tickets online if you want to skip lines.

Ford 71st Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show

Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis (Marion County, Central Indiana)
Hours this weekend: Fri 12:00–8:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: Yes (check website for ticketing). Parking charge applies.
Website: http://www.indysportshow.com | Phone: 877-892-1723

What makes it special: More than 750,000 square feet of boats, RVs, fishing tackle, travel destinations, and outdoor toys. This is the travel-and-water enthusiast’s dream mall — from bass boats to pontoon parties, fishing gear to backcountry travel ideas.

Must-do moments: Sit in a demo cabin of a family RV, attend an expert seminar on cold-weather fishing or destination planning, and make a beeline for the fly-fishing gear if rivers are your true north. If you’re boat-shopping, use the show to compare specs side-by-side.

Practical tips: The show shares the Fairgrounds with the Motorcycle and Hunting expos — plan parking and consider shuttles if offered. Bring a tote for brochures and vendor coupons.

28th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo

Expo Hall, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis
Dates & hours: February 27–March 1, 2026 — Fri 12:00–8:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: Yes (check website for pricing)
Website: http://www.indysportshow.com | Phone: 877-892-1723

What makes it special: The Midwest’s premier hunting expo brings outfitters, the latest gear, optics, and apparel, plus seminars from industry pros. Whether you’re a rifle hunter, turkey caller, or waterfowl aficionado, this expo is a one-stop education and shopping trip for the field season.

Must-do moments: Catch a seminar on ethics and safety, try the latest optics side-by-side, and visit international outfitters for travel ideas beyond Indiana. Look for conservation booths — many groups offer practical ways to give back to habitat work.

Practical tips: The Expo is family-friendly but gear is specialized — bring a list if you’re searching for specific equipment. If visiting multiple State Fairgrounds shows, allow extra time to traverse exhibits.

Parke County Maple Fair

Parke County Fairgrounds, Rockville (Parke County, West Indiana)
Dates: February 28–March 1 and March 7–8, 2026
Hours: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM daily
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.coveredbridges.com | Phone: 765-569-5226

What makes it special: Parke County — famous for its covered bridges — turns into a syrup-scented village of maple camps and boiling demonstrations. This hands-on fair shows sap collection through to syrup — locals tap trees and boil sap while volunteers serve all-day pancake platters with pure local syrup and whole hog sausage.

Must-do moments: Line up for a pancake breakfast smothered in Parke County syrup. Tour a maple camp, watch a sap-boiling demo, and pick up jugs of syrup and maple candies from artisans. The fair’s setting among covered bridges makes every photo an Indiana postcard.

Practical tips: Dress warm and expect mud near the sugarbush. Bring cash for vendors and syrup bottles; get there mid-morning for the freshest pancake stacks and smaller lines.

Logistics & strategy: if you want to do more than one thing

If you crave nature + pancakes: Drive west to Parke County Sunday morning for maple pancakes, then chase covered bridges in the afternoon.
If you want motorized thrills: Block a full day for the State Fairgrounds — you can split time between motorcycles, boats, and the hunting expo, but wear comfy shoes; the halls are huge. Parking and crowds are highest Saturday.
If food is your compass: Start a Hendricks County crawl Friday night (quieter), use Saturday afternoon for a leisurely crawl, and save a restaurant you loved for Sunday brunch.

Final packing list

Binoculars, warm layers, waterproof boots, reusable tote for purchases, a portable phone charger, and cash for small vendors. Bring patience — Indiana festival weekends reward those who wander and linger.

See something you want to chase? Call ahead or check the event websites for last-minute updates and ticketing changes. Happy exploring — whichever trail you follow, Indiana’s weekend festivals deliver big flavors, bright skies, and plenty of community warmth.