52nd Banks of the Wabash Festival

The 52nd Banks of the Wabash Festival is a family-friendly, 10-day event held from May 22 to May 31, 2025, at Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute, Vigo County. The festival features a vibrant atmosphere with live music performances, including a special day dedicated to gospel music on Sunday, alongside a Community Band Festival that showcases local musical talent. Visitors can enjoy midway carnival rides, food vendors offering a variety of local fare, and craft vendors selling handmade goods. Bingo games add to the entertainment options. The event promotes a community-centered vibe with free parking and is handicap accessible.

Location and Setting:
Fairbanks Park, located at 649 Dresser Dr, Terre Haute, offers a spacious, pleasant park setting well-suited for outdoor festivities. The area around the park is part of the western region of the city, enhancing its accessibility and community-friendly environment.

Vibe and Audience:
The festival caters primarily to families and community members looking for diverse entertainment and social engagement over multiple days. The mixture of live music genres, carnival rides, crafts, and games creates a lively and festive atmosphere where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy quality entertainment together.

Activities and Features:

• Live music: Multiple bands perform across the festival with a dedicated Sunday featuring gospel music and events related to the Community Band Festival.
• Midway rides: Carnival-style rides suitable for all ages provide excitement throughout the event.
• Food vendors: A variety of local and traditional festival foods available throughout the park.
• Craft vendors: Artisans sell handmade crafts and unique goods in a marketplace setup.
• Bingo games: Scheduled bingo sessions offer fun chances to win prizes, adding to the diverse entertainment.
• Free parking and handicap accessibility ensure convenience for all attendees.

Schedule Highlights (based on typical past festival patterns):

• Opening day (May 22): Festival kickoff with live music and carnival opening.
• Weekend days: Peak activity with full lineup of rides, food, music, craft market, and bingo games.
• Sunday (specific gospel music day): Special gospel performances and community band events.
• Closing day (May 31): Festive conclusion with live music and final rides.

History and Founding:
The Banks of the Wabash Festival has a longstanding tradition in Terre Haute, reaching its 52nd year in 2025. It was established as a community celebration to showcase local music, crafts, and provide family-oriented entertainment by the Wabash River area. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the city’s major annual events, drawing thousands of attendees and fostering community spirit.

In summary, the 52nd Banks of the Wabash Festival is a well-established, comprehensive community festival with a diverse set of activities, anchored by a strong musical lineup and family-friendly attractions, held in the inviting natural surroundings of Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute.