78th Mitchell Persimmon Festival

The 78th Mitchell Persimmon Festival will be held from September 19 to 26, 2026, taking place at Spring Mill State Park and Downtown Main Street in Mitchell, Lawrence County, Indiana. The festival celebrates the local persimmon fruit with a rich variety of activities, food, live entertainment, exhibits, and amusement rides. The event is handicapped accessible and offers a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

Festival Atmosphere and Surroundings

The festival's setting is split between the natural beauty of Spring Mill State Park, known for its pioneer history and scenic trails, and the lively, small-town charm of Downtown Mitchell’s Main Street, lined with vendors, food booths, and entertainment stages. The vibe is family-friendly and festive, rooted deeply in local tradition, fostering a homecoming feel that draws residents and visitors alike to celebrate the area's unique heritage, including its distinctive persimmon culture.

History and Founding

The festival was founded in 1947 by George Bishop, a local educator, who envisioned a small homecoming event to bring Mitchell natives together. It started as a modest two-day celebration and has grown into a beloved weeklong festival. A notable tradition tied to the festival is the cutting open of persimmon seeds to predict the upcoming winter weather, a local folkloric custom. George Bishop’s daughter, Diana Bishop Chastain, was honored as grand marshal at the 75th festival, highlighting the event’s enduring family and community ties.

Key Activities and Events

• Pioneer Village Candlelight Tour: The festival often kicks off with this tour at Spring Mill State Park, allowing visitors to experience life as pioneers did, typically held on the first evening.
• Persimmon Pudding and Desserts: The festival is famous for traditional persimmon pudding available daily throughout the main festival days, alongside other persimmon-based treats.
• Free Stage Entertainment: Live music and performances take place nightly on the Main Street stage, featuring local dance teams and singing competitions like “Persimmon Idol.”
• Carnival and Amusement Rides: Rides and games open each evening, providing fun for all ages.
• Parade: The festival culminates with a spirited parade held downtown on the last day, drawing families and visitors out in force.
• Contests and Pageants: Events like the Queen Pageant and other contests enhance the festive spirit.
• Vendor Booths and Food Stalls: A wide array of local crafts, food vendors (including the Kiwanis Ice Cream Booth and Varsity Club Food Tent), and specialty market booths line Main Street.

Rough Schedule Highlights (Typical)

• Day 1 (Sep 19 in 2026): Pioneer Village Candlelight Tour at Spring Mill State Park (early evening).
• Following Days (Sep 21-26): Daily vendors and food booths, persimmon pudding available daily from morning until evening.
• Evenings: Live entertainment, carnival rides, and games open each night on Main Street.
• Sep 22 (Monday): Opening of daily persimmon treats, vendors, and stage shows.
• Sep 23 – 26: Evening festivities including performances by local dance teams and singing contests.
• Sep 26 (Saturday): Pancake Breakfast in the morning, carnival open at noon, followed by the parade at 2 PM, and concluding with a headline concert in the evening.

Additional Notable Details

• The festival is free and open to the public, emphasizing community spirit.
• It has grown to be a major regional attraction celebrating this "quirky" local fruit and the culture surrounding it.
• Reflecting its history, there is a strong sense of fun tradition, including predicting winter weather with persimmon seeds.
• The festival guide is distributed locally with detailed schedules and vendor information, helping visitors plan their experience efficiently.

The Mitchell Persimmon Festival is thus a vibrant blend of heritage celebration, local food culture, family entertainment, and community pride set amid picturesque parkland and classic small-town Americana.