About This Festival

The Archway Days Festival in Centerville, Indiana, is an annual family-friendly event celebrating the town’s history and architecture, especially its unique historic archways. The 2025 festival runs two days, August 22 from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM and August 23 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, located at Maplewood Park in Centerville.

Event Atmosphere and Surroundings
Centerville is known for its charming historic district featuring Greek Revival and Italianate architecture with buildings primarily from 1830 to 1860. The town’s iconic archways, dating back to the 1820s to 1836, are a distinctive element of local heritage and a key theme of this festival. Maplewood Park, where the festival takes place, is a central green space in the community, adding a pleasant outdoor ambiance.

Vibe of the Festival
The atmosphere is festive and community-oriented, welcoming families and visitors of all ages. The event combines history appreciation with lively entertainment and activities, offering a vibrant yet relaxed setting to enjoy arts, crafts, music, local food, and civic demonstrations.

Activities and Features

  • Arts & Crafts Vendors: Numerous local artisans sell handmade crafts and art, emphasizing regional culture and creativity.
  • Food Vendors and Trucks: Offering a variety of foods to suit different tastes.
  • Live Music and Entertainment: Performances across genres to keep the crowd entertained throughout the day.
  • Car Show: Display of classic and custom vehicles attracting automobile enthusiasts.
  • Parade: A traditional procession that celebrates community spirit and local organizations.
  • Children’s Activities: Including inflatables and a pedal tractor pull, providing fun for younger attendees.
  • Fire and Police Demonstrations: Engaging civic education showcasing local emergency services.

Rough Schedule (subject to change yearly):

  • August 22: Afternoon (3 PM) to night (11 PM) kickoff with vendor booths opening, initial entertainment, and family activities.
  • August 23: Full day from 9 AM with all vendor booths, car show, continuous live music, parade, children’s inflatables and games, and concluding evening entertainment until 11 PM.

History and Founding
The Archway Days Festival began at least by the late 20th century (with documented events in the 1990s and early 2000s). It celebrates Centerville’s 180+ years of history, particularly honoring its five interior archways built between 1820 and 1836, which are rare architectural features in the Midwest. This festival has grown into a multi-day community celebration supported by local sponsors and volunteers, dedicated to promoting Centerville’s heritage and fostering local pride.

Accessibility
The festival grounds at Maplewood Park are handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

This event is supported actively by the Centerville Archway Days Festival Committee and local businesses, contributing to a longstanding tradition that combines history, culture, and community fun in East Indiana.