Austin Firemen's Festival

The Austin Firemen's Festival is an annual community event held at the Austin Fire Station in Austin, Scott County, Indiana, typically in late September. It began in 1998 and has grown each year from a traditional fire station fish fry into a lively festival featuring games, musical entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

The event usually spans two days, with the 2024 festival scheduled for September 27-28. The festival atmosphere combines a welcoming small-town vibe centered around honoring local fire services and fostering community spirit.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

Austin is a small town in southern Indiana, known for its friendly community and local events. The fire station on West Main Street serves as the hub for this festival, turning into a festive gathering spot with a mix of casual and festive energy that appeals to families, fire department supporters, and visitors. The vibe is warm, inclusive, and rooted in community pride, with a historic nod to fire service tradition.

Festival Activities and Features

The festival includes a variety of activities and attractions such as:

• Fish Fry: The core attraction remains the fish fry, offering a traditional and popular local meal.
• Games and Contests: Includes cornhole tournaments and other outdoor games that encourage participation for all ages.
• Live Music: Musical entertainment typically runs from late afternoon into the evening (e.g., 5 pm to 9 pm), featuring local bands and a festive atmosphere.
• Car Show: Held in the morning on the first day, attracting car enthusiasts.
• Vendors: Jewelry, crafts, flags, and other local merchandise are sold, highlighting regional artisans and businesses.
• Hay Ride: A popular event often scheduled for early evening, providing a relaxed way to enjoy the surrounding area and socialize.

Rough Schedule Example (based on 2024 details)

• Day 1 (September 27):

  • 8:00 am: Car Show kicks off
  • 12:00 pm: Cornhole tournament begins
  • Afternoon: Vendors open alongside continuous festival activities
  • 5:00 pm: Hay Ride begins
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Fish Fry and live musical entertainment

• Day 2 (September 28):

  • Events often continue with food, music, and games throughout the day, though the main focus and larger crowd typically occur on the first evening.

History and Founding

The Austin Firemen's Festival started in 1998 as a modest fish fry hosted by the local fire department. Over the years it has expanded to include live music, games, and community vendors, becoming one of the area's notable music and community festivals. It serves both as a fundraiser for the fire department and a community celebration that draws locals and visitors alike.

Accessibility and Contact

• The event location at Austin Fire Station is handicapped accessible.
• For more information, the festival can be contacted via (812) 752-9211, and more details are available through the Scott County official tourism website and some social media channels.

Overall, the Austin Firemen’s Festival offers a mix of traditional Midwestern community festival charm, food, music, and family-friendly fun in a friendly, small-town setting.