About This Festival

The Berne Swiss Days is a vibrant, family-friendly festival held in downtown Berne, Indiana, celebrating Swiss heritage with a wide array of activities including over 100 food and craft vendors, a kids zone, parade, Berne tours, Horse Pull, Car, Tractor, and Quilt Shows. The event features competitive activities such as Brat Eating, Stein Toss, a 5K Race, and Cornhole, along with free live entertainment ranging from polka to rock music throughout the weekend. It runs from July 24 to July 26, 2025, and is fully handicapped accessible.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

Berne, Indiana, is a city with a rich Swiss heritage, which gives the festival a strong cultural and community vibe. The downtown area where the event is held is known for its Swiss-style architecture and charming small-town atmosphere, creating an authentic Swiss experience in the American Midwest. The festival atmosphere is lively, family-oriented, and community-driven, emphasizing Swiss traditions and welcoming both locals and visitors.

History and Founding

The Berne Swiss Days festival is a long-standing event in the community, designed to celebrate the Swiss roots of the town and its residents. It has grown over the years to become a key annual event that draws visitors from the region and beyond to enjoy traditional Swiss culture, food, crafts, and folk entertainment.

Detailed Activities and Schedule Highlights

Food and Craft Vendors

  • 100+ vendors offering Swiss and local specialties, crafts, and merchandise.
  • Variety of foods including traditional Swiss dishes for visitors to explore.

Competitive Events

  • Brat Eating Contest
  • Stein Toss Contest
  • 5K Race on Saturday, July 26, 2025: Includes a 5K and a 1 Mile Kids Race for children 11 and under; the 5K race registration closes July 23 with the race starting approximately at 8:15 – 9:30 AM downtown. Awards are presented to top finishers. There is an aid station and refreshments available[1][6].
  • Cornhole Tournament

Family and Kids Zone

  • Activities and entertainment suitable for children.
  • Dedicated area with family-friendly attractions to ensure inclusive fun.

Parade

  • Annual parade held on Saturday afternoon (typically around 4:30 PM).
  • 2025 parade theme: "MUSIC!!"
  • Float contests with prizes for Most Elaborate, Best Honoring Parade Theme, and Most Original.
  • New feature for 2025: Special golf cart participation with a small entry fee[4].

Shows and Tours

  • Horse Pull Show featuring traditional draft horse competitions.
  • Car Show and Tractor Show showcasing classic and vintage vehicles.
  • Quilt Show highlighting local artistry.
  • Berne tours showcasing local landmarks and Swiss cultural sites.

Live Entertainment

  • Continuous free music performances throughout the weekend.
  • Variety of styles from polka bands to rock music, celebrating Swiss and regional cultural music.

Rough Festival Schedule Summary

  • Friday, July 24, 2025: Festival opening, vendor stalls open, live entertainment begins.
  • Saturday, July 25, 2025: Full day of vendor activities, live shows, contests ongoing.
  • Saturday Morning, July 26, 2025: First Bank of Berne Swiss Days 5K Race and 1 Mile Kids Race
  • Saturday Afternoon, July 26, 2025: Parade at 4:30 PM featuring themed floats, music, and community groups.
  • Sunday, July 27, 2025: Closing day activities, likely ongoing vendor and music events.

Accessibility and Contact

  • The event is handicapped accessible.
  • For more information, the Berne Chamber of Commerce is the primary contact: (260) 589-8080.
  • Official festival website for details and registration is swissdaysberne.com.

In summary, Berne Swiss Days is a multi-day community event immersing visitors in Swiss culture through food, crafts, entertainment, competitions, and traditional celebrations in a friendly small-town setting.