About This Festival
The Bristol Homecoming Festival is a long-standing annual event in Bristol, Indiana, celebrating its 141st year in 2025. It is a three-day festival held at Congdon Park from July 10 to July 12, featuring family-friendly activities such as free children’s areas, rides, food stalls, entertainment, a queen pageant, a Saturday parade, and fireworks at dusk. The festival is alcohol-free and does not allow pets, emphasizing a safe and inclusive environment. It is also handicapped accessible[1][2].
Surrounding Area and Vibe
The festival is hosted by the town of Bristol in Elkhart County, Indiana, in a community park setting that provides a family-friendly, hometown atmosphere. Congdon Park, located at 200 N Division St, is a central, accessible location that hosts the festival's activities and draws local residents as well as visitors. The event is known for its welcoming, celebratory vibe focusing on community spirit and traditional festival fun.
Activities and Attractions
- Children’s Area: Free and tailored for family entertainment and play.
- Rides: Carnival rides suitable for all ages.
- Entertainment: Live music and various performances are scheduled throughout the festival.
- Queen Pageant: A local tradition where contestants compete, typically engaging the community.
- Food Vendors: Offering a variety of festival food options.
- Saturday Parade: A key highlight that features floats, bands, and community groups.
- Fireworks: A spectacular show at dusk on Saturday night closes the festivities each year.
Rough Schedule (Typical)
- July 10 (Thursday): Festival opens around 4-5 PM with rides, food stalls, and early entertainment.
- July 11 (Friday): Full day of entertainment, children’s activities, queen pageant events, and rides.
- July 12 (Saturday): Daytime continues with events, capped in the evening by a parade starting mid-afternoon and a fireworks show after dusk, festival closes around 9-10 PM[1][2][4].
History and Founding
The festival was founded in 1883, making it one of the region’s oldest and longest-running community events. It has evolved over its 141 years to include a wide array of traditional festival fare and activities, maintaining its focus on family fun, community pride, and local heritage.
Summary of Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Congdon Park, Bristol, Indiana |
| Dates (2025) | July 10 - July 12 |
| Duration | 3 days |
| Accessibility | Handicapped accessible |
| Admission | Free children's area, family-oriented |
| Restrictions | No pets, no alcohol |
| Key Events | Queen pageant, parade, fireworks, rides |
| Contact | (574) 848-5725, www.indianafestivals.org |
This festival represents a traditional, family-focused summer celebration in a welcoming Midwestern town setting.