Cataract VFD Bean Dinner Festival

The Cataract VFD Bean Dinner Festival is a long-standing community event held in downtown Cataract, Owen County, Indiana, celebrating its 56th year in 2025. The festival centers around a large bean and ham dinner, featuring around 900 pounds of beans and ham served by the Cataract Volunteer Fire Department. Alongside this main dish, there are additional food options such as barbecue, ice cream, tenderloin, sausage, pizza, and kettle corn.

The event includes over 100 booths offering crafts, tools, antiques, and other goods, supporting a vibrant marketplace atmosphere. There is covered seating available for attendees, and live music performances add to the festive vibe. The festival is accessible to people with disabilities. It is typically held over three days in early October, with the 2025 schedule running from October 3 to October 5. Food service hours are Friday from noon to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 6 pm.

Located in the western region of Indiana, Cataract lies close to the state's largest waterfall by volume, Cataract Falls, which is part of the nearby Lieber State Recreation Area. This natural feature of two cascades on Mill Creek, with heights of 45 feet and 30 feet respectively, draws visitors for its year-round scenic beauty and hiking trails not far from the festival site. The town’s proximity to this natural landmark enhances the appeal of the festival for both locals and visitors.

The general vibe of the Cataract VFD Bean Dinner Festival is friendly and community-focused, with a rich tradition tied to the local volunteer fire department and regional culture. It provides a setting that combines delicious, traditional Indiana food with crafts and entertainment in a casual, family-oriented environment.

Typical activities at the festival:

• Serving of traditional bean and ham dinners along with other local favorites.
• Shopping at over 100 booths featuring crafts, tools, antiques, and more.
• Enjoying live music performances throughout the event.
• Socializing in covered seating areas protected from weather.
• Supporting the volunteer fire department and local businesses.

The festival has its roots in supporting the local fire department and community spirit, having grown over more than five decades into one of the region's signature fall events. It brings together residents and tourists alike to celebrate food, craft, music, and the natural beauty of the area.

A rough schedule outline:

• Friday (Noon - 8 pm): Festival opening with food service, booths open, live music begins.
• Saturday (10:30 am - 6 pm): Full day of food service and vendor booths, continuous live entertainment.
• Sunday (10:30 am - 6 pm): Final day of food and crafts, live music concludes, festival winds down.

The festival’s location in downtown Cataract offers easy access to local amenities and the natural attraction of Cataract Falls, making it a multifaceted experience combining cultural festivity and outdoor exploration.

For those attending, contacting the Cataract Volunteer Fire Department or visiting their official website and social media pages is recommended for the latest updates and detailed event information.