Cole Porter Festival

The Cole Porter Festival takes place annually in the historic downtown of Peru, Miami County, Indiana, typically on the second weekend of June. In 2025, the festival runs from June 12 to June 15. It celebrates the life and music of Cole Porter, a famous composer and songwriter born in Peru. The festival features live music performances day and night, special events, seminars, guided tours, art exhibits, memorabilia displays, cocktails, and dancing. Some of these activities require a fee, while many music performances on outdoor stages are free.

Event surroundings and vibe:
The festival is set in the charming historic downtown of Peru, which provides a nostalgic and vibrant atmosphere reflecting the golden age of Cole Porter’s era. The environment is festive and lively, combining the small-town warmth with elegant musical and cultural experiences. Visitors enjoy both outdoor live music under the open skies and indoor cabaret-style performances, evoking the 1920s and 1930s ambiance synonymous with Porter’s heyday.

Key activities and events:

• Live music performances throughout the day and into the evening, showcasing local and visiting musicians playing Cole Porter’s compositions and other classic styles.
• Special events and seminars offer deep-dives into Cole Porter’s legacy, his songwriting craft, and his influence on American music.
• Guided tours explore historic sites in Peru connected to Cole Porter’s life.
• Art exhibitions and memorabilia displays featuring items related to Porter and the cultural period he belongs to.
• Cocktails and dancing events, including themed cabarets like "Cole's Roaring 20's Cabaret," allowing attendees to experience the music and dances of Porter’s era.
• Workshops and talks by music historians and artists connected with the festival.
• In addition, there is a social aspect with cocktail hours and opportunities for mingling within the festival’s elegant setting.

Example rough schedule (typical for the 4-day event):

• Daytime: Guided tours, seminars, art exhibits at local museums, and memorabilia viewing.
• Afternoons and evenings: Outdoor live music performances on a main stage.
• Nights: Cabaret shows and cocktail events in indoor venues, featuring jazz and Cole Porter standards with dancing.
• Special events: Panel discussions, lunch talks ("Lunch with Mr. Porter"), and dance workshops.

History and founding:

The Cole Porter Festival was founded to honor the legacy of Cole Porter, who was born in Peru, Indiana, in 1891. The festival has grown into a multi-day cultural celebration that draws locals and visitors interested in jazz, musical theater, and American songwriting heritage. It is managed by local tourism and cultural organizations aiming to both preserve and promote Cole Porter’s artistic contributions while energizing the downtown Peru area through tourism and cultural events.

Overall, the festival blends high-quality live music with educational and social experiences, set in a historic small-town environment, creating a unique and enjoyable cultural event each June.