About This Festival

The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair in Auburn, Indiana, is an annual event held in the downtown square and county fairgrounds from September 22 to September 27, 2025. It is one of Indiana's largest street fairs, known for being a free fair featuring national main stage entertainment, a midway, the best fair food including fresh warm donuts, a huge merchant's tent, 4-H competitions, parades, pageants, live performances, and more[3][2].

Surrounding Area and Vibe

The fair takes place in Downtown Auburn and the DeKalb County Fairgrounds, creating a festive atmosphere that combines a street carnival vibe downtown with traditional agricultural fairgrounds activities[5]. The event is family-friendly and accessible, making it a regional highlight in east Indiana, often referred to as "America's Family Reunion"[3]. The overall vibe is celebratory, community-focused, and rich with entertainment, shopping, food, and agricultural showcases.

History and Founding

While specific founding details are not directly available, the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair is a long-established event given its status as one of Indiana's largest street fairs and its extensive program of activities including longstanding 4-H participation. It has won many honors for its scale and quality of entertainment, underscoring its importance in the local and regional community[3].

Activities and Features

  • National Main Stage Entertainment: Multiple concerts and performances from both local and national acts, all free of charge[2].
  • Midway: Traditional fair rides and games.
  • Food: Famous for fair food including "the best fair food" and fresh warm donuts.
  • Merchants Tent: A large tent filled with various vendors and merchants selling goods.
  • 4-H Competitions: Livestock, crafts, and agricultural contests organized by the local youth agricultural organization.
  • Parades and Pageants: Including the Miss DeKalb County Queen Pageant.
  • Live Performances: Various shows featuring choirs, bands, and headline musical acts.

Rough Schedule of Events (2025)

  • September 22 (Monday) 8:00 PM: Miss DeKalb County Queen Pageant (Main Stage)[2].
  • September 23 (Tuesday) 6:00 PM: High School Choir Show[2].
  • September 24 (Wednesday) 7:00 PM: Concert featuring opener All Gone Blues Band, headliner Conner Smith; also Lonestar performing[2][4].
  • September 25 (Thursday) 7:00 PM: Opener Megan Mullens with Side Piece; headliner Frank Foster[2].
  • September 26 (Friday) 7:00 PM: Opener Okay, Boomer; headliner Forever Seger[2].
  • September 27 (Saturday) 7:00 PM: Opener Dane Clark; headliner Henry Lee Summer[2].

This schedule reflects varied nightly entertainment on the main stage, showcasing country, blues, and classic rock genres among others.

Accessibility and Contact

The fair is handicapped accessible, welcoming all visitors[1]. For more details, visitors can contact the fair office at (260) 925-1834 or visit their website dekalbcountyfair.org and Facebook page[1][2].

This festival combines historic agricultural traditions with vibrant entertainment and community celebration, providing a comprehensive fair experience in the heart of DeKalb County.