About This Festival

Hope Heritage Days is Bartholomew County's oldest and largest festival, held annually in Hope, Indiana, celebrating the town’s rich history and community spirit. In 2025, it marks its 57th year and takes place from September 26 to 28 at the Hope Town Square. This multi-day event draws upwards of 30,000 people, swelling the town’s population from about 2,200. It features quintessential Hoosier hospitality, with over 125 food and vendor booths and live musical entertainment that emphasize a welcoming, festive, and family-friendly atmosphere.

The festival offers a variety of activities including:

  • Parade: One of the region’s largest and most popular parades occurs on Sunday, September 28 at 2:30 PM. The parade features horses, marching bands, floats, and more, with trophies awarded in various categories. The 2025 parade theme is “ALL ROADS LEAD TO HOPE.” Pre-parade ceremonies start around 1:30 PM near the bandstand.

  • Musical Entertainment: A wide range of live music performances celebrating local and regional artists occur throughout the event, contributing to the vibrant and warm vibe.

  • Vendor and Food Booths: More than 125 booths provide diverse culinary options and a variety of vendor goods, representing local culture and crafts.

  • Community Engagement: The event promotes local nonprofits and community initiatives, with Hope Heritage Days serving as a major fundraiser.

The town of Hope, known as “The Surprising Little Town,” is located in South Central Indiana, nestled within a region often called the “Golden Triangle.” The festival grounds at the Town Square become a lively hub of activity, while the surrounding area offers a charming small-town atmosphere with historic landmarks like the Yellow Trail Museum—a community museum founded in 1975 that showcases local artifacts—and the historic Simmons School, a one-room schoolhouse used for educational field trips.

The general schedule for Hope Heritage Days includes:

  • Friday and Saturday: Multiple stages with musical acts, vendor booths, food vendors, craft sales, and family-friendly activities throughout the day into the evening.

  • Sunday: Continued entertainment and vendor sales with the highlight being the parade in the afternoon, followed by an awards ceremony at the bandstand.

Hope Heritage Days originated over 50 years ago as a way to celebrate the unique culture, history, and community of Hope. It has grown into a much-anticipated, large-scale event that captures both traditional Midwestern values and modern festivity. The event is fully handicapped accessible and supported by local organizations to ensure visitors enjoy the hospitality Hope is known for.

For visitors, accommodations are available in nearby cities such as Columbus, Greensburg, and Shelbyville, all within a 20-minute drive from Hope.

In summary, Hope Heritage Days is a cherished fall festival offering vibrant music, diverse food, a historic parade, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere deeply rooted in Hoosier tradition and community pride.