James Dean Festival

The James Dean Festival in Fairmount, Indiana, is a vibrant annual event held the last full weekend of September, in 2025 from September 26 to 28. It is sponsored by The James Dean Museum located at 104 N Main Street, Fairmount, IN. The festival celebrates the legacy of James Dean, the iconic actor raised in Fairmount, with a variety of activities centered on community spirit, entertainment, and automotive culture.

Event Vibe and Surroundings:
The festival has a nostalgic and family-friendly atmosphere, drawing fans of James Dean and car enthusiasts alike. The town of Fairmount, known as James Dean's hometown, provides a historic and intimate setting. The museum itself offers the largest collection of James Dean's personal belongings, enhancing the festival's authentic connection to his life and legacy. The surrounding area features historic Main Street locations where many activities take place, reflecting small-town charm combined with celebration energy.

Activities and Attractions:

• James Dean Look-alike Contest: A highlight where participants dress and act like James Dean for visitors and judges.
• Custom Car Show: Featuring vintage and custom vehicles likely connected to the era or inspired by Dean’s automotive passion.
• Carnival: Family-friendly rides and games for a festive feel.
• Parade: A community parade through Fairmount, showcasing local organizations, cars, and themed floats.
• Crafts and Vendors: Booths selling arts, crafts, and festival food, creating a street fair vibe.
• Entertainment: Live music and performances scheduled throughout the festival.
• Food: Variety of food vendors providing festival-style and local fare.

Rough Schedule:
While an exact hourly schedule is not published, events typically span the full weekend from Friday through Sunday. The museum itself runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday, so festival activities likely align with these hours. Key events such as the look-alike contest and parade traditionally occur on Saturday, with car shows and carnival activities spread over the days.

History and Founding:
The festival began in 1975 and is hosted by The James Dean Museum, which contains personal artifacts loaned from Dean’s family. The museum was significantly expanded in 2024 with new exhibits including motorcycles, personal belongings, and a replica of Dean’s bedroom to deepen the immersive experience. The festival was conceived to honor James Dean’s legacy in the town where he was raised, fostering community pride and drawing fans from around the world.

Accessibility:
The festival and museum venues are handicapped accessible, ensuring access for all visitors.

Contact and Additional Info:
The James Dean Museum and festival information can be reached at (765) 948-4555 or through their website and Facebook pages, which provide current updates and visitor information.

This festival offers a rich cultural and nostalgic experience centered on one of Hollywood’s greatest icons, blending small-town Americana with fan-driven celebration. It is ideal for James Dean fans, car enthusiasts, and families looking for a lively fall event in Indiana.