About This Festival

The 58th Annual Levi Coffin Days Festival in Fountain City, Indiana, is a cultural and heritage event celebrating local history and community pride. It will be held on September 20 and 21, 2025, mainly along Main Street in Fountain City. This festival honors Levi Coffin, a key figure in the Underground Railroad, whose historic home served as a refuge for freedom seekers.

The event features a lively parade on Saturday, September 20, starting at 11 a.m., organized by Fountain City Forward with the 2025 theme "Where History Meets Heart." The parade welcomes participation from businesses, civic organizations, marching bands, schools, alumni groups, families, and individuals.

In addition to the parade, the festival includes:

  • Live bands performing throughout the event days.
  • Tours of the historic Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site, where visitors learn about the Coffins' role in helping escaped slaves.
  • Numerous unique vendors offering crafts, food, and goods along Main Street.
  • Booth spaces for vendors and food sellers are available by application, with fees for booths and food areas, and health permits required for food vendors.

The festival is handicapped accessible and free to attend, making it welcoming for all community members and visitors.

The typical schedule includes:

  • Saturday, 11 a.m.: Parade kickoff on Main Street
  • Saturday afternoon & Sunday: Live music performances, historic site tours, vendor shopping, and food opportunities open most of the day (e.g., historic site open from 12–5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday).

The Levi Coffin Days Festival began over half a century ago and has grown to be a central cultural celebration in Wayne County, highlighting both the regional heritage in the Underground Railroad and community spirit in Fountain City.

Overall, the event atmosphere is festive, welcoming, and educational, combining entertainment with a strong connection to historical roots and local pride. It provides a comprehensive experience of history, music, food, and community involvement centered around Main Street in Fountain City.