About This Festival

The 35th Annual Monrovia Festival is a vibrant three-day event held September 5-7, 2025, in Downtown Monrovia, Morgan County, Indiana. It features live music, over 130 vendors, a diverse range of activities, and community-focused entertainment, drawing both locals and visitors to enjoy a small-town festival vibe.

The atmosphere around the festival is family-friendly, casual, and celebratory, with a strong sense of community and local pride. Downtown Monrovia provides a quaint small-town setting with welcoming local shops and eateries noted for home-cooked meals and friendly service, enhancing the overall warm, inviting vibe of the event.

Activities and Features at the Festival:

  • Live Music: Multiple performances over the three days offer entertainment for all ages.
  • Vendor Booths: Over 130 vendors provide crafts, goods, and food, giving a festive marketplace feel.
  • Food: A variety of local food options, emphasizing comfort and homemade style cuisine.
  • Car Show: Classic and antique cars displayed for enthusiasts.
  • Cow Patty Bingo: A fun and quirky event where participants bet on which cow will 'patty' in a marked area.
  • Kiddie Tractor Pulls & Jean Everett Memorial Kid's Pedal Tractor Pull: Activities designed especially for kids to participate in tractor pulling contests.
  • Woodcarving Demo and Antique Tractors: Exhibits and demonstrations showcasing traditional craftsmanship and historical farming equipment.
  • Alma Smock Art Show: A community art highlight honoring local artist Alma Smock, featuring local art displays.
  • Minute-to-Win It Games: Competitive and fun challenges for adults and children alike.
  • Tractor Raffle: A chance for attendees to win a tractor, promoting engagement and support.
  • Kids Zone: Dedicated play and activity areas for children.
  • Annual Parade: The festival concludes on Sunday at 3 p.m. with a colorful parade led by a Grand Marshall, featuring floats and community groups.

Schedule Highlights:

  • Friday: Festival kickoff with live music, vendor booths opening, kids’ activities, and initial car and tractor displays.
  • Saturday: Full day of all activities including Cow Patty Bingo rounds, woodcarving demo, art show viewing, and the Minute-to-Win-It competitions.
  • Sunday: Wrap-up activities with continued vendor booths, the tractor raffle, and the 3 p.m. parade—the grand finale.

History and Founding:

The Monrovia Festival is an established tradition celebrating its 35th year in 2025. It was founded by the Monrovia Festival & Community Association to celebrate the town's heritage, bring the community together, and support local artisans, farmers, and businesses. Over the decades, it has grown into a hallmark event for northern Morgan County, reflecting the town's agricultural roots and community spirit with family-oriented entertainment and cultural activities.

The festival is fully handicap accessible and operated by a local community association dedicated to preserving Monrovia’s small-town charm and fostering community involvement.

In summary, the Monrovia Festival combines a lively small-town atmosphere, rich local culture, diverse entertainment, and family activities into a memorable annual event that both celebrates and energizes the community.