Montgomery Turkey Trot ## About the Event The Montgomery Turkey Trot is one of Indiana's most beloved and enduring festivals, offering a unique blend of rural charm, live entertainment, and quirky traditions that have captivated visitors for decades. This four-day celebration brings together families, music lovers, and thrill-seekers for an unforgettable weekend of fun in the heart of Daviess County. What sets this festival apart is its willingness to embrace its agricultural heritage while delivering modern entertainment—where else can you watch actual turkeys race, enjoy live country music performances, and experience classic carnival rides all in one place? The atmosphere is genuinely festive and welcoming, with a strong community spirit that reflects the values of rural Indiana hospitality. ## History & Heritage The Montgomery Turkey Trot has a remarkable legacy spanning more than five decades. The festival was born in the early 1970s when members of the Daviess County community had an inspired idea: create a celebration that would honor the region's agricultural traditions while bringing people together for entertainment and camaraderie. What started as a modest local gathering has evolved into the 54th annual festival, with the Montgomery Ruritan Club proudly stewarding this tradition year after year. The festival's staying power speaks volumes about its importance to the community and its appeal to visitors from across Indiana and beyond. Over the decades, it has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, creating a "Wall of Fame" of past performers that reflects the festival's growth and prestige. ## Activities & Attractions The Turkey Trot delivers an impressive variety of activities for all ages and interests. The signature attraction—turkey racing—remains a crowd favorite that never fails to entertain and amuse. Beyond the races, you'll find thrilling rides and carnival attractions perfect for families, a demolition derby that showcases impressive automotive destruction, tractor pulls that demonstrate raw power and skill, and mud volleyball competitions that promise plenty of laughter and friendly competition. The festival features multiple stages hosting live country music performances throughout the weekend, creating the perfect backdrop for dancing, singing along, and enjoying the entertainment. A beer garden provides a relaxed social space for adults, while food vendors offer classic festival fare to keep everyone fueled. The diverse lineup of activities ensures that whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping excitement, family-friendly fun, or simply a chance to enjoy great music and community atmosphere, you'll find something to love. ## Schedule & Logistics The 2026 Montgomery Turkey Trot runs September 10-13 at the Montgomery Ruritan Park. Gate admission varies by day, with Thursday offering the most affordable entry at $10 for adults and $5 for children, while Friday and Saturday gates are $25 for adults and $5 for children. Sunday returns to the lower Thursday pricing. All gate passes include unlimited rides, making it an excellent value for families planning to spend extended time at the festival. Children under three receive free admission, and the children's pass applies to ages 3-11, while anyone 12 and older is considered an adult. The festival is located at 6907 E. Park Road in Montgomery, providing easy access for visitors throughout the region. ## The Surrounding Area Montgomery sits in Daviess County in southwestern Indiana, a region deeply rooted in agricultural traditions and small-town values. The area offers visitors a genuine slice of rural Indiana life, with rolling countryside, friendly locals, and a genuine sense of community. The Ruritan Park itself serves as the heart of local recreation and gatherings, making it an ideal venue for a festival of this scale. Visitors will find the area welcoming and accessible, with the kind of authentic Hoosier hospitality that makes festivals like this special.