Morristown Derby Days

About the Event

Nestled in the heart of small-town Indiana, Morristown Derby Days is a beloved three-day celebration of community spirit, hometown pride, and gravity-defying fun, held annually the last weekend of July. What makes it truly special is the iconic soap box derby races—among the last of their kind in the U.S.—where homemade cars thunder down a thrilling hill, sparking cheers from crowds of families and friends. Picture vibrant parades, mouthwatering food stands, lively games, and live music filling the air with laughter and nostalgia. Attendees flock here for the wholesome vibe: kids building memories, locals reconnecting, and visitors discovering the joy of unpretentious Midwestern hospitality that turns strangers into instant friends. ## The Surrounding Area
Morristown, a charming gem in Shelby County, embodies classic Indiana heartland appeal with its tree-lined streets, historic brick buildings, and welcoming downtown vibe along East Main Street. Just a short drive from Indianapolis, this tight-knit town of around 1,400 offers a peaceful escape amid rolling farmland and gentle hills. Nearby, explore the Kopper Kettle Inn for hearty comfort food like fried chicken in a picturesque garden setting, or venture to Shelbyville for antique shops and the expansive Indiana Live! Casino. Dining spots range from casual diners slinging burgers to club-hosted fish fries, while the area's rich agricultural heritage and proximity to state parks make it perfect for a weekend getaway blending festival excitement with serene countryside drives. ## Activities & Attractions
Derby Days bursts with family-friendly action across downtown and the local school. Highlights include the traditional soap box derby races on Friday and Saturday, where pint-sized engineers unleash their gravity-powered creations down the famous hill for high-stakes thrills. Catch the festive parade rolling through town, featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups. Sports enthusiasts love the basketball, volleyball, and soccer tournaments, while kids dive into various games and competitions. Food lovers savor the Lion's Club fish fry, a staple of crispy batter and tangy tartar, alongside diverse vendors offering fair classics like elephant ears, burgers, and sweets. Don't miss the Long Rifles Rendezvous with historical reenactments, craft demos, and frontier flair. Live concerts, a POG 5-mile run/walk with post-race beers and wings at Kopper Kettle, plus fundraising booths from local clubs round out the non-stop fun—there's truly something for every age. ## Schedule & Logistics
Kicking off Thursday, July 23, 2026, and running through Saturday, July 25, the festival unfolds with a packed lineup. Expect the POG 5-Mile Run/Walk bright and early Friday morning from 215 W. Main St., followed by the parade at 11:00 AM. Soap box derby races heat up Friday and Saturday on the hill, with heats throughout the day. Evening brings the fish fry, rendezvous, concerts, and games, often peaking around dusk. Activities span downtown Morristown and the school grounds for easy strolling. Admission requires a fee (affordable for families), with handicapped accessibility available. Parking is plentiful in nearby lots and streets—arrive early for prime spots. Cash is handy for vendors; pets and coolers may have restrictions, so check on-site signs. Flat pavement makes it stroller-friendly, and the traffic-closed course for races ensures safety. ## History & Heritage
Since its founding decades ago, Morristown Derby Days has been the heartbeat of this Shelby County community, much like Riley Days in Greenfield or Bears of the Blue River in Shelbyville. Organized by dedicated locals through Morristown Matters, a nonprofit championing area citizens, it began as a simple gathering to unite families around the parade and that legendary hill race. Over the years, it's blossomed into a cornerstone tradition, drawing crowds with its soap box derbies—one of the nation's last—while supporting school sports via events like the POG Run honoring legendary coach Paul Otis Goble. Clubs like the Lions and Long Rifles have infused it with fundraising fish fries and rendezvous encampments, fostering generational bonds and hometown pride that keep growing stronger each summer.