Old Settlers Festival

The Old Settlers Festival in Odon, Indiana, is one of the oldest continuous festivals in the state, with a history spanning over 140 years since its founding in the late 19th century. It is held annually in late July and early August, specifically at Odon City Park, in Daviess County, South Central Indiana. The 2025 festival runs from July 31 to August 2, with informal activities starting the day before the official opening on July 30[1][2][3][4][5].

Surrounding Area and Vibe

Odon is a small town steeped in local history, known for its community spirit and agricultural heritage. The festival reflects this with a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere celebrating tradition, local talent, and community pride. The setting at Odon City Park provides ample space for carnival rides, food vendors, and open-air entertainment, cultivating a lively yet small-town feel. The event is handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity.

Festival Activities and Key Attractions

The Old Settlers Festival offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment for all ages:

• Parade: A significant event that kicks off the festival on the evening of the first official day, featuring floats, local organizations, and community groups.
• Carnival Rides and Games: A midway with fun rides and free inflatables for children.
• Food Vendors: Offering diverse local and festival foods, contributing to the festival’s classification as a Food & Drink event.
• Live Music and Nightly Entertainment: Each night features local bands such as Arianna Bartton & The Bourbon Britches, Falls City Boys, and Rosie & The Rockabillies, providing traditional and lively musical performances.
• Pageants and Baby Show: Community pageants and baby shows add to the family-friendly appeal.
• Floral Hall Exhibits: Unofficially starting the festival, these exhibits showcase local crafts and talents and are on display for public viewing on Thursday and Friday evenings.
• Bingo and Car Show: Additional social and entertainment options for attendees.
• Booth Space: Available for vendors and organizations, often managed by the Odon Lions Club.

Rough Schedule Highlights (Dates for 2025)

• July 30 (Wednesday): Drop-off and setup of Floral Hall exhibits.
• July 31 (Thursday): Official festival start, parade at 6:00 PM through downtown Odon, live music begins, Floral Hall exhibits open.
• August 1 (Friday): Full day of carnival rides, games, more floral displays, baby show, continued live music and bingo.
• August 2 (Saturday): Final day with closing events including the car show, last musical performances, and carnival activities.

History and Founding

Founded around 1880 (approximately 140+ years ago), the Old Settlers Festival was created to honor the early settlers of the Odon area and celebrate the community’s heritage and development. It is recognized as Indiana’s oldest continuous festival, maintaining its annual presence through generations while evolving to modern tastes, including live music and modern carnival attractions. It is hosted and supported largely by local groups such as the Odon Lions Club, helping to foster a strong community identity and continuity of this treasured tradition[1][3][4][5].

For the most current and detailed daily schedules with times and locations, the Odon Lions Club Facebook page and the festival’s official website are the best sources.