Parke County Covered Bridge Festival – Rockville

The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, held from October 10-19, 2025, in Rockville, Indiana, is Indiana’s largest festival and a celebration of the county’s 31 historic covered bridges. Founded in 1957 and headquartered in historic downtown Rockville on the courthouse lawn, the festival features over 100 vendors offering handcrafted items, food, and unique finds. It is a 10-day autumn event that draws visitors with authentic arts and crafts, fantastic food, fall foliage, and community spirit. The festival is handicap accessible, and no tickets are required to attend.

The event vibe is a charming, family-friendly celebration embracing Indiana’s rural heritage and the beauty of covered bridges amid stunning fall colors. The atmosphere in historic downtown Rockville and throughout Parke County is festive and welcoming, with a strong local and artisan presence.

Activities and highlights of the festival include:

• Guided bus tours daily to visit multiple covered bridges throughout Parke County.
• Over 100 vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, antiques, and food items.
• Participation from nine festival communities across the county, each with their own specialties.
• Historic and cultural experiences, including antique stores, boutiques, an art gallery, and a historic theater in Rockville.
• Food offerings featuring traditional recipes and seasonal favorites.
• Festival hours each day are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Rough schedule and locations:

• Daily activities mainly run from 9 am to 6 pm.
• The festival is countywide, with 9 main festival locations including Rockville (headquarters), Billie Creek Village (historic village with covered bridges and crafts), Bloomingdale (known for chicken and noodle dinners, apple butter, and other local foods), and other communities each featuring unique attractions and food specialties.
• Guided bus tours operate daily, stopping at multiple covered bridge sites.

History and founding:

• The festival began in 1957 with Rockville as its original headquarters and remains centered there.
• It was established to showcase and preserve the county’s historic covered bridges, which total 31—the largest concentration in the US.
• Over time, the festival expanded to cover the entire county with multiple locations and events, making it a major cultural and tourism draw for the region.
• It traditionally starts on the second Friday in October and runs for 10 days, aligning with peak fall color season.

The festival promotes both the preservation of historic structures and the celebration of local craftsmanship, food, and community, offering visitors an immersive fall experience in a quaint, historic Midwestern setting. Its combination of natural beauty, historic charm, and artisanal activities creates a warm, engaging atmosphere for all ages.