Shoals Catfish Festival

The Shoals Catfish Festival is an annual community celebration held in Shoals, Indiana, typically over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, running from July 4 to 6 in 2025. It began in 1985 and is deeply rooted in local river culture, patriotism, and community pride, making it a major hometown reunion event. The festival features flea market booths, a fishing contest from the Hwy. 50 Bridge, a separate largest catfish fishing contest, running and walking events, a parade, and is famous for its hand-breaded catfish sandwiches. It is handicap accessible and takes place primarily around Main Street, Ball Park, and the Old Courthouse Museum in Shoals.

The festival culture embraces a simple but rich lifestyle tied to the beautiful river surroundings and serves as a strong community unifier that helps sustain Shoals year-round. It draws friends and family back to town for reunions and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for visitors considering making Shoals their home. The organizing steering committee involves many community members from various walks of life, reflecting broad local participation.

Typical features and activities at the festival include:

• Fishing contests: Both a general fishing contest from the Hwy. 50 Bridge and a special contest for the largest catfish.
• Flea market booths: Offering various goods and crafts.
• Running and walking events: Community races and walks.
• Parade: Celebrating the holiday spirit and local culture.
• Food: Renowned for the best catfish sandwiches, with catfish fillets weighing about five to seven ounces, hand-breaded fresh, along with other well-loved local foods like meatloaf.
• Fireworks display: A traditional climax to the festivities, supported by community donations and accountability.

The festival spans multiple days, typically starting with opening events on July 3 or 4, running through the holiday weekend to July 6, with events scattered through Main Street, the Ball Park, and around the Old Courthouse Museum—a historic area that enhances the small-town charm of the event.

The festival’s history is closely tied to the river community’s traditions and local institutions like the Shoals News newspaper, which has been run by the Deckard family for decades and has helped chronicle the festival and local life extensively. The festival’s longevity—over 40 years—testifies to its importance as a cultural, social, and recreational hub in Martin County.

Overall, the Shoals Catfish Festival is a family-friendly, community-centered celebration combining sport, local food culture, patriotic pride, and the opportunity to enjoy and preserve the river heritage of southern Indiana. It offers a welcoming and lively atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.