About This Festival
The Swiss Wine Festival is a four-day annual event held in Vevay, Indiana, at Paul Ogle Riverfront Park, running from August 21 to August 24, 2025. It is a major cultural and food and drink festival that celebrates Indiana wines and local heritage through wine tastings, live music, food, craft beers, family activities, and traditional festivities. The festival is recognized as one of the top events in Indiana with a large wine tasting pavilion featuring over 100 varieties of Indiana wines, a beer garden, craft beer options, a grape stomp, fireworks, and multiple entertainment stages.
Event Vibe and Surroundings:
Vevay is a scenic riverfront town in Switzerland County, providing a picturesque setting along the Ohio River. The festival’s atmosphere blends community heritage, especially celebrating Swiss culture, with a fun, festive environment suitable for families and wine enthusiasts alike. The surrounding area features local shops, restaurants, and scenic river views enhancing the festival experience.
Activities and Entertainment:
- Wine & Spirits Tasting Pavilion: Open Friday through Sunday, entry costs $25 and offers tastings from many local wineries such as Ertel Cellars Winery and Holtkamp Winery.
- Beer Garden & Craft Beer: Areas dedicated to craft brews alongside the wine pavilion for more beverage variety.
- Grape Stomp: Interactive and family-friendly activity celebrating grape harvesting traditions.
- Fireworks: Held as a grand finale event in the evening, typically on Saturday.
- Swiss Wine Festival 5K Race: Held on Saturday morning (8 AM start), offering a fitness activity for attendees.
- Swiss Wine Parade: A community parade featuring themed floats and local groups.
- Live Music on Three Stages:
| Day | Venue | Performers | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 21 | Beer Garden | Misty Creek Band | 8 PM – Midnight |
| August 22 | Main Stage | Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders | 8 PM – 10 PM |
| August 22 | Beer Garden | Rock Steady Band | 10:30 PM – 1:30 AM |
| August 23 | Main Stage | The Classic Rock Experience | 6 PM |
| August 23 | Festival Stage | Thunderstuck: America’s AC/DC Tribute | 8 PM – 10 PM |
| August 23 | Beer Garden | Past Our Prime | 10 PM – 1:30 AM |
- Food Trucks: Offering diverse culinary options highlighting Indiana and Swiss influences.
- Rides and Carnival Attractions: Funfair-style rides available with ticket purchase for all ages.
Rough Schedule:
- Thursday, August 21: Opening night with live music at the Beer Garden.
- Friday, August 22: Pavilion opens for wine tastings at 3 PM, live music on two stages in the evening, rides and food available.
- Saturday, August 23: All-day wine pavilion (noon – 10 PM), 5K race at 8 AM, parade during the day, and multiple music performances evening into night, fireworks after dark.
- Sunday, August 24: Wine pavilion noon – 4 PM, final day to enjoy food, rides, and a more relaxed pace.
History and Founding:
The Swiss Wine Festival has been held for over 50 years, growing from a small community celebration into one of Indiana’s premier food and drink festivals. It pays homage to the Swiss heritage of Switzerland County and the local wine industry, which has deep roots in the Vevay area. The festival combines this heritage with modern entertainment and cuisine, making it a beloved regional tradition that attracts thousands annually.
Admission and Accessibility:
- General admission is $5 per day for Friday through Sunday; Thursday is typically free.
- Wine tasting pavilion requires an additional $25 fee.
- Ride wristbands cost around $22-25.
- The event is handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity.
- Children under 12 usually have free admission.
The festival’s official website and local tourism offices offer detailed schedules, ticket information, and vendor lists for visitors planning to attend.
In summary, the Swiss Wine Festival in Vevay blends Indiana’s wine culture, local heritage, and vibrant entertainment into a festive, scenic, family-friendly event framed by the elegant Ohio Riverfront park setting.