About This Festival
Event Summary
The Tree City Fall Festival is a signature annual event held in downtown Greensburg, Indiana, on the square surrounding the historic Decatur County Courthouse. This vibrant, family-friendly festival celebrates local heritage and community pride, offering a dynamic mix of music, food, arts, traditions, and family activities over the third weekend of September—this year falling on September 19–20, 2025. The event is renowned for its welcoming, small-town atmosphere and serves as a focal point for Decatur County residents and visitors alike.
Area Surrounding the Event
Greensburg is the county seat of Decatur County in south-central Indiana. Downtown Greensburg is centered around a large, shady courthouse square, which is itself famous for the tree growing out of its tower—a local curiosity and featured attraction of the festival. The area is pedestrian-friendly, with historic brick facades and a lively mix of independently owned businesses, providing the perfect backdrop for a bustling street festival. The compact, walkable layout allows attendees to easily explore food vendors, artisan markets, and event stages. Greensburg is accessible and known for its Midwestern hospitality, with ample parking and a welcoming community spirit.
Event Vibe
The festival atmosphere is upbeat, inclusive, and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on local traditions, creativity, and connection. It attracts a broad audience—families with children, music lovers, foodies, craft enthusiasts, and history buffs. The event is free to attend, further drawing a diverse crowd eager to enjoy live music, parade, games, and local cuisine in a relaxed, festive environment. The presence of a tree atop the courthouse—an enduring local symbol—adds a unique cultural and historical touch, reinforcing the event's role as both a celebration and an educational experience.
Activities, Schedule, and Locations
The Tree City Fall Festival is packed with a wide array of activities and attractions, all centered on and around Greensburg’s courthouse square:
| Activity / Event | Description | Location | 2025 Schedule* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor Marketplace | 160+ vendors (makers, bakers, authors, artists, local businesses); arts, crafts, local goods | Courthouse Square | Fri 8AM–10:30PM, Sat 8AM–10:30PM |
| Food & Drink | Local food trucks, seasonal treats, regional specialties, beverages | Courthouse Square | Fri–Sat: all day |
| Live Music & Concerts | Four major live music performances by local & tribute bands; free concerts | Main Stage (Courthouse Square) | Fri (Cody Ikerd, Boys in the Band), Sat (The Renegades, Small Town) |
| Parade | Community parade with floats, bands, local organizations; festival highlight | Main streets near Square | Saturday (morning, exact time TBD) |
| Royalty Pageant & Meet & Greet | Festival royalty crowned; meet & greet opportunities | 113 North Broadway Street | Saturday, details for Meet & Greet; pageant time TBD |
| Car Show | Display of classic cars, trucks, and modern rides; judged event | Near Courthouse Square | Saturday (details TBD) |
| 5K Run/Walk | Community fun run/walk, supporting local causes | Downtown Greensburg | Saturday (morning, exact time TBD) |
| Amusements | Games, rides, and family entertainment | Around the Square | Fri–Sat: all day |
| Historic Tree Tour | See and learn about the famous tree growing from the courthouse tower | Courthouse Tower | Available throughout festival (self-guided & info) |
| Educational Programs | Cultural awareness, local history, and heritage exhibits | Throughout festival | All day, various locations |
*Exact times for parade, car show, 5K, and pageant events were not specified in the latest available information; attendees should check the official festival website for the final schedule.
History and Founding
The Tree City Fall Festival was founded as a grassroots community celebration, created by a volunteer committee dedicated to supporting Downtown Greensburg and Decatur County businesses, showcasing local culture, and fostering a family-friendly environment. The festival is organized by a non-profit group of local volunteers and is held annually on the third Friday and Saturday of September, centering on the historic courthouse square—a fitting location given Greensburg’s moniker as the “Tree City” (a nod to both its urban forestry and the famous courthouse tree). The event has grown over the years into a major regional attraction, drawing visitors from across Indiana and beyond, while maintaining its focus on local talent, heritage, and community spirit.
Additional Notes
Handicap Accessibility: The event is handicap-accessible, with the flat, open layout of the square accommodating all attendees.
Contact & More Info: For the most up-to-date schedule and specific event times, visit the festival’s official website or contact the organizers directly.
Social Media: The festival maintains active social media profiles, keeping attendees informed about event updates, artist lineups, and more.
Conclusion
The Tree City Fall Festival is a quintessential small-town Indiana experience, blending history, music, food, and family fun in a walkable, welcoming downtown setting. Its blend of activities, community focus, and unique local attractions make it a must-visit event for anyone in or visiting south-central Indiana in mid-September.