With the extensive history that Knox County and Vincennes have, some may have the idea that our sites, attractions, and festivals are not family-friendly, but that could not be further from the truth! There is a multitude of family and kid-friendly events in Knox County—some happen every week!
Below is a list of our best family-friendly events happening this year. Let us know in the comment section which events you plan on attending, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Facebook & Instagram!
First Friday Art Walk’s
Dates: March 4th, April 1st, May 6th, June 3rd, July 1st, August 5th, September 2nd, October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd
Let your little ones channel their inner artist by viewing art in one of Knox County’s four art galleries during this monthly event.
Second Sunday Nature Walks
Dates: March 13th, April 10th, May 8th, June 12th, July 10th, August 14th, September 11th, October 9th, November 13th, December 11th
Spend time outside and exploring nature with local Master Naturalist Terri Talarek King. Walks are casual, emphasizing exploration and discovery with participants.
Food Trucks on the Wabash
Dates: Every Monday starting in June
Enjoy the warm weather with your family and friends over some unique eats! The food trucks on the Wabash are the perfect opportunity to try different cuisines from the multiple rotating food trucks that come to Vincennes every week.
March
A Visit With Theodore Roosevelt circa 1915
Date: March 9th
Learn about the life of one of the United States’ most famous presidents from the president himself! In this special living history event, you will learn stories of the Roosevelt children in the white house, stories of days as a cowboy, stories of overcoming disabilities and sickness, and maybe even how the Teddy Bear got its name. There was so much more to Theodore Roosevelt and his presidency. His life was one big adventure and he went after everything as if a knight on a quest. His legacy is more than the national park system and conservation matters. With renowned reenactor & Indiana native Gib Young as Theodore Roosevelt, this event is bound to be a good time for children and adults alike.
March & April
“From Pencils to Pixels” Exhibit at the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy
Dates: March 15th – April 18th
The many creations of Hoosier cartoonists are highlighted in this colorful exhibit designed to amuse and intrigue your audience. The exhibit explores the amusing goings-on of characters from comic strips like “Chic” Jackson’s “Roger Bean,” to the editorial musings of Pulitzer Prize-winning artist John T. McCutcheon. This exhibition also examines the life and work of such Indiana cartoonists.
April
Adventure Days: Early Explorers
Dates: April 23rd
Bring history to life through a combination of short presentations, games, and hands-on activities. Learn all about European explorers and the early frontier through hands-on activities including map-making, a scavenger hunt, and nature journals. Registration is required by April 18.
Vincennes Historical Half Marathon
Date: April 30th
The Rotary Young Leaders Club of Vincennes is hosting what they hope to be the first of many half marathons in Indiana’s first city. With the goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle within Knox County and surrounding cities whilst also raising funds for local charities and organizations within the community, the Historical Half Marathon will highlight many of the first city’s historic landmarks not only by having participants move past them but also through auditory listening devices. There will be a Kid Fun Run & a 5K event in addition to the Half Marathon — allowing friends & family members of all ages to participate in this fun new event!
May
Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous
Dates: May 28th & 29th
Take a step back in time and surround yourself with the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of the American Revolutionary War period during the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous! Held on Saturday, May 29th, and Sunday, May 30th at the French Commons. Festival-goers can enjoy authentic food prepared over open fires and browse through merchant tents that offer goods relative to the time period. A continuous lineup of entertainment is offered including battle re-enactments, period music, oxen, children’s games, storytellers, and more.
June
17th Annual Red Skelton Festival
Dates: June 11th & 12th
The festival will be a two-day event with all Saturday events back downtown at Patrick Henry Square on Main St. Between 1st and 2nd Street. The parade begins at 5:30 pm on Saturday and will start at 5th and Hart Streets and finish on Main Street. Brian Hoffman will be back as Red Skelton with a show on Saturday at 7:30 pm.
Sunday events at the museum will include panel discussions and a classic Red Skelton film.
August
Watermelon Festival
Dates: August 5th & 6th
One of Knox County’s annual events, the Watermelon Festival celebrates the large watermelon industry in Knox County while boasting booths with fair foods, live music, pageants, and all of the watermelon you can eat. The Watermelon Festival has something for everyone!
September & October
First City Music Festival
Dates: September 30th – October 2nd
First City Music Festival Inc was started by a group of friends and family that are dedicated to bringing music, arts, and culture to our community. FCM has multiple children and youth activities that take place throughout the festival in addition to the music lineup.
