Few things sum up summer better than live music, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and festival fare. All that and more await your arrival at the 59th Annual Marshall County Blueberry Festival this Labor Day weekend.

Supporting the community

The blueberry harvest may have passed by late August, but the fun in Plymouth, Indiana, is just beginning. Coined the Blueberry Festival in honor of Marshall County’s agricultural history, the event now serves as a family-friendly celebration for the community. 

“Get up early, come hungry, put on your walking shoes, and bring a big bag or wagon,” advised Tracy Houin, coordinator of the Festival Board. “Every day of the festival, you will find activities for the kids, musical entertainment, and over 600 food, craft, and commercial booths to shop in. On Saturday, end the night with a drone show, and on Sunday, enjoy the fireworks show.”

An array of events

Among the shops and sweets, there are plenty of events to take in, many of which help support worthy causes. The Blueberry Splash one-mile open swim funds swim lessons for kids in need, and souvenirs purchased at the Blueberry Store fund scholarships for the festival’s pageant winners. 

Athletes can pre-register for the Blueberry Splash and the Blueberry Stomp 5K and 15K runs, although both offer day-of registration. Look for the festival mascot, Blueberry Hank, at the races and other events. Linger and admire the classics at the Hoosier Old Wheels, cheer the Stomp runners across the finish line during the parade, and squeal with delight on your favorite carnival ride.

“We love putting together a festival that can bring joy to everyone,” said Houin. “We guarantee you will not be able to step onto our grounds and not find something you love.” 

The Marshall County Blueberry Festival runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2025, opening Friday at noon and 9 a.m. on the weekend, closing at 9 p.m. nightly. Admission is free, parking is $10, and complimentary round-trip tram service is available. For more details, visit blueberryfestival.org. 

Natalie Derrickson is a writer based in Indianapolis.  

***Photos courtesy of the Marshall County Blueberry Festival