Your Southeast Indiana Summer Bucket List: 20 Things to Do Between July & September
- Justin Katt
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Summer in Southeast Indiana doesn’t slow down; it gets exciting! From the first Thursday night concert in July to the Fall Music Fest in late September, Dearborn County and its neighbors along the Ohio River give families, adventurers, and culture seekers something to look forward to all season long.
The best part? You don’t have to plan around a single event. This bucket list is designed to keep you busy from July through September, with a mix of free festivals, hands-on activities, outdoor recreation, live music, and experiences that are genuinely one-of-a-kind. How many can you check off before summer ends?
Free Music & Festivals
1. Music on the River — Every Thursday, Civic Park, Lawrenceburg
This beloved summer tradition returns to Lawrenceburg’s Civic Park every Thursday night from July through late August (excluding July 2nd), and it’s completely free. The 2026 lineup features a rotating cast of top tribute bands covering everything from Toby Keith and Alabama to Sting & the Police, the Eagles, and Jimmy Buffett. Bring a blanket, grab a bite from nearby restaurants, and enjoy one of the best free concert series in the region. Visit downtownlawrenceburg.com for the full schedule.
2. All Saints Parish Summer Festival & Chicken Dinners — Guilford (Free Admission)
A true Dearborn County tradition, the All Saints Parish Summer Festival returns to Guilford, Indiana on these select weekends:
July 18–19 at St. John the Baptist Campus: Located at 25743 State Route 1, Guilford, IN
July 25–26 at St. Martin Campus: Located at 8044 Yorkridge Road, Guilford, IN
August 8–9 at St. Paul Campus: Located at 9798 N. Dearborn Road, Guilford, IN
Famous for its legendary fried chicken dinners served fresh on Sundays from 11am–5pm (or until sold out), the festival also features live music, classic carnival games, and homemade treats. Admission is free and it’s one of those only-in-Indiana experiences you’ll want to put on the calendar every year.
3. Pickin’ & Sippin’ Whiskey Festival & Whiskey City Bike Challenge — Saturday, July 18
This unique summer event in Lawrenceburg combines live bluegrass music, local whiskey sampling, competitive professional cycling, and celebrity tricycle races — all in one day in the heart of downtown! The start and finish line for the Whiskey City Bike Challenge is in front of 98 East High Street. For more information, visit thinklawrenceburg.com.
4. Whiskey City Summer Fest — Saturday, August 15, Downtown Lawrenceburg
Downtown Lawrenceburg’s Civic Park hosts this hugely popular free outdoor music event on Saturday, August 15. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday evening soaking in the community spirit, enjoying live music, and exploring the downtown district. No tickets needed — just show up. You can learn more about this event at thinklawrenceburg.com.
5. Lawrenceburg Fall Music Fest — September 25–26, Civic Park
Cap off the summer the right way. The Lawrenceburg Fall Music Fest closes out the season at Civic Park over the last weekend of September. This is a perfect excuse to squeeze every last drop out of summer before the leaves start to turn. Friday, September 25th is Rock night while Saturday, September 26th is Country night! Details at thinklawrenceburg.com.
Arts, Crafts & Local Culture
6. Create Something at The Framery — Two Great Summer Classes
Lawrenceburg’s own Framery and Art Studio offers a pair of hands-on summer experiences worth building a day trip around. On Wednesday, July 8 at 1pm, kids ages 7 and up can create a bold Chalk Pastel Toucan on Black Board — a wonderfully messy, one-hour class for just $18. Then on Friday, July 24 from 6–8pm, try your hand at Fused Glass — a $10 studio fee covers the session, and you pay for the cost of what you make. It’s a fun date night or family outing that ends with something beautiful you created yourself. Call (812) 537-4319 to reserve your spot for either class, or visit framerystudio.com.
7. Party on the Patio at At the Barn Winery — Saturdays Through September
At The Barn Winery hosts live local music in their vineyard setting every Saturday evening from May through September 26, 7–10pm. Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a relaxed summer evening with great music and even better scenery, this recurring event is one of Southeast Indiana’s most charming summer rituals. No two Saturdays sound exactly the same.
8. Visit Holtkamp Winery & Vineyards — Sunman
Tucked into the rolling hills of Dearborn County in Sunman, Holtkamp Winery & Vineyards is a true family-owned estate winery — meaning every bottle starts right here on their 6.5-acre property, where 17 varieties of grapes grow alongside vines sourced from California, Oregon, and Washington. The result is a selection of over 30 wines, from dry reds and crisp whites to sweet fruit wines, bourbon barrel-aged, and specialty dessert wines. Named Indiana Farm Winery of the Year, Holtkamp is as welcoming as it is impressive — the covered patio overlooks both the lake and the vineyard, making it a beautiful spot to linger. Add in brick oven pizza (Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays) and you have a full family-friendly afternoon destination. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Visit holtkampwinery.com.
9. Treasure Hunt at the Tri-State Antique Market — First Sunday of Each Month
Now in its 41st season, the Tri-State Antique Market at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds is Indiana’s largest antiques and vintage market — and one of the best reasons to get up early on a summer Sunday. Held on the first Sunday of the month from May through October (6am–3pm), the market brings together around 200 vendors selling everything from early 1800s furnishings to 1980s pop culture memorabilia. Admission is $5 for adults — and free for kids under 18 — making it a genuinely affordable family outing. Over half the booths are indoors or under cover, so it runs rain or shine. Free parking available on-site. Visit lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com for dates and details.
History and Hands-on Learning
10. Explore the Archaeological Research Institute — Two July Events
The Archaeological Research Institute (ARI) at 126 West High Street in Lawrenceburg is one of Dearborn County’s most distinctive destinations, and July brings two great chances to experience it. On July 10 (1–2pm), join ARI’s Director of Public Archaeology for a Guard Site Tour — a guided visit to an actual archaeological preserve where real history is being uncovered.
Then on July 11 (9:30am–2pm), bring in that rock, arrowhead, or fossil you’ve always wondered about for ARI’s Artifact, Rock & Fossil Identification Day, where expert archaeologists will tell you exactly what you’ve found. Both events are family-friendly and the July 11 Identification Day is free to attend. Visit exploreari.org/ari-events to learn more and register.
11. Tour Hillforest Victorian House Museum — Aurora
Step inside an 1855 Italianate-style mansion with a view that’ll stop you in your tracks. Hillforest in Aurora was home to industrialist Thomas Gaff and is now a National Historic Landmark open for tours from April through December. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Ohio River and historic downtown Aurora, it’s one of the most beautiful and storied homes in Indiana. Visit hillforest.org for tour times and admission details.
Outdoor Adventures & On the Water
12. Bike or Hike the 6.7-Mile Dearborn Trail
One of the region’s most accessible outdoor gems, the Dearborn Trail is a scenic, paved path running along the Ohio River between Greendale, Lawrenceburg, and Aurora. Free parking and public restrooms are available at multiple trailheads, making it easy for families to drop in and explore. Whether you’re walking with a stroller or logging miles on a road bike, this trail delivers river views, fresh air, and a genuine sense of place.
13. Rent a Bike with River Cities Bike Share
Don’t have a bike? No problem. The River Cities Bike Share program has rental stations positioned right along the Dearborn Trail, making it simple to pick up a bike, ride the route, and drop it back off. It’s one of the most convenient ways to experience the riverfront. Visit visitsoutheastindiana.com for station locations.
14. Kayak or Boat on the Ohio River
The Ohio River is one of Southeast Indiana’s greatest natural assets, and summer is the season to get out on it. Whether you’re paddling by kayak or heading out on a powerboat from one of the area’s marinas, there’s nothing quite like seeing Dearborn County from the water. Visit visitsoutheastindiana.com/marinas for marina information.
15. Explore Oxbow Inc. — Birding, Nature Walks & Habitat Trails
The Oxbow is one of the region’s most ecologically important natural areas — and a spectacular place to spend a morning. Home to hundreds of bird species and native wildlife, Oxbow Inc. offers habitat trails, birding opportunities, and periodic volunteer and educational events throughout the summer. Whether you’re a dedicated birder or just love a good trail walk, the Oxbow is worth the trip. Visit oxbowinc.org for trail access and event information.
16. Hike the Dearborn County Parks
From the 307-acre County Farm Park (where Little Hogan Creek winds through dense native woodland) to the picturesque Guilford Covered Bridge Park along State Highway 1, Dearborn County’s park system offers quiet, beautiful spaces for families to unplug and explore. All parks are open sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, year-round. Visit dearborncountyparks.com for maps and locations.
17. Downtown Aurora Outdoor Movie Night
Grab a blanket and head to downtown Aurora for an outdoor movie night under the summer sky. This free community event is a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy an evening along the river. Movie night is Saturday, July 18th.
All-Season & Weekend Picks
18. Southeast Indiana Coffee Trail — 21 Cafés, 7 Counties, Prizes
The Southeast Indiana Coffee Trail is one of the region’s most beloved bucket list traditions, and 2026 is the year to finally do it. Pick up a free passport at the Dearborn County Visitor Center (320 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg) and start visiting any of the 21 independently-owned coffee shops scattered across 7 Southeast Indiana counties. Dearborn County stops include Funny Farm Coffee Company, Sweet Beard Bake House, ARS Café & Meeting House, and Spire Book & Coffee Co. Complete the trail and you’ll earn a Southeast Indiana Coffee Trail decal and coffee sleeve — plus the first 100 finishers also receive an exclusive trucker hat, plus special discount coupons. Passports can be turned in through December 31, 2026. Visit visitsoutheastindiana.com for more information.
19. Race Night at Lawrenceburg Speedway
There’s no substitute for the roar of sprint cars and the electricity of a packed grandstand on a summer Friday or Saturday night! Lawrenceburg Speedway hosts sprint car, modified, pure stock, and hornet racing on a 3/8-mile clay oval at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or a first-timer, it’s one of the most authentically Indiana summer experiences you can have. Check the racing schedule at lawrenceburgspeedway.com.
20. Stay & Play at the DoubleTree by Hilton — Lawrenceburg
Why drive home? The DoubleTree by Hilton Lawrenceburg, connected to the Lawrenceburg Event Center sits right in the heart of Lawrenceburg’s historic Main Street district, steps from the Ohio River and everything on this list. Whether you’re extending a weekend trip into an overnight getaway or making Southeast Indiana your home base for a few days of summer adventure, the DoubleTree makes it easy. Book your stay at doubletree.hilton.com and wake up in the middle of it all.
Plan Your Trip
Southeast Indiana has no shortage of summer adventures — these 20 are just the beginning. For a full itinerary, lodging options, restaurant recommendations, and an up-to-date event calendar, check out the rest of our website at VisitSoutheastIndiana.com.
Ready to start planning? Browse our other curated itinerary blog posts for more Southeast Indiana trip inspiration.
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