Special Events
European Market
Date(s): Saturdays, May 6 - October 28
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas Centennial Park
The European Market takes place in historical Downtown Chesterton and is located at Broadway and Third Street, two miles south of the Indiana Dunes at Lake Michigan. The market is easy to get to due to its close proximity to Interstate 94 and the 80/90 Toll Road. The market generally opens for the season each year on the first Saturday of May and culminates the last Saturday of October. The market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. The market has grown to encompass nearly 150 vendors coming from Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. The market features vendors that sell prepared foods, handcrafted jewelry, clothing, art, and more. The market is a dog friendly atmosphere (when leashed) and is also the stage for several live musical performances throughout the season. Come browse the European Market and see what all the hype is about! For more information, go to the market website or call the Duneland Chamber at 219-926-5513.
Downtown Cruise-Ins
Date(s): May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30
Time: 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas Centennial Park/Downtown Chesterton
This event is open to everyone and is free of charge. Bring and display your car, bike, truck, or other vehicle you're proud of. There will be door prizes, giveaways, raffles, music, food, and family friendly activities. Hosted by Mel's Detail.
Summer Tunes Concert Series
Friday, June 9: SongSisters
Friday, June 16: Who's Following Who
Friday, June 30: Vintage Postcard
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Chesterton Park
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy free popcorn from the Chesterton-Porter Rotary Club! Bottle water and soft drinks will be available to purchase for $1.00.
Chesterton Art Fair
Dates: August 5 - 6
Times: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Saturday) | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Sunday)
Location: Dogwood Park
Chesterton Art Fair is a premier juried art festival with a deep history of providing a stellar experience for both participating artists and visitors. In its 64th year, Chesterton Art Fair draws artists and patrons from all over the Midwest and beyond. The Fair features 100+ artists, live music, family activities, food vendors and free parking for our almost four thousand visitors. Chesterton Art Fair is held in beautiful Dogwood Park, a municipal park with plenty of shade trees and amenities. Proceeds from the fair support Chesterton Art Center (CAC), a non-profit arts organization providing high-quality educational and outreach programs that serve hundreds of students of all ages, a calendar of exhibitions that showcase local and regional artists, and various community events and partnerships that bring the arts to the Duneland community and beyond. For more information, visit www.chestertonart.org or call 219-926-4711.
Vino al Fresco
Date: Saturday, September 16
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas Centennial Park
As the weather starts to turn cooler and nights become longer, we’re embracing the season with Vino al Fresco! Enjoy wine tastings from a variety of local wineries Ticket includes entry, unlimited tastings, live music and a commemorative glass. This event is hosted by the Duneland Chamber. For more information, visit www.dunelandchamber.org or call 219-926-5513.
Twilight Christmas Parade
Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023
Time: 5:15 p.m.
Location: Thomas Centennial Park
Get into the holiday spirit and become a part of a unique Chesterton tradition! The Duneland Chamber of Commerce annually hosts the Twilight Christmas Parade. The parade is generally held the Saturday following Thanksgiving and to kick off the event, the Duneland Chamber of Commerce sponsors festive carriage rides throughout the downtown area. Following the carriage rides, the parade begins at 5:15 P.M. with numerous entries ranging from floats to walking groups, all leading up to the arrival of Santa Clause on a fire truck. Local businesses stay open late and hot chocolate along with other traditional holiday sweets are available.