No school and longer days make summer the perfect time to get out in the community and have a good time. Whether you want to have fun in the sun, enjoy the arts, or take your kids to a family event, you’re bound to find something exciting to do here in Evansville this summer. Not sure what’s going on? Check out our list of local happenings:

July Events

Get Outdoors

• Where can you see a goat show, cart racing, a demolition derby, and an ice cream crank off all in the same place? At the Vanderburgh County Fair. For 98 years, this county fair has brought good food, rides, and entertainment to the Evansville area. Dates: July 23rd-28th

• Get ready for a fun summer run. Instead of running out in the hot sun, race down the road at night at University of Southern Indiana’s Night Flight event. Children ages eight and under can run for free. Date: July 28th

• Nothing says summer like swimming pools and grilling. The Parks and Rec Department of Evansville will host “Splash Into Summer” – a free community cookout at the Norman “Red” Mosby Pool. Date: July 21st

• Live music, FREE rides, entertainment, food, and a whole lot of fun is what you’ll find at the Posey County Fair. Come out to have a good time and bond with your local community. Dates: July 15-21st

• Support the Warrick County 4-H Center at this summer’s Warrick County Fair. Enjoy food, rides, entertainment, and all kinds of outdoor fun. Dates: July 16-21st

Food Fun

• After last year’s success the Annual Stromboli Festival is back for a second year. Help decide this year’s “People’s Choice” for best “Evansville Original” and best “Out-of-Town” Stromboli– a sandwich introduced to Evansville in the early 1960’s by the Pizza King owners. Date: July 28th

• What’s juicy, sweet, refreshing, and good for your health? Watermelon! Come taste this yummy summer fruit at the 3rd Annual Watermelon Tasting at the Newburgh Farmers Market. Date: July 28th

The Arts

• Every summer the Public Education Foundation (PEF) and the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) present an annual summer musical. This year’s musical: Hello Dolly! Watch the show at the Old National Events Plaza downtown. Dates: July 12-15th

• There’s something so special about hundreds of bright, colorful laser lights flashing to the tune of your favorite songs. This summer, watch the Laser Light Shows under the dome of the Koch Immersive Theater. Dates: July 20th-August 4th (check website for times)

Kids Only

• Kids love superheroes, so they’ll definitely love a chance to dress up as a superhero they admire. The Children’s Museum of Evansville is hosting a Kid’s Comic Con event with costume contests, face painting, and more. Date: July 21st

• What’s more fun than storytime? Storytime in a fort! The Oaklyn Branch Library is hosting Family Fort Story Time with sheets, blankets, and plenty of books. Date: July 28th

• It’s easy to get children excited about summer, but it’s possible to get them excited about going back to school, too. Bring your kids to the Back to School Palooza event at Lil Rexing’s Pony Express where there will be a free backpack giveaway, a food truck, and tons of kid-friendly goings-on! Date: July 21st

• Did you know? Showplace Cinemas has been screening kid/family movies for only $1 each week this summer. Bring your kids to watch fun movies like Boss Baby, Ferdinand, and more. Check here for dates and times! 

August Events

Outdoor Events

• Watch hydroplane racing on the Ohio River at the Evansville Hydrofest – the American Power Boat Association’s Eastern Divisional Championships for 14 classes of inboard boats. It’s a three-day event for boat lovers or anyone with a need for speed. Dates: August 31st-September 2nd

• It’s time for a fiesta! Hola Latino Festival is a family-friendly event with food vendors, award-winning Latin music, craft booths, y más. You’re sure to have a great time enjoying Latin culture and connecting with people in your community! Date: August 18th

• Experience a car show and help out a good cause at the 2nd Annual Parking Garage Car Show. This auto show benefits Cops Connecting with Kids, and it’s the BIGGEST car show in the city. In addition to cars, enjoy delicious food and drinks. Date: August 12th

• Rev your engines, hot rods! This year’s 44th Annual Frog Follies will be held at the Vanderburgh County 4-H Center. Enter your very own hot rod or come out and see the contestants. Joy for the whole family with games, activities, and dances over the course of the weekend. Dates: August 24-26th

Food Fun

• Love tomatoes? Come out for a tomato tasting event at the Newburgh Farmers Market. Sample tomatoes from each of the market vendors. Date: August 4th

• This summer 100 notable men from the Evansville area will whip up their favorite dish, decorate their serving station, wear a fun costume, and share their concoction with the crowd. This event, 100 Men Who Cook, benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Evansville. Date: August 25th

Entertainment & Arts

• Get ready to laugh at a comedy show featuring social media star Heather Land. Her “I Ain’t Doin’ It” comedy tour stops in Evansville for a night of chuckles and music. Date: August 12th

• Come out the first Friday of the month for a free monthly celebration of arts and culture in the Haynie’s Corner Arts District. First Fridays are a unique way to have a fun evening out on the town, while also supporting local artists and businesses. Enjoy restaurants, galleries, food trucks, live music, vendors, and more! Date: August 3rd

• You’ve probably been to a flea market before, but Evansville’s Carnival Antiques Flea Market and Craft Fair isn’t just any flea market. Shop from hundreds of vendors selling quality antiques, vintage collectibles, repurposed home decor, furniture, and artisan and handcrafted items. Dates: August 11-12th

• Spend the first Friday of the month at the Evansville Museum for a FREE day of activities for all ages and free admission. There will be family board games at the pavilion and interesting experiments in the activity lab. Date: August 3rd

Get out there and have fun with your local community this summer! Also, check out the PERKS your local Evansville businesses are offering you this summer on Towny, the for-FREE app that puts you in-the-know with all things local. You’ll feel good knowing you’ve bought local + kept those dollars IN, strengthening your community. Way to care about your neighbors, you!