Frequently Asked Questions
The 2026 Persimmon Festival is September 19-26.
Main Street opens Monday, Sept. 21.
The Carnival opens Tuesday, September 22.
*Note: There are no events on main street on Sunday, Sept. 20th, this is setup day downtown
Main Street Between 8th and 5th Street. Mitchell, IN 47446
The festival is held on our main street so public parking on the surrounding streets is available. Please be mindful of blocking drives.
There is no admission to attend the festival. All entertainment on the main street stage is free because of the generosity of our Sponsors.
Pursuant to City of Mitchell ordinances (Ord. 5-1996, passed 3-4-96) the following have been banned:
PETS: NO DOGS, SNAKES, CATS, OR ANY OTHER ANIMAL. SERVICE ANIMALS MUST HAVE CERTIFICATION PAPERS.
NO SMOKING, VAPING, OR USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS UNLESS IN DESIGNATED AREA.
(PORT-A-POT AREAS – SEE SIGNS)
Most but not all vendors accept credit/debit cards.
A map can be found HERE
- Spring Mill Inn (Spring Mill State Park) 3333 IN-60 Mitchell, IN 47446
- Hampton Inn 1322 Becky Skillman Wy, Bedford, IN 47421 Ph: (812) 902-2600
- Holiday Inn Express 2800 Express Drive, Bedford, IN 47421 Ph: (812) 279-1206
- Quality Inn & Suites 911 Constitution Ave, Bedford, IN 47421•(812) 666-1027
- Super 8 501 Bellback Rd, Bedford, IN 47421•(812) 373-6700
There is not dedicated handicap parking
No ATM at the festival.
Restrooms are located in the alley behind Main Street off of 6th street
YES! We have a variety of food options.
A list of food vendors can be found HERE.
Most of the food vendors open at 5pm Monday-Friday and 11am on Saturday.
There are a few non-profits that open for lunch Monday-Friday
Phi Beta Psi Sorority
Puddin' Pan Bazaar
A schedule of events can be found HERE
A list of Entertainment on the Main Street Stage can be found HERE
Pudding and Novelty:
Registration Saturday Sept. 26th
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mitchell First Church of God
405 12th St.
$5 entry fee
Arts, Crafts, & Photography
Sunday, September 20, 2026
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
$5 Entry Fee Per Person
American Legion Post 250
404 Sheeks Drive
Mitchell, IN 47446
https://persimmonfestival.org/festival-contests/
Registration will be held day of event.
Baby Contest is held at Burris School 1755 Hancock Avenue
Saturday Sept 19th @2pm.
$5 entry fee
$2 admission fee
Luehrs Ideal Rides
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 5pm - 10 pm
Wednesday: 5 pm - 10 pm
Thursday: 5 pm -10 pm
Friday: 5 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 12 pm - 11 pm
Advanced Sale Coupons can be redeemed for 1 wristband each night Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday (1 coupon each night)
TUES / WED / THURS / FRI
$30 EACH
CASH OR CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED
AT TICKET BOOTH OR KIOSK
ADVANCED SALE COUPON for TUES / WED / THURS
GOOD FOR ONE WRISTBAND OR ONE SHEET OF 22 TICKETS (tickets can be used Tuesday-Saturday but must be redeemed Tues/Wed/Thurs
$20 (CASH ONLY) IN ADVANCE
Purchased At:
Ben Franklin/Ace Hardware
Beacon Credit Union
Mitchell Chamber of Commerce/Lawrence County Tourism
Mitchell City Hall
Mitchell Marathon
Hoosier Hills Credit Union – Mitchell
You can purchase individual ride tickets at the midway. Each ride may require multiple tickets.
TICKET BOOTH OR KIOSK CASH OR CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED
The ride selection can vary each year, but we try to have a number of rides for all ages. There are also carnival games.
The 2026 Grande Parade is Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 2pm. The parade is rain or shine.
Floats can begin arriving at the parade field at 11:30am.
You can enter the parade by completing the form found HERE. Or by stopping by the Chamber of Commerce Office at 533 W. Main Street. Forms will be available in the 24 Hour Lobby or inside 8:30am-4:30pm M-F.
Laura Asbury P: 812-279-0794
Lucinda Fletcher: 812-278-4082
There is NO fee to enter the parade.
Unit lineups will be emailed by 9/20/26. There will also be someone at the entrance to the parade field to check you in and give you your unit number.
All entries must be received by 11:59pm on September 11, 2026.
Anyone is welcome in the parade!
No political agendas, candy throwing or any signage deemed offensive.
The parade lineup is staged at the Lehigh Field located at 180 N. Meridian Road.
Yes! There are awards for 1st ($150), 2nd ($100) and 3rd ($75)
Floats are judged on creativity, unique design, theme.
Float judging will begin at 12pm