Regatta Of Recyclables: A Miniature Boat Race Saturday, Aug. 26, at Riverbend Park. Photo from Middlebury Then & Now.

News Release

The following is a list of free events taking place in Middlebury throughout 2023:

Middlebury Then & Now Self-Guided Tours

From now until December, Pick up a free tour book at the Middlebury Community Historical Museum, Middlebury Visitor Center or other area locations and walk or drive to the various historical homes, businesses, cemeteries, parks and landmarks throughout the Middlebury area. Exterior tours only unless location is open for business.

Hop Into Spring

Hop into Spring from 4-6 p.m. Friday, April 21, in the Middlebury Public Library Community Room, 101 Winslow St.. Magician Kevin Wilson will be presenting a magic show at 5 p.m. All ages can make and take a succulent garden (limited to one per family while supplies last.) Hay Huey food truck will be present for food purchase.

Flower Power

Middlebury Pumpkin Race, Saturday, Oct. 14, at 400 block of West Warren St.

Learn about hot air balloons, make a kite to take home, meet a balloon artist and take home a balloon creation or take home a potted plant kit from 4-6 p.m. Friday, May 19, in Memorial Park, 111 N. Main St., Middlebury. Hay Huey food truck will be present for food purchase.

Flashback Friday Movies In The Park

• Family-friendly movie at 7 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Riverbend Park, 511 E Warren St., Middlebury. Bring a chair or blanket. Hay Huey food truck will be present for food purchase.
• “Back to the Future” movie at 7 p.m. Friday, July 14, on the Essenhaus Campus, 240 US 20, Middlebury. This special event is a partnership with Team Fox of Michiana and Essenhaus to raise awareness and funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Bring a chair or blanket.  Movie memorabilia as well as a DeLorean Time Machine will be on site. Food for purchase will be available.
• Family-friendly movie at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at Riverbend Park, 511 E Warren St., Middlebury. Bring a chair or blanket. Hay Huey food truck will be present for food purchase.
  
• Family-friendly movie at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, prior to the fireworks on the Essenhaus Campus near the covered bridge. “Drive-in” and stay in your car or bring a chair or blanket.

Middlebury Reading Invasion

Take a break from your busy schedule and bring your favorite book (paper or electronic device), invade the library lawn or East Park (Library interior for inclement weather) and take time to read from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 5, in Middlebury Community Public Library.

Middlebury Literary Carousel

Activities and sessions will be held at the Middlebury Community Public Library on Friday, Aug. 4 and 5. Session content includes authors and presenters for children, teens and adults as well as activities for all ages. Event partner is Middlebury Public Library. Hay Huey food truck will be present for food purchase.

Regatta Of Recyclables: A Miniature Boat Race

Build your boat from materials provided and race down the Little Elkhart River on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Riverbend Park, Boat building materials and assistance will be available from 10 a.m. to noon (during Riverfest). Boat race begins at noon and cash awards will be distributed immediately after the race concludes.

Feathered & Furry Friends

Gingerbread Jamboree Contest and Display. Create your own gingerbread and enter the gingerbread competition for cash prize.

4-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at Riverbend Park. Present will be Wildlife Educational Exhibit of Northwest Indiana: birding activity with Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District; Foxwood Raptor and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: build a wooden Wren house to take home. Hay Huey food truck will be present for food purchase.

Middlebury Pumpkin Race (Not A Foot Race)

Grab your crew of family, friends and neighbors, purchase a race kit, design your pumpkin and have some serious fun Saturday, Oct. 14, at 400 block of West Warren St. Cash prizes, ribbons and a traveling trophy are awarded. Two race categories: individuals/families/groups or corporate/civic groups. Pit Row opens at 1 p.m. for those wanting assistance with drilling holes/assembling axles; Race begins at 2 p.m. Food trucks will be on-site for a variety of food available for purchase. Free registration; however event sponsors are appreciated as we use funds to support other area nonprofit organizations selected by race winners.  Help us pay-it-forward in Elkhart County!

Hometown Harvest

Hayride, campfire, food, live music, craft and fun for the entire family from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Trestle Terrace. Bring a chair or blanket.

Gingerbread Jamboree Contest & Display

Get ready to preheat your oven, pull out the cookie sheets and pastry bag, put on your creative chef’s hat and enter the gingerbread competition for cash prize. Bring your completed items on Nov. 28. Closed judging will take place prior to Dec 1. All creations will be on display for viewing as well as a child-friendly make and take craft at the Middlebury Community Historical Museum, 301 Bristol Ave., from Friday, Dec. 1 to Sunday, Dec. 3.

Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Join the community at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Memorial Park to experience the sights, tastes and sounds of Christmas: Cocoa, cookies and Christmas carols. After candle-light ceremony, tree will be lit at 7 p.m.  Event partners are the Middlebury Parks and the Middlebury Lions Club.