Michigan City Special Events and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch are excited to announce the 2025 Michigan City Special Events schedule, highlighted by the return of The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival and Oktoberfest.
“Our special events lineup is growing, which is exciting,” the mayor said. “We’ve added a Juneteenth celebration to the list and have expanded some of our returning events, which really showcase our diversity – not only in our people and cultures, but also in our city with our lakefront, downtown district and neighborhoods. We’re looking forward to another year of fun for residents and visitors of all ages.”
Nine major events will shape the Michigan City Special Events schedule this year, beginning with the annual Michigan City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 and the Easter Egg Hunt in Washington Park on Saturday, April 19.
Michigan City Special Events, in coordination with the Parks & Recreation Department and local businesses, will host the annual Juneteenth celebration in Washington Park on Thursday, June 19. This one-day celebration will include live entertainment as well as local art, craft and merchandise vendors, along with a large variety of food vendors.
Michigan City celebrates America with the annual patriotic celebration including the Kiddie Parade on Saturday, June 21; the Patriotic Parade on Saturday, June 28; and the Fireworks Spectacular in Washington Park on Friday, July 4.
The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival has been moved to July 18, 19 and 20 in Washington Park. This year’s festival brings back some of the world’s most talented sand sculptors to create intricate works of art and showcase Michigan City’s picturesque lakefront.
“The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival enters its fourth year, and we couldn’t be more excited,” Special Events Director Terry Greetham said. “In addition to the master and semi-professional competition, local companies and organizations will have the opportunity to support their favorite charity in the Community Charity Challenge. Last year, we raised $8,000 for local LaPorte County charities, and we hope to grow that this year.”
Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, will see the return of Oktoberfest to Washington Park. Last year’s event was another huge success and the plan for 2025 is bigger and better.
“In addition to more than 50 entertainment acts and a great assortment of local food vendors, the artisan market grew to over 70 vendors last year,” Greetham said. “We want to continue to expand the vendor area as well as bring in more activities for the kids.”
The final event on the City’s special event schedule will be the Festival of Lights Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6. The Festival of Lights Parade will welcome Santa Claus, followed by the KindlMarket and annual Chili Challenge at Uptown Social.
In addition to City-sponsored special events, the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau will present the XInsurance Great Lakes Grand Prix July 28 – Aug. 3 in Washington Park.Additional information and event registration can be found at www.emichigancity.com/175/Special-Events.