• July 7-15, 2017
• Downtown 101 W. Main St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 in Fort Wayne, IN.

About the third week of July, this nine-day art fair draws around 400,000 visitors from northern Indiana and surrounding states. Handmade, original crafts are exhibited and sold in the craft market. Rides, food, karaoke, various competitions and nationally-known performers make this event very popular. Kids' activities and seniors' events provide something for everyone; it's north of Freimann Square downtown.

• July 06-16, 2017
• Indianapolis, Indiana in Indianapolis, IN.

This "largest African-American event in the nation" has it all. Over 300,000 people enjoy going to the Convention Center and other locations for this 11-day event that includes life-enhancing opportunities for many ages; bring the family. Health and wellness, business workshops, opportunities for employment, charity events, activities for youth, spiritually uplifting events and entertainment are all included. Nationally and locally known celebrities participate along with the corporate community in this cultural celebration of African-American heritage.

• July 14-22, 2017
• Peru, IN, U.S.A. in Peru, IN.

This unique festival has celebrated the American tradition of the family-friendly circus annually from 1958. The history, however, would make a great film. Seven major circuses wintered in Peru in the late 1800s, and a local man, Ben Wallace, ended up being the recipient of a few exotic animals when one circus owner defaulted. He started his own circus, blind lion and all. Rides, food and games fill up the downtown area during the middle of July for a week as circus performers wow the crowds. The grand finale is the Saturday parade, one of the largest in the state. Find out more about this interesting circus history and enjoy!

• July 21-29, 2017
• Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D CR 34 Goshen Goshen, IN 46528 in Goshen, IN.

A quarter million visitors attend this county fair just past mid-June, which is why it's one of the largest county fairs in the country. The fair's mission is to provide family-friendly entertainment in the form of free grandstand shows, various competitions and great fair food. That last thing pulls in most of us anyway. You have plenty of time to take advantage of it with nine days of fun.

• August 3 ~ 6, 2017
• Nappanee, Ind. in Nappanee, IN.

The first few days of August, about 300 vendors bring their wares to Amish Acres and compete for a big cash prize, along with selling to the public. Live music, food and wagon rides make it fun for everyone, and vendors' tents circle the scenic farm pond. Magic shows and marionettes appeal to kids, and the family can enjoy dinner in the Thresher's Dinner restaurant in a century-old barn. The festival is over 50 years old, and more than one publication notes it as well worth visiting.

• August 4 - 20, 2017
• Indianapolis, IN.

Beginning in 1852, this state fair has brought in some of the most famous people in the world, and still does. You can't top the Beatles, John Phillip Sousa, Elvis, The Jackson Five and four presidents: JFK, FDR, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. A million people attend annually to see farm animals, ride the rides, eat fair food and catch the free entertainment. It's the 6th oldest fair in the nation for good reason.