Riley Festival

The Riley Festival invites you to enjoy one of the largest craft festivals in the state of Indiana, with designated areas for food, commercial and flea market booths and much more. The event follows years of traditions in the celebration of the birth date of James Whitcomb Riley, the “Hoosier Poet.” It begins every year on the first Thursday of October. Residents of Greenfield, Hancock County and the surrounding area join talent and resources annually to honor the memory of Greenfield’s noted native son.

The Greenfield Banking Company Entertainment Tent, is a showcase for a wide variety of talent that runs Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Parade of Flowers features Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation’s elementary students marching downtown to place bouquets of flowers around Mr. Riley’s statue. The Parade of Flowers is well over sixty-five years old.

Each year one of Mr. Riley’s poems is selected as the theme for the Festival. The theme for the 2021 Riley Festival is: The Bumblebee. The Parade will be on Saturday, with over 75 units marching from the high school through downtown to Riley Park.

Over 460 exhibitors will be set up on the streets around the 100 year old courthouse. Mr. Riley’s statue was placed in front of the courthouse in 1918 and is the focal point of the Riley Festival.

Many events take place during the Festival. The festival is one of the largest festivals in the state of Indiana, both in attendance and in exhibitors. The annual Queen Pageant sponsored by Keihin North America, Inc. is held prior to the Festival.

The Riley Festival follows years of tradition by celebrating the birthday of the “Hoosier Poet” James Whitcomb Riley. It is a showcase for a wide variety of talent that runs continuously Thursday through Sunday in downtown Greenfield, IN.

Bring the whole family and enjoy one of the largest craft festivals in the state of Indiana, with designated areas for food, commercial and flea market booths, plus Fine Arts, Home Arts & Quilt Show, Photography, and Decorated Pumpkin shows.