The Best August Weekend in Downtown Wabash

You won’t want to miss this memorable weekend in Downtown Wabash, Indiana! From shopping sprees to classic cars, and everything in between, August 16-17 promises a sweet summertime event with fun for the whole family to enjoy. Keep reading to discover weekend festivities and plan your itinerary today! 

Summer Sidewalk Sales

August 16 & 17

Snag sizzling summer deals while supporting your favorite downtown businesses during this unique shopping experience! Stroll the iconic streets of Downtown Wabash while perusing clothing racks, home decor, artwork and more. During Summer Sidewalk Sales, several charming boutiques, unique shops and local restaurants are ready to welcome you with irresistible sales. We’re proud to say that Downtown Wabash, Indiana is home to more than 20 independent retail businesses within the 2.5-mile district. Plus, when you shop local, you support our community! Stay tuned for upcoming details regarding participating businesses.

Summer Sidewalk Sales are made possible with support from Event Partners: Downtown Nutrition and Terrell Realty Group.

25th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In

August 16 & 17

What could be better than a weekend-long shopping spree? One that is in conjunction with the 25th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In! With classic cars lining the beautiful Honeywell Center, the Cruise-In will be a true spectacle. From shiny hot rods to elegant convertibles, this FREE event is a paradise for car enthusiasts of all ages. Admire more than 400 early and late model cars, with all proceeds going toward a great cause – ALS research. Check out the schedule:

Friday, August 16th (3 pm – 9 pm)
– Open Car & Truck Show
– Top 100+ Awards

Saturday, August 17th (9 am – 3 pm)
– 67 Classes Car & Trucks, Top 2 in each class
– 135+ Awards

Interested in showing off your sweet ride? Register your car for one day ($25 each) or both days ($40)! All pre-registered for both days receive a free t-shirt.

Downtown Wabash Farmers Market

August 17 from 8 a.m.-noon

For one day only, The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market will move to a new, lush location in the heart of downtown! Peruse all things handmade, homemade and homegrown at Paradise Spring Park with more than 35 local vendors. Expect to find local fresh produce, meats, dairy products, homegoods, plants, arts and artisan wares and more! Shoppers are invited to experience more than just vendor offerings at the Market including live music, food trucks, Kids Corner activities and more.

PLUS, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is proud to partner with Double Up Indiana, a program providing SNAP customers free fruits and vegetables when they use their SNAP/EBT card with a dollar for dollar match. Shop the Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. to noon. Then, embark on the rest of your Saturday adventures with shopping, classic cars and plenty of downtown dining options!

Experience More in Downtown Wabash

While enjoying weekend festivities, make plans to visit some of downtown’s finest establishments! From unique shopping spots to tasty local cuisine, and vibrant arts & culture to memorable things to do, Downtown Wabash is the place to be! And did you know that downtown is home to the lively Wabash Cultural District? If you’re looking to pack this weekend with even more fun, check out the Top 15 Ways to Experience the Wabash Cultural District this summer. No matter how you plan your weekend excursion, you won’t regret spending time supporting beloved downtown businesses!

Without the diverse small business offerings, community pride and downtown collaboration, these three events wouldn’t be possible. Summer Sidewalk Sales are made possible with support from Event Partners: Downtown Nutrition and Terrell Realty Group. The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is presented by Bowen Health Clinic. Additional Support for the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market comes from Event Partner: Grow Wabash County.

Summer Sidewalk Sales and the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market are events are made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a vibrant downtown district every day and night.

Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza

Bring the family to Downtown Wabash, Indiana for the ‘greatest spectacle in candy’ on Miami Street, presented by Downtown Wabash, Inc., Wabash Trucking and Metal Source.

Returning for its 6th year, Wabash Trucking will bring one of its roll-off trucks to dump the candy for costumed trick-or-treaters. Candy will cascade to Miami St. promptly at 5 p.m. and trick-or-treaters can collect their candy until 7 p.m. Come out in costume and join the costume contest in the parking lot of Oswalt-Thomas located at 160 W. Canal Street. There will be 10 categories to enter to win spooktacular prizes! A bounce house and other ghostly vendors can be found at the Lighthouse Mission parking lot across the street.

In the case of rain or inclement weather, Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza will be held on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2-4 p.m. in Downtown Wabash, Indiana.

The Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is presented by Downtown Wabash, Inc., Wabash Trucking and Metal Source. Additional support comes from Beacon Credit Union and event partner Bachelor Creek Church.

The Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

The Greatest Spectacle in Candy Returns to Downtown Wabash

The Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is Happening on October 28 from 5-7 p.m.

Have you ever embarked on a Halloween quest where candy rained down from the sky, courtesy of a colossal dump truck? Probably not, unless you’ve experienced the spellbinding Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza. This bewitching event turns Downtown Wabash into a candy wonderland. It’s a tradition that leaves a sweet impression on its hometown, year after year.

Downtown Wabash Inc. collaborates closely with Wabash Trucking to create an unparalleled family experience in our beloved community. An avalanche of candy, literally A TON of it, will be cascading to the street as trick-or-treaters dressed up in their costumes, eagerly await to collect their sugary treasures. Will you snag one of the FIVE Gebhart Golden Tickets? That’s right, there are five chances at winning some “spooktacular” prizes.

Now, let’s get acquainted with the driving force behind this enchanting event: Wabash Trucking. They are a licensed and bonded full truckload logistics company based right here in Wabash, Indiana. Their mission is simple: to provide safe and reliable logistics services while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism to protect customers, vendors and employees.

But how does a logistics company fit into the fabric of Downtown Wabash, let alone this candy-filled extravaganza? The answer is as straightforward as their “Go big or go home” motto. Wabash Trucking sought to give back to the community in a monumental way—think a whopping 2,000 pounds of candy cascading from the heavens, all while showcasing their innovative “Feed Me” roll-off dumpster design. Unbeknownst to them, no neighboring community had ever conjured such an elaborate spectacle, delivering a fresh, exhilarating experience to the masses. Now, in their fifth year, they’re poised to carry on the tradition of the 2,000-pound candy dump, much to the delight of Wabash residents.

How does this fit into the grand mission of Downtown Wabash Inc.? It’s a perfect match. Our vision for Downtown Wabash is a thriving hub of activity, day and night, and our mission is to be the driving force behind community and economic revitalization at the heart of Downtown Wabash. When an event like this brings nearly 4,000 people bustling into our vibrant downtown, we’re casting a radiant spotlight on local businesses and attractions, all conveniently within a strollable 2.5-mile radius. The majority of these event-goers are children, making it the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the enchanting wonders of their hometown through the grandest candy spectacle imaginable. 

A colossal effort by an army of devoted community leaders makes this sweet spectacle possible. It’s Downtown Wabash, Inc. partnering with Wabash Trucking for the extravagant candy dump, Bachelor Creek hosting an epic costume contest across all age groups, Downtown Wabash businesses generously distributing candy outside their storefronts, local food trucks, talented photographers capturing the magic, dedicated community vendors, and our local first responders—all these incredible individuals come together to make this event free for the public. Their contributions, in the form of candy, volunteer hours, and resources, are priceless, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of them.

The Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is a beloved annual tradition taking place on October 28, from 5-7 p.m. (Rain Date: Sunday, October 29, from 2-4 p.m.) Gather your candy from the Wabash Trucking candy dump until supplies run out, then explore more businesses for additional sweet treats. Free parking and shuttle rides on Trolley No. 85 are available at Wabash County YMCA. Find more details on the Facebook event page.

The Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is presented by Downtown Wabash, Inc. and Wabash Trucking. Downtown Wabash, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night. Additional sponsorship comes from Top Level Sponsor Bachelor Creek.

Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza presented by Downtown Wabash, Inc. & Wabash Trucking

Bring the family to Downtown Wabash, Indiana for the ‘greatest spectacle in candy’ on Miami Street, presented by Downtown Wabash, Inc. & Wabash Trucking.

Returning for its 5th year, Wabash Trucking will bring one of its roll-off trucks to dump the candy for costumed trick-or-treaters. Candy will cascade to Miami St. promptly at 5 p.m. and trick-or-treaters can collect their candy until 7 p.m.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT for one of FIVE Gebhart Golden Tickets inside candy bars included in the truckload of candy with “spooktacularly sweet” prize packages!

Parking at the Wabash County YMCA or the Wabash County Museum is recommended. Free shuttle services will be provided by Trolley No. 85.

In the case of rain or inclement weather, Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza will be held on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 2-4 p.m. in Downtown Wabash, Indiana.

The City of Wabash’s trick-or-treat hours are to be determined.

The Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is presented by Downtown Wabash, Inc. and Wabash Trucking. Additional sponsorship comes from Top Level Sponsor Bachelor Creek.

The Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

3 things to do, 1 August weekend

Downtown Wabash, Indiana: a small town destination for all things arts, culture, shopping and dining. We urge you to make plans for the biggest summer event weekend in Downtown Wabash on Friday and Saturday, August 18 & 19! Take a look–everything’s worth exploring.

Summer Sidewalk Sales // August 18 & 19

Downtown Wabash businesses are gearing up for their annual Summer Sidewalk Sales featuring steals and deals around every corner. Enjoy shopping on small business-lined sidewalks throughout the downtown district and find anything from vintage antiques and modern home decor to quality clothing. We’re proud to say that Downtown Wabash, Indiana is home to more than 20 independent retail businesses within the 2.5-mile district. With that, you can’t go wrong. (We’ll come back to update the list of businesses participating in Summer Sidewalk Sales later.)

24th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In // August 18 & 19

Calling all classic car enthusiasts or even those slightly interested in admiring candy apple red beauties: this is not a drill! The 24th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In will return to the Honeywell Center for two days of more than 400 vintage, classic and modern cars lining the property. This coveted car show will allow participants to enter rounds of judging with chances to win awards in numerous categories. The philanthropic bonus? Funds raised at the event will go toward ALS research in honor of Dave Kunkel, a native of Wabash County.

Downtown Wabash Farmers Market // August 19 from 8 a.m.-noon

Featured this weekend: the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market will move to a new, lush location for one day only! Peruse all things handmade, homemade and homegrown at Paradise Spring Park with more than 39 local vendors. The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is proud to partner with Double Up Indiana, a program providing SNAP customers free fruits and vegetables when they use their SNAP/EBT card with a dollar for dollar match. Open to dogs, live musicians and a family-friendly atmosphere, the sweet 16th season of the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings.

Take a ride on Trolley No.85

As an added bonus to this destination weekend in Downtown Wabash, Indiana, Trolley No.85 will run a free route to all downtown shoppers and car lovers for the weekend! We’re anticipating hotter weather and this iconic town-favorite trolley just so happens to be air conditioned.

Find dining & drinks in Downtown

While you’re here, make plans to visit some of Downtown Wabash’s finest: a selection of quality food, excellent service and great prices from more than 15 local restaurants and bars. Anything from upscale casual dining and craft tapas to grab-and-go specialties and sweet treats, these local hot spots and dives are the places to be on the weekend.

& so much to see and do!

And as if there weren’t enough to do this weekend already, there are more than 12 things to do and places to explore in the district. Get your adventure hats and tour guide binoculars to explore arts and cultural amenities and attractions from river to rails.

Free parking in Downtown

Looking for parking while you’re here? We’ve so got you covered. Take a look at these abundant parking options throughout the district. The best part? These are all free parking options.

Without the diverse small business offerings, community pride and downtown collaboration, these three events wouldn’t be possible. Summer Sidewalk Sales are sponsored by generous Top Level sponsors: Bickford of Wabash and the Dave Kunkel Cruise-In. The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is sponsored by generous Top Level sponsor: Grow Wabash County.

Summer Sidewalk Sales and the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market are events are made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a vibrant downtown district every day and night.