Fun and Festivities in French Lick

DESTINATION Fun and Festivities

IN FRENCH LICK

The rolling hills of southern Indiana provide the perfect backdrop for festivals and fun around the French Lick area. Mark your calendar for these special events happening throughout 2022.

THUNDER OVER PATOKA

July 2 Traditionally held each year on the closest Saturday to the Fourth of July, Thunder Over Patoka lights up the night sky over Patoka Lake with a fantastic fireworks display and other patriotic festivities. The beach area inside the main Newton Stewart S.R.A. entrance provides prime seats for viewing; boat owners and their guests are welcome to watch from the water.

WILDLIFE BOAT CRUISES

July 6 - September 28 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Search for osprey, eagles, heron, loons, beaver, and other wildlife while taking a scenic nature cruise of Patoka Lake. Hop aboard the 60-foot tour boat, Patoka Voyager, or the double-decker tour boat, Patoka Pride. Patoka Lake was cited by USA Today as “Best” for wildlife viewing in Indiana. All tours are rain or shine. Both tour boats have indoor seating and restrooms available. Cruise inside or in the open air for great photography. Reservations are recommended. PAOLI FEST

July 9 The Jaycee Park grounds come alive with art, music, food and fun during this one-day Paoli Fest each July. A diverse lineup of performers covers a vast range of musical genres across several stages, while artists and makers showcase their wares in Art Alley. Best of all, admission is free.

BEANSTOCK 2022

July 16 Beanstock 2022 is in loving memory of Paul “Beanie” Shelton. This event commemorates mental health awareness. Join us for live music, a variety of food and a great time with neighbors!

ORANGE COUNTY HOMEGROWN FARMER’S MARKET

July 5 - October 8 (Tuesdays and Saturdays) Fresh produce, locally raised meats, baked goods, and crafts are available at the HomeGrown Farmer’s Market.

Golfer at Pete Dye course. PHOTO: French Lick CVB

SUNSET WINE CRUISE

July 8 - August 26 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm Take to the lake on select Friday evenings with a Sunset Wine Cruise hosted by Patoka Lake Marina. Scenic views of the Indiana sunset from the water look even better when accompanied by wine tastings, appetizers and desserts during a relaxing two-hour excursion aboard the Patoka Voyager. Each cruise features products from a different Indiana winery; for a full schedule and reservations, visit patokalakemarina.com.

THE HUGHES BROTHERS

August 31 | Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Show starts at 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a night filled with fantastic entertainment from the most talented family of singers, dancers, and musicians. The Hughes Brothers Music Show of Branson is coming to the Abbeydell Hall at the Legend of French Lick.

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

September 2 | 8:00 pm Grand Funk Railroad will be making 40 stops on their Some Kind of Wonderful tour 2020, and their high-energy show is sure to include some of their mega-hits such as “We’re an

American Band,” “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” “Locomotion” and of course, “Some Kind of Wonderful.” After performing in Flint, Michigan in 1969, Grand Funk Railroad played to sold-out venues worldwide - a 1971 show at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles! Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the classic rock landscape 50 years later, a true testament to the influence and staying power of one of classic rocks classic acts.

PAOLI FALL FESTIVAL

September 9 - 11 Enjoy food vendors, music, crafts, the parade and fun for the entire family. Located on the Historic Paoli Square.

FALL FOLIAGE

In September and October, the hills of French Lick transform into idyllic leafpeeping territory as the trees slowly cast off their summer greenery in favor of burnished gold, rich orange and fiery red autumn hues. For many visitors, fall is the most alluring time to visit precisely for this reason. Fall Foliage Wine Cruises launching from the Patoka Lake Marina offer a unique vantage point from which to appreciate the seasonal scenery from the water, along with wine, hors d’oeuvres and dessert.

French Lick Scenic Railway PHOTO: French Lick CVB

BLOCK BASH

September 16 - 18 On the third weekend of September each year, Bear Hollow Wood Carvers return to French Lick for an awesome weekend of chainsaw art demonstrations with amazing results. More than a dozen wood carving artisans fire up their chainsaws and let the wood chips fly as they produce masterpieces to auction off. Winetasting, an artists marketplace, live entertainment and a classic car show round out the schedule of events. (P.S. You might want to pack some earplugs.) ORANGE COUNTY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

September 28-October 2 Enjoy games, food, rides, entertainment and the Grand Pumpkin Parade finalizing the event.

ORLEANS FALL FUN FEST

October 8 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm These fun activities will include: 5K Run/ Walk, Harvest Fair, car show, children’s activities, live entertainment, food and more. Winter Bring the whole family along for a magical ride on the Polar Express, conducted by French Lick Scenic Railway on select dates throughout November and December. Inspired by the modern holiday classic film, journeys travel round-trip to the “North Pole,” complete with hot cocoa, Christmas carols, gifts, treats and a visit with Old St. Nick himself. Dress code: pajamas.

Patoka Lake PHOTO: French Lick CVB

ART ON THE GREEN

October 7-9 Browse one-of-a-kind works by regional artists during this juried art show held in downtown French Lick on the second full weekend in October. A colorful collection of treasures just waiting to be discovered includes garden art, ceramics, metal works, textiles, jewelry, dolls and more. Food, drink, face painting and live entertainment are all part of the package as well.

WILSTEM WINTER FEST

Winter Be welcomed by Santa, Elves, and Mrs. Claus as you enter the magical winter wonderland at Wilstem Winter Fest! Venture through the beautiful covered bridge adorned with lights, Victorian holiday scene, multiple animal families, candy factory and more! 50 DAYS OF LIGHTS

Winter French Lick Resort dons its holiday finery each year to wow guests and visitors with festive decorations and activities throughout this joyous season.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE

December 10 The annual Christmas on the Square is jam-packed with fun holiday activities. Visit Santa at the bandstand, hear a traditional Christmas Story with live animals, enjoy a children’s train ride, horse and carriage rides, and postcards for Santa.