Start Your Weekend of Fun in Washington County | This weekend is shaping up to be one of the biggest of the year, with Friday Night on the Square bringing the community together Friday evening, followed by the annual Old Settlers’ Days festival at the historic John Hay Center in Salem.
Enjoy live entertainment, local food, motorcycle benefit ride, history, family activities and the welcoming small-town atmosphere that makes Washington County special. Add in beautiful fall scenery, local shops and restaurants, and plenty of things to see and do, and you have all the ingredients for a great Southern Indiana weekend getaway.
Make Washington County your destination this weekend! Come for the events, stay for the scenery, history, food and small-town hospitality. |
| Friday Night Lights in Washington County - October 2nd | | It’s time to grab your school colors, bring the family, rally your friends, and experience the excitement of Friday night football as the Salem Lions, Pekin Eastern Musketeers, and West Washington Senators take the field for another season.
From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, these communities come together to celebrate school spirit, hometown pride, and Indiana football tradition.
Home Games this Week
West Washington vs. Perry Central
Friday, October 2, 6:30PM
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| Friday Night on the Salem Square - October 2nd | |
Bring your family and friends downtown for an evening filled with community spirit, local entertainment, food, shopping and fun in the heart of historic Salem, Indiana. Event Hours 6:00pm - 10:00pm
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| Outside the Walls 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser - October 3rd | |
Outside the Walls (OTW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to unifying Washington County, Indiana through a community outreach program. Our community outreach program includes emergency assistance in the form of shelter, utilities, counseling and referral services.
Location: Monon South Trail in Salem
Registration: 7:00am / Run Starts: 8:00am
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| Last Farmers Market of the Season - October 3rd | |
The Farmers Market will NOT be in the Justice Center parking lot. They will be set up on the bricks just off the Salem Square, only about two blocks from the John Hay Center and Old Settlers Days!
Many of our regular vendors will be participating in Old Settlers Days, but the rest will be ready to welcome you to the LAST Farmers Market of the 2026 season!
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| Old Settlers Days - October 2nd / 3rd | |
One of this year’s biggest highlights is the Grand Unveiling of the restored caboose at 11:00 AM Saturday! After the unveiling, the caboose will officially open for tours throughout the weekend.
🎩 PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS COMING TO SALEM! Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Larry Elliott, will welcome visitors during Saturday’s Opening Ceremonies and bring history to life throughout the day. Hear the Gettysburg Address, meet Lincoln at the historic John Hay House, and bring the kids to Storytime with Abraham Lincoln in the Pioneer Village Schoolhouse! ⭐ On Sunday, don’t miss “The Story of Our Lives: Birth to Ford’s Theatre,” featuring Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, portrayed by Larry and Mary Elliott.
🏡 LIVING HISTORY ALL WEEKEND LONG! Wander through Pioneer Village and experience history firsthand with blacksmithing, spinning, historic crafts, loom weaving, Revolutionary War-era cricket, Morse code demonstrations, horse-drawn implements, historical tours, demonstrators, food and craft vendors, and more!
🐴 Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides Saturday afternoon, visit the art show, listen to music on the John Hay House porch, sample parched corn and apple cider, and explore the historic grounds.
🎶 AND STAY SATURDAY EVENING FOR LIVE MUSIC! 🎵 Blue Halo — 5:00–7:00 PM 🎵 Bourbon Sour — 7:00–9:00 PM Bring the family and spend the weekend experiencing history instead of just reading about it.
Old Settlers Days 2026 Saturday & Sunday, October 3–4
10:00am - 4:00pm John Hay Center • Salem, Indiana
History comes alive in Salem this weekend!
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| Racing at the Salem Speedway - October 3rd | | |
| Reimagining Opera for Kids invites Young Audiences - October 3rd | |
Reimagining Opera for Kids, or ROK, prepares for its 19th season, the organization continues to introduce young audiences across southern Indiana to live, interactive musical performances designed with them in mind. Its volunteer cast includes IU students and local community members, and performances take place at K-12 schools across Indiana and in community settings like parks and libraries.
Location: Salem Boxcar on the Monon South Trail Time: 1:00pm
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| 3rd Annual Benefit Ride in Memory of Bryce Gerlach - October 3rd | | Bryce Gerlach lost his life due to a senseless act of gun violence at Harvest Homecoming in 2024.
The Bryce Gerlach Memorial Foundation was founded in his memory to continue his legacy of helping others. All funds collected will go to the foundation to continue awarding scholarships to students across Southern Indiana.
To carry forward Bryce's legacy, the foundation provides scholarships to high school seniors in Southern Indiana and surrounding areas-empowering students who embody the same values of kindness, perseverance, selflessness, and community that Bryce lived by.
In Bryce's honor, they support local sports programs and school physical education programs, helping provide opportunities for students to build character, develop teamwork, and grow through positive experiences.
Through the "Fill Bryce's Truck Bed" initiative, they collect new socks, hats, gloves, and other warm essentials to provide comfort and support to individuals and families in need throughout our community.
Motorcycles will take a separate route. This is a kid-friendly event. Rain date TBD.
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| Veterans Day Banners on the Salem Square - Deadline Oct 14th | |
Help honor the men and women who have served our country by placing a Veterans Banner on the Salem Square. These banners provide a meaningful way for our community to recognize local veterans and publicly thank them for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation. Please deliver or mail your completed form, and payment to the Mayor’s Office located at Salem City Hall. Questions? Please call Salem City Hall at 812-883-4265. Payment of $50 (Cash or Check made payable to Heart of Salem).
Display a banner. Share their story. Honor a veteran. Deadline to submit - October 14th
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| Special Thanks for Beautification Efforts on the Salem Square | |
The Good Earth Master Gardeners of Washington County would like to thank Mayor Justin Green for his leadership and support. We also thank Lincks; Lincoln Hills Insurance; Heaven Sent and Born for their help in watering and checking on the planters. It has been a team success as they continue to learn about the different flowers and the planter wicking systems. Thanks to all!
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