Everyone loves a late-summer, small-town festival. Steeped in traditions, entertainment, charity and good food, the Quaker Day Festival delivers on all fronts. This year's festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Plainfield Friends Church. 

Aside from being one of the last times to enjoy the fall Indiana weather in 2023, check out our top reasons to add this event to your family's social calendar this September!

1.  Quaker Day ParadeQuaker Day Parade

Get ready to kick off an exciting day of fun and festivities with the Quaker Day parade!

Organized by the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, it has become a staple in Plainfield's annual events. The parade, moving along its famous route on U.S. 40, is an opportunity for many local non-profits, businesses and groups to take center stage and introduce themselves to the community.

The Plainfield High School Band and a disc jockey help get the crowd warmed up. Show-stopping float after show-stopping float will compete for the coveted title of "Best Float," and the competition is fierce. 

With a staggering average of more than 70 floats, it's a visual feast that'll leave you spellbound. And if that wasn't enough, brace yourself for the spine-tingling flyover by none other than the U.S. National Guard, a heart-stopping salute to our nation's finest.

The parade route will be filled with spectators, and you don't want to miss seeing your community members and friends in this parade. Plan on coming early for good seats.  

The parade starts at 10 a.m. in the Duke Energy lot and will move west down U.S. 40 toward Vestal Road.

2. One of Hendricks County's Oldest TraditionsQuaker Day Festival vendor area

From its humble origins as a "Church Mouse Sale" back in the 1970s hosted by the Plainfield Friends Meeting Church, this festival has morphed into an artful extravaganza that you won't want to miss.

The day originally began as a spirited rummage sale with a purpose, fueling the church's missions. Fast forward five decades, and you find yourself immersed in an annual craft sale right on the church lawn.

It doesn't stop there - culinary delights from the church basement transforms into a haven of mouthwatering delights – think sizzling pork chops and succulent lamb burgers gracing your plate.

Divot Golf Factory in Brownsburg, Indiana (photo courtesy of Divot Golf Factory Facebook page)

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3. Shopping & FoodEnjoy autumn at Quaker Day in Plainfield. (Photo by Plainfield Quaker Day on Facebook)

The Quaker Day Festival has morphed over the years into a local community shopping experience filled with vendors and artisans displaying their wares and introducing their businesses.

It's a great chance to connect with small business owners, farmers and artisans whose baked, cooked and crafted treasures are overflowing with personality.

Shopping local takes on a whole new meaning when you're making exchanges with the people in your community who took the time to create the items being sold by hand.

Don't forget to sample the array of food trucks present on the church lawn. They make for the perfect opportunity to refuel and recharge after the parade or during a much-needed shopping break. 

4. Car ShowQuaker Day Festival car show

The Quaker Day Car Show is a dazzling showcase of vintage cars that visitors young and old will enjoy. 

Be a part of the action as for just $15 you can proudly display your own ride amongst these automotive treasures. The best part? Every dime you contribute goes straight to the HandiCapable Camp, an outdoor camp for people with physical, mental and emotional challenges.

In fact, proceeds from the entire festival, in general, go toward many local groups and charities such as Family Promise, St. Mark's Food Pantry and other Quaker missions. Feel the exhilaration of knowing you're making a difference, all while indulging in delicious food and getting to know local businesses and residents. 

An event boasting good food and good people while benefiting good causes is something I think we can all get behind. Hope to see you there!

Just the Details

  • What: Plainfield Quaker Day Festival & Parade
  • When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 16 with the parade starting at 10 a.m.
  • Where: Plainfield Friends Meeting Church, 105 S. East St.
  • Admission: FREE! But bring along cash to shop all the awesome local vendors on site as well as food trucks and the car show.