The heart of the First District is gearing up for a day of community, creativity, and celebration as Fest in the First 2025 returns for its 22nd year, on Saturday, September 20th from 3 PM to 8 PM along historic Lake Street.
This FREE, family-friendly festival will feature live performances, exciting activities, delicious food, and more. There will be plenty of free activities for all ages with special performances from Nick Danger Trio, the Miller Community Theater, the West Side Theatre Guild’s Repertoire Dance Company, Beachfront Dance, and local school cheer squads.
Our festival is known for showcasing delicious food from local food trucks and vendors, highlighting artisan vendors with handmade items and original art, and promoting our non-profit Resource Hub, where families can learn about local services and participate in the giveaways.
“This event is all about community,” says festival organizer Julia Gibbs, “It’s about creating space where our community, especially our families, can come together to have fun, get connected to services, and support local businesses and artists, reminding ourselves that joy, art, and connection are powerful community tools.”
Follow @FestInTheFirst on Facebook and Instagram to catch early vendor spotlights, sneak peeks of the lineup, and giveaways!
FEST IN THE FIRST 2025
Saturday, September 20, 2025
3 PM – 8 PM
Lake Street, Gary, IN (First District)
FREE and Open to All
FREE PARKING
Interested in becoming a vendor, sponsor, or volunteer? Visit us at www.festinthefirst.com or Email festinthefirst@gmail.com and be part of something special.
About Fest in the First:
Fest in the First is an annual street festival held in Gary, Indiana, that celebrates the local community of Gary’s First District. The festival brings together residents, local businesses, artists, and nonprofits to showcase the cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the region. It has become a signature event for the city, offering a family-friendly environment where creativity, business, and community thrive.