Events & Festivals
Jay County keeps a full calendar. A few of these draw crowds from across the country, so if your stay overlaps one, book early and plan for traffic on the roads into Portland!
Shows
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Late August
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 8 Minutes
The largest show of its kind anywhere in the world: over 3,000 antique engines and 800 tractors, a sawmill and threshing demonstration, and acres of antique and craft dealers.
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Late August
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 8 Minutes
The nation's largest vintage motorbike and scooter meet, held alongside the tractor show. Swap meet, auction, and rows of restored machines.
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Thu–Sat, late August
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 8 Minutes
Sponsored by the Stitch & Chatter group and timed to the Gas Engine & Tractor Show, so you can do both in one trip into town.
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Summer
Portland fairgrounds · 8 min
Jeeps, trucks, tanks, and helicopters on display, with living-history reenactors, helicopter rides, and militaria for sale.
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Ahead of the holidays
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 8 Minutes
More than 130 booths at Jay County High School, with proceeds benefiting a local philanthropic organization.
Fairs and Festivals
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Summer months
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 8 Minutes
Free outdoor concerts at the Hudson Family Park amphitheater, hosted by The Arts Place. Bring a chair.
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Late June – early July
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 8 Minutes
One of Indiana's oldest county fairs, running since 1853. Grandstand concerts, demolition derbies, harness racing, carnival rides, and the 4-H barns. In 2026 it runs June 24 through July 4.
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Late summer
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 30 Minutes
Berne's signature celebration of its Swiss heritage: traditional music, food, crafts, and the Tour de Swiss bike ride.
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Fourth weekend of September
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 8 Minutes
A free festival on the grounds of the Jay County Historical Museum honoring the county's history.
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October
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 15 Minutes
Everything pumpkin: biggest-pumpkin contests, a hog roast, a parade, and antique fire trucks in a town of a few hundred people.
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Annual
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 15 Minutes
Antiques and vendors, live bands, a car show, a cake walk, a reverse dunk tank, and a parade down main street.
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Summer
Distance from Paradise Pointe: 10 Minutes
Native American traditions, dance, art, and handcrafts, hosted by the National Center for Great Lakes Native American Culture.
