MIDTOWN FEST is a
Juneteenth festival celebration
of residents, businesses, and visitors,
honoring the rich culture
and resilience of Gary, Indiana.
JUNE 19-21
MIDTOWN FEST - JUNE 19, 20, & 21
Thursday: Car Takeover – A thrilling showcase of classic, custom, and luxury cars and their clubs throughout Midwest USA.
Friday: Cookout & Cook-Off Competition – A flavorful competition featuring the region’s top grillmasters.
Saturday: Old-Fashioned Block Club Party – A nostalgic community gathering with live music, games, and local vendors highlighting Gary’s legacy by collecting residents’ own family histories and experiences.
Each day’s events highlight different aspects of our community, and are all combining food, music, storytelling, and community pride.
GET INVOLVED!
VENDORS & COMPETITORS
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! Due by June 1st, fees must be paid by June 8th.
VOLUNTEERS
This is Gary is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to uplifting our community. Help us provide an incredible event for our community by volunteering!
PARTNERS
Our partners make this event successful! Whether you’d like to sponsor, in-kind donate time or supplies, or other creative ideas we’re all ears!
Register for your free ticket!
We’ll send you reminders, maps, and key details before the event!
SCHEDULE
-
Car Takeover & Parade @ Roosevelt Square Kickoff Event
Parade: 3pm
Festival: 6p-10p
The festival, Marshalled by Kym Mazelle, kicks off with a Car Parade starting in Downtown Gary and traveling to Midtown, featuring classic cars, lowriders, and custom vehicles.
The parade will culminate at Roosevelt Square (21st to 25th Ave and Harrison St) for a takeover event with DJs, food vendors, car showcases, and community activities.
House Music Vibe
-
The Cookout – Cook-Off Competition @ J’s Breakfast Club
3pm - Dusk
A spirited cookout and culinary competition at J’s Breakfast Club (2601 Broadway, Gary, IN) featuring categories like Best Ribs, Best Chicken, Best Fried Fish, and more.
Competitors will provide samples for community voting while also selling plates to festival-goers, creating a festive, open-air dining experience.
Old School Vibe
-
Old-School Block Club Party @ J’s Breakfast
12pm - 6pm
Closing out the weekend is a true block club party atmosphere with live music, games, and family activities.
This special event will also highlight the legacy of Gary through live storytelling sessions, where residents will share personal memories and community stories.
Festival organizers will be on-site to capture and preserve these stories as part of Midtown’s ongoing cultural history project, celebrating Gary’s past while inspiring its future.
Talent Showcase throughout the event from steppers, to line dancers, comedians, AND MORE!
Family & Community Vibe
PARADE
FEATURING DJ DWAYNE
THE HITMAN
HALLIBURTON
& SHAWN CHRISTOPHER
CAR SHOW
FEATURING
DR. J
PRIME MINISTER OF BLUES
COOKOUT
THURSDAY
3PM
15TH & BROADWAY
TO ROOSEVELT SQUARE
THURSDAY
6PM
ROOSEVELT SQUARE
FRIDAY
3-DUSK
26TH & BROADWAY
SATURDAY
12-6
26TH & BROADWAY
FEATURING FIRST LADY OF HOUSE, GARY’S
KYM MAZELLE
BLOCK PARTY
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT- BECOME A SPONSOR!
Feel free to contact us via email or fill out our contact form to discuss the details of your sponsorship interest. We’re excited to work with you and turn your ideas into an exceptional partnership!
