Fest in the First celebrates the neighborhoods that encompass Gary’s First District. 2026 will be the 23rd year for this beloved street festival, whose purpose is to highlight local businesses, nonprofits and artists that serve Gary and the greater Northwest Indiana/ Chicagoland region.
(Select the button below to watch our Fox 32 Chicago segment about the 19th Fest in the First!)
SaTurday
September 19, 2026
CELEBRATING GARY’S 1st. DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOODS:
• AETNA
• GLEN RYAN
• MILLER
Award announcement
Fest in the First Gary was recognized for Best Grassroots Initiative at the American Planning Association - Indiana Chapter’s Annual Awards in 2025. Our Impact Report for the 21st Annual Fest in the First garnered this achievement. Thanks to all who helped make 2024's event such a success and stay tuned for more updates for 2026. Shout out to Nexus Strategy & Implementation for representing us in Madison, IN and for donating their talents to our committee once again for our 23rd anniversary.
From 3pm to 8pm
on lake street
in gary's miller community
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