ORLEANS – The Orleans Chamber of Commerce has announced that plans for the town’s trademark Dogwood Festival are well underway. This year will mark the 56th anniversary of the celebration of the blooming dogwood, which is set for April 18 through April 25. This year’s general theme will revolve around America’s 250th Birthday Celebration.
Chamber Executive Director Robert F. Henderson said this year’s festival will serve as a nod to the upcoming “America 250” events and will have a patriotic flair, along with special “America 250” touches throughout the run of the festival. “The 250th (Semiquincentennial) of the signing of the Declaration of Independence honors our Nation’s history, its founders, and the pursuit of liberty.”
“The festival committee has also been working hard to bring back both old favorites and new offerings for this year’s “America 250” edition of the town’s beloved springtime celebration. “This year we hope to engage local residents and visitors alike in honoring the nation’s past, reflect on foundational ideals, and look toward the future,” Henderson added.
The Orleans Dogwood Festival has been named by Midwest Living magazine as one of its Top 5 Flowering Festivals in the Midwest. The town’s signature event has also been featured in Midwest Traveler, Travel Indiana, and Southern Indiana Living magazines.
Pre-festival events will include the Classic Dogwood Car Show on Saturday, April 11th, at historic Congress Square.
Chamber and festival organizers will be giving away 250 Free Dogwoods during the opening weekend events.
The Chamber’s Annual Town-Wide Yard Sale is set for April 17-18. The Chamber will pay for advertising for anyone wishing to have a yard or garage sale on that weekend. Everyone is welcome to participate, and there is no fee to participate in the event.
Emily Qualkenbush is chairing the combined Dogwood Pageants. This year, as in previous years, both the Little Miss and Queen Crowning will again take place on the same day, Saturday, April 18th, at Orleans Elementary School. As has become tradition, the 2026 “Mr. Dogwood” is also expected be named during the intermission for the queen crowning ceremonies.
The Orleans American Legion will once again provide the midway, Funtime Carnival, which had its premier debut and proved to be a real festival favorite last year. The carnival will set up and operate the entire week as in the past and is expected to offer several upgrades. Advance Sales of Bracelet Tickets will be announced by legion members.
Jennifer and Neil Blanton will once again be coordinating the Dogwood Parade for 2026. The chamber is now accepting entries for the event, and everyone is being encouraged to participate in everyone’s favorite parade on Saturday, April 25th 2 p.m.
Other festival favorite highlights include the Euchre Tourney, Phi Beta Psi Dogwood Bingo, Photo Contest, Student Art Show, Pet Parade, OBR Band Parents Food Stand, and Arts & Crafts Fair in the park.
The popular Silent Auction will return to the festival lineup this year with Leslie Padgett serving as the event chairperson.
A brand-new event will be a Dogwood Pickleball Tournament set for Parade Day.
Pat Hall has agreed to coordinate the festival Vendors and Arts & Crafters. Vendor applications are now actively being sought and accepted online on the festival website.
Committee members agreed to have a special handmade America 250 Quilt created to be raffled off as a fundraiser for this year’s festival.
Henderson added that festival organizers this year are also expanding live entertainment for the main stage throughout the event’s week-long run. “Gospel Night” returns along with special performances by the Orleans High School Choir and Pep Band. Other musical acts booked to date include the popular group, “Last Call” and “RetrOasis.”
Corporate sponsors are still being sought and accepted from community partners. Those companies wishing to help sponsor or be a part of this year’s festival should contact the Chamber office, 812-865-9930, or via email Dogwoodfest47452@gmail.com
More festival details, entry forms, and event chairmen contacts are available on the festival’s newly revamped website, www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com
The Orleans Dogwood Festival Facebook page is also being updated regularly with new information for 2026.
The festival planning committee will meet again on February 17th at 6:00 p.m. at Orleans Town Hall to continue plans on this year’s festivities. All event chairmen and anyone interested in helping with this year’s festival are urged to attend. Supporting organizations are also asked to have a representative present at this meeting.
