MITCHELL — The sweet, distinct aroma of roasting BBQ, bubbling grease, and freshly baked persimmon treats is about to take over downtown Mitchell. As Lawrence County gears up for its crown-jewel celebration, the annual Mitchell Persimmon Festival returns September 19 through September 26, bringing an unmatched culinary lineup sure to please all attendees.
As Mitchell’s largest yearly event, the festival draws thousands of visitors from across the state. But while it is the persimmon that inspires the festivities, it is the diverse, sprawling array of food vendors lining 6th, 7th, and Main streets that truly anchors the week-long community block party. From legendary local non-profit staples serving hometown comfort food to creative culinary newcomers making their grand debut, festival-goers are in for an unforgettable feast.
7th Street: The Savory Corridor
For those looking to kick off their culinary tour with heavy-hitting classic fair food and gourmet spins, 7th Street is the place to be. Food vendors stationed along 7th Street include:
- Hungry Hippo: Hand-breaded tenderloins, filet of fish, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, chicken tenders, and fried mushrooms.
- The 250 Grill: Gourmet grilled cheeses, including their standout Outlaw, Hot Momma, Pepperoni Pizza, and Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwiches, alongside tenderloins, fries, and fried pickles.
- Proud Mary’s: Savory sirloin tips served over rich mashed potatoes with mushrooms and onions.
- Cup of Glo: Making its very first-ever public outing at the festival, serving regular sodas and “dirty sodas” straight from the fountain, including a special Big Red option.
- Blue’s Cafe Go: Quesadillas, walking tacos, burgers, fries, and tenderloins.
- 812 BBQ: Pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket, sandwiches, nachos, burritos, wraps, parfaits, and salads.
Main Street: Sweet Treats & Specialty Sips
Main Street transforms into a dessert, beverage, and community comfort-food paradise. Food vendors stationed along Main Street include:
- Bubble Tea Barn: Flavored iced teas and lemonades topped with popping pearl bubble Boba.
- Hoover’s Candy Shop: Cinnamon logs, pecan bombs, caramel, cookie dough bites, caramel apples, gourmet apples, and decadent caramel apple nachos.
- Tiger Ears: Signature tiger ears, tiger tails, beignets, deep-fried brownies, loaded nacho and fry varieties, cheese sticks, hot dogs, and chicken strips.
- Phi Beta Psi: Traditional persimmon pudding, fish sandwiches, chili, burgers, fries, sloppy Joe sandwiches, and taco salads.
- The Mitchell Varsity Club: Classic bologna sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, tenderloins, fries, and signature persimmon pudding.
- Wesleyan Church: Cheeseburgers, fries, tenderloins, cheesecake on a stick, and rich persimmon pudding.
6th Street: Coffee, Tacos & Giant Portions
Caffeine enthusiasts, coffee cake lovers, and savory street-food fans will find their haven on 6th Street. Food vendors stationed along 6th Street include:
- Coffee Cake Guys: Pre-packaged coffee cakes in a wide variety of rich flavors, including cinnamon cream, lemon, raspberry cream, and chocolate chip cream.
- Milly’s Groovy Coffee: Iced coffees, regular brews, and blended frappes.
- Epic Pit Stop: Their famous Belly Buster grilled pork tenderloin, fried tenderloin, taco salad, “hot mess” specials, and fries.
- La Poblana: Fresh tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tamales, nachos, and elotes.
- Kiwanis: Creamy, locally beloved persimmon ice cream.
Festival Hours of Operation
Organizers encourage visitors to plan their culinary adventures ahead of time. The official hours of food operation for the festival goers are:
| Days | Hours |
| Monday – Thursday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Whether you are a lifelong resident returning for your annual fix of persimmon pudding or a first-time visitor chasing the ultimate Indiana tenderloin, the 2026 Mitchell Persimmon Festival promises a week of unforgettable food, community, and tradition.
