The small town of Fairmount, Indiana, became famous thanks to James Byron Dean, an American actor who achieved fame and recognition after starring Jim Stark in the Rebel Without a Cause. The celebrity lived in this town and is now buried in the local Park Cemetery. Over the last full weekend in September, the James Dean Museum throws James Dean Festival, aka Fairmount Museum Days, visited by tens of thousands of fans.
James Dean Festival Program
The program of the James Dean Festival is quite versatile and features something for everyone. The highlights include a huge car show numbering 2,000 retro vehicles, a James Dean run at Fairmount's Playacres Park, and a James Dean look-alike contest. Besides, you can enjoy a dance contest, a grand parade, carnival rides, a street fair, live music, and food from dozens of vendors. This quintessential celebration has been running in Fairmount since 1976 and is your best chance to pay respect to the world-famous star.
The Grand Parade (September 28, 2024)
The annual Grand Parade starts at 2 pm. The line-up will begin at 11 am near the Lions Club 10180 S 100 E, Fairmount, IN 46928. The parade will feature several competitions: for the best decorated vehicle, best classic vehicle, best business entry, best community group, and best entetainment.
James Dean Museum
The James Dean Museum boasts the world's largest collection of James Dean's personal belongings, including clothes, movie props, photographs, letters, artwork, a 1947 Czech 125cc motorcycle, and 1955 Triumph TR5 Trophy 500cc motorcycle. The museum also has a collection of historical artifacts dedicated to Fairmount. It started organizing the annual James Dean Festival in 1975.
Find more details on the schedule of events and the latest updates on The James Dean Museum's official website featured in the External Resources below. As for your stay, consider available accommodations nearby on the map. Note that Fairmount is located within roughly an hour's drive from Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, and a bit over two hours from South Bend.
