09/29/2026
The Michigan City Public Art Committee (MAC) invites people of all ages to a colorful community celebration and fundraiser featuring art, creativity, movement and public space on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Millennium Plaza in Washington Park.
The Walking Art 5K will kick off the celebration at 10 a.m. The approximately 5-kilometer route will take participants past 30 works of public art throughout Michigan City, including sculptures and murals, before returning to Millennium Plaza.
The walk will be held rain or shine. Weather-related changes affecting other festival activities will be announced through the Michigan City Public Art Committee page and the Walking Art 5K website.
People of all ages are welcome to walk the route.The cost for Adults 18 and over is $30. Children are welcomed free of charge. Participant registration and check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Millennium Plaza.
While registration is required for the Walking Art 5K and costume contest, other festival activities at Millennium Plaza are free of charge and open to the public.
Proceeds from the Walking Art 5K will support MAC programs, including student art scholarships, local artists, public murals, SculptFusion and other public-art projects throughout Michigan City.
The festival will also celebrate the Michigan City artists of the Leopold Bench Project. These 15 highly decorative painted benches will be displayed and silently auctioned during the festival.Visitors will vote for their favorite bench.The artist whose bench receives the most votes will receive the Community Choice Award and a prize package donated by community supporters. All proceeds will help support MAC programs.
Participants are encouraged to become part of the art themselves by dressing as a famous work of art, an artist, a Michigan City sculpture or mural, wearable art, or even a favorite Halloween character. The costume contest is open to registered Walking Art 5K participants, with prizes awarded following the walk. Participants can also use the Otocast mobile app to enhance their experience.The free app provides information about Michigan City's public artworks and allows participants to collect digital badges as they explore the route. Easy instructions and routes will be provided.
Family-friendly activities will continue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including art activities, vendors, food, music throughout the event, and other attractions. The Walking Art 5K follows a figure-eight route beginning at Millennium Plaza, traveling through the Franklin Street public art corridor and Washington Park before returning to the plaza.
Schedule of Activities
9:30 a.m. — Walking Art 5K registration and check-in at Millennium Plaza
10:00 a.m. — Walking Art 5K begins
10:00 a.m. —2:00 p.m. — Festival activities, music, vendors, family and art activities
11:00 a.m. — Leopold Bench silent auction and Community Choice voting
12:30 p.m. — Costume contest and judging
12:50 p.m. — Costume contest awards and gifts
1:00 p.m. — Celebration of Michigan City's newest public sculptures at the MillenniumPlaza stage, featuring brief remarks about the works
1:30 p.m. — Leopold Bench silent auction and Community Choice voting close
1:45 p.m. — Bench awards and other winners announced
2:00 p.m. —Festival concludes
For additional information about the Walking Art 5K, route, festival activities and registration, visit:
https://glassphoenixcode.github.io/5K/
Questions may also be directed to [email protected].