CHARLESTOWN, Ind. – The City of Charlestown is gearing up to celebrate Founders Week 2026 along with America 250 with a series of events running June 13-20.
The week begins when the city honors Revolutionary War Veteran Maj. George Slaughter with an Indiana Historical Marker and gravestone on Saturday, June 13 at noon in Greenway Park. In celebration of America 250, Slaughter’s marker will be unveiled sharing his heroic contributions before settling in Clark County.
Two days of food trucks, vendors, live music, kids activities, and hot air balloons will be featured in Charlestown over June 19-20 at the City Square. Hot air balloons will have a glow night on June 19 then offer tethered rides on June 20 in Greenway Park.
The hub of action takes place at the City Square with plenty of activities for everyone, including a custom drone show on Saturday, June 20 at 9:30 p.m. Music guests on June 20 include the Real Square Band (10 a.m.), The Rigby’s (5 p.m.) and The Rumors (8 p.m). On Friday, June 19, The Mad Taxpayers hit the stage at 5 p.m., followed by country-music recording artist JD Shelburne at 8 p.m. Golf carts will provide courtesy transportation to and from the event grounds.
June 20 also features a free amateur corn hole tournament (Family Activities Park) at 1 p.m., and a parade down Market Street at 3 p.m. Grand Marshals for the parade will be Charlestown High School track and field athletes Camran Mitchell (State Champion) and Madison Mattingly – (State Medalist).
During the week, the annual Brick Building Clinic returns on Monday, June 15 at 9 a.m. One of the most popular events, the Moore Family Ice Cream Social and Gospel Singing, is slated for Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m. at the Family Activities Park. There is free admission to the social, along with an evening full of music and ice cream sundaes.
Another opportunity to visit the Family Activities Park for free is Family Fun Night on Thursday, June 18 where the Paul Boggs Band performs at The Depot stage. The SoIN Roller Derby team will put on an exhibition match while Charlestown Parks gives away a free hot dog to the first 150 guests.
The calendar of events for the week includes:
Saturday, June 13
• Pirate Dash 5K – Charlestown State Park, 8 a.m. Pre-registration required and supports the Charlestown High School cross country team.
• Saturdays on the Square Pop-Up Market – City Square, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Honoring Revolutionary War Veteran Maj. George Slaughter – Greenway Park, noon
Monday, June 15:
• Brick Building Clinic – Charlestown Middle School, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students ages 8-12 will build with community partners. Pre-registration required.
Tuesday, June 16:
• Moore Family Ice Cream Social and Gospel Singing – Family Activities Park, 6 p.m. Free park admission and enjoy local musicians.
Thursday, June 18
• Family Fun Night & SoIn Roller Derby Exhibition Match – Family Activities Park, 6-9 p.m. Park will be open for free with live music from the Paul Boggs Band. Plus, free hot dogs to the first 150 guests.
Friday, June 19 – Founders Festival at the City Square featuring food, vendors, music, kids activities, and hot air balloons (Greenway Park).
• Live music – The Mad Taxpayers, 5 p.m.; JD Shelburne, 8 p.m.
• Hot air balloon glow at 8 p.m, Greenway Park
Saturday, June 20 – Founders Festival at the City Square featuring food, vendors, music, kids activities, and hot air balloons (Greenway Park).
• Live music –Real Square Band, 10 a.m.; DJ Maurice Ball, noon; The Rigby’s, 5 p.m.; The Rumors, 8 p.m.
• Amateur Corn Hole Tournament – at the Family Activities Park, 1 p.m. Blind draw event.
• Parade – Clark Road to Market Street to Main Street, 3 p.m.
• Tethered hot air balloon rides – Greenway Park, 6 p.m. (fee required)
• Drone show – City Square, 9:30 p.m.
To stay up-to-date on Founders Week events and details, visit www.CityofCharlestown.com or follow the city’s social media pages.
