The Walking Art 5K is more than a walk — it's a public art celebration, community festival, and creative spectacle all rolled into one unforgettable Saturday. Put on a costume, hit the streets, and experience Michigan City's incredible sculpture collection in a whole new way.
5K
Walking Route
30
Art Stops
20
Vendors
3
Live Bands
19
Bench Artworks at Auction
🎨
Costume Contest
Dress as a famous artwork, artist, or sculpture and compete for prizes! The more creative, the better.
🪑
Leopold Bench Auction
19 one-of-a-kind benches painted by local artists are up for silent auction. Own a piece of Michigan City art history!
🗺️
Public Art Route
Walk through 30 stunning sculptures and murals. Download the Otocast app to hear artists speak about their work!
🎵
Live Festival
Live music, artisan vendors, food truck, cash bar, face painting, selfie frames, and more at Millennium Plaza!
📱
Otocast App
Use the free Otocast app to navigate sculptures, hear artist audio stories, collect badges, and enter the raffle!
🤝
Sponsors & Partners
Support the arts and get your brand in front of hundreds of community members. Multiple sponsorship levels available!
Day of Event
Event Schedule
Time
Activity
7:30 – 9:30 AM
Vendor Load-In & Festival Set-Up
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Participant Arrival & Check-In
9:50 AM
Opening Ceremony & Welcome
9:55 AM
⭐ Star-Spangled Banner
10:00 AM
🚶 Walking Art 5K Begins!
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Vendors, Food, Bar, Face Painting & Festival Fun!
10:15 – 10:50 AM
🎸 Band 1 Live Performance
~11:30 AM
Participants Begin Returning to Millennium Plaza
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
🎸 Band 2 Live Performance
12:15 – 12:50 PM
🎸 Band 3 Live Performance
1:10 PM
🏆 Costume Contest Judging
1:30 PM
🪑 Leopold Bench Auction Closes · People's Choice Voting Closes
1:45 PM
🏆 Winners Announced — Costume, Bench Auction & Raffle
2:00 PM
Festival Closes
Register Today!
Early Bird: $30 (ends July 4th) · Regular: $40 (ends Oct. 1st) · Late/Same Day: $50
Proceeds support art scholarships for Michigan City children, public murals, and creative projects throughout the city.
An outdoor arts market, live music venue, and community party — at the beautiful Millennium Plaza, Washington Park, right on Lake Michigan.
Live Music
Three Live Bands
The stage at Millennium Plaza will be rocking all day! MAC is proud to hire and pay local musicians as part of our commitment to supporting artists of all varieties.
🎵 Stage Schedule
Time
Performance
9:15–9:50 AM
Welcome music & acoustic background
9:55 AM
Star-Spangled Banner
10:15–10:50 AM
🎸 Band 1 — Live Set
11:15 AM–12:50 PM
🎸 Band 2 — Live Set
12:15–12:50 PM
🎸 Band 3 — Live Set
1:15–2:00 PM
Closing playlist
🍔
Sweet Lou, That's Who!
Our featured food truck will be on site all day serving up great food to keep you fueled for the festival fun.
🍹
Cash Bar
Harbor Country Tours will be operating a cash bar all day. Enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking in the art and music.
🎭
Face Painting
Get your face transformed into a work of art! Our professional face painter will be on-site for kids and adults alike.
📸
Selfie Photo Frame
Strike a pose at our giant art-themed selfie frame! Capture your Walking Art 5K memories and share to social media.
🛍️
Artisan Vendors
Up to 20 local artists, artisans, and community organizations showcasing and selling their work. Support local creativity!
🏆
Awards & Raffle
Costume contest prizes, Leopold Bench auction, and Community Choice Award — all announced from the stage at 1:45 PM!
Site Layout
Millennium Plaza Site Map
🗺️ Site Key
Spaces 1–20: Vendor Booths (10'×10')
21: Stage — Live Performances All Day
22: Photo Frame
23: Food Truck — Sweet Lou, That's Who!
24: Port-O-Potty Facilities
25: MAC Info Booth
26: Sound Booth
27: Cash Bar — Harbor Country Tours
🎨 Dress Up. Show Up. Support the Arts.
Every ticket, vendor fee, and raffle ticket goes directly toward MAC's public art programs — including art scholarships for Michigan City children, new murals, sculpture maintenance, and creative projects throughout the city.
The Walking Art 5K celebrates the idea that YOU can become a living, breathing work of art. Costumes are enthusiastically encouraged for all participants!
Ready to Walk as Art?
Register now and join hundreds of creative Michiganders in the most colorful walk of the year. Costumes are encouraged but never required!
One of the most beloved parts of Walking Art 5K is the costume contest! Judges will be looking for the most creative, artistic, and inspired costumes. Costume judging begins at 1:10 PM, winners announced at 1:45 PM.
🥇
Best Costume
The grand prize for the most outstanding, creative costume of the event.
Need Inspiration?
Costume Ideas
🖼️
A Famous Artwork
🎨
A Famous Artist
🗿
Michigan City Sculpture
🧱
A Local Mural
🌊
Art Movement / Style
👻
Halloween Costume
🦸
Original Wearable Art
🏙️
Michigan City Landmark
How It Works
Costume Contest Process
1
Register & Opt In
When you register, indicate you'd like to participate in the costume contest. You can also sign up at check-in on the day of the event.
2
Walk the 5K in Style
Show off your costume on the route! Interact with sculptures, get photos taken, and enjoy being a living work of art as you walk through Michigan City.
3
Judging at 1:10 PM
After returning to Millennium Plaza, official judging begins at 1:10 PM. All costume contest participants should be in the designated area by this time.
4
Winners Announced at 1:45 PM
All winners announced from the main stage at 1:45 PM, along with Leopold Bench Auction results and raffle winners. Don't miss it!
👀 Costume Safety Reminder
Please ensure your costume is safe for walking outdoors. Costumes should not block your vision, create tripping hazards, or obstruct other participants. Comfortable footwear is strongly recommended — you'll be walking 5 kilometers!
19 one-of-a-kind works of art, painted by local artists, ready to become a permanent piece of your home or community.
About the Project
Art You Can Sit On
The Michigan City Public Art Committee (MAC) commissioned local artists to transform Leopold benches — durable, beautiful outdoor benches — into unique works of public art placed throughout Michigan City.
🎨
Local Artists, One-of-a-Kind Creations
Each of the 19 Leopold benches was entrusted to a local Michigan City artist who brought their own unique vision and creativity to the piece. No two benches are alike — these are truly singular works of art that are also functional, durable outdoor furniture. These benches are placed throughout Michigan City as part of our public art collection.
🏆
Silent Auction — Own a Piece of Michigan City Art History
At the Walking Art 5K, all 19 painted Leopold benches will be available through a silent auction. Each bench is a collectible, investment-grade piece of local art history. Bidding opens when the festival begins and closes at approximately 1:30 PM. Winners announced from the main stage at 1:45 PM.
⭐
Community Choice Award
The Community Choice Award puts the power of recognition directly in the hands of the public. Festival attendees can purchase votes for $1 each and cast them for their favorite bench artwork. Every dollar counts — and every vote matters. The bench that receives the most votes wins, and the artist who painted that bench will be awarded a curated prize package of donated items generously provided by our community sponsors. It's a celebration of local artistry, community spirit, and the collective voice of Michigan City. The winning artist will be honored from the main stage at the 1:45 PM awards announcement.
How It Works
Auction & Voting Guide
🪑 Silent Auction
All 19 benches displayed at the festival
Each bench has a bid sheet with starting bid
Write your bid — highest bid wins
Bidding closes at ~1:30 PM
Winners announced at 1:45 PM from the stage
Arrangements made for bench pickup/delivery
Proceeds support MAC public art programs
⭐ Community Choice Vote
View all 19 benches on display at the festival
Purchase votes for $1 each — buy as many as you like!
Cast your votes for your favorite bench artwork
The bench with the most votes wins
Voting closes at 1:30 PM
Winning artist announced from the stage at 1:45 PM
Winner receives a prize package from community sponsors
Why Bid?
More Than a Bench
🖼️
Unique Local Art
Each bench is one-of-a-kind, created by a Michigan City artist. You won't find anything like it anywhere else in the world.
🏡
Functional Beauty
Leopold benches were built at the Magic Factory creator space on Tennessee Street. Perfect for gardens, patios, storefronts, or any outdoor space that deserves a touch of art.
❤️
Support Local Artists
Your purchase directly supports the local artists who created these works and helps fund MAC's ongoing public art programs.
Join Us for the Auction!
You must be present at the festival to bid and vote. Register for the Walking Art 5K today and come early to get your best bids in before the auction closes at 1:30 PM!
Walk to 30 incredible public artworks, monuments, and sculptures on our 5K route through the heart of Michigan City. Start and finish at Millennium Park Plaza.
5.0
Kilometers
30
Art Stops
~70
Minutes to Walk
⭐
Start & Finish at Millennium Plaza
📋 Route Guidelines
Stay on the sidewalk when in the city
Cross only at marked crosswalks
This is a walking event — not a timed race
Participants expected to return by approximately 11:30 AM
Download the Otocast app for the interactive art experience!
On the Route
30 Works of Public Art
Your walk passes by 30 stunning sculptures, monuments, and murals. Download the Otocast app to hear the artists speak about each one!
1
Firefighters & Police Officers Memorialby Ron Pekar
2
48by Rod Kagan
3
Clouds and Treesby Elliott Balter
4
Hybrid Figureby Richard Hunt
5
2 Semicircular Mirrorby Jeppe Hein
6
Iron Hooks, Center Pins and Master Platesby Bernard Williams
7
Untitledby Tom Scarff
8
Isle of Caprineby Richard Kiebdaj
9
Towering Windsby Michael Gruzca
10
American Gothicby John Habela
11
Dust in the Windby Gary and Elljah Plunk
12
Owl and Pussycatby Richard Kiebdaj
13
Set Sailby Tim Adams
14
Liquid Sunshineby Michael Alfano
15
Whoaby Gary Kulak
16
Mural of ArtistsMichigan City Community Mural
17
Sentinelby Ray Katz
18
High and Dryby Kyle Fokken
19
Song of the Flying Dutchmanby Kyle Fokken
20
Clairvoyanceby Fisher Stolz
21
Entangledby David Skora
22
Connectedby Fisher Stolz
23
Mikinaakby Jason Quigno
24
Flightby Hilde DeBruyne
25
Bear Familyby Jim Collins
26
Ramby Don Babcock
27
Duetby Doug Gruizenga
28
Thin Series: Off the Dietby Ken Thompson
29
World War I Doughboy Monumentby Earnest Moore Viquesney
30
Victorious Peace Monumentby Wm O'Donovan & Jonathan Hartley
📱 Enhance Your Walk with Otocast!
Download the free Otocast app before the event to access the interactive route map, hear artists talk about their work in their own words, collect digital badges, and enter the raffle!
The Otocast app transforms your walk into an immersive audio art tour — hear the artists speak in their own words, collect digital badges, and explore Michigan City's entire public art collection.
What is Otocast?
Art That Speaks to You
Otocast is a free mobile app that creates location-based audio art tours. As you approach a sculpture or mural, the app automatically begins playing a pre-recorded message from the artist themselves — explaining the significance of their work, their inspiration, and their creative process — right in their own voice.
🗺️
Interactive Art Map
See all of Michigan City's public artworks on an interactive map — works on the 5K route AND throughout the greater Michigan City area, all in one place.
🎙️
Hear the Artists' Voices
Within just 15 feet of a sculpture, the app automatically begins playing a pre-recorded message from the artist. Hear them describe the meaning and story behind their work — in their own words.
🏅
Collect Digital Badges
Visit artworks and earn digital achievement badges! Build your collection, explore more of the city, and show off your art adventures on social media.
🎟️
Enter the Raffle
Using the Otocast app during the Walking Art 5K gives you access to the raffle — an exciting extra bonus for participants who explore the route digitally!
🌆
Beyond the 5K Route
The Otocast collection covers not just the 5K route, but murals and sculptures scattered throughout the entire greater Michigan City area. Keep exploring long after the event!
📍
Location-Aware
The app uses your phone's GPS to detect when you're near a work of art. No searching required — just walk and the art experience comes to you automatically.
Collect Them All!
Otocast Badges
As you explore Michigan City's public art, earn digital badges for your achievements. Here are the badges you can unlock:
First Brushstroke
A starting badge for getting close to any sculpture and using the app for the first time. Get a taste and get hooked!
Walking Art 5K
Awarded for finishing the Walking Art 5K! Wear this badge with pride.
Selfie with Sculpture
Upload a selfie to the Otocast app at one of the sculptures to earn this badge.
Washington Park Wanderer
For visiting the artworks in Washington Park. This badge has multiple levels — keep exploring!
Franklin Street Explorer
For visiting all of the artworks on our Main Street. Multi-level badge — how far can you go?
Sculpture Seeker
For visiting artworks that are out of the way and off the main corridor. Adventure awaits! Multi-level badge.
Citywide Collector
The ultimate badge — visit Michigan City's entire public art collection. Are you up for the challenge?
Getting Started
How to Use Otocast
1
Download the Free App
Search for "Otocast" in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). The app is completely free to download and use.
Once in the app, search for the Michigan City Public Art Committee (MAC) collection to access all sculptures and murals in our collection.
3
Enable Location Services
Allow the app to access your location so it can automatically trigger audio tours and badge awards as you approach artworks within 15 feet.
4
Walk, Listen & Collect!
Explore Michigan City, listen to artists in their own words, earn badges, enter the raffle, and enjoy our amazing public art scene — today and every day after!
💡 Pro Tip: Download Before the Event!
We recommend downloading the Otocast app and setting up your profile before October 10th. That way you're ready to start collecting badges and hearing artist stories from the very first sculpture on the route!
Join us at Millennium Plaza, Washington Park for an exciting day of art, music, and community! We're looking for artisans, artists, community organizations, and creative vendors.
Who Should Apply
We Want You!
We're seeking vendors — a curated mix of creativity and community. Whether you create hand-crafted goods, represent a community organization, or offer artistic services, we'd love to have you!
✅ Vendor Categories
Local artists & fine art
Artisans & handcrafted goods
Community organizations & nonprofits
Jewelry, ceramics, textiles
Photography & prints
Children's art activities
Public art education tables
Key Details
Vendor Info
Vendor Space (10'×10')
Standard space
$50
Application Deadline
Sept 15
Event Date
Set-up: 7:30–9:30 AM
Oct 10
Important Requirements
What to Know
⛺
Bring Your Own Tent
All vendors must provide their own shelter, tables, chairs, and display equipment. Everything must fit within your designated space. No staking allowed — paved surface.
⚖️
Canopy Weights Required
This is an outdoor lakefront event. All canopies must have a minimum of 25 pounds of weight on each leg. Wind safety is mandatory — no exceptions.
🚗
Vehicle Access
Vehicles allowed in the event area only during load-in (before 9:30 AM) and load-out (after 2:00 PM). Plan your setup accordingly.
⚡
No Power or Water
Power and water are NOT provided at vendor spaces. Please plan your display accordingly.
📋
Contract & Insurance
Vendors must sign a contract including an Indemnification & Hold Harmless statement. Certificate of Insurance required — City of Michigan City named as Additional Insured.
🕐
Set-Up & Tear-Down
Set-up window: 7:30–9:30 AM. All vendors must be ready by 9:30 AM. Tear-down begins at 2:00 PM after the festival closes.
Apply Now
Vendor Application
Complete the vendor application through our Google Form. Applications close September 15, 2026. Spaces are limited!
Align your brand with Michigan City's most vibrant arts celebration. Show your community that you're invested in a creative, thriving future for all.
Why Sponsor the Walking Art 5K?
Your support helps create a welcoming civic event that promotes public art, local artists, community wellness, family-friendly programming, and positive visibility for Michigan City businesses. Sponsorships are designed to scale clearly: each higher level adds stronger recognition, broader visibility, and increased event-day presence.
Event Snapshot
About the Event
Date
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Festival Hours
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location
Millennium Plaza / Washington Park, Michigan City, Indiana
Event Format
5K public art walk, outdoor arts festival, music, vendors, food, community engagement, and costume participation
Audience
Families, walkers, art supporters, visitors, local residents, sponsors, vendors, students, and community organizations
Sponsor Value
Public recognition, community goodwill, event visibility, and direct association with Michigan City public art and cultural programming
Sponsorship Levels
Choose Your Level
All sponsorships include tax-deductible receipts through our local 501(c)(3) partner organization. Higher levels include logo placement; lower tiers receive name-based recognition.
🏅 Gold Sponsor — Presenting Sponsor
Premier Partner
$5,000
✓ Premier logo placement on all primary event materials
✓ Logo on the online race registration page
✓ Event shirt — front logo placement (when design allows)
✓ Logo on race bibs & route map
✓ Logo on flyers and printed materials
✓ Featured listing on the event website & sponsor page
✓ Featured social media posts
✓ Press release mention
✓ Radio mentions (if applicable)
✓ Live MC recognition throughout the event day
✓ Recognition at opening ceremony & awards
✓ Vendor / table space at the festival
✓ Sponsor thank-you signage
⭐ Complimentary Race Registrations: Ten (10)
🥆 Silver Sponsor — Supporting Sponsor
Supporting Partner
$2,500
✓ Company logo listed on the event sponsor banner
✓ Logo on the event website sponsor page
✓ Logo on the online race registration page
✓ Logo on flyers and printed materials
✓ Logo on the 5K route map
✓ Logo placement at the start/finish area
✓ Social media recognition post
✓ Press release mention
✓ MC recognition at opening ceremony & awards
✓ Logo on race bibs
✓ Sponsor thank-you signage
⭐ Complimentary Race Registrations: Six (6)
🥇 Bronze Sponsor — Community Partner
Community Partner
$1,500
✓ Company logo listed on the event shirt
✓ Logo on the online race registration page
✓ Logo on flyers and printed materials
✓ Social media thank-you post
✓ MC recognition during awards
✓ Website sponsor page listing
✓ Sponsor thank-you signage
⭐ Complimentary Race Registrations: Four (4)
Arts Advocate
$1,000
✓Company name on the event sponsor banner
✓Name on the event website sponsor page
✓Name on the online race registration page
✓Name on flyers and printed materials
✓Social media thank-you mention
⭐Complimentary Registrations: Two (2)
Art Supporter
$500
✓Company name on the event sponsor banner
✓Name on the online race registration page
Community Backer
$300
✓Company name on the event sponsor banner
✓Name on the event website sponsor page
✓Name on the online race registration page
Friend of the Arts
$100
✓Company name listed on the event sponsor banner
Prize & In-Kind Donations
Donate Goods, Services & Prizes
Businesses can also support the Walking Art 5K through in-kind donations of goods, services, gift certificates, products, artwork, or experience packages. Donated items will be used as raffle prizes, volunteer appreciation gifts, award drawings, and other event-related activities.
Prize and in-kind donors will receive sponsor recognition equal to the fair-market value of the donated item or service. For example, a business donating items valued at $500 would receive Art Supporter level recognition.
🎁 In-Kind Donation Examples
🍕 Restaurants, coffee shops & bakeries
🎨 Handmade goods & artwork
💪 Wellness, fitness & salon services
🎪 Family entertainment & attractions
🖼 Printing, signage & promotional materials
📷 Photography & videography
🔊 Sound & audio equipment
🥤 Water, snacks & refreshments
🏆 Trophies, ribbons & gift baskets
📸 T-shirts & promotional items
📐 Logo Submission Notes
For logo-level sponsorships, please provide a high-resolution logo file — preferably PNG, SVG, EPS, or PDF format. Logo placement on specific items (bib, shirt, banner) depends on available design space and timing. Early sponsors receive the best placement. Please submit logos before the application deadline.
Ready to Partner With Us?
Contact us today to discuss the perfect sponsorship opportunity for your business. We're happy to create custom packages that align with your marketing goals and budget. All cash sponsorships and qualifying in-kind donations include tax-deductible receipts through our 501(c)(3) partner.
