Get ready for Michigan City’s newest festival experience coming in September! The Last Splash will bring live music, local vendors, craft beverages, and family fun to the heart of downtown. We sat down with Colleen Neubauer of Criterion Productions, the festival’s producer and a veteran event organizer with over 20 years of experience producing large-scale events and fundraisers throughout Chicago and Southwest Michigan. Colleen gave JOYRide the inside scoop on this exciting new event for Michigan City!

 

Colleen, could you tell us about your background and how Last Splash came to be?

“I have been producing large-scale events and fundraisers for over 20 years in Chicago and Southwest Michigan. That means working with different chambers, street fests are often a marketing tool for an area. I usually partner with a business association or chamber to bring business and traffic through that neighborhood. Wicker Park Fest in Chicago, for instance, has been ongoing for almost 20 years and raises money for the Wicker Park Chamber, which benefits all its members.

There’s just so much going on in Michigan City these days. I thought, “We can’t just keep driving by Michigan City; there are some events that need to be done over there.”

I wanted to get in on the ground floor before it really explodes, so we met with the city and got tremendous support from Terry Greetham and Skyler York. They’re awesome and super excited for us to bring an event. Having our experience in both Chicago and Southwest Michigan, they said, “Bring it. We want more events. We want more music events,” and our events are always very music-centric and local-centric.”

What can attendees expect at Last Splash Festival?

 

Where will the festival take place?

“We’ll be in the open grassy lots at 7th and Franklin. I want it to be known we’re not shutting down Franklin. We’re only going to shut down 7th between Washington and Franklin.”

What activities will be available for families?

“The kids’ area will be from noon until six. We’ll have things like water balloon toss, face painting, arts and crafts, and fun stuff like that. Maybe an ice cream-eating contest. It’s designed so you get the families earlier in the day and then the party crowd in the evening.

Tell us about the music lineup.

“I’ve got live music all day from noon until nine, with four different bands. 

There are four bands lined up for this event, with the Joe Marcinek Band headlining. There will also be live performances by Pablo’s Great Revenge, 3 Pieces & A Biscuit, and Funky Mojo Daddy.

What about food and beverages?

“I’m focusing on local breweries and wineries to participate. We’re going to keep it kind of small and simple this first year.”

Our food trucks are lined up, featuring fun foods, tacos, and more. I even have a Wisconsin farm that somehow found us, and they’re coming all the way from Wisconsin!”

Supporting Local Business and Community

What types of vendors will be featured?

“We’re looking for local vendors and artists. We’re targeting about 15 vendors to keep things manageable for our first year. If it goes well and is well-received, we can always expand because we’ve got the space for it.”

How is the festival supporting the community?

“We’re partnering with United Way of LaPorte County as our nonprofit beneficiary. After all expenses, they’ll get a portion of the proceeds. They’ve been great partners to work with.

“The festival is highly sanctioned by the city. Even Mayor Angie is aware of it and in support. She’s a big music fan and is excited to have a music-driven, hyperlocal type of event at the end of the summer.”

Last question, Colleen, how did the name “Last Splash” come about?

“The name ‘Last Splash’ incorporates the lake [Michigan], you’re splashing around in the lake, and it’s kind of a last hurrah, with different meanings. It’s an end-of-summer last splash, farewell to summer. 

Event Details

When is Last Splash Festival: Saturday, September 27, 2025. Noon to 9 pm CST

Where: Franklin Street and 7th Street in city lots.

Hours: Noon to 9 PM

  • Family activities: Noon to 6 PM
  • Music: Noon to 9 PM

Admission:

  • Kids 12 and under: FREE
  • Ages 13+: $10

 

Thank you to Colleen for taking the time to sit down with JOYRide. We are thrilled to introduce this new Michigan City event to our JOYRide blog readers. 

For more information, visit their website at www.mclastsplash.com. You can also check out their social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.