The Town of Griffith hosted the Rock ‘N’ Rail Fest in the downtown area over Labor Day weekend, drawing thousands of attendees for music, food, and drinks. 

Rock ‘N’ Rail is a festival featuring food, drinks and loud music, celebrating the railroads that run through Griffith. Each year, rock bands perform on stages, food trucks line both sides of Broad Street, vendors sell items such as toys and accessories, and a car show takes place, this year on Saturday, Aug. 30. Many attendees used the festival to celebrate Labor Day weekend, enjoying food, music and time with their families.

Students from Griffith High School helped run the festival, assisting vendors with ice, taking out trash and monitoring parking. They ensured handicap spaces and spots near the police station remained open. Senior Logan Jimenez said, “Rock ‘N’ Rail was a fun experience because it gave me opportunities to meet new people and make new friends.”

Junior Diego Moyo added, “Some of the nights when you work weren’t the best because it was cold, but all together it’s a good part-time job for students.”

Local businesses also benefited from the festival. Jake Whalen, manager of Grindhouse Café, said, “We got many new people in that weekend, so it definitely helped business.”

Rock ‘N’ Rail offered attendees a festive experience, gave students a chance to gain work experience, and provided a boost for downtown businesses.