Indianapolis Events October Edition! With fall festivals, Halloween events, beautiful fall foliage to see, and a never-ending list of things to do outdoors in October, we’ve got a handy list to help you plan out your month. With fall break tucked in there, October fills up quickly! Check out our list of 31 Fun Things To Do For October in Central Indiana. Most are family-friendly, but we’ve got a few events tailored to adults thrown in there as well!
31 Fun Things To Do For October in Central Indiana
Indianapolis Events OCTOBER EDITION
GermanFest
Raise your steins and enjoy brats at the Anthanaeum’s 16th Annual GermanFest on October 5th.
Twilight Fright
This fun, outdoor evening party is for older children ages 7-14 at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on October 12th.
Science Fest at IU
With over 100 science activities, 20 scientific areas, and 500+ leaders in the sciences, Science Fest at IU is a one-day event on October 5th that you do not want to miss!
Dia de Muertos
The Eiteljorg Museum will be offering free admission to celebrate Dia de Muertos on October 26th with live performances, art-making, Mercado vendors, community groups, and a community-curated art and altar display.
Whitestown Trick or Treat Trail
Head to the Whitestown Trick or Treat Trail at Anson Acres on October 26th to walk the spooky trail, trick or treat for candy, take a trip on the hayride, or roast s’mores over a bonfire.
Fishers Boo Bash
Don’t miss Boo Bash 2024 at the Nickleplate District Amphitheater on October 26th for live music, shows, games, parades, and lots of goodies.
Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival
This free event at Potter’s Bridge Park in Noblesville on October 5th will feature live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and more!
Halloween After Dark
Costume up and head to the adults-only Halloween-themed party at the Children’s Museum on October 19th for a spectacular, kid-free evening of bites and brews.
Trick or Treat on the Rails
On October 26th and 27th, the Nickel Plate Express will be offering 65-minute adventure train rides that will include trick-or-treating and a costume contest.
Owl Fest
The 9th Annual Owl Festival at Eagle Creek Park’s Ornithology Center is a two-day event for the whole family on October 26th.
Rowdie’s Pumpkin Patch
The Indianapolis Indians welcomes kids in costume to Victory Field on October 19th for trick-or-treating on the concourse and a pumpkin patch on the baseball field.
Hendricks County International Festival
Head to Town Square at The Shops of Perry Crossing in Plainfield on October 5th to celebrate the diverse cultures of the members of Hendricks County.
Outdoor Things to Do for October in Central Indiana
Scream Parks
Visit the Indy Scream Park or one of many Haunted Houses in Indy!
Zoo Boo
Throughout the month of October, Zoo Boo at the Indianapolis Zoo will offer a trick-or-treat trail, Pumpkin Town with a DJ, magician, and mirror maze, and dressed-up rides and exhibits throughout the zoo.
Trunk or Treat
Go in costume and Trunk or Treat at several events around Central Indiana.
Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
One of the oldest and largest festivals in the country, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival is a can’t-miss! The event is free and all are welcome from October 19-26.
Harvest Nights
Walk the ground of Newfields at Harvest Nights to enjoy the ghost train, trail of glowing jack-o-lanterns, and spectacular light show projected onto the Lilly House.
Headless Horseman
Take a hayride through the grounds of Conner Prairie and past the Headless Horseman at the famouse Headless Horseman Festival.
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
Indiana’s largest festival celebrates the 31 historic covered bridges of Parke County. Visit between October 11-20.
Rock with Mr. Daniel
Catch Mr. Daniel on October 26th at the Irvington Halloween Festival at noon or at Trail or Treat on the Canal at 5 pm. Kids love rocking out at a Mr. Daniel concert.
Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival
The Morgan County Courthouse will host the 2024 Fall Foliage Festival from October 10-13 with a parade, carnival rides, entertainment, craft vendors, and food trucks.
Halloween Fun Run
Register for a Halloween Fun Run or a full marathon. We’ve got a list of all of the candy dashes, pumpkin dashes, and little bat runs happening in Indianapolis this month.
Farms and Fall Festivals in Central Indiana
Tuttle Orchards
Visit Tuttle Orchards in October and enjoy more than 30 activities in the Barnyard and Farmyard.
Dulls Tree Farm
The Dull’s Tree Farm and Pumpkin Harvest provides all-day fun for the whole family including a hayride, pumpkin patch, apple cannons, a ropes course, ziplines, and more!
Beasley’s Orchard
Pick pumpkins, shoot the apple cannon, jump on the giant jump pad, and then enjoy award-winning cider at The Cider Bar at Beasley’s Orchard.
Fishers AgriPark
Pick fresh vegetables or play at the mud kitchen in the kids area at the Fishers AgriPark. It’s all FREE!
Lark Ranch
In addition to an amazing train ride and all the activities you can think of, there are also carnival rides at Lark Ranch and they are included in the admission price!
Indoor Things to Do for October in Central Indiana
You’ve Been Booed
Start an exciting neighborhood tradition of Booing your neighbors! This child-led activity is tons of fun to start and watch unfold.
Visit the Apple Store
Stop into Conner Prairie’s Apple Store and pick up delicious chocolate-covered apples, hot apple cider jelly, apple cider donuts, and apple cider slushies!
Not So Scary Haunted House
Walk through the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Witch Way Road Trip Haunted House with the lights on for a Not So Scary experience.
Build a Fire Rescue Truck at Home Depot
On October 5th, head over and build a fire rescue truck at Home Depot. The Home Depot Kids Workshops are FREE and offered on the first Saturday of each month.
Check out the Indy With Kids events calendar for things to do every day!
October is jam-packed with activities and fall fun! Ready for more? Check out our Ultimate List of Fall Festivals in Indiana. Have you picked out a pumpkin yet? Visit a local pumpkin patch to choose your own from the farm. Looking for tasty fall treats? Here’s our list of places to get your hands on apple cider donuts and slushies.
60+ Free Things To Do With Kids This Fall
What are your favorite traditions, events, and things to do for October in the Indianapolis area? Share your best Indianapolis Events October comments and pictures with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
