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, Trunk or Treat in Indy, Halloween activities… we have a handy list to help you plan out your month. With fall break tucked in there, October fills up quickly!
Fun Things To Do For October in Central Indiana
Check out our list of 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! Check this out if you’re looking for a list of –> Adults-Only Halloween Events in Indianapolis.
From festivals to pumpkin patches, October is packed with family fun. Be sure to also browse our 100 Fall Break Activities for even more seasonal ideas.
Top Family-Friendly October Events in Indianapolis
Colts Games & Fan Events
Cheer on the home team at Indianapolis Colts games this October at Lucas Oil Stadium. In addition to the games, families can enjoy fan zones, giveaways, and special themed events throughout the season.
Free Movies at Butler University
Catch a free family-friendly film at Butler University this October. Screenings are open to the community and take place on campus, making it an easy and fun night out.
Indy Fuel Hockey Season Kickoff
Hockey season is back! The Indy Fuel hit the ice at the Fishers Event Center in October with high-energy games, entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
High School Football Games and Tailgating
Friday night lights are a fall tradition! Head to a local high school stadium in October to catch sectional playoff games, enjoy marching bands, and join in on the tailgating fun.
First Friday Art Gallery Nights
Explore local art, live music, and pop-up exhibits during First Friday in Indy’s cultural districts on October 4th. Galleries and studios across the city open their doors for an evening of creativity and community.
Fall Farmers’ Markets
Many of Indy’s farmers’ markets keep going through October with pumpkins, apples, mums, and fall baked goods. Stroll the stalls at Garfield Park, Broad Ripple, or Carmel Farmers’ Markets for seasonal flavors and local treats.
Planetarium Nights
Catch a stargazing program this October at Holcomb Observatory on Butler’s campus. Families can enjoy telescope viewing and themed shows under the dome.
Lowe’s Kids Workshop
Lowe’s stores across Central Indiana host free Lowe’s Kids Workshops, called Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshops, on one Saturday each month. In October, kids can build a fun seasonal project to take home.
Home Depot Kids Workshop
The Home Depot Kids Workshops are FREE and offered on the first Saturday of each month. Children receive a kit, apron, and badge while learning hands-on building skills.
JCPenney Kids Zone
On the second Saturday of the month, 11 am – 12 pm, JCPenney stores offer free crafts and activities for kids. In addition to earning prizes and taking home a craft, parents get a 10% off shopping coupon.
Theater at the IRT or Carmel Civic Theatre
Catch a performance at the Indiana Repertory Theatre or Carmel Civic Theatre this October. From family-friendly shows to classic plays, it’s a great way to spend an evening indoors.
Cemetery Events at Crown Hill
Explore Indy’s history with a guided cemetery walk. Crown Hill Cemetery offers storytelling tours that highlight local legends, famous Hoosiers, and autumn beauty with all of that colorful foliage.
First Thursdays at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
On the first Thursday evening of each month, the museum stays open late with discounted admission. It’s a great chance to explore favorite galleries like Dinosphere®, the Carousel, and the Sports Legends Experience® after school with fewer crowds.
Mr. Muffin’s Trains
This beloved model train museum features huge O-gauge layouts with bridges, towns, and dozens of trains running at once. Open to the public for free on select Saturdays, Mr. Muffin’s Trains is a kid-favorite with step stools for better views and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Indiana Live Steamers Public Run
All aboard! The Indiana Live Steamers offer public train rides on their 7.5-inch gauge trains at Johnson County Park on October 18. Bring the whole family for a scenic loop through the woods. It costs just $4 per person, and closed-toe shoes are required.
Fall Festivals Around Indianapolis
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 18-25. Enjoy events like a parade, a haunted puppet show, and other fun activities.
Heartland International Film Festival
The Heartland International Film Festival runs October 10–20 and brings independent films, documentaries, and short films to theaters across Indianapolis. This award-winning festival also features filmmaker Q&As and special events.
Hendricks County International Festival
Head to Town Square at The Shops of Perry Crossing in Plainfield on October 4th to celebrate the diverse cultures of the members of Hendricks County.
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 19th.
Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival
This free event at Potter’s Bridge Park in Noblesville on October 4th will feature live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and more!
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 4th 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 25th with live performances, art-making, Mercado vendors, community groups, and a community-curated art and altar display.
GermanFest
Raise your steins and enjoy brats at the Anthanaeum’s 16th Annual GermanFest on October 4th.
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
Indiana’s largest festival celebrates the 31 historic covered bridges of Parke County. Visit between October 10-19.
Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival
The Morgan County Courthouse will host the 2025 Fall Foliage Festival from October 9-12 with a parade, carnival rides, entertainment, craft vendors, and food trucks.
Halloween Activities & Haunted Fun
If you’re looking for a fun neighborhood surprise idea, check out our How to Boo Your Neighbors guide.
Twilight Fright
This fun, outdoor evening party is for older children ages 7-14 at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Guild’s Haunted House and The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience on October 25th.
Whitestown Trick or Treat Trail
Head to the Whitestown Trick or Treat Trail at Anson Acres on October 25th 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 2025 at the Nickleplate District Amphitheater for live music, shows, games, parades, and lots of goodies. Date TBA.
Trick or Treat on the Rails
On October 26th, the Nickel Plate Express will be offering 65-minute adventure train rides that will include trick-or-treating and a costume contest.
Rowdie’s Pumpkin Patch
The Indianapolis Indians welcome kids in costume to Victory Field for trick-or-treating on the concourse and a pumpkin patch on the baseball field. Date TBA.
Scream Parks
Visit the Indy Scream Park or one of many Haunted Houses in Indy!
Trunk or Treat
Go in costume and Trunk or Treat at several events around Central Indiana.
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.
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.
Scarecrow Displays
Several Indiana towns host scarecrow contests and displays throughout October. Danville decorates its downtown with creative and whimsical scarecrows.
Fall Foliage Drives
October is peak leaf-peeping season in Indiana. Take a scenic drive through Brown County State Park or along Parke County’s country roads for breathtaking fall color. We have a great list of where to see the fall leaves changing.
Special Attractions & Seasonal Favorites
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.
Harvest Nights
Walk the grounds of Newfields at Harvest Nights to enjoy the ghost train rumble by, a trail of glowing jack-o-lanterns in a fog-filled forest along the pumpkin path of peril, and a spectacular light show projected onto the Lilly House.
Headless Horseman
Take a hayride through the grounds of Conner Prairie and get seasonal thrills as you encounter the Headless Horseman at the famous Headless Horseman Festival.
Tuttle Orchards
Visit Tuttle Orchards in October and enjoy more than 30 activities in the Barnyard and Farmyard.
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!
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, apple cider slushies, and other seasonal treats!
Hayrides
October is the perfect time for a hayride! Many local farms and parks, including Southeastway Park and Conner Prairie, offer festive hayrides through pumpkin patches and colorful fall scenery.
Things to Do During Fall Break in Indianapolis
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.
Camping in Indiana
Cool evenings and crisp mornings make October the best month for camping near Indy. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin at Brown County State Park or one of the nearby state recreation areas or Indiana State Parks.
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 FallÂ
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!
Updated: September 2025, Lisa Viaches contributed to this article.
