Fall has always been my favorite time of year. There’s something about the crisp coolness in the air and all the festivities that come with it. Autumn foliage, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, craft fairs, and Halloween events bring me so much joy. Join in the fall fun with this ultimate list of all the amazing fall festivals in Indiana happening this season. Whether you love harvest festivals, free museum days, town events, or spooky celebrations for Halloween, you’re bound to find a fabulous fall experience perfect for your family.
September Fall Festivals in Indiana
11th Annual Fishers Blues Fest
September 1-2
The 11th Annual Fisher’s Blues Fest will celebrate the end of Fishers’ concert series at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. The amphitheater will be host to renowned blues musicians for a two-day, free, ticketless music festival happening over Labor Day weekend. All ages are welcome to attend and chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
The German American Klub of Indianapolis Presents the 49th Annual Oktoberfest
September 7-9
The German American Klub and Paulaner USA for Indy’s German Oktoberfest will be hosting Oktoberfest for its 49th year in German Park. The event will celebrate all things German, with German and German-American food, dance, entertainment, and biers. Kids can enjoy the playground and inflatables. Admission for the event is $5.00 per person and ages 12 and under are free.
Blues in the ‘Burg
September 9
Arbuckle Acres Park in Brownsburg will be hosting this festival that features award-winning musical acts from around the country. There will also be food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a kid’s zone, and activities for all ages. The party gets started at 2:30 pm.
Penrod Arts Fair
September 9
The 56th Annual Penrod Arts Fair® is presented by Somerset CPAs and Advisors. As “Indiana’s Nicest Day®,” this is one of the nation’s largest single-day arts fairs. The fair is located at Newfields and features over 350 artists, five stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related non-profit organizations, an extensive children’s area, and local food and beverages for all to enjoy. Adult general admission tickets are $20 and children 10 and under are free. Buy before the week of the fair for a discount.
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
September 8-10
Saturday and Sunday morning races begin at dawn and are free of charge to view at Conner Prairie. There will be a special evening Balloon Glow on Friday and Saturday Nights that will feature live music from 6:15 pm-7:15 pm, bounce houses, and activities for the whole family. Just for the festival, attendees can test out the Headless Horseman corn maze before it opens to the public. Admission to the Balloon Glow is $12 for members and $24 for non-members.
Zionsville Fall Festival
September 8-10
That ’70s Party is this year’s fitting theme for the 70th annual fall festival. Admission is free but parking at Lions Park is $8. This fall festival has something for the whole family to enjoy. Check out bounce houses, amusement rides, arts & crafts vendors, and the American Dream Car Show. Food vendors will have popular festival foods including pizza, elephant ears, popcorn, shaved ice, tenderloins, ribs, pulled pork, cotton candy, and much more.
Saturday morning features a parade at 10 am. The route starts at Zionsville Community High School and continues along Mulberry Street, Ash Street, and then the 1.2 mile route will finish on Main Street. The parade includes local marching bands, colorful floats, and displays from local businesses and organizations.
Fair on the Square
September 9-10
This free event is located around Danville’s downtown square and will feature food vendors, booths with crafts, and other items available for sale. You can also catch entertainment provided by local bands.
First First Annual Saraga International Food Festival
September 17
Saraga International Grocery has been a west-side staple for years, but the Castleton location hosting this event just opened in 2022. Taste cuisine from around the world at this one-day event with free admission. In addition to food, the store promises live music, a beer garden, exhibits, vendors, and family-friendly fun. The event runs from 12-8 pm.
Glow in the Park Family Night
September 23
Fishers is hosting a free one-of-a-kind event for families and kids of all ages. This glow event from 8-10 pm will include live DJs, dancing, a neon splash zone, black lights, fog machines, and lasers. All participants must register for a wristband to be granted entry to this event. Pre-registration is required, and wristbands can be picked up at 8100 E. 106th Street prior to the event.
Fiesta de la Familia
September 24
The Indianapolis Children’s Museum will offer free admission on September 24 for their Fiesta de la Familia event. Tickets can be reserved starting September 14. Event activities will take place from 10 am-3 pm. Enjoy live performances by an authentic mariachi band. Try out folk art activities and take advantage of opportunities to learn from local organizations.
Carmel International Arts Festival
September 23-24
Carmel will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Carmel International Arts Festival in 2023. The festival has grown considerably from that first year around Carmel City Square. This year’s free event will feature 130 juried artists exhibiting in watercolor, oil, 2D, jewelry, photography, 3D, wood, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and more. There will be food vendors, or patrons can enjoy the Arts and Design District’s restaurants and local shops. Carmel’s high school students will be featured in an exhibit showcasing their artistic talents.
Parking will be available at Carmel Elementary and a shuttle will transport people to the festival. Find handicap parking at the PNC parking lot. Parking will also be available at the Indiana Design Center on Rangeline Road. The International Arts Festival will take place 11 am-7 pm on Saturday and 11 am-5 pm Sunday
Hometown Heroes
September 25-26
Beasley’s Orchard in Danville will host an event to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the area’s first responders and hometown heroes. First responders (police officers, firefighters, military, and EMTs) will be offered free combo pass admission. Immediate family can purchase the combo pass at 50% off. The combo pass includes the corn maze, hayride, apple cannons, and Barnyard Bonanza.
ZooBoo
September 27-October 31
ZooBoo returns again to the Indianapolis Zoo. The event takes place from 2-7 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and from 2-9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to ZooBoo is free for zoo members and is included with the price of admission for non-members. This year, the Bicentennial Pavilion will house Pumpkin Town with a DJ, a magician, a mirror maze, and Jack’s Barn where you can meet cats and Agape therapeutic miniature horses for a not-so-scary interaction.
Head back to the Plains for the trick-or-treat trail. Adults can follow their own trick-or-treat trail from 5 to 8 on Fridays and Saturdays only. Play pirate-themed games and ride the spooky “Roller Ghoster,” the “Round Go Merry” carousel that runs in reverse, and the Spook-tacular Train Ride. At the Café on the Commons, you can help “Aunty Guzzle” create tasty and bizarre Halloween concoctions with potions, witchcraft, and “magical ingredients.”
Apple Festival and Craft Fair
September 30-October 1
Every fall, Anderson Orchard in Mooresville, hosts their free Apple Festival & Craft Fair. This year’s event will include 100 craft booths and vendors. The orchard will be open to pick your own apples and the pumpkin patch will have pumpkins available for purchase.
Concession options include grilled sandwiches, hot dogs, sides, drinks, homemade bread, and homemade apple cobbler with ice cream. The apple barn will have hand-picked apples from the orchard and fresh, Indiana-grown produce available for purchase. Children’s activities include a petting zoo, face painting, a large straw pile structure, and a playground.
Franklin Fall Festival
September 30
The Franklin Fall Festival will feature a parade, a free concert, food trucks, a beer garden, and more than 70 vendors. Catch the festival’s entertainment, activities, and food vendors from 10 am-10 pm. The beer garden will be available from 11 am-10 pm.
October Fall Festivals in Indiana
Harvest Nights
October 1-30 (closed on Mondays)
Harvest Nights returns to Newfields for the month of October. Kids and adults alike love the ghost train, the trail of glowing jack-o-lanterns, and the show projected onto the Lily House. Experience the Ghost Train that will shake the ground beneath your feet and witness The Three Graces come to life in the party of the century at Mischief Manor.
There will be food and drinks from local vendors. Guests are also invited inside the Lilly House to join in the frightful festivities of Mischief Manor. Discounts are available for members. Children 5 and under are free and Access Pass tickets are $2 per person.
Headless Horseman Festival
October 5-29, Every Thursday-Sunday
Attend Conner Prairie’s Headless Horseman event with your family so you can feel like you are inside the pages of the famous spooky tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Thursday through Sunday from 6-10 pm, Conner Prairie hosts their classic event. The endless festival activities include the Haunted Maze, barrel train rides for younger children, spooky shows and storytelling, a spinning apples carnival ride, festive games, ‘Mis’-Fortune telling with Carl Voyant, a live DJ, and delicious food.
The haunted hayride travels through the grounds, and you just might catch a glimpse of the Horseman himself! The cost for the hayride is $7 for members and non-members. The festival is free for members and $24 for non-members. Tickets will also be available to people who are enrolled in the Access Pass Program.
Harvest Moon Festival
October 7
The Harvest Moon Festival is hosted by the Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department, Avon Parks and Recreation, and the Avon Chamber of Commerce. Beginning at 4 pm, find free activities at Avon Town Hall Park. A concert and fireworks at dusk will conclude the evening. Enjoy a bonfire at the old barn, wagon rides, apple launching, a vendor market, a pumpkin patch, a fire-breathing show, and food trucks.
Hendricks County International Festival
October 7
The 4th Annual Hendricks County International Festival is a free family-friendly, educational event to introduce, support, and encourage diverse cultures in the community. This event will at the Shops at Perry Crossing in Plainfield, Indiana. Enjoy food trucks, live dance and music performances, interactive booths, traditional attire, and more from countries including Pakistan, India, Mexico, Thailand, France, Japan, Scotland, and West African nations.
Fall Harvest Festival
October 7
The festival at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park in Danville will take place from 10 am-2 pm on October 7. This free event includes food, harvest-themed activities and games, and a chili cook-off. Guests are encouraged to bring canned good donations to use to vote for their favorite scarecrow. These gifts will benefit the local food pantry to help community members in need.
Germanfest
October 7
I had the opportunity to intern for the Athenaeum in 2015 where I helped with planning Germanfest. This is such a neat event that transforms the area surrounding the Athenaeum on Mass Ave. The 15th annual GermanFest will start at noon and conclude at 6 pm.
This event will be filled with German food (including a brat eating contest), drinks (bier), 2 stages of live music, games, arts and crafts, and wiener dog races. Advanced general admission tickets will be available until October 6 at a discounted rate of $15 for adults and $10 for children. Gate prices for tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Please note that Michigan and New Jersey Streets will be closed for the event.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Haunted House – “BOOville”
October 10-31
There will be 2 versions of the Game Night Fright haunted house offered at the Children’s Museum this year. AES Indiana’s Lights-On will take place Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am-3 pm, with additional hours Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30 pm, and Sundays from noon-5 pm. This version of the haunted house will have fun, upbeat music with all lights turned on. Greeters without Halloween masks will be in each room of the house distributing treats. Please keep in mind that the same scary objects are in the house that can still be frightening for some children.
AAA’s Frightening Hours will take place Thursday to Saturday from 4-9 pm. This version of the haunted house will have spooky music and minimal lighting, with haunters hiding throughout the house to surprise and startle guests. Keep in mind that many guests will scream with fear or surprise as they go through the house.
Tickets go on sale on September 12. Museum general admission is not required for entry.
Fall Foliage Festival
October 12-15
Morgan County Courthouse will be hosting a fall festival beginning Thursday, October 12 at 5 pm and will conclude with the 64th annual parade at 1 pm on Sunday. The festival will feature carnival rides, craft vendors, food trucks, free entertainment, live concerts, and more.
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
October 13-22
Indiana’s largest festival celebrates the 31 historic covered bridges of Parke County. Travel between 10 distinct festival sites to experience signature food, sights, activities, and entertainment at each. Whether you love history, shopping, delicious local eats, or just a beautiful fall day in the country, there’s something for everyone at the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival.
Monster Mash
October 20
This free public event at Craig Park in Greenwood will start at 6:00 pm and run until 8:30 pm. There will be trick-or-treating along the trail and a hayride. Parking will be available at the corner of Meridian St. and Surina Way, as well as the Craig Park parking lot off of Smith Valley. VIP tickets for early admission to the trick-or-treat trail, hayride, and a hot dog dinner are $5 per person over age 1. These tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and won’t be available on the day of the event.
Owl Fest 2023
October Dates TBA
The 8th annual Owl Festival at Eagle Creek Park’s Ornithology Center is a two-day event for the whole family. Come enjoy crafts, games, wildlife programs, and more. All activities at the Ornithology Center are free with park admission. More details will be posted online closer to the event date.
Hoosier Fall Festival 2023
October 21-22
This free event at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin will offer family-friendly activities, music, food trucks, and 140 vendors. Activities for kids include character meet and greets and photo ops, a petting zoo, and face painting. Kids can also trick-or-treat on Sunday.
Dia de Muertos
October 21
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will be offering free admission to celebrate Dia de Muertos. The museum will also host performances, art-making, Mercado vendors, community groups, and a community-curated art and altar display. Activities will be both indoors and outdoors. An outdoor stage will have performances throughout the day.
Fall Colors Festival
October 21
McCloud Nature Park is a great place to view fall foliage. The multitude of tree species found within the park makes it one of the top 10 Places for Fall Foliage according to Visit Indiana. This free, family-friendly festival includes 232 acres of natural beauty to explore including 6½ miles of trails, the McCloud Nature Center, tons of fun activities and vendors, and a scavenger hunt in the squirrel-themed 2023 McCloud Prairie Maze. Runners can also register for a 5K or 10K morning race through the park.
Rowdie’s Pumpkin Patch
October Date TBA
The Indianapolis Indians would like to welcome you to Victory Field for their fall event. Details for the event are still being finalized, but you can expect a similar experience to Rowdie’s Pumpkin Patch in years prior. Past events included a pumpkin patch on the field and fun fall-themed activities for kids.
Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
October 21-28
For 76 years, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival has brought together thousands of people for one of the oldest and largest Halloween festivals in the country. The festival is free and all are welcome. Festivities include a kid’s zone, beer garden, artists, merchants, a battle of the bands, costume contests for humans and dogs, pumpkin carving, live music, and food trucks. The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival Parade will kick off on Saturday afternoon.
Kiwanis Spooktacular Indiana Balloon Fest
October 26-28
The 11th annual Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest will take place at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Bloomington. Previously held in September, the festival has new dates this year and a Spooktacular Halloween theme. The Balloon Fest features balloon launches, a night glow, live music, food vendors, a beer and wine garden, and activities for children and adults. Kids ages six and under are free!
Greenwood’s Halloween Parade
October 28
All ages are welcome for this Halloween parade through downtown Greenwood, kicking off at 5 pm. Come in your costumes and line the street along the route for a parade of trick-or-treating.
Boo Bash
October 28
From 4-7 pm, the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater will be hosting Fisher’s Boo Bash with more than 60 local vendors offering safe trick-or-treating around the Fishers Municipal Complex. Teal Pumpkin Project booths will provide non-food items for children with food allergies and special needs. Families can also enjoy food, drink, and treat trucks, games, and more. Costumes are strongly encouraged!
Trail & Treat
October 28
Williams Park in Brownsburg will be hosting a free trick-or-treating event from 5-7 pm.
Ghosts and Goblins
October 28
Avon’s Washington Township Park will be hosting their annual free Halloween community event. Different age groups have designated trick-or-treating times. Families with children 7 and under are invited from 1-3 pm and children over 8 get their turn from 3-5 pm. This event will include trick-or-treating at booths hosted by local vendors and businesses, food trucks, bounce houses, a haunted slide, and more.
Sat-Terror-Day Festival
October 28
Plainfield will be hosting a free outdoor event at Talon Stream Park from 11 am-1 pm. The festival will consist of a Trunk or Treat, hayrides, music, and fun photo ops for the family.
Trick or Treat on the Rails
October 28-29
Nickel Plate Express will be offering 65-minute adventure train rides that will include the Nickel Plate Express Halloween costume contest. On board, costumed characters will hand out tricks or treats. While you wait to board the train, enjoy the fall décor and photo ops at Hobbs station. Standard adult tickets for ages 13 and up are $25 and tickets for ages 3 to 12 are $23. Children under 3 ride for free on a parent’s lap. Ride times are 2 pm and 4 pm on Saturday and 1 pm and 3 pm on Sunday. Each ticket includes a fall-themed snack and beverage.
Nobody celebrates fall like the Midwest and Indy might have some of the best festivities of all. From community-oriented local festivals to world-class events at major venues, your options for fall festivals in Indiana are seemingly endless. Take advantage of beautiful weather and joyfully-colored leaves and get out to make some autumn memories with your kids, friends, and family!
Looking forward to a classic fall day on the farm? So are we! Check out our favorite pumpkin patches here!
