'Round the Town

Autumn Adventures –Your Mini-Guide to Fall Festivals

Fall into fun with our curated guide to the region's most spirited seasonal celebrations. From pumpkin-filled nights to Bavarian delights, these festivals capture autumn's essence in every hue and flavor.

Pumpkin Harvest
Dull’s Tree Farm
dullstreefarm.com
September 21 – October 27

For a quintessential fall experience, Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown, Indiana, has it all. Enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, and good food throughout the season, including homemade apple cider donuts and apple cider slushies. On Saturdays, the pumpkin cannon shows offer great entertainment, and don’t miss the fireworks on October 19.

ZooBoo
Indianapolis Zoo
indianapoliszoo.com
September 25 – October 31

Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween adventure at the Indianapolis Zoo's ZooBoo. This annual event features trick-or-treating, games and activities, Halloween-themed animal encounters and more. October’s mild temperatures and later closing times on Fridays and Saturdays are a great combination to see more active animals and have a memorable visit.

Carmel International Arts Festival
Carmel Arts & Design District
carmelartsfestival.org
September 28-29

Experience a vibrant celebration of creativity at the Carmel International Arts Festival. This two-day event transforms the Arts & Design District into an open-air gallery, showcasing works from over 100 juried artists. Enjoy live music, international cuisine and interactive art demonstrations. It's a perfect autumn outing for art enthusiasts and families alike.

Harvest Nights
Newfields
discovernewfields.org
September 29 – November 2

Step into a spooky spectacle at Newfields for the fifth season of Harvest Nights. This enchanting after-dark experience features glowing pumpkins, mesmerizing light displays, and seasonal food and drinks. Stroll through beautifully illuminated gardens and enjoy Instagram-worthy moments around every corner. It's a must-see fall spectacle for visitors of all ages.

Headless Horseman
Conner Prairie
connerprairie.org
October 3 – 27

Brave souls can face their fears at Conner Prairie's Headless Horseman event. This immersive Halloween experience combines history with haunts, featuring a chilling hayride through the legendary Sleepy Hollow. Enjoy fall activities, storytelling, and encounters with costumed characters. It's a thrilling way to celebrate the spooky season in a unique historical setting.

Oktoberfest
Carmel City Center
carmeloktoberfest.com
October 3 – 27

Prost! Toast Bavarian culture at Carmel City Center's Oktoberfest. This lively event features authentic German food, a wide selection of beers and traditional music. Participate in stein-holding contests, enjoy folk dancing, and soak in the festive atmosphere. It's a perfect opportunity to experience a slice of Munich in central Indiana.

GermanFest
The Athenaeum
athenaeumindy.org
October 5

Celebrate German heritage at the Athenaeum's original GermanFest. This long-standing tradition offers authentic cuisine, beer gardens and live entertainment, from polka music to wiener dog races. With its blend of history and modern festivities, GermanFest provides a genuine taste of Germany in the heart of Indianapolis. It’s wunderbar!

Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
Irvington
Irvingtonhalloween.com
October 19 – 26

Experience Halloween like never before at the 78th annual Irvington Halloween Festival. This week-long celebration in historic Irvington features costume contests, a street fair and spooky home tours. Enjoy live performances, a masquerade ball and the famous Halloween parade. It's a beloved community tradition that showcases the neighborhood's unique charm and Halloween spirit.

Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular
Louisville, Kentucky
jackolanternlouisville.org
October 1 – November 2

Louisville's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is a must-see seasonal event and worth the drive over Indiana’s southern border. This breathtaking nighttime display transforms Iroquois Park into an illuminated glow show with thousands of artistically carved pumpkins, themed vignettes, organic art and atmospheric music. It's an autumnal experience you have to see to believe.

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
Rockville, Indiana
coveredbridges.com
October 11 – 20

Step back in time at the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. This charming event is the state’s largest festival, featuring tours of picturesque covered bridges, local artisan crafts and delicious homemade foods. Enjoy live music, antique tractors and beautiful fall foliage. It's a perfect way to experience the nostalgia and beauty of rural Indiana.