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Fall into autumn with these festivals around central Indiana

Get in the spirit of all things spiced and spooky with festivities happening across central Indiana.

Person on a horse pointing to the camera with a sword

Don’t let the spooky title fool you — the Headless Horseman Festival is appropriate for all ages.

Photo by Conner Prairie

Don’t sweat the fall stuff. Whether you love sipping on PSLs, getting lost in corn mazes, or shopping ‘til the temps drop, these festivals are sure to make you fall in love with autumn.

Beech Grove Fall Festival | Wednesday, Sept. 13-Saturday, Sept. 16 | Various times | 600 Main St., Beech Grove | This year’s theme, “History of the Grove,” promises to give visitors a little insight into the town’s history as they enjoy rides, games, music, and even a Saturday parade.

Beasley’s Orchard Fall Festival | Saturday, Sept. 16-Tuesday, Oct. 31 | Various times | 2304 E. Main St., Danville | This multi-week festival has unique themes and offerings for each weekend, such as Dogs Days at the Maze and Halloweekend, with activities including apple cannons, corn mazes, and a straw mountain available every day.

Harvest Nights | Every Tuesday-Sunday from Thursday, Sept. 28-Tuesday, Oct. 31 | Various times | The Garden at Newfields | Wander through thousands of glowing jack-o-lanterns and the spookily decorated Lilly House as you sip on hot drinks or munch on fall-flavored treats.

Franklin Fall Vintage Fest | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Downtown Franklin | Celebrate all things fall with 100+ antique dealers, live music, and food trucks. While you’re there, don’t miss the neighboring Ethos Celebration of the Arts on the same day.

Headless Horseman Festival | Every Thurs.-Sun from Thurs., Oct. 5-Sun., Oct. 29 | Various times | Conner Prairie | Take the iconic haunted hayride to encounter the headless horseman, then decompress with spooky shows and storytelling, festive rides and games, and the monster museum.

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There’s plenty of space for kids to run around and play at Frishers Agripark.

Photo by Fishers Parks + Fishers Agripark

Fishers Agripark Fall Festival | Tuesday, Oct. 10-Saturday, Oct. 14 | 4-7 p.m. | 11171 Florida Rd., Fishers | Register before arriving to explore the scarecrow trail and corn maze and enjoy fall activities like pumpkin carving, carnival games, crafts, and campfires with s’mores.

Covered Bridge Festival | Friday, Oct. 13-Sunday, Oct. 22 | Various times | Parke County | Visit Indiana’s largest fall festival to discover the county’s 31 historic covered bridges + authentic arts and crafts, food, and beautiful fall foliage.

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Parke County is known as the covered bridge capital of the world.

Photo via @parkecountyin

Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 12-5 p.m. | Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St. | ARTSPARK will come alive in this free event featuring interactive activities, food for purchase, artwork, wares, and artisanal goods from 25 local and regional artists.

Autumntidings Fall Fest | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 1-6 p.m. | The Cradle at Monon 30, 1118 E. 30th St. | Celebrate the season with this second annual festival hosted by Ash & Elm Cider Co., featuring several other Indiana-based cideries, breweries, and distilleries.

77th Annual Historic Irvington Halloween Festival | Saturday, Oct. 21-Saturday, Oct. 28 | Various times | Irvington neighborhood | Visit this Halloween-loving town for several events like the Masquerade Ball, Spooky Organ Concert, Zombie Bike Ride, Vampire Run, and costume contests.

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