Support Us Button Widget

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.

INDY_Fishers Agripark Fall Festival_SEP2022

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.

INDY_Parke County Covered Bridge Festival_SEP2022

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.

More from INDYtoday
Indy is well-represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — here are some locals to watch.
The Indiana State Fair returns to the state fairgrounds from Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 18, with concerts, food, exhibits, rides, festivals, and so much more. Use this guide to prep for your visit this summer.
Hit the town and enjoy a drink after work at one of these cheers-worthy local bars.
Indy is full of marvelous structures and sights. Which do you think are the most iconic?
Want to pick up a new hobby and save money on your grocery bill? Give homebrewing a spin.
Try a glass, enjoy a tasting, order a flight, or take home a bottle at these Indianapolis wine bars and wineries.
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Indianapolis nod there — these craft beers found around Naptown take local pride seriously.
Sometimes you just get the munchies late at night, so we’re helping you out with a list of spots that stay open late around Indy.
You don’t need a ticket to experience the best of gaming’s biggest convention — especially if you’re epicurious. Here are some free public offerings to check out.
What was Indianapolis like at the turn of the millennium? We took a look back at the final year of the 20th century to see what life was like pre-Y2K.