Fall festivities await in the heart of Amish Country
Presented by Visit Shipshewana + Visit Elkhart County
As you wander through quaint towns, explore historic sites, and savor local delicacies, you’ll discover why this area is a hidden gem worth exploring — especially when adorned in the brilliant hues of autumn. | Photos courtesy of Visit Shipshewana and Visit Elkhart County
Picture this: Seat heater on, PSL in hand, and autumn leaves in view. That’s right, we’re hitting the road to Northern Indiana this fall.
Consider changing things up this fall by planning a road trip to Shipshewana and Elkhart County, where celebrations, harvest vibes, and coziness await.
🍎 For those looking to explore the charming countryside
One of the highlights of heading north is experiencing the picturesque countryside firsthand.
What do hiking, biking, birdwatching, and apple picking have in common? They’re all fall activities you can experience in the county’s parks, nature preserves + the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.
Visitors can also explore the giant straw bale art trail scattered across Shipshewana + Middlebury. There are 39 locations featuring “ag art.” Snap a selfie with them from Sept. 1 through Nov. 2.
🥧 For the gourmands
Autumn is harvest season, which means delicious seasonal bites are on the menu. Local eateries and farmers’ markets brim with fresh produce, homemade pies + jumbo pretzels.
Each year, over half a million people ride the carousel, which features 42 hand-carved animals + sounds of the Wurlitzer organ. | Photo courtesy of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Only 150 carousels remain from the 3,500 built in the US during the golden age of amusement rides — and one of them lives right here in Indy.
Tucked inside The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Broad Ripple Park Carousel isn’t just a charming ride; it’s a National Historic Landmark and one of the rare few still in operation.
This week, the museum launched a $100,000 restoration campaign to keep the 108-year-old carousel spinning for future generations. The effort will culminate in a black-tie, adults-only bash called the Second Century Soiree on Friday, Aug. 22.
Want to help preserve a piece of Indy history? Get involved.
Events
Events
Friday, Aug. 1
First Friday Bake Sale | 6-9 p.m. | The Harrison Center for the Arts | Cost of purchase | Have your cake and eat it too at this sale featuring goods from five local bakers.
Macy Gray | 8 p.m. | Old National Centre | $36+ | Catch the award-winning singer on the 25th anniversary tour of her album “On How Life Is.”
Gen Con Indy | Friday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 3 | Indiana Convention Center | $2+ | Enjoy “The Best Four Days in Gaming” with panels, vendors, and huge crowds.
Indiana State Fair | Friday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 17 | Indianapolis State Fairgrounds | $14+ | Be part of this Hoosier tradition with carnival rides, animal barns, live music, fair food (think deep‑fried Oreos and pickle pizza), goat yoga, exhibits, and a massive midway.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Free Outdoor Yoga | 9-10 a.m. | Gather 22 | Cost of purchase | Come for an all-levels yoga flow, then stick around for a cocktail, coffee, and brunch.
Indianapolis All Pro Dad Experience | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center | $39 | Join Super Bowl champion and former Colts punter Hunter Smith for football drills, interactive stations, and practical parenting workshops.
Raiders of the Lost Antiques | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Near East Merchants Association | Cost of purchase | Grab a Raider’s Passport, then make your way through the maze of local vintage shops with discounted drinks in hand.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Kurt Vile & the Violators | 8 p.m. | The Vogue Theatre | $74+ | This show will be “Pretty Pimpin’” with dreamy indie‑rock set in an intimate venue.
Arena at Innovation Mile, aka the new home of the Noblesville Boom, will officially open on Friday, Aug. 8. The $79 million facility can accommodate up to 3,400 basketball fans and 4,200 concertgoers. Psst — a Pink Floyd tribute band will play the first show on Saturday, Aug. 23. (IndyStar)
Traffic
Attention, late-night commuters. More nightly ramp closures are on the horizon this month as work continues on the I-69 and I-465 interchange reconstruction. Check the schedule to plan ahead. (WISH)
Health
A new charitable pharmacy is set to open this fall at Gleaners Food Bank. The Purdue Patterson-McCallum-Mareta Charitable Pharmacy will provide free medications, health education, and pharmacist-managed care for uninsured and underinsured patients. (WISH)
Festival
Bottoms up, Broad Ripple. Indianapolis Margarita & Mimosa Fest is coming to the neighborhood tomorrow, Aug. 2. This map is your playbook to pour decisions, featuring registration info and a guide to drink specials.
What will new players like Jay Huff, Kam Jones, and Taelon Peter bring to the Pacers? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Indiana Pacerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Seasonal
Opening Weekend is here. Time to turn up the volume and crank up the memories — the 2025 Indiana State Fair is officially in session. This year, they’re celebrating the Soundtrack of Summer, in partnership with Get Prepared Indiana, and it’s one epic mix you don’t want to miss. Plan your visit.*
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A Colts legacy (and major luxury) just listed in Carmel.
Once owned by late Colts owner Jim Irsay, this $12 million estate is now on the market — and it’s every bit as lavish as you’d expect. The 6-bedroom, 12-bath mansion boasts a Zen garden, tennis court, Par 3 golf hole, indoor pool pavilion, a home theater, and a speakeasy.
But wait, there’s more. Hoops fans will love the full-size indoor basketball court with Colts markings on the hardwood. Take a peek inside.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Before we ride off into the weekend, here’s a fun one: Which talk show host famously rode Indy’s iconic carousel? Test your trivia chops with a quick quiz.
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