As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, Indiana comes alive with a host of fall festivals celebrating everything from harvests to Halloween. Whether you're a foodie, a fan of arts and crafts, or looking for family-friendly activities, there's a festival for you. Here are the top five fall festivals in Indiana for September and October.
September:
Ligonier Marshmallow Festival: Ligonier
- Dates: August 31-September 2nd
- Join the fun at the 33rd Annual Ligonier Marshmallow Festival in historic downtown Ligonier. Marshmallows are one of the largest products produced in Noble County and this festival is the perfect blend of sweet treats, family fun and community.
Marshall County Blueberry Festival - Plymouth
- Dates: August 29 - September 2
- The Marshall County Blueberry Festival, one of the largest in Indiana, kicks off the fall season with a bang. Enjoy blueberry-themed foods, live entertainment, craft vendors, a hot air balloon glow, and a spectacular fireworks display. The festival also features a parade, classic car show, and plenty of activities for kids.
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival - Valparaiso
- Dates: September 7
- Honoring Orville Redenbacher, this unique festival celebrates all things popcorn. The event includes a parade, live entertainment, over 250 craft and food booths, and a variety of popcorn-themed activities. Don’t miss the Popcorn Panic, a 5K run/walk that kicks off the festivities.
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival - Fishers
- Dates: September 6-8th
- Friday and Saturday evening, enjoy live music, a variety of seasonal treats including specialties from the Apple Store, bounce houses and so much more! Arrive early to experience a breathtaking balloon race that will kick off our picturesque balloon glow and immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of color.
Fusion Fest - South Bend
- Dates: September 14 & 15
- Fusion Fest brings together the rich cultures that make up our region into one celebratory weekend. The two-day festival will be filled with food vendors, music, artisans and demonstrations – all the best of the best from every region of the world.
Lanesville Heritage Weekend - Lanesville
- Dates: September 12-15th
- This festival pays homage to the agricultural heritage of Lanesville with antique farm equipment displays, tractor pulls, a pioneer village, and craft demonstrations. Enjoy live music, a parade, and plenty of traditional fair food as you soak up the small-town charm.
Nappanee Apple Festival - Nappanee
- Dates: September 19-22nd
- Known for its giant apple pie, the Nappanee Apple Festival offers a mix of entertainment and family fun. Enjoy a variety of apple-inspired foods, live music, craft vendors, and a parade. The festival also features carnival rides, a 5K run, and a talent show.
Global Fest - West Lafayette
- Dates: September 21
- Hosted by the City of West Lafayette, the International Center of West Lafayette, and Purdue Convocations, Global Fest features cultural entertainment, food, and art from Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Franklin Fall Festival- Franklin
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Dates: September 28
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Enjoy the Franklin Fall Festival featuring a parade, a free concert, food trucks, a beer garden, fireworks and more than 70 vendors.
Beasley's Orchard Heartland Apple Festival - Danville
- Dates: Sept. 30 - Oct. 1 & Oct. 7 - 8
- Celebrate the apple harvest at Beasley's Orchard with this charming festival. Attractions include hayrides, a corn maze, apple cannons, live music, and delicious apple treats. The festival also boasts a craft market, fresh produce, and activities like face painting and pony rides for children.
October:
Pumpkin Fantasyland - Ligonier
- Dates: October 1 - 31
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Pumpkins, gourds, and squash are used to create well-known characters and historical events. Hayrides, mazes, and refreshments too. Family tradition for over 50 years!
Headless Horseman Festival - Fishers
- October 3-13, 17-20, 24-27
- Take the iconic Haunted Hayride through Conner Prairie’s grounds, where you will encounter spooky frights around every corner...including the Headless Horseman himself! Enjoy the Trail of Terror, our path through the cornfield filled with elevated frights for those who dare to be scared. Perilous PlungeFestive fall-themed activities for the whole family. Barrel train ride for little onesSleepy Hollow Marionette Show‘Mis’-Fortune telling with Carl VoyantLive DJ and Live Music performances from Sweet TunesLive Shows: Sleepy Hollow One-man Show and Eerie-llusions Magic Show
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival - Rockville
- Dates: October 11-20th
- This iconic festival celebrates Indiana’s historic covered bridges. Spanning nine days, it features guided tours, arts and crafts, live music, and plenty of food vendors. The scenic beauty of Parke County in the fall makes this festival a must-visit.
Harvest Homecoming Festival - New Albany
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Dates: October 5-13th
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One of the largest festivals in southern Indiana, Harvest Homecoming includes a parade, craft booths, live entertainment, and a wide array of food options. Highlights include a pumpkin contest, baking contests, and a farmers market.
Irvington Halloween Festival - Indianapolis
- Dates: Last week of October
- This spooktacular event in the historic Irvington neighborhood features a week-long celebration leading up to Halloween. Enjoy ghost tours, a haunted puppet show, costume contests, and a street fair with over 120 vendors. The festival also includes a 5K run and a parade.
Dia de Muertos Community Celebration - Indianapolis
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Dates: October 26
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Experience Día de Muertos/Day of the Dead at the Eiteljorg with partners Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Nopal Cultural. Learn the history behind the holiday, watch performances, meet artists and watch demonstrations, explore artwork, support local artists and create art. Also, take the chance to explore beautiful community-created altars, or ofrendas, as they take center stage in the Día de Muertos Community Art and Altar exhibit.
