Fall Festivals in Indy

As the leaves don their vibrant autumn attire and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, Indy awakens with a flurry of fall festivities.

Use our Fall Festival Guide to explore the best of arts and culture, enjoy family-friendly fun, and immerse yourself in the seasonal splendor that graces the heart of Indiana.

Indy Jazz Fest

Various Locations | September 9-20

Celebrate Indiana’s legacy of jazz at the Indy Jazz Festival! The 2025 season focuses on community, diversity, and the power of jazz to bring people together. It is the diverse and vibrant community of musicians, fans, and supporters that has made the Indy Jazz Festival a beloved tradition for over 25 years.

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Circle City Irish Fest

Holy Rosary Catholic Church | September 19-20

Circle City Irish Fest is keeping tradition alive in Indianapolis by celebrating Irish heritage through music, dance, culture, and sport with days of fun, entertainment, and shenanigans featuring live musicians taking the stage.

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ZooBoo

Indianapolis Zoo | September 24-November 22

Skip the same-old October and head to the Zoo for ZooBoo—Halloween fun without the frights! Enjoy festive activities, lively animals, and pumpkins everywhere. Cool fall days bring active wildlife, colorful foliage, and plenty to explore. With hands-free games, costumes, and trick-or-treating, it’s a family tradition in the making.

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Harvest Nights

Newfields | September 26-November 2

Journey through fog-filled forests along The Pumpkin Path of Peril (this time with a new surprise at the end) and feel the Ghost Train rumble beneath your feet, all the while taking in tens of thousands of gourdgeous pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns.

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Circle City Classic

Downtown Indy | September 27, 2025

Celebrate the Circle City Classic with an unforgettable weekend of HBCU pride. Enjoy a thrilling football matchup, powerful marching band performances, Education and Talent Days, a vibrant parade, and scholarship opportunities that uplift and inspire the next generation of leaders.

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Headless Horseman

Conner Prairie | October 2-26

Experience the legend of Sleepy Hollow like never before as you embark on a newly updated hayride adventure to uncover the mystery of Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Along with returning fall favorites, festivalgoers can look forward to exciting additions like an enhanced midway experience, a mesmerizing new fire art performance, and a taste of Sun King’s exclusive brew crafted just for the occasion.

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Annual Original and Fabulous German Fest

The Athenaeum | October 4

Discover your inner German and party at the Athenaeum. Enjoy traditional arts and crafts, Durstig games, live weiner dog races, Zwergenland for the kids, traditional German food and beverages, and so much more. All proceeds from GermanFest benefit the maintenance and care of the historic Athenaeum. Don your dirndls and lederhosen, or just come as you are, and celebrate German-American Day at this unique family event.

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Broad Ripple Oktoberfest

The Vogue | October 4

The Eight Eleven Foundation launches its Inaugural Oktoberfest in Broad Ripple, transforming the Vogue Theatre lot into a fall festival with food trucks, bier, live music, and a Kids Zone. Celebrate the season with family and friends—tickets include entry, food and drinks sold separately.

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Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest

Harrison Center for the Arts | October 10-11

Guests can browse a lively book fair featuring local booksellers, join thought-provoking conversations about the literary Midwest, and enjoy readings from both local and regional authors. There will be chances to connect with publishers and literary magazines, take part in workshops led by seasoned writers, and dive into book-themed activities for all ages. The day will also be packed with food, drinks, music, games, and plenty of prizes to keep the celebration going.

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Heartland International Film Festival

Various Locations | October 9-19

The Heartland International Film Festival returns this October, bringing hundreds of films, special events, and visiting filmmakers to theaters across Indianapolis. Named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World,” Heartland pairs Midwestern hospitality with world-class cinema.

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World Food Championships

Indiana State Fairgrounds | October 16-19

The World Food Championships unite top chefs and culinary teams from around the globe to compete in mouthwatering categories like barbecue, dessert, seafood, and more. Guests can savor delicious tastings, watch celebrity chef demos, explore interactive food experiences, and enjoy family-friendly fun in this ultimate celebration of “food sport.”

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Locally Made: Indy's Fall Fest

Indy Arts Center | October 18

Guests will be able to participate in art activities while enjoying a sampling of local artists and artisans, food trucks, local beer, and a variety of wine for purchase. This event is very family friendly so bring the whole crew and enjoy a fun-filled fall day. Admission is free and open to the public. Activities available for all ages. Make-It-Take-Its for adults available for pre-purchase.

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Historic Irvington Halloween Festival

Irvington | October 18-25

The 79th Historic Irvington Halloween Festival is a week of events including Spooky Organ Music, a run, a costume ball, contests, Halloween-themed movies, storytelling, ghost tours, live theater, bike rides, a haunted puppet show, and dozens of other events. The Festival culminates on Saturday, October 25, with a street fair which includes over 120 vendors, live music, and a costume parade.

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