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.

When the leaves change, Indy shows out with seasonal events designed to celebrate the season.

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.

Penrod Arts Fair

Newfields | September 12

"Indiana's Nicest Day" features more than 350 artists, hundreds of performers, a children's area, local food and beverages, and much more.

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Halloween ZooBoo

Indianapolis Zoo | September 23-November 1

The zoo offers a flurry of family-friendly activities that feature the resident animals and include pumpkins everywhere. Bring your little ghouls and goblins as well as the bigger kids. Wear a costume!

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Headless Horseman

Conner Prairie | October 2-26

The annual haunted hayride includes spooky sights around every corner, not to mention the legendary Headless Horseman. In addition, there's a midway, a Trail of Terror through a corn maze, fortune telling, and fun for all ages.

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Fall may be over, but Indy’s festival spirit never rests. Each autumn, Indianapolis comes alive with some of the city’s most beloved celebrations. From German-style revelry at Oktoberfest to art, food, and music at Heartland Film Festival, Monument Circle Art Fair, and Penrod Arts Fair. The Circle City Classic energizes downtown with parades and performances, while Irvington Halloween Festival brings spooky fun to one of Indy’s most historic neighborhoods.

While you wait for the next fall season to arrive, explore Indy’s year-round events and attractions. Check out winter light displays, live music events and concerts, and food fests across the city. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back in late summer 2026 for an updated lineup of Indy’s can’t-miss fall festivals — the colors, flavors, and community spirit are worth the wait!

Heartland Film Festival

Various Locations | October 8-18

Heartland connects audiences and filmmakers to experience the transformative power of film in an 11-day celebration showcasing more than 300 feature film screenings.

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Locally Made

Indy Art Center | October 17

The ARTSPARK is alive with artwork, food, interactive activities, and more than 50 local and regional artists selling one-of-a-kind pieces.

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Oktoberfest

German Park | September 16-20

Featuring traditional German food and drink, wine and wine slushies, dancing, live music on the Biergarten and pavilion stages, and playgrounds and inflatables for the kinder.

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Original and Fabulous GermanFest

The Athenaeum | October 3

This is the place to discover your inner German! This all-day party includes games, wiener dog races, a strong man competition, German music, beer, food, and an area for the kiddos.

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Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival

Conner Prairie | September 11-13

As Indiana’s largest hot air balloon festival, Jupiter Flights brings together more than 45 colorful hot air balloons, thrilling competitions, live entertainment, and family fun across three unforgettable days at Conner Prairie.

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St. Joan of Arc French Market

St. Joan of Arc Church | September 12

One of Indy's major neighborhood festivals with live entertainment, artisan booths, raffles, a children's area, tours of the historic church, children's games, and an array of French and American cuisine to celebrate the feast day of St. Joan of Arc. The free festival, which started as a Sunday afternoon family picnic, has evolved into an exciting street fair. As always, live music will fill the air.

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Indy Jazz Fest

Various Locations | September 22-26

Celebrate Indiana’s legacy of jazz at the Indy Jazz Festival! The 2026 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 18-19

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 23-November 1

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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Circle City Classic

Downtown Indy | September 26

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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Broad Ripple Oktoberfest

The Vogue | October 10

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 3

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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World Food Championships

Indiana State Fairgrounds | October 15-18

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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Historic Irvington Halloween Festival

Irvington | October 24-31

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 31, with a street fair which includes over 120 vendors, live music, and a costume parade.

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