Discover the Rich Traditions and Festive Celebrations that Bring Indiana’s Autumn to Life
Indiana bursts with autumn spirit through its diverse array of fall festivals, each showcasing the state’s rich harvest, cultural traditions, and a strong sense of community.
These events offer something for everyone, from the lively Harvest Homecoming Festival in New Albany to the historic Feast of the Hunters’ Moon in Lafayette.
No matter where you go to experience autumn’s glories, Indiana’s fall festivals promise unforgettable experiences that capture the season’s essence.
Here are our top picks for festivals in the state.
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
Location: Rockville, Indiana
Dates: October 11-20, 2024
Type: Heritage and Cultural Festival
The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is Indiana’s largest and one of its most iconic fall events, celebrating the region’s rich history and picturesque covered bridges. Spanning ten days in October, this festival offers guided tours of 31 historic covered bridges, each surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. With craft booths, flea markets, and local food vendors spread across several towns in Parke County, the festival is perfect for history buffs and lovers of scenic drives. This event immerses visitors in the rustic charm of Indiana’s countryside, making it an ideal fall getaway.
Harvest Homecoming Festival
Location: New Albany, Indiana
Dates: October 5-13, 2024
Type: Harvest Festival
New Albany’s Harvest Homecoming Festival is a beloved tradition that has brought the community together for over 50 years. This vibrant harvest festival features a packed schedule of parades, pageants, and live music, alongside a bustling farmers’ market and craft booths. Attendees can savor the tastes of autumn with local foods like apple cider, pumpkin pie, and roasted corn. Families, in particular, will appreciate the kid-friendly activities, carnival rides, and festive atmosphere that make this event a must-visit during the fall season.
Heartland Apple Festival
Location: Danville, Indiana
Dates: October 5-6 and October 12-13, 2024
Type: Food and Beverage Festival
The Heartland Apple Festival at Beasley’s Orchard in Danville is the perfect fall destination for apple lovers and families. This festival celebrates all things apple, from apple picking and cider tastings to delicious apple-themed treats like pies and fritters. Visitors can also enjoy a hayride through the orchard, explore a challenging corn maze, and shop for local crafts. With its focus on the flavors and fun of a traditional harvest festival, the Heartland Apple Festival is a quintessential autumn experience in Indiana.
Feast of the Hunters’ Moon
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Dates: October 5-6, 2024
Type: Historical Reenactment and Cultural Festival
Step back in time at the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon, a unique historical festival that recreates the annual fall gathering of French and Native Americans at Fort Ouiatenon during the mid-1700s. Held on the banks of the Wabash River in West Lafayette, this festival features period costumes, traditional crafts, military reenactments, and authentic foods from the era. Visitors can watch blacksmiths at work, taste frontier-style dishes, and experience the sights and sounds of 18th-century Indiana. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and anyone interested in Indiana’s rich cultural heritage.
Hilly Hundred Weekend
Location: Ellettsville, Indiana
Dates: October 18-20, 2024
Type: Outdoor and Sports Festival
Cycling enthusiasts will love the Hilly Hundred Weekend, an outdoor festival that offers riders the chance to tackle scenic, hilly routes through the stunning autumn landscape of southern Indiana. This event, based in Ellettsville, is more than just a ride—it’s a weekend of camaraderie among cyclists, complete with live music, food, and beautiful views. The festival is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventure and the challenge of cycling through rolling hills and vibrant fall foliage.
Brown County Music Center Fall Festival
Location: Nashville, Indiana
Dates: October 2024 (specific dates TBD)
Type: Music and Arts Festival
Set in the heart of Brown County, known for its stunning fall foliage, the Brown County Music Center Fall Festival offers a lineup of country, folk, and bluegrass performances that perfectly complement the season. Visitors can explore local art galleries, sample craft beer from nearby breweries, and take in the natural beauty of the area. This festival is ideal for music lovers and those who appreciate a mix of the arts and the great outdoors, all set against the backdrop of Indiana’s most scenic autumn landscapes.
West Side Nut Club Fall Festival
Location: Evansville, Indiana
Dates: October 7-12, 2024
Type: Community and Food Festival
One of the largest street festivals in the United States, the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival in Evansville draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This week-long event features over 130 food booths offering a diverse array of local and international cuisines, along with carnival rides, live entertainment, and a grand parade. It’s a vibrant celebration of community spirit, perfect for foodies and families looking to enjoy a lively and diverse fall festival.
Hope Heritage Days
Location: Hope, Indiana
Dates: September 27-29, 2024
Type: Heritage and Community Festival
Hope Heritage Days is a cherished small-town festival that celebrates the heritage and community spirit of Hope, Indiana. This event features a classic car show, live music, craft vendors, and a large parade that brings the town together. With historical reenactments and activities highlighting the area’s rich history, it’s a perfect festival for those who enjoy a blend of nostalgia, community pride, and traditional autumn festivities.
Persimmon Festival
Location: Mitchell, Indiana
Dates: September 21-28, 2024
Type: Food and Cultural Festival
The Persimmon Festival in Mitchell is a unique celebration of Indiana’s native fruit, the persimmon. This week-long event features persimmon pudding contests, craft booths, live entertainment, and a grand parade. Visitors can sample a variety of persimmon-based dishes, making it a must-visit for foodies interested in exploring local Hoosier flavors. The festival’s small-town charm and focus on regional specialties provide a delightful and distinctly Indiana autumn experience.
Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival
Location: Nappanee, Indiana
Dates: August 1-4, 2024
Type: Arts and Crafts Festival
Artisans and craft lovers will find a treasure trove of handmade goods at the Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival in Nappanee. Featuring over 100 artisans from across the country, this festival showcases a wide array of crafts, from woodworking and pottery to delicate jewelry and textiles. Set in the historic Amish Acres farmstead, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore traditional Amish culture while shopping for one-of-a-kind items. It’s an ideal event for those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and the charm of a rural setting.
Apple Festival of Nappanee
Location: Nappanee, Indiana
Dates: September 19-22, 2024
Type: Harvest and Food Festival
The Apple Festival of Nappanee is a celebration of all things apple, set against the backdrop of Indiana’s harvest season. This family-friendly festival offers apple butter making, cider tastings, and a variety of apple-themed treats like pies and fritters. Visitors can also enjoy hayrides, a giant corn maze, and a classic car show. It’s a quintessential fall event that brings together the community to celebrate the bounty of the season in a festive, welcoming atmosphere.
Embrace the Spirit of Indiana’s Fall Festivals
Indiana’s fall festivals are more than just seasonal celebrations—they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in the state’s rich culture, community spirit, and stunning autumn landscapes. Whether you’re navigating the lively streets of Indianapolis, exploring small-town charm, or savoring local flavors, planning your visit is key to making the most of these experiences.
Indiana offers something for every traveler from luxurious downtown accommodations to eco-friendly festival practices that promote sustainability. As you join in the festivities, remember to enjoy the seasonal treats, support local artisans, and take in the vibrant colors of fall. With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, your visit to Indiana’s fall festivals will be both memorable and enriching.
