Fall Bucket List IN Indiana

Events:

Exhibit Columbus | August 15 - November 30

A two-month art exhibit in a community known for its architecture and artistic touch. Building on the community's legacy of good design, the 5th Exhibit Columbus is a free, walkable public art exhibition that transforms downtown into a playground of creativity. 

Bloomfield Apple Festival | October 2 - 4

A three-day festival offering various craft and food vendors, carnival, car show, live music, 5K run/walk, and a parade on Sunday! Takes place October 2 - 4, 2026. Free shuttle service.

West Side Nut Club Fall Festival | October 5 - 11

Every October the West Side Nut Club organizes and sponsors a mammoth Fall Festival in Evansville, IN. This is a week-long gala on the west side along Franklin Street with free entertainment, carnival attractions, over 137 food booths, amateur talent competitions, and on the last day, a huge parade. This event attracts over 200,000 people to the West Side and is considered to be one of the largest street festivals in the United States.

Things To Do:

Fall Foliage Wine Cruises at Patoka Lake

Cruise the lake and enjoy the majestic autumn colors! Come delight in the beautiful fall foliage at Patoka Lake from our custom 60' tour boat, Patoka Voyager. Cruises depart from the Patoka Lake Marina dock. 

Holiday World

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is known for its friendly staff, clean park, and great value. Enjoy free soft drinks, free sunscreen, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.

Photo Credit: @rowfourrides from Instagram

Lakeview Orchards

Lakeview Orchards is a local, family-owned orchard known for juicy peaches, giant pumpkins, tasty apple cider, and more. This farm offers a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, as well as locally made jellies, honey, and other items. Visit in the fall for fun weekend events.

Huber's Orchard and Winery

As Indiana’s largest wine grape producer, Huber's Orchard and Winery produce nearly 400,000 pounds of 18 different varieties of grapes every year! Stop by to taste wines, pick your own fruits & vegetables from the fields of the largest farm in Southern Indiana, or enjoy lunch at the Starlight Cafe.

Grey Lady Ghost Tour at The Willard Public Library 

More than 136 years old, Willard Library is the oldest public library building in the state of Indiana. The library, housed in a beautiful Victorian Gothic building in Evansville, is nestled gloriously near the downtown area of this southwestern Indiana city of 130,000 people, providing a sharp contrast with the modern high-rises and six-lane freeways. The Willard Library Ghost Cams were inspired by the question, "Is Willard Library Haunted?" There is a fascinating, and somewhat credible, legend that drives thousands of people to search the library for remnants of lost spirits.

Events:

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival | October 9 - 18

Indiana's largest festival, the Covered Bridge Festival, is a 10-day festival that always starts on the 2nd Friday of October. This festival showcases more than 30 covered bridges in the county and offers authentic arts and crafts, fantastic food, and fabulous fall foliage. There are locations across the county and each is unique and special. Visit them all IN Indiana!

Brewfari | October 3

Sample a selection of brews, enjoy live music, and get up close with the animals at this adults-only evening. It’s the wildest Halloween party in Indy! Enjoy exclusive after-hours access and stroll down the zoo’s main pathways while sampling from craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries from Central Indiana and beyond.

Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie | October 1 - 25

Gather family and friends close and prepare to be scared silly as the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides again at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. Take a haunted hayride through the woods for an eerie encounter with the Headless Horseman. Families can also enjoy spooky stories, shocking science activities, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow puppet show, and many more ghoulishly fun activities.

Things to Do:

Jones Family Farm

With 9 acres and more than 200 varieties of pumpkins and gourds, the whole family will enjoy an autumn day on the farm romping through the fields in search of perfect pumpkins for decorating and carving. Together your family can explore the colorful Pumpkin House, and be sure to bring your camera for photo opts. Visiting Jones Family Farm may become a new autumn tradition!

Jacobs' Family Orchard 

Offers visitors plenty of fun activities and tours of the orchard. From August through October, the orchard offers visitors hayrides, a farm-themed play area, a sunflower trail, and kids can pick their very own pumpkin from their huge selection.

Tuttle Orchards, Inc.

Tuttle Orchards is a favorite destination for family fun, especially for apple picking in the fall. 

Kelsay Farms | September 25 - October 25

Join Kelsay Farms as they celebrate 20 years of Fall Fun: corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, jump pad, corn crib, Moo Choo, pumpkins, and much more! 

The Crabby Apple Orchard 

This fall, visit this corner of Pendleton to spend time at the Crabby Apple. There’s nothing better than taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spending some quality time in nature. Spend the day enjoying time at the petting zoo or playing around in the bounce houses. Before you go, enjoy our delicious homemade ciders.

Indy Scream Park

Indy Scream Park was created by some of the most brilliant minds in the haunted house industry on over 100 acres. It is a truly terrifying and unique experience that has drawn many to the Anderson area. Are you brave enough to visit?

Waterman's Family Farm

Visit the home of hayrides, a straw bale mountain, miniature train rides, a little farmer experience, a human hamster wheel, pumpkins, and more.

Beasley's Orchard

Whether you are picking apples, playing fun farm-themed games, eating, drinking the state's best apple cider, or just relaxing on the farm, visiting Beasley’s Orchard near Danville in Hendricks County is like a trip back to carefree childhood.  

Pleasant View Orchard 

Usually around the last weekend in September, they open a Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch and offer tractor-pulled wagon rides out to the pumpkin patch on the weekends. 

Dougherty Orchard 

Dougherty Orchard has been growing apples for more than 140 years and creating family memories for generations. Visit the petting farm, the butterfly garden, and the winery. Enjoy a special autumn treat such as a caramel apple and a cider donut sundae or float. 

Events:

Potawatomi Zoo Boo | October 16 - 25

A community favorite, join the Potawatomi Zoo as we celebrate Halloween! Trick or treat with our vendor partners and enjoy seeing the animals, pumpkins, lights, and decorations at Zoo Boo! 

DeKalb County Free Fall Festival | September 28 - October 3

The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair is an annual fair that takes place in Auburn, Indiana. There’s something for everyone at America’s Family Reunion!

Things to Do:

County Line Orchard

County Line Orchard is the closest U-Pick apple orchard to downtown Chicago. Come out and enjoy picking apples, corn mazes, and the Kids Farm. We also host parties, campfires, and weddings. The orchard and store are only open during orchard season: September through October.

Exploration Acres | Opening September 18

Today, tens of thousands of folks visit the farm each Fall to traverse the miles of maze paths and search for their perfect pumpkin. Most importantly, visitors return to Exploration Acres to spend time with their family and friends, making memories around the fire pits, in the activity area, and among the cornstalks. At Exploration Acres, everyone is family.