12 Must-Attend Fall Festivals in Indiana

Hey, fellow Hoosiers and festival enthusiasts! As the leaves paint the landscape in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, it’s that time of year again when we all crave a bit of autumn magic. And where can you find it? At Indiana’s finest fall festivals, of course! The Hoosier state offers a cornucopia of festivities, from pumpkin-spiced everything to hayrides and folk music. So, grab your flannel, dust off your boots, and prepare for a whirlwind tour of the best fall festivals in Indiana. Whether you’re a dedicated cider aficionado, a pie-eating champion, or just looking for a fun family day out, we’ve got you covered.

Here is a list of the top fall festivals in Indiana based on popularity, visitor reviews, and unique offerings:

1. Hoosier Fall Festival (Franklin)

The Hoosier Fall Festival is a one-day event held at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin, Indiana, on the third Saturday of October. It is a family-friendly event that features a variety of activities, including live music, food trucks, vendors selling arts and crafts, pumpkins, and other fall-themed items.

Visitors can enjoy live music from local bands while perusing the vendors’ booths. There is something for everyone at the festival, from handmade jewelry and crafts to fresh produce and baked goods. Children can enjoy hayrides, face painting, and a petting zoo. There is also a large pumpkin patch where kids can pick their pumpkin to take home.

2. Apple Festival and Craft Fair (Mooresville)

The Apple Festival and Craft Fair in Mooresville, Indiana, is a delightful celebration of the fall season, highlighted by all things apple-related and complemented by a diverse craft fair. It’s an event that perfectly captures the essence of autumn and offers a fun and festive atmosphere for residents and visitors. Check the official event website or contact the organizers for information about this festival’s dates and specific attractions.

3. Shipshewana Fall Crafters Fair (Shipshewana)

The Shipshewana Fall Crafters Fair is a three-day event held at the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana, Indiana, on the third Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of October. It is one of the Midwest’s largest and most popular craft fairs, with over 700 vendors selling arts and crafts, antiques, and other items.

The fair is a great place to find unique and handmade holiday gifts. Visitors can browse the booths of vendors selling everything from jewelry and pottery to paintings and quilts. There are also a variety of vendors selling food and drinks.

In addition to shopping, there are a variety of other activities to enjoy at the Shipshewana Fall Crafters Fair. There is live music throughout the day and demonstrations by local artisans. There is also a children’s area with various activities, such as face painting and balloon animals.

The Shipshewana Fall Crafters Fair is a great way to celebrate the fall season and support local artisans. It is also a fun and festive event for the whole family.

4. Fall on the Heritage Trail (Northeastern Indiana)

Fall on the Heritage Trail in northeastern Indiana celebrates the fall season, taking advantage of the region’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant autumn colors. It’s a time to enjoy the changing seasons, learn about the local Amish culture, and savor the flavors and traditions of the area. Check the official event website or contact the organizers for the most current information about this event, including its specific dates and attractions.

5. Middlebury Fall Festival (Middlebury)

The Middlebury Fall Festival is a quintessential small-town autumn celebration combining the charm of a tight-knit community with the festive spirit. It offers various activities and attractions for all ages, making it an enjoyable outing for families and individuals.

6. Nappanee Apple Festival (Nappanee)

The Nappanee Apple Festival is a delightful event that captures the essence of the fall season and the area’s apple-growing traditions. It offers a mix of delicious treats, live entertainment, and activities for all ages, making it a perfect destination for families and individuals alike. Check the official event website or contact the organizers for information about this festival’s dates and specific attractions.

7. Sunflower Fair (La Porte)

Tired of all the pumpkins and apples? The Sunflower Fair is a one-day event held in La Porte, Indiana, on the third Saturday of September. It’s a fun-filled day for the whole family, with over 100 craft and nonprofit vendors, delicious food, live music, kids activities, and more.

Browse the booths of over 100 vendors selling unique crafts and gifts. You can also sample delicious food from various local restaurants and nonprofits. Listen to live music in the food court. Participate in the American Licorice Rib Cook-Off or the Wyatt Wilke Memorial Sunflower Contest. Check out the antique cars on display. And let the kids have a blast enjoying the inflatables, carnival games, face painting, and other activities.

8. Wanatah Scarecrow Festival (Wanatah)

The Wanatah Scarecrow Festival is a three-day event held in Wanatah, Indiana, on the last whole weekend of September. It is the largest scarecrow festival in the world, with over 1,000 scarecrows displayed throughout the town.

The festival celebrates all things fall with activities for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and various children’s activities. There is also a parade on Saturday morning and a scarecrow contest where visitors can vote for their favorite scarecrow.

The scarecrows at the Wanatah Scarecrow Festival are truly unique and creative. Some are traditional scarecrows, while others are more elaborate and whimsical. Scarecrows of all shapes and sizes are made from various materials, including hay, straw, cornstalks, and even recycled materials.

The festival is a great way to enjoy the local community’s creativity. It is also a fun and educational experience for children, who can learn about the history of scarecrows and the different ways to make them.

9. Westville Pumpkin Festival (Westville)

The Westville Pumpkin Festival is a festive and community-driven event that embraces the autumn season, especially the harvest of pumpkins. It offers pumpkin-themed activities, crafts, live entertainment, and delicious food, making it an excellent destination for families and individuals looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of fall. Check the official event website or contact the organizers for information about this festival’s dates and specific attractions.

10. Valparaiso Popcorn Festival (Valparaiso)

The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is a well-established and highly anticipated event that showcases the fun and deliciousness of popcorn while providing entertainment and activities for the whole family. It’s a great way to experience the community spirit of Valparaiso and immerse yourself in the joy of this beloved snack. Check the official event website or contact the organizers for information about this festival’s dates and specific attractions.

11. Indiana Dunes Apple Festival (Porter)

The Indiana Dunes Apple Festival is a one-day event held at the Chellberg Farm within the Indiana Dunes State Park in Porter, Indiana, on the fourth Saturday of September. It is a free, family-friendly event celebrating the fall season and the region’s apple industry.

Visitors can enjoy various activities, including apple picking, hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a corn maze, face painting, live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. There are also demonstrations of apple pressing and cider making and opportunities to learn about the history of apple growing in Indiana and how to cook with apples.

The Indiana Dunes Apple Festival is great for spending a fall day with family and friends. It is also a great way to support the local community and learn about the region’s apple industry.

12. Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival (Chesterton)

The Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival in Chesterton, Indiana, celebrates the stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities the Indiana Dunes region offers. It’s a fantastic event for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to explore and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.

As the crisp Indiana autumn air begins to turn nippy and the scent of apple cider donuts fills the breeze, we can’t help but feel the nostalgia of another fantastic fall festival season. From the farmlands of Shipshewana to the bustling streets of Indianapolis, our great state has proven time and time again that it knows how to throw a fall shindig like no other. With our list of the best fall festivals in Indiana, you’re now armed with all the inside scoop to make the most of this season. So, gather your friends and family, and make some unforgettable memories while celebrating the fall harvest and the vibrant Hoosier spirit. After all, these festivals are all about good times, great food, and even better company. Cheers to another year of pumpkin patches, apple bobbing, and memories that’ll warm your heart all winter. Happy feasting, folks!