Updated September 2024
Embrace the vibrant spirit of fall with our comprehensive guide to Indianapolis’ seasonal offerings.
From crisp outdoor adventures and charming local festivals to mouthwatering seasonal treats and cozy indoor activities, we’ve curated the ultimate collection of autumn experiences. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, explore the city’s best fall events, scenic spots, and hidden gems to make the most of this enchanting season. Dive into everything fall has to offer and celebrate the magic of autumn in Indianapolis!
Festivals
Photo: NewFields
Butler-Tarkington | 4000 N Michigan Rd
Newfields is reviving the spooky fall magic with a delightful annual event! At Mischief Manor, you can enjoy a whimsical stroll through a garden of glowing pumpkins and meet The Three Graces, friendly ghosts guiding your way. Explore the Pumpkin Path of Peril and other enchanting exhibits while savoring delectable fall treats and beverages. This festive experience runs from September 29th to November 2nd—don’t miss out on this seasonal adventure!
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Photo: Conner Prairie
Fishers | 13400 Allisonville Road
Conner Prairie stands out as one of the region’s premier attractions and ranks among the most visited outdoor museums in the country. This fall, their Headless Horseman Festival draws crowds with its captivating blend of seasonal fun. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including sprawling corn mazes, a vibrant pumpkin patch, a thrilling barrel train ride, and a dry tubing hill. With diverse shows and attractions tailored for all ages, Conner Prairie is an ideal destination for family-friendly entertainment and autumnal festivities.
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Photo: Indianapolis Zoo
Downtown | 1200 W Washington St
Join us at the Zoo for Halloween fun with amazing animals and plenty of pumpkins! ZooBoo offers a fantastic experience for everyone, from little ghouls and goblins to bigger kids. Enjoy the October weather, active animals, and colorful fall scenery. With hands-on activities, spooky costumes, and trick-or-treating, it’s a perfect family tradition.
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Photo: Waterman's Family Farm
Willow Lakes | 7010 E Raymond St
Waterman's Family Farm hosts the delightful Fall Harvest Festival, featuring animal rides, hay rides, food, drinks, and cornfield mazes for all ages. Since Bruce and Carol Waterman opened their doors in 1978, the Waterman’s have cultivated their vision of a place where visitors can pick their own produce, creating a cherished tradition at their farm market.
Haunted Hayrides
Photo: Piney Acres Scream Farm
Fortville | 1115 E 1000 N
Discover Indiana’s top haunted attractions with three spine-chilling experiences across 72 acres of terror! Explore Dr. Rex E. Zenor’s eerie experiment in the haunted loft, get lost in the 6-acre haunted trail with hillbilly horrors, or brace yourself for a zombie apocalypse on the haunted hayride!
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Photo: Indiana Fear Farm
Jamestown | 6736 S 500 W
Get ready for a thrilling adventure like no other! Located in Jamestown, Indiana Fear Farm’s Haunted Hayride is packed with explosions and monsters attacking from all sides. Watch out for the vengeful Headless Horseman—will you escape his wrath? Each year, guests leave screaming and craving more. This exciting ride is perfect for families and thrill-seekers of all ages.
Corn Mazes
Photo: Lark Ranch
Greenfield | 1611 N Meridian Rd
Lark Ranch offers a bounty of fall fun for the whole family, with a vibrant corn maze, a bustling pumpkin patch, and a variety of exciting activities. Whether you're young or old, there's something here to spark joy and create memorable moments for everyone.
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Photo: Spencer Farm
Noblesville | 7177 E 161st St
Spencer Farm began as a modest "pick-your-own" fruit farm and has since blossomed into a vibrant destination for fresh produce. As a family-run business, Spencer Farm offers a delightful array of experiences, including a bustling pumpkin patch, apple picking, and a selection of other fruits and vegetables. On weekends, visitors can also enjoy scenic hayrides. In addition to its hands-on picking experiences, Spencer Farm provides pre-picked and wholesale fruits throughout central Indiana, reflecting the family's dedication to quality and community.
Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards
Photo: Russell Farms
Autumn in the Midwest, especially in Indiana, is a delightful season filled with vibrant colors and harvest celebrations. From jack-o-lanterns to beautifully arranged squash, and a warm cup of apple cider in hand, there’s nothing quite like it. With the link, you’ll find a curated list of the finest pumpkin patches and apple orchards in the Indianapolis area. Dive in and start your fall adventure!
Haunted Houses
Photo: Indy Scream Park
Anderson | 5211 S. New Columbus Rd.
Can not touch you, but some exhibits are "interactive"
Indy Scream Park, located on over 100 acres between Pendleton and Anderson, Indiana, just minutes from Indianapolis, is the ultimate destination for Halloween thrills. This premier haunted house experience brings together top talent from the haunted house industry to deliver a spine-chilling event like no other. With a variety of attractions, exhibits, and frights, plus a gift shop, Indy Scream Park offers a comprehensive and unforgettable Halloween adventure.
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Photo: Thirteenth Hour Indy
English Crossing | 915 S Shortridge Rd
Can't Touch You
The Thirteenth Hour (13th Hour) is one of Indiana's biggest and scariest haunted house events. Located in Indianapolis, it offers multiple immersive attractions that tell a chilling story through movie-quality sets, elaborate costumes, and high-tech lighting and sound. With exceptional customer service and a locally owned touch, it’s a top fall and Halloween season favorite in Indy.
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Photo: Nightmare on Edgewood
Bates-Hendricks | 1959 S Meridian St
Can Touch You
Nightmare on Edgewood, Indianapolis' most intense haunted house, returns this fall for its 47th season. Step into Edgewood Cinema, where they feature original arthouse horror films and cast YOU as the main character in each chilling tale. Get ready for a uniquely immersive and terrifying experience!
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Photo: Necropolis Underground
Arlington Woods | 7130 Western Select Dr
Can Not Touch You
Experience the thrill of Necropolis Underground Haunted House, one of the nation’s largest haunted attractions, open from late September through October. Dive into various spooky activities, including axe throwing, escape games, a tarot booth, and haunting exhibits. Prepare for a season of fright and fun like no other!
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Photo: Hanna Haunted Acres
Franklin Township | 7323 E Hanna Ave
Can Not Touch You
Experience an all-new, reimagined event that's scarier than ever, featuring six chilling haunted attractions. Explore "The Boneyard" midway, where you can meet eerie characters, enjoy thrilling games, snap spooky photos, and indulge in delicious food and drinks from two bars. Plus, take advantage of free parking and other exciting features!
Food & Drinks
Photo: Black House Cafe
'Tis the season for pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING! If you're a pumpkin-lover like we are, you'll love the delicious treats we've featured.
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Photo: PANA Donuts & Boba Tea
Everyone loves a cinnamon roll with their soft, buttery delight, swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a rich, creamy glaze. They are a comforting treat that turns any moment into a special occasion. To help you find the best cinnamon rolls in town, here are some of the best spots for a sweet cinnamon treat in Indy.
Pictures & Hiking
Photo: Parke County Covered Bridges
This page highlights the most stunning locations to experience fall colors and features top spots for scenic hikes and picturesque photo opportunities. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities, a fun outing with friends, or a solo escape for some peaceful reflection, you'll find the perfect autumn adventures here.
Date Ideas
Photo: The Ball & Biscuit
Whether you’re planning an unforgettable first date or celebrating a milestone 10th anniversary, Indy has a wealth of fun and festive options for you and your special someone. Hot Girl Summer may be behind us, and Cuffing Season is in full swing, but don’t worry—we’ve got the perfect plans to help you find or strengthen that special connection this fall.
Cover PHOTO: PARKE COUNTY COVERED BRIDGES
Did we miss your favorite fall spot or activity? Let us know at [email protected]!
