Autumn in the Indiana Uplands is packed with a-maize-ing festivals and events that are sure to leaf you smiling! From the first day of fall through October, the region will be bustling with activities, offering everything from arts festivals and hot air balloon launches to pumpkin contests and haunted hayrides. Whether you’re ready to fall into the spirit at the Stinesville Stone Quarry Festival, enjoy breathtaking autumn views at the Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest, or taste your way through the Harvest Moon Festival in Spencer, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to celebrate the season of scarves, pumpkin spice, and cozy vibes with family-friendly activities, live music, tasty treats, and the vibrant autumn colors that make the Uplands a picture-perfect seasonal backdrop!
April-October: Free Fourth Friday Festival and Art Walk, April-October
Nashville, Brown County
Since the early 1900s, artists have traveled from near and far to capture the natural beauty and life in the rolling hills of Brown County. Today the county remains home to artists carrying on the tradition and galleries showcasing the beautiful art from the past. The Free Fourth Friday Art Walk happens each month from April through October! Plan to take a stroll through the arts village in Nashville as you enjoy refreshments, live music, and the unique pieces of art in each gallery! Participating galleries will stay open late for visitors. You will even be able to see art in action as some galleries will have demonstrations! Once you finish your stroll head over to the historic Brown County Playhouse for the Free Fourth Friday Festival to hear live music of all genres performed by impressive local and regional musicians. Both events are free!
June-September: Mondays on Main
Linton, Greene County
Summertime in Linton means once a month food trucks, bounce houses, and vendor booths fill Main Street for the family-friendly community event Mondays on Main Street! Each event has a theme, too! June was a luau party and July’s theme will be Christmas in July! Eat a savory meal from Fat Daddy’s BBQ food truck and wander through booths selling local art, produce, and more! Kids will surely enjoy burning some energy jumping in bounce houses, too! Make sure to check out the Mondays on Main Street Facebook page for more information and future dates.
June-December: Downtown Shop and Sip
Jasper, Dubois County
Mark your calendars for the third Wednesday of each month for fun-filled nights in Downtown Jasper! Heart of Jasper’s Shop and Sip begins on Wednesday, June 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Downtown Square! Each month you can enjoy a delightful evening of shopping, dynamic live music, and stroll through the Social District with delicious drinks from participating establishments, including the iconic Astra Theatre!
Oct. 2-6: Orange County Pumpkin Festival
French Lick, Orange County
Crafts, carnivals, and cornhole! You can expect all that and more at the Orange County Pumpkin Festival. No Pumpkin Festival would be complete without the crowning of a Pumpkin Princess and Queen! A Great Pumpkin Parade will conclude the weekend of fall fun on Sunday. Carve out some time for fun and head on down to French Lick – or you may be left feeling hollow.
Oct. 3-6: Lotus World Music Festival
Bloomington, Monroe County
Bid farewell to summer and welcome autumn by listening to beautiful music from around the world at the Lotus World Music Festival in Bloomington. This four-day festival is an annual celebration of world music, arts, and culture. Celebrate and explore the diversity of the world’s culture through music, art, food, dance, and different workshops. Fun is guaranteed for the whole family! With artists and groups from around the globe set to perform, you are guaranteed to find a performance you think is out of this world!
Oct. 4-Nov. 2: Fall Festival of Lights Show
Paoli, Orange County
Get ready for an unforgettable fall adventure at the Fall Light Show featuring Dinos After Dark! From the comfort of your own vehicle, you’ll experience a dazzling display of fall and Halloween-themed lights, including glowing pumpkins, autumn leaves, and spooky creatures. This year’s event adds an exciting twist with life-size, animated dinosaurs that come to life through vibrant lights, fog, and sound effects. As you drive through the illuminated scenes, you’ll hear the roars of these prehistoric creatures and watch them light up the night, creating a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience for all ages. Whether you’re a fan of Halloween, fall, or dinosaurs, this unique light show offers something for everyone.
Oct. 4-6: Bloomfield Apple Festival
Bloomfield, Greene County
When you think of fall, apples and pumpkins are sure to come to mind! The Bloomfield Apple Festival is a great way to welcome the season of cooler weather and changing leaves! This three-day festival features carnival rides, a variety of vendors selling food and other goods, live music, different contests, an art exhibit, a 5K run, and so much more! A parade throughout Bloomfield will conclude the weekend of fall fun.
Oct. 4-6: Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour
Ellettsville, Monroe County
Did you know Monroe County is home to the state’s most popular and longest-running cycling events? The Hilly Hundred is a two-day, 100-mile bicycle tour through the beautiful, hilly Indiana Uplands landscape. The tour routes take riders throughout Monroe County and into neighboring counties. More than 5,000 bicyclists from over 40 states and several countries are expected to participate. Seasoned cyclists and newcomers are welcome to celebrate the spirit of cycling and beautiful fall colors during this unforgettable experience!
Oct. 5: Spencer PRIDE Festival
Spencer, Owen County
The largest rural LGBTQ+ gathering in Indiana happens right here in the Indiana Uplands each fall! The Spencer Pride Festival brings visitors from throughout the state to enjoy a day at this family-focused and pet-friendly festival. As the largest festival event held in downtown Spencer, the festival aims to be a place of celebration and educational opportunity within the rural community. The festival marketplace features more than 150 booths representing both retail businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Live entertainment will happen all day long at various locations, too. No festival is complete without delicious treats. Spencer PRIDE will feature cotton candy, fresh baked goods, elephant ears, and more! And you definitely do not want to miss the Pet Pride Parade, which helps raise awareness of the need to spray and neuter animals.
Oct. 5: Nashville FallFare
Nashville, Brown County
Buy unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season and support a good cause all at the same time when you visit the annual Nashville FallFare! This annual community event has happened for 50 years in Nashville, the artist colony nestled in the hills of the Uplands! The day features delicious food and booths filled with handmade items, fine art, antiques, homemade candies, and more unexpected treasures! Browse the unique booths as you listen to live music. Every FallFare dollar goes to someone in need, with profits raised from sales going to nonprofit organizations.
Oct. 11-13: Art on the Green
French Lick, Orange County
Spend a fall weekend eating delicious food, enjoying the burst of autumn colors, and watching artists make beautiful art in real-time at the Art on the Green art show in French Lick. From pottery to fiber arts to leather to jewelry to soaps to paintings, you will find art in all forms at this community event and get to meet the artists! Live music and entertainment are planned all weekend, too, including a walking magic show!
Oct. 12: Orleans Fall Fun Fest
Orleans, Orange County
Enjoy fun-filled family activities in the town’s historic town square. Friday’s activities include an Ice Cream Social at Hometown Scoops & “Front Porch Concert” at the 1847 Home of Larry Padgett. On Saturday, enjoy a 5K run/walk, harvest fair, classic car show, children’s activities, corn hole tourney, live entertainment, food, and more.
Oct. 12: Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
Bloomington, Monroe County
Browse a dazzling array of handcrafted glass pumpkins, each made by the talented artists at the Bloomington Creative Glass Center, during the 15th annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch in downtown Bloomington. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant centerpiece or a unique fall decoration, these sparkling glass creations are sure to brighten any space. The event will take place rain or shine, and all forms of payment are accepted. Don’t miss this chance to witness the magic of glass pumpkins glistening under the autumn sun!
Oct. 12: Haunted Huntingburg Blues Festival
Huntingburg, Dubois County
Grab your witch hat and head down to Dubois County for a day of blues music and “boo”-ze during the annual Haunted Huntingburg Blues Festival. This spooky festival is sure to conjure up a good time for the whole family in Market Street Park and downtown Huntingburg. Activities for kids include hayrides at City Hall and a Zombie-Free Kids Zone with trick or treating! Attend this free Mischievous Masquerade if you dare!
Oct. 12: Zombie Run
Loogootee, Martin County
If you attend the Zombie Run for Your Life at West Boggs Park, you will have two choices: Run from the zombies or join them to chase the runners. Get ready for an exhilarating experience at this Zombie 5k! This event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Runners will wear a belt with three flags, which represent their “lives” and must be protected from the zombies lurking along the course. If you lose your flags, you can still complete the race as a runner. Expect walkers, runners, crawlers, and plenty of surprises along the way.
Oct. 14: Marengo Harvest Fest
Marengo, Crawford County
In the Indiana Uplands, we pride ourselves on helping our communities succeed and supporting those in need. A prime example of this spirit is the Harvest Fest in Marengo, where you can enjoy a BBQ chicken dinner with proceeds benefiting the Crawford County Boys and Girls Club. A food drive is also planned to benefit local families. Finish your day of giving at the Harvest Fest by shopping unique antiques and handmade crafts.
Oct. 18: Fiesta Owen County
Spencer, Owen County
Get ready to experience the vibrant culture of Hispanic heritage at Fiesta Owen County. This is the perfect event for families and friends to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Hispanic culture in the heart of the Uplands! The evening will feature a variety of cultural activities, including salsa dancing, a lively mariachi band, and traditional Lotería games. Attendees can also enjoy delicious food from local vendors and food trucks, shop unique crafts, and take part in a huipil contest celebrating traditional Mexican garments. Don’t miss this incredible celebration!
Oct. 19: Community Celebration Aluminum Pour
Solsberry, Greene County
Step into the world of molten metal and creativity at Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum’s Annual Community Celebration Aluminum Pour in the Uplands. Experience the fascinating art of aluminum casting as you create your own relief sculpture. Purchase a scratch block, carve your design, and watch the Trails crew cast it into metal before your eyes. You can either create your sculpture at the museum or bring a scratch block home and return it on the day of the event. This hands-on activity is perfect for all ages and supports the museum’s public art programs. Enjoy a day filled with creativity while exploring over 180 outdoor sculptures on the scenic trails.
Oct. 19-20: Harvest Home Arts and Crafts Festival
Jasper, Dubois County
As the holiday season nears and we begin to bid autumn farewell, visit the Harvest Home Arts and Crafts Festival to start your shopping! More than 200 booths will be at the Dubois County 4-H Fairgrounds selling handmade crafts, including furniture, jewelry, floral arrangements, and holiday decorations. Have a sweet tooth? Assorted baked goods and treats will also be available!
Oct. 24: Spooky Streets
Jasper, Dubois County
Let the kids trick-or-treat early in Dubois County during the Spooky Streets event at the Dubois County Museum! Kiddos and their families are invited to prowl the dim and dark Main Street for treats – or tricks. Avoid shop owners guarding their shops! Don’t forget a costume! Crafts and activities will be in the Log House area. Each little goblin will receive a treat bag before they leave!
Oct. 26: Odon Pumpkin Festival
Odon, Daviess County
Gourdness gracious! It should be no surprise there are pumpkin contests galore planned for the Odon Pumpkin Festival. From Pumpkin pie eating to pumpkin seed spitting to pumpkin rolling to pumpkin decorating, almost anyone should find a contest to win at this pumpkin-themed community event! Don’t forget your favorite recipe for the pumpkin recipe contest! A masquerade ball will conclude this excellent pumpkin celebration!
Oct. 26: Oktoberfest
Salem, Washington County
Experience the charm of Beck’s Mill at their Oktoberfest, a celebration of the German heritage that gives the mill its name. This historic Indiana landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2007, invites you to a day full of vibrant activities. Enjoy live music throughout the day and witness a variety of fascinating demonstrations including spinning, knitting, crocheting, blacksmithing, and tomahawk throwing. Savor renowned campfire beans, and don’t miss the Cornmeal Bake-Off. The winner will receive a prize, and leftover cornmeal dishes will be served with the campfire beans. Explore an array of flea market and craft vendor booths, and delve into the history of Beck’s Mill Moonshine. Don’t miss this lively celebration of local history and tradition!
Oct. 25-27: Halloween Hootenanny
Loogootee, Martin County
Have a spooktacular time at the Halloween Hootenanny at West Boggs Park and dive into a day of frighteningly fabulous festivities! Enjoy wagon rides through the scenic park, perfect for soaking in the fall atmosphere. Show off your creativity at the pumpkin carving station. Of course, kids and families will love trick-or-treating! From frighteningly fun games and crafts to delicious seasonal snacks and entertainment, the Halloween Hootenanny promises a day full of spooky surprises and fun for everyone.