Looking for things to do in Indianapolis? Well, never fear! October brings with it a diverse array of fun and festivals, whether you are into history, art, culture or just food and drink!

Watch for an upcoming blog that details fun Indianapolis Halloween events and activities for the young and old!

Conner Prairie Corn Maze – Now through Oct. 27

Rated one of the top 10 corn mazes in the U.S.! This family friendly attraction will have you adventuring your way through corn-lined trails that twist, turn and dead-end. The maze features three paths - a small maze for younger guests, a long maze for teens and adults, and the ever popular Headless Hollow Spooky Maze (for ages 12+) ready made with lots of tricks and surprises.

More info: connerprairie.org 

Harvest at Newfields – Oct. 3-6

Celebrate 50 acres of fall featuring endless pumpkins, an engaging hay maze, and vibrant fall foliage set within Newfield's Garden.  The celebration will feature tastings from local and regional chefs and vendors, hands-on demonstrations and workshops, and a chance to interact with farmers, brewers, and distillers. Families can enjoy spectacular seasonal horticulture displays, pumpkin painting and art making activities.

More info: discovernewfields.org

Sunshine Music Festival - Oct. 5

Breathe in the sunshine and live music in Whitestown! Enjoy specialty foods and great beers. Entertain the kids with their own family fun area!  All proceeds will benefit neighbors with intellectual disabilities.

More info: facebook.com

Indiana Renaissance Faire – Oct. 5-6

Picture it—more than 250 costumed characters, jousting knights, juggling, acrobats, swordplay and period music. (Sounds a little like “Game of Thrones.” But sorry, no dragons.) The 15th annual Indiana Renaissance Faire also features merchants, food vendors, and free kids’ games, as well as a sing-along at the end of the day. Those 21 and over are welcome to enjoy beer and mead at the fair’s tavern.

More info: indianarenfaire.com

Riley Festival – Oct. 3-6

With one of the largest annual festivals in the state of Indiana, the proud residents of Greenfield celebrate the birth of their favorite son, Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley. Riley’s poem “The Ole Swimmin' Hole” provides the theme for this year’s festivities, now in their 50th year. In addition to the Parade of Flowers, in which school children march through downtown Greenfield to place bouquets of flowers around Riley’s statue, enjoy entertainment, crafts, food, flea market booths and much more!

More info: rileyfestival.com

Heartland International Film Festival – Oct. 10-20

Celebrating its 28th year, the Heartland International Film Festival showcases more than 100 movies from independent filmmakers over 11 days of red carpet premieres and events, parties and film screenings across Indianapolis.

More info: heartlandfilm.org 

Broad Ripple Beer Fest – Oct. 12

Join the nonprofit Brewers of Indiana Guild for its third annual fall fundraiser at Optimist Park to sample from hundreds of beers brewed by 40+ Hoosier breweries and guests while trick-or-treating and enjoying local food, shopping, games, and more.

More info: drinkin.beer

Monument Circle Art Fair – Oct. 12

With the stunning Soldiers and Sailors Monument as the backdrop, more than 80 regional artists situated around Monument Circle showcase and sell their work. Enjoy food truck fare and musical entertainment, too. Admission is free!

More info: monumentcircleart.com

GermanFest – Oct. 12

German-American Day is October 6, and the GermanFest at the Athenaeum provides the perfect way to celebrate! The day includes wiener dog races, a 5K run and walk, a strong man/woman competition,  and plenty of fun activities for the kiddos. German beer and food and pleny of music round out the day! All proceeds benefit the maintenance and care of the Historic Athenaeum.

More info: athenaeumfoundation.org

Scottish Highland Games and Festival – Oct. 12

Don your plaid, gather your clan and venture to German Park to watch kilted amateur athletes take on feats of strength, including a hammer toss, caber toss and weight throw. Of course, no Scottish event would be complete without bagpipes—enjoy the marching bagpipers, as well as dancing, food and entertainment.

More info: indyscotgamesandfest.com

Bard Fest 2019 – Oct. 17-27

Indy's Shakespeare festival returns celebrating its 5th year! IndyFringe's Bard Fest 2019 features all-new productions of Hamlet, Henry IV, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Tempest.  Bard Fest bridges the gap between our city and the Bard with professional-quality, actor-focused, accessible Shakespeare.

More info: indybardfest.com

ArtsPark Fall Festival – Oct. 19

Celebrate fall at the Indianapolis Arts Center with crisp ciders, pumpkin decorating, the Annual Faculty Show Exhibition Series, and more! Experience all your favorite fall activities with the entire family!

More info: indplsartcenter.org

Zionsville Lions Park Pumpkins & Hayrides – Oct. 27 

Pumpkins & Hayrides is a free event as  a thank you to the patrons of Zionsville Lions Park. Enjoy pumpkin painting, hayrides, bounce houses, games, food, and more! Kids can participate in a costume contest as well! 

More info: zionsvillelions.com 

About the Author
Kristie Smith
Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.