Looking for something new to do this fall? Or maybe you’re just ready to settle on some traditions, set them and forget them. Either way, there’s plenty of fun to be had this autumn in Indy, and you don’t even have to look for it. From historic Halloween events to film festivals, here are 50 things to do this fall.
1. Connect with the German American Klub for “Indianapolis’ True Oktoberfest” at German Park (Sept. 5-7).
2. Newfields hosts “Indiana’s Nicest Day” with the renowned Penrod Arts Fair (Sept. 7).
3. Calling all Mavens (and friends!) to Broadmoor Country Club for our September meetup: Pickleball 101 (Sept. 12).
4. Support local Queens with Feinstein’s Drag Me to Brunch at Hotel Carmichael (Sept.15).
5. Build a scarecrow with the kids and enter your creation into Conner Prairie’s Scarecrow Contest (Registration closes Sept. 23).
6. Take your family to the Lawrence County Fairgrounds for an exceptional weekend at the Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Festival (Sept. 27-28).
7. Get ready to raise your steins to celebrate German-American Day at the Athenaeum with the 16th annual GermanFest, the best Haus Party in Indy (Oct. 5)
8. Check in with yourself and your circle on World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10).
9. Catch a show at the 33rd Heartland International Film Festival (Oct. 10-20).
10. Join our friends at Wild Geese Bookshop with a book bedazzling event at The Barn at Crystal Spring Farm (Oct. 17).
11. Watch out for Feinstein’s slew of nightlife experiences, including “THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC! An ABBA PARTY” at Hotel Carmichael (Oct. 17).
12. Attend anything from a wellness fair to the famed Halloween parade at the 78th Annual Historic Irvington Halloween Festival (Oct. 19-26).
13. Hop on The Wizard Express in Noblesville for a Harry Potter-esque experience (Oct. 19-20).
14. Get spooked with “A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics” presented by Candlelight concerts at the Scottish Rite Cathedral (Oct. 31).
15. Invest in your professional development with the Indiana Conference for Women at the JW Marriott Hotel (Nov. 1).
16. Vote! Election Day (Nov. 5).
17. Train to run the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon by CNO financial group (Nov. 9).
18. Rock out all weekend with the Bands of America Grand National Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium (Nov. 14-16).
19. Fly to the moon with “FRANK SINATRA: The Tribute” at -once again- Hotel Carmichael (Nov. 15).
20. Relax at Zionsville Nature Center with a Coffee and Canvas event (Nov 23).
21. Get in the holiday spirit with the Circle of Lights at Monument Circle (Nov. 29).
22. Skip Black Friday and shop local on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30).
23. Donate items throughout November and early December to Westminster Neighborhood Services for Christmas baskets to gift over 300 Hoosier families.
24. For a spooky vibe and tasty pumpkin spice latte, visit Black House Café.
25. Munch on Market Square Popcorn and watch a seasonal movie like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” with your family.
26. Pick from gorgeous flower fields at Anderson Flower Farm through October.
27. Everyone loves THE LUME at Newfields. See “Dalí Alive” for a look into Salvador Dalí’s genius.
28. We’re bringing back SOUPtember. Find the stew of your dreams with these local recommendations.
29. Or head to a farmers market and grab ingredients to make your own chili.
30. Call a local home organizer to help tackle a fall decluttering project.
31. Cheer on the Colts with the regular season starting Sept. 8 and running through December.
32. Join Queer Book Group for adults at Carmel Clay Library on the second Monday of each month.
33. Go to one of Indy’s most beloved destinations and spend a day at Tuttle Orchards for traditional fall activities (Sept.- Oct.).
34. Volunteer during the giving season at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.
35. Sweat it out with Pilates on the Plaza by The Hot Room on the Indy Cultural Trail.
36. Find pony rides and endless fall fun at Lark Ranch in Greenfield.
37. Obsessed with astrology? Go to the Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium for stargazing with a private tour or public viewing.
38. Take your little one on a walk with the Stroller Club in the Fountain Square Plaza on the second Friday of every month.
39. Get away from the city and enjoy a scenic drive to Turkey Run State Park for breathtaking views.
40. Check out Dream Palace Books & Coffee for a new read, an amazing latte, and the coziest bookstore vibes.
41. Spread the Halloween spirit by making a boo basket for your neighbors or loved ones at Something Splendid Gift Shop & Wine Bar.
42. Catch up with a friend at Tiburon Coastal Cuisine, a new seafood restaurant in Fishers, from the owners of Carmel’s Monterey Coastal Cuisine.
43. Looking for a corn maze, hayrides, and farm animals? Visit Kelsay Farms in Whiteland.
44. Grab your honey for date night at Urban Apples, the first and only Hamilton County cidery.
45. Craft your perfect fall scent with candle making at Penn & Beech.
46. Beat the looming holiday stress and schedule a preemptive therapy session.
47. Get sentimental with a scrapbooking day. Find all your paper crafting needs at Palette & Paper.
48. Refresh your seasonal home decor with a trip to a local home store.
49. Look for fun groups at the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Public Library, like Euchre and Puzzle Club.
50. Book a female photographer and tackle the family photo fiasco before the Christmas card season.
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