Forget about the price of gas or eggs—when did fall fun get so expensive?! We don’t have the exact answer, but we do have 12 ideas for enjoying the season while protecting your financial well-being.
1. FREE FIRST THURSDAY AT NEWFIELDS (FREE)
Grab your family and friends and explore Newfields on the first Thursday of every month for free. Discover the indoor art or grab a warm drink and stroll through the garden to admire the gobs of gorgeous pumpkins. Although tickets are free, purchasing in advance is required.
2. CARMEL INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL (FREE)
Come celebrate creativity as the streets of Carmel become a little more vibrant with the Carmel International Arts Festival on Sept. 28 and 29. In addition to the expansive display of art from artists around the country, Saturday evening includes live music at the family-friendly street party, ART ROCKS!
3. NIGHTS ON LOCKERBIE CONCERT SERIES (FREE – $15)
Watch the Pigeons of Market Square perform live music on the lawn of the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home on Oct. 12. It’s BYO snacks and seating for a backyard barbeque vibe.
4. BOO ‘N BREW FALL FESTIVAL (FREE)
Bring the family to Clay Terrace on Oct. 19 for the 12th annual Boo ‘n Brew Fall Festival. Celebrate the season with live music, trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and more.
5. HISTORIC IRVINGTON HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL (FREE)
There’s a reason it’s Indy tradition. For an entire week (Oct. 19-26), Irvington hosts more than just a parade. Attend family movie night, an organ concert, or even the wellness fair to get in the Halloween spirit.
6. SILENT BOOK CLUB MONTHLY MEETUP (FREE)
Maven and founder Kelsey Jones is hosting Silent Book Club’s monthly meeting on Oct. 9 at Maven Space. Bring what you are currently reading and enjoy the quiet company. Attendees have the option to grab a drink or snack and mingle for the final hour of the meetup, or just keep on chugging through their book. Tickets are required. Can’t make it? Follow Silent Book Club Indy on Instagram to get updates on future events.
7. CROWN HILL SELF-GUIDED TOUR (FREE)
Want to really get spooked? A walk through Crown Hill Cemetery will do the trick! Use one of their guides or check out Indy Maven’s guide to the Badass Women of Crown Hill.
8. TRIVIA AT UNION JACK PUB (FREE)
Calling all trivia junkies to Union Jack Pub for trivia night every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Quiz your knowledge and support a family and primarily women-owned local restaurant.
9. SIP & STITCH (FREE)
Carmel Clay Library is rocking the event game! Stop by on the second Tuesday of every month for coffee, crafts, and community.
10. LEVITT VIBE INDIANAPOLIS MUSIC CONCERT SERIES (FREE)
Big Car Collaborative and Arte Mexicano en Indiana have partnered with the Los Angeles-based Levitt Foundation to provide a concert series in Garfield Park. Jam to multi-genre tunes and revel in creativity at this family-friendly event held every Sunday.
11. IGNITE STUDIO (FREE)
Hamilton East Public Library’s Ignite Studio shares a slew of crafty art and technology equipment for your young ones to explore. Check out their studio kits, make a reservation, and watch the magic unfold.
12. LANDSCAPE & LAGERS (FREE)
There’s nothing like a free beverage and giving back to the community. Indy Cultural Trail presents Landscape and Laggers on Tuesday nights through October to keep this special trail looking fresh.
BONUS: Stretch it out with a free Sunday yoga class at Fall Creek Place. Class will continue through September and pick back up in May.
Madeleine Pape is a contributor at Indy Maven.
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