FALL is here and OCTOBER has arrived. Here is our round up of October family events and fun activities happening in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. October is jam-packed with events and activities to enjoy as we head into the Halloween season. Grab your jackets – let’s go!
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St. Richard’s Episcopal School provides a timeless, challenging curriculum that embraces diversity while developing global citizens socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. Located at the corner of 33rd and Meridian Street in Indianapolis, we provide a rigorous academic curriculum that incorporates three world languages, public speaking and leadership opportunities, a strong fine arts program, organized athletics, and city-wide experiences that bring learning to life.
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Ongoing fun activities you and your family can enjoy this month:
Events Around Our City:
September 23rd-October 31st
Indianapolis Zoo presents ZooBoo
Indy’s favorite fall spooktacular is back and better than ever! ZooBoo brings magic and potions, trick-or-treating for kids and adults, fun twists on their rides and more for a ghoulishly good time. And with cooler temperatures, the animals are especially active. Costumes are encouraged! Kids 12 and under are permitted to wear masks or full face paint. ZooBoo is free with membership and included with regular admission.
September 25th-October 30th
PumpkinTown at Sullivan Hardware & Garden
One of our favorite October family events is PumpkinTown! The Sullivan Express is heading to PumpkinTown at the Allisonville location, and you can get your tickets here before they sell out. The train runs every Thursday through Sunday until the week of Halloween. They have spots available throughout that whole week with the 30th as the final day. Enjoy food and drinks, entertainment, and more. Don’t forget to decorate a pumpkin and take family photos!
September 25th-November 1st
Harvest Nights at Newfields
This “spook-tacular spectacle” returns to Newfields for the month of October! Harvest Nights is family friendly and not scary for the little ones. Journey through fog-filled forests along The Pumpkin Path of Peril and take in tens of thousands of gourdgeous pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns. Brand new this year, 50 larger-than-life, handmade mushrooms by Kara Kent and artists from Expo Design will capture the imaginations in Fungi Forest. Plus, head upstairs in Mischief Manor to the new Cutwater Lounge, which is open to all guests ages 21 and older to sip and savor the experience on a whole different level.
September 30th-October 18th
Disney’s The Lion King at Old National Centre
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. Recommended for children aged six and up, Disney’s The Lion King will be at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre until October 18th. Check out the website for show times and how to get your tickets.
October 1st
First Thursday Night at The Children’s Museum
On First Thursday Nights, you can pay $6 per person to visit all of the museum’s five floors of fun or the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience (before they close for the season). This is only between the hours of 4 and 8 pm, the perfect after-hours time for families! Get your First Thursday tickets here.
October 1st
First Free Thursdays at Newfields
Newfields offers special FREE admission on the first Thursday of every month. Head over from 10am-5pm to explore the grounds and enjoy all that the Indianapolis Museum of Art has to offer. Keep an eye out for additional free admission days throughout the year.
October 1st-25th
Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie
Every Thursday through Sunday at Conner Prairie, you can have spooktacular family fun at the Headless Horseman festival, another coveted October family event. Immerse yourself into a world of mystery and seasonal thrills. Explore fall family traditions throughout the festival grounds, including fun activities and rides, seasonal treats, specialty drinks, and entertainment to delight everyone. The hayride will be waiting to take you out into the woods and into Sleepy Hollow that puts you into the story and the legend of the Headless Horseman. Click here for ticket prices and information.
October 3rd (Dates vary based on YMCA location)
Kids Night Out at YMCA
Head to your local YMCA for their KIDS NIGHT OUT EVENT. Parents, this event is perfect to allow yourself a night out on the town and the kids will be having fun too! Program activities include swimming, gym play, arts and crafts, and kid friendly movies. Dinner and snacks provided. Prices and details vary with each YMCA. Call your local YMCA for more details and date information, or click the link here.
October 3rd
Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival
Free to the public, the Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival is from 11:00 am-5:00 pm and a great October family event to kick off your month. From the event page, “This popular October event features live music, arts and crafts vendors, food booths, and beautiful scenic views along the White River Greenway. Enjoy a day of seasonal fun in one of Hamilton County’s most picturesque parks.”
October 3rd
18th Annual GermanFest
Join the Haus Party at the Athenaeum! You and your family can experience the tradition and culture of your German ancestors while you eat delicious food, enjoy drinks and live music, and play games. Kids can enjoy arts & crafts at this family-friendly event, and children 3 years old and younger are free. You can purchase tickets on their website.
October 4th
Princess Tea at Feinstien’s
Welcome to the enchanting Princess Tea in Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael for a magical afternoon filled with tea and treats fit for royalty. Dress up as your favorite princess, wear your glamorous tiara and enjoy a delightful tea party with special appearances from beloved princess characters. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience that will make you feel like a true princess! You and your guests will be served selections of scones, finger sandwiches, seasonal desserts, tea and more as this magical afternoon creates unforgettable moments.
October 8th
CATS: Beef & Boards Theatre Begins
Beef & Boards is inviting you to enjoy CATS, starting October 8th. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical leaps onto the stage in a dazzling celebration of song, dance, and imagination. Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this worldwide phenomenon introduces the Jellicle Cats as they gather for their magical midnight “Jellicle Ball.” You can get your tickets to the show here.
October 9th
Night at the Boo Bash at the Indiana State Museum
Get ready for a Night at the Boo Bash at the Indiana State Museum! “Fred the Mastodon and his friends are hosting their annual Halloween party at the museum and you’re invited! Bring your family and friends and dress in your most creative costume for a chance to win a grand prize. Gear up for a spooktacular night of dancing, candy and fun activities for all ages.” And to see the whole lineup of fun Spooky Season activities at the ISM, click here.
October 9th-31st
Fright Academy Haunted House at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Your fellow students include the next generation of villains and monsters studying potions, magic, spellcasting, shadow shifting, and other delightfully creepy subjects. Is the library haunted? What culinary horrors await in the cafeteria? Find out at Fright Academy—open October 9th-31st.
October 10th
Monument Circle Art Fair
You can teach your child how to appreciate good art during the Monument Circle Art Fair on October 10th. Local and regional artists will showcase their work around the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in downtown Indianapolis. You can enjoy delicious food from food trucks while listening to live music. And a bonus – it’s free to the public.
October 10th
Celebrate Science Indiana at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Celebrate Science Indiana is Indiana’s Premier Science Festival, and they will be at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in the Exposition Hall from 9:30 am-5:00 pm. This event is a public event that “demonstrates the importance of studying science and the joy of discovery, the economic value of science, and its significance to society.”
October 10th
Pacers Preseason versus Atlanta Hawks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Our Indiana Pacers return to the court on October 10th! The Pacers will be playing Atlanta at 7:00 pm during their anticipated pre-season. YES CERS!
October 10th
Indy Eleven Fan Appreciation Night
Celebrate Indy Eleven at the Indy Eleven Fan Appreciation Night! At Carroll Stadium, there will be giveaways, contests, and more. Tickets start at $14 – don’t miss your chance to cheer on the Boys in Blue one last time this season!
October 12th
Indigenous Peoples Day at the Eiteljorg Museum
Admission for the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration is free on October 12th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. It will be a day full of Native history, art and cultures. Performances by Native Pride Productions include different types of powwow dances, storytelling and live music.
October 15th
Little Haunt on the Prairie at Cool Creek Nature Center
For just $5 a person (2 years and younger are free), you can join in during Little Haunt on the Prairie at “Ghoul Creek Park” on October 15th from 5:00-8:30 pm. This evening event is perfect for preschool and elementary-aged children, offering a safe and fun environment to trick-or-treat, play games, and explore the outdoors. Highlights include a hayride, nature themed activities, live animals, dancing, and a cozy campfire with marshmallows. Costumes are optional, and food will be available for purchase.
October 16th
LEGO Challenge Club at the Avon-Washington Township Public Library
You can register here for the Lego Challenge Club at 5:00 pm at the Avon-Washington Township Public Library. For kids in the 1st-4th grades, this fun club offers a new challenge every week. They supply the LEGOs and you bring your imagination. They also have a raffle every month for a LEGO prize! To see all the events happening at the Avon Library this month, click here.
October 17th
Boo ‘n Brew at Clay Terrace
Clay Terrace’s 14th annual Boo ‘n Brew Fall Festival will put you in the Halloween spirit! Little ones are invited to trick-or-treat at participating retailers and along Clay Terrace Boulevard. Guests are encouraged to show up in their best Halloween Costume (your fur-friends too). Enjoy face painting, balloon artists, Silly Safari Animal Shows, a pumpkin patch, horse-drawn hayrides, and more! Adults over 21 years old also get to enjoy brews from the large beer garden while listening to live music.
October 17th
Downtown Fall Fest
Join Downtown Indy Alliance and others for a fun-filled fall day full of free games and activities and specialty fall-themed vendors at the Downtown Fall Fest! This free fall festival will have family-friendly fall activities including yard games, flower and pumpkin fields, fall-themed photo ops, pumpkin carving, bouquet making, and a Kids Corner, featuring face painting, pumpkin decorating, balloon art, and more.
October 17th
Autumntidings & Locally Made Fall Festivals at Indy Art Center
The fifth annual Autumntidings Fall Fest is the perfect place to enjoy the changing seasons. A celebration of all things fall, Autumntidings Fall Fest features Ash & Elm Cider Co.’s extremely popular fall seasonal, Autumntide, as well as several delicious fall-forward ciders. The Indianapolis Art Center is holding their free Locally Made; Art Fall Fest at the same time as Autumntidings. Guests to Autumntidings are encouraged to browse the art vendors, visit the food court, and take part in fall fun for kids and adults alike. And both events are dog friendly!
October 18th
Indianapolis Colts versus Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium
Who doesn’t love a midday Colts football game at Lucas Oil Stadium? Our beloved Indianapolis Colts are playing the Tennessee Titans at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 18th. Click here to get your tickets.
October 20th
Hocus Pocus: Free Movie Series at Schrott Center for the Arts
Doors open at 6:00 pm for the Free Movie Series at Schrott Center for the Arts. And they are playing the perfect movie for spooky season – Hocus Pocus! You and your family get to enjoy trick-or-treat stations in the lobby, glitter tattoos, and balloon twisting. Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged! This event is free and open to the public, no ticket required.
October 24th
Día de Muertos Community Celebration at the Eiteljorg Museum
From 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on October 24th, head to the Eiteljorg Museum for the Día de Muertos Community Celebration. At this free event, you can “learn the history behind the holiday, watch performances, meet artists and watch demonstrations, explore artwork, support local artists and create art. Also, take the chance to explore beautiful community-created altars, or ofrendas, as they take center stage in the Día de Muertos Community Art and Altar exhibit.”
October 24th
Sensory Friendly Trick-or-Treat at River Heritage Park
October 24th-31st
Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
For 80 years, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival has brought together thousands of residents, dozens of neighborhood organizations, and countless Eastside businesses in a fun-filled celebration of our heritage and community. The festival and its associated events are designed to bring awareness to the community, to bring commerce to local business and sponsors, and to provide fun for the children of Irvington and Indianapolis. The celebration now encompasses a week of events including a Halloween Masquerade Ball, a street fair, a wellness fair, a family movie night, the Irvington Vampire Run, and a festival after party! There is so much more, and you don’t want to miss it. Click here for more information and to see a schedule of events.
October 27th
Disney Descendants, Zombies & Camp Rock – Worlds Collide Concert Tour at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Get your tickets for the Descendants Tour to beat all tours – the Disney Descendants, Zombies & Camp Rock – Worlds Collide Concert Tour! Fans will experience an evening packed with hit songs from all three franchises brought together in a brand-new production with fresh mashups and fan favorite songs. Next-level choreography and electrifying special effects create an evening filled with nonstop delight, fan interactions, and nostalgia. Come dressed as your favorite character, sing along all night, and experience the music and moments from “Descendants,” “ZOMBIES” and “Camp Rock” colliding on stage in this all-new concert experience.
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