Fall is here, well almost, but the month of September has arrived. Here is our round up of September family events happening this month in and around Indianapolis!
Meet Our Sponsor: Herron Classical Schools
Herron Classical Schools is a network of three tuition-free public charter schools, Herron High School, Herron-Riverside High School, and Herron Preparatory Academy. Within each of our schools, we envision a racially and socio-economically diverse student body. Herron Classical School believes that a classical, liberal arts education prepares students to become well-rounded, engaged citizens of the future.
For more information, visit their website.
Facebook | Twitter
Ongoing fun activities you and your family can still enjoy this month:
- Local summer concerts
- Farmers’ markets
- Parks and playgrounds
- Splash pads & water fun – until Labor Day!
Events Around Our City
September 1st
First Free Thursdays at Newfields
To kick off our list of September family events, Newfields offers special FREE admission on the first Thursday of every month. Head over from 11am-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 summer.
September 1st
First Thursday Night at the Children’s Museum
On First Thursday Nights, you can pay $6 per person to visit either the museum with their amazing new Dinosphere exhibit or the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience. And your ticket also includes access to Ask the Experts Night. This is only between the hours of 4 and 8 pm, the perfect after-hours time for families! Get your First Thursday tickets here.
September 2nd
Movies in the Park at Federal Hill Commons
Take advantage of the nice weather before it gets cold! You and your family should pack up a picnic and watch Sing 2 at Federal Hill Commons on September 2nd during the 15th annual Movies in the Park Series before summer ends.
September 2nd-4th
Last Days of Symphony on the Prairie
Symphony on the Prairie has just three days in September with musical acts and tributes for you and your family to enjoy! Here is the final lineup for summer:
September 2: Super Diamond: The Neil Diamond Tribute
September 3: The Springsteen Experience: A Tribute to the Boss
September 4: Here Come the Mummies
September 2nd-5th, 9th-11th
Sunflower Festival at Stuckey Farms
Stuckey Farms is hosting their popular Sunflower Festival on September 2nd-5th and 9th-11th and you won’t want to miss it. They have seven acres and over 30 varieties of sunflowers to explore and offer photo opportunities throughout your experience.
September 3rd
Paws to Read at Wayne Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library
Paws to Read is perfect for your child if they are a reluctant reader who needs to improve their reading skills and self-confidence. You can sign up for a 15-minute reading session and read to Dandy, a Goldendoodle. Visit the link or call 317.275.4533 to sign-up!
September 4th
Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air
Urban Air Adventure Park in Noblesville hosts weekly activities, including Sensory Friendly Play, an event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music or flashing lights. Parents are free!
September 5th
Labor Day Fun at the Farm at Tuttle Orchards
Another fun way to say hello to the beginning of all things Fall, the Labor Day Fun at the Farm at Tuttle Orchards! There are a lot of fun activities to enjoy as a family – u-pick apples, their Tractor Town Kids Play Area, a corn maze, hayrides, and more. There is no admission charge, but each activity does have its own cost.
September 7th
Carmel Gazebo Concerts
Throughout the month of September, Carmel Gazebo Concerts want to entertain you and your family. Check out their website for the entertainment line-up, and follow their Facebook page for up to date information.
September 9th-11th
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival at Conner Prairie
A weekend of fun events centered around hot air balloons, head to the Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival at Conner Prairie. Different events you can experience include the Hare and Hound Race, live music, evening balloon glow with bounce houses and fun family activities, and that’s just on the first night! Check out the website to see full weekend event line-up.
September 9th-11th
Hoosier Hardwood Festival
The Boone County Fairgrounds is hosting the Hoosier Hardwood Festival from September 9th through the 11th. Not only do they have a lumberjack show and chainsaw demonstrations, they have a Kids Zone that features face painting, giant dominoes and yard yahtzee, and a fun obstacle course. They also fun family activities like rock walls, a petting zoo, and bounce houses.
September 10th
Penrod Arts Fair
The Penrod Arts Fair is back for its 55th year! Head over to Newfields from 9:00 am-5:00 pm to explore. According to their event website, there will be over 300 artists, six stages of entertainment, approximately 75 arts-related non-profit organizations, and an extensive children’s area. Also, stop by the Indiana Craft Beer Garden and their brand new Wine Terrace, behind the Lilly House.
September 10th-11th
Columbus Scottish Festival
Check out the Columbus Scottish Festival for “a weekend of Scottish entertainment, competition, history, and much more.” You can expect to see Highland Games, a sheepdog demonstration, and adults can enjoy a $10 whiskey tasting. Make sure you take your wee bairns to enjoy the Children’s Area, which is free!
September 10th-11th
Block Party at the Bottleworks District
This is not your average block party! The Bottleworks District downtown is kicking off the Indianapolis Colts’ regular season with a two-day takeover. You can expect some really cool stuff, like DJ’s, photo opportunities with Colts cheerleaders, fun fan experiences, and a live muralist. Check out the event website for more information and visit their Facebook page to let them know you’re coming.
September 11th
Sensory Friendly Hours at Conner Prairie
Another great sensory friendly event for Indianapolis families is the Sensory Friendly Hours at Conner Prairie. They hold these hours every second Sunday of the month from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, when Conner Prairie is calmer and will allow you to explore without getting overwhelmed.
September 15th
Children’s Garden Tour at Coxhall Gardens
A fun little spot to explore, you can take your kids on a tour of the Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens on August 15th from 11:00 am-12:00 pm.
September 17th
Eagle Creek Folk Fest
Another fun festival to enjoy as a family is the Eagle Creek Folk Fest. In its 47th year and organized by the Central Indiana Folk Music & Mountain Dulcimer Society, there will be live music, jam sessions, and a variety of workshops. Food and beverages will be available at this free family-friendly event.
September 17th
Family Kickball at the OrthoIndy YMCA
Play kickball as a family, against other families at Family Kickball at the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA Sports Field from 12:00-2:00 pm on September 17th. Register your family here, and don’t forget to stretch before you play!
September 17th
FIESTA Indianapolis at La Plaza
La Plaza’s FIEST Indianapolis is the premier Latino cultural celebration in Indiana since 1980, is held in September in downtown Indianapolis. Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month and the Latino community in Indiana, you can enjoy a day of music, dancing, food, children’s activities, a health and wellness fair, and community service booths, according to their event website.
September 22nd
MasterChef Junior Live! at Clowes Memorial Hall
Is your kiddo a foodie or a fan of MasterChef Junior? Their live show is coming to Clowes Memorial Hall on September 22nd! Click here for more information and to get your tickets.
September 22nd
Family Equinox Yoga at Hendricks Regional YMCA
You’ve played kickball as a family, now you can do yoga together! Enjoy the September equinox with sunset yoga with Family Equinox Yoga at the Hendricks Regional YMCA. Register here.
September 23rd-25th
Suburban Indy Home & Outdoor Living Show at Grand Park
Thinking of doing some Fall landscaping, remodeling, or even design/build projects? Check out the Suburban Indy Home & Outdoor Living Show at Grand Park in Westfield. You can connect with local business to help with your outdoor projects, and you can also check out their Marketplace to purchase products from local businesses.
September 23rd-24th
Indy Irish Fest at Garfield Park
September is the month of cultural festivals in Indianapolis! Another great one to check out is the Indy Irish Fest at Garfield Park. Irish Fest offers cultural activities for the family to promote Irish culture, arts, music, sports and history. Enjoy live Irish music, indulge in plenty ‘o Irish food, participate in a Kilted Mile run/walk, and shop the Irish market. Tickets are $20 for adults; $5 for kids ages 5-14. Children 4 and under are free!
September 24th
Fall Indy Mommy Market
The Indy Mommy Market is on September 24th at Pennington Park Church, and you can shop at this pop-up event from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Indy Mommy Market features local shops that sell handmade, curated, and vintage products for kids of all ages.
September 24th
Circle City Classic Parade
The Circle City Classic Parade will weave through downtown Indianapolis on September 24th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Beginning at the intersection of North and Pennsylvania Streets, the parade will feature “performances from groups across the country and offers competitive opportunities for participating bands, drill teams, and Greek units.” To learn more about the Circle City Classic and the full event line-up, visit their events schedule page.
September 24th
Touch-A-Truck at the Johnson County Fairgrounds
Children can climb, learn, and explore vehicles at the Touch-A-Truck event at the Johnson County Fairgrounds on September 24th. If you have a child that is sensitive with loud noises, come from 10:00-11:00 am during their horn free/reduced noise hour. There will also be food and vendors.
September 25th
Indianapolis Colts versus Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium
Who doesn’t love a midday Colts football game at Lucas Oil Stadium? Our beloved Indianapolis Colts are playing the Kansas City Chiefs at 1:00 pm on September 25th. Click here to get your tickets.
September 25th
Indy Eleven versus Loudoun United
Our local professional soccer team, the Indy Eleven, are playing against Loudoun United at 5:00 pm on September 25th. To check out their full schedule and get tickets for you and your family, click here.
September 28th
Kangaroo Crossing at the Indianapolis Zoo
Make your Sunday a fun family outing at the Indianapolis Zoo! If you haven’t been able to experience the new Kangaroo Crossing yet, hop on over (see what I did there).
September 30th
Scooby Doo Mansion Mayhem at the Children’s Museum
Last but certainly not least in our list of September family events, Scooby Dooby Doo! Scooby-Doo and his gang have another mystery to solve, and they need your help. Scooby-Doo™ Mansion Mayhem is still at the Children’s Museum and you can join in on finding clues and solving puzzles during the celebration of their newest exhibit.