It’s here! October has officially arrived!
And along with the perfect weather to hit the pumpkin patches, the corn mazes and fun events, there are oodles of other free things to do in the Circle City.
Here’s a roundup of 15 absolutely free things to do this October in Indianapolis!
October 4, 10:30 am
Southport Branch Library
Babies and toddlers up to age 3 and adult are invited for a process art program. They can stick around after the art activity for socialization and playtime. Come dressed for a mess!
October 7, 10 am-5 pm
Downtown Indy
Browse the works of more than 70 regional artists who will be showcasing their work around the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in downtown Indianapolis. Visual artists and musical entertainment will be available at this free, public event, along with food trucks.
October 8, 1-5 pm
Broad Ripple Park
Messianic Jewish Congregation Shaarey Yeshua invites you to come and learn about Sukkot, the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. Head to Broad Ripple Park to celebrate and enjoy live music, singing, dancing, an “Ask the Rabbi” booth, kids activities, and lots of fun for all ages.
October 10, 10:30 am
College Avenue Branch Library
Preschoolers are invited to journey through the regions of Mali, Senegal, Gambia and Guinea to learn cultural traditions of song and dance along the way. Be ready to move your body!
NEED MORE FALL FUN? Take a look at our list of 50 Fall Bucket List Ideas!
October 13, 5-9 pm
Broad Ripple Village
This evening walk features Broad Ripple galleries, boutiques and shops, each hosting their own unique art exhibit. Participating businesses are scattered throughout the Village, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful evening experiencing Broad Ripple and supporting the arts community.
October 14 and 21, 1-4 pm
Cool Creek Nature Center
Join Hamilton County Parks & Recreation for their annual Halloween costume swap. Bring an unwanted costume or accessory and SWAP it for another one. This is a great way to reuse costumes that no longer fit and save money at the same time.
Indiana State Police Museum Annual Trick or Treat
October 21, 3-5 pm
Indiana State Police Museum
Trunk or Treat with the Indiana State Police and other agencies from around Marion County at the Indiana State Police Museum. This is a free event for the whole family – they’ll offer carnival games, a DJ, and troopers and local law enforcement handing out candy to visitors.
Garfield Park Conservatory Visitor Appreciation Day
October 22, 1pm
Garfield Park Conservatory
In appreciation of all of their wonderful visitors and supporters, admission to the Conservatory is free on this day. Enjoy the unique tropical experience, including waterfalls, orchids, animals and more.
October 24-25, 6 pm
Irving Theater, Historic Irvington
Enjoy a free performance by Peewinkles Puppet Studio as part of the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival. Gertrude, the Witch, will let you into her kitchen and even visit with her ghoulish marionette friends. A classic Halloween show, ideal for the whole family!
October 26, 3:30-5:30 pm
Brightwood Branch Library
Families and children of all ages are invited for a hauntingly good time. Come dressed up in family-friendly costumes or just hang out with other ghouls. There’ll be games, face and nail painting, crafts, coloring pages, mask making, goodies and children’s stories of Haunted Indiana with local award-winning young adult author Saundra Mitchell.
October 27, 6:30-8:30 pm (A Sensory Friendly Hour be held from 5:30 – 6:30 pm)
Central Green in front of Fishers City Hall
One of our favorite events – the Fishers Parks and Recreation Boo Bash is a fun Halloween Village filled with local businesses, games, music, costume contests and candy – and it is all FREE! Note the new location this year due to construction at the Nickel Plate Amphitheatre.
Historic Irvington Street Fair
October 28, 10 am-5 pm
Historic Irvington
Enjoy a parade, food trucks, and plenty of vendor booths! Wear your spookiest costumes. East Washington Street between Ritter Avenue (to the West) and Bolton (to the East), Audubon Street from Washington (to the North) to South Irving Circle, and Bonna Avenue from Audubon Street to Ritter Avenue.
Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Eiteljorg Museum
October 28, 11 am-4 pm
Eiteljorg Museum
The Eiteljorg will offer FREE admission to experience Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with partner, Nopal Cultural Center, a multicultural arts organization that seeks to enhance Latino-American arts in Indianapolis and surrounding cities. See traditional papel picado, the cut paper decorations hung for Hispanic celebrations and get ideas for your own memorial by seeing the elements on the community ofrenda (offering place). Watch performances, meet artists in residence, explore artwork and a variety of altars, browse the marketplace and create art.
BOOKMARK THIS: Where to find a pumpkin patch in Indianapolis
October 29, 2-4 pm
Arthur M. Glick JCC
Enjoy a family celebration for adults and kids of all ages at the Arthur M. Glick JCC. Create your own super-powers, come in costume, enjoy our superhero photo booth, read super hero books and so much more. This event is in partnership with Barnes & Noble.
October 29, 4-7 pm
Mass Ave, downtown Indy
Mark your calendar for this is a fun event. Shops on Mass Ave in downtown Indy open their doors to trick or treaters and typically feature fun activities at each stop.
