The West Side Nut Club Fall Festival, now in its 105th year, takes over West Franklin Street in Evansville with free entertainment, about 34 carnival rides and 137 nonprofit food booths. The festival draws more than 200,000 visitors and includes Amateur Hour talent competitions and several parades.
Family Day opens the week with kiddie rides only and smaller crowds; the nonprofit food booths open Monday. Later highlights include the Lighthouse Parade, the Amateur Hour finals, the Pet Parade and the Main Parade on the final Saturday, which goes on rain or shine.
Admission is free. Rides use FUNTAGG credits or a $30 unlimited-ride wristband, good only on the day purchased. Safe Kid Armbands and lost and found are at Franklin Street and 11th Avenue, and pets, glass, bikes, scooters and drones are not allowed.
Looking for more free things to do? Browse our monthly list of free events in Indianapolis.
2026 Dates:
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 1 to 7 p.m. | Family Day, kiddie rides only
- Monday, October 5, 2026 | Rides 2 to 10 p.m. | Lighthouse Parade, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | Rides 2 to 10 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Rides 2 to 10 p.m.
- Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Rides 2 to 10:30 p.m.
- Friday, October 9, 2026 | Rides 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. | Amateur Hour finals, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Rides 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. | Pet Parade, 10 a.m.; Main Parade, 4:30 p.m.