All around Indianapolis FREE EVENTS are taking place. Find some of our favorite free events perfect for family fun!
Free things to do in October near Indianapolis:
McCloud Prairie Maze
September 1- October 31 | McCloud Nature Park
Celebrate cutest members of the rodent family, the squirrel, with a trip through the McCloud Nature Park squirrel-themed prairie maze. Admission to McCloud Nature Park and the prairie maze is absolutely FREE, and both are open from dawn to dusk daily. To access the prairie corn maze, park in the Nature Center parking lot. Maps to the maze are available in the kiosk outside of the Nature Center, as well as in the kiosk at the entrance to the maze.
Monument Circle Art Fair
October 7 | Monument Circle
This family-friendly public event showcases the work of regional artists, plus music, food and more. Monument Circle Art Fair is one day of art, music and food around the historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indy.
The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
October 13-22 | Parke County
The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is an annual event that showcases the county’s 31 historic covered bridges. Visitors can also enjoy authentic arts and crafts, delicious food, and beautiful fall foliage during the festival.
Festival of Jack-o-Lanterns
October 22-30 | Riley Home Museum
Have a little fun and carve a pumpkin for Greenfield’s 2023 Jack-o-lantern Contest. It’s
free to enter. We will set up a fun and maybe a bit spooky display in the gardens of the Riley Museum.
Stop by any evening from 7 – 9 PM to see the jack-o-lanterns glowing or visit during the day if you prefer.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail
October 28 | Anson Acres Park
Have a little fun and carve a pumpkin for Greenfield’s 2023 Jack-o-lantern Contest. It’s
​Join Whitestown Parks and Recreation for a fun, family-friendly, safe trick-or-treating event at Anson Acres Park on Saturday, October 28th. Trick-or-treat for candy from local businesses, roast s’mores over a bonfire, and go through the spooky woods.
Stop by any evening from 7 – 9 PM to see the jack-o-lanterns glowing or visit during the day if you prefer.
Free Outdoor Movies
Movies at Midtown
Monday’s at Midtown Carmel Plaza
Movies at Midtown are FREE and are every Tuesday at noon and 6 pm, and Thursday at 6 pm.
- Oct 3 & 5: The Bad Guys
- Oct 10 & 12: The Little Mermaid (Live)
- Oct 17 & 19: Luca
Trick or Treat!
October 31 | Your Neighborhood
Every child can agree that trick-or-treating on Halloween is one of the best days of fall. To help keep all the trick-or-treaters safe, please make sure to stick to your city’s official trick-or-treat time.
Movies in the Plaza
Come out to the Plaza with your family and friends to enjoy a free evening of entertainment on the Great Lawn. *Movies will begin at Dusk*
- October 27 – Halloweentown
Free Museum Admission Days
- October 5 – Newfields | Newfields Community Day
Free Outdoor Concerts
Greenwood Fall Concert Series
- October 7: That 90’s Band
October 14: Stella Luna
Free Fairs & Festivals
Festivals are always fun. Free festivals are even better. Below are the free festivals taking place in August. These festivals all offer free admission but may charge fees for attractions and food.
- October 7 – Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival
- October 7 – Harvest Moon Festival
- October 14 – Pioneer Fall Festival
- October 21 – Pumpkin Funktion
- October 21 – Boo ‘N Brew Fall Festival
- October 22 & 28 – WiseWood Farm Fall Festival
- October 28 – Fishers Boo Bash – Fishers Boo Bash
- October 28 – Ghosts and Goblins
