September brings with it cooler temperatures, changing leaves, pumpkin-spiced everything…and a whole lot of festivals! From cultural celebrations and fall festivals to art fairs, the month is packed with family-friendly events that are perfect for getting out and enjoying the glorious autumn weather.
September Festivals around Indianapolis:
Stuckey Farm Sunflower Festival
When: August 30–September 1 & September 6–8
Where: Stuckey Farm Orchard and Cider Mill
The Stuckey Farm Sunflower Festival will be bigger and better than ever! Imagine walking through acres of sunflowers in a dazzling array of over 20 different varieties. You can explore a forest of giant Skyscraper and Mammoth sunflowers that can grow to 15 feet tall, all the way down to Dwarf Teddy Bear sunflowers in Tiny Town.
Farmers Pike Festival
When: Aug. 29-Sept. 1
Where: The Gloryland Lighthouse Chapel
At the Farmers Pike Festival, you can stroll through over 400 spaces featuring “Beautiful Antiques and Better Collectibles,” great art, unique crafts from coast to coast, exciting clothing, and various types of jewelry.
Zionsville Lions Fall Festival
When: September 5-7
Where: Lions Park
Bounce houses, carnival rides, cotton candy and much more can be found at the Zionsville Lions Fall Festival.
Oktoberfest
When: September 4-6
Where: German Park- Greenwood
A true Oktoberfest experience in Indianapolis! Music, entertainment, beirgarten and more.
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
When: September 5-7
Where: Conner Prairie
Indiana’s largest balloon festival is floating back into town! The Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival at Conner Prairie fills the sky with colorful hot air balloons, dazzling evening glows, free morning competitions, live music, delicious food, and fun for the whole family.
Carmel on Canvas
When: September 5-6
Where: Indiana Design Center
The Carmel on Canvas event is an open-air painting exhibition and competition, with a quick paint and art fair on the sidewalks throughout the Carmel Arts & Design District and Midtown.
Penrod Arts Fair
When: September 6
Where: Newfields
The Penrod Arts Fair, also known as “Indiana’s Nicest Day,” returns to the campus of Newfields on September 6. This year’s fair features over 300 artists, six stages of entertainment, approximately 75 arts-related non-profit organizations, and an extensive children’s area.
Blues in the ‘Burg
When: September 6
Where: Arbuckle Acres Park
Blues in the ‘Burg is a can’t-miss event for the whole family! Award-winning musical acts from around the country will perform during this two-day festival. In addition, you will find some of the best local food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a Kid’s Zone, and activities for all ages.
St. Joan of Arc French Market
When: September 6
Where: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
The St. Joan of Arc FRENCH MARKET is a one-day, free-admission outdoor festival featuring authentic French dishes prepared on-site, French wine, live music all day, an artisan craft fair, a raffle, a children’s area, and Mass held in the 100-year-old church at 5:30 p.m.
Fishers Harvest Fest
When: September 7
Where: Fishers Heritage Park at White River
The Fishers Harvest Fest is a free, family-friendly event that invites you to soak up the outdoors while exploring the creations of talented local artists and artisans. From live music performances to leisurely walks through the beautiful gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Beech Grove Fall Festival
When: September 10-13
Where: Main Street, Beech Grove, IN
At the Beech Grove Fall Festival, you can enjoy rides, games, food booths and a craft fair on Saturday!
Back to the Fifties Festival
When: September 13
Where: Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds
Enjoy fifties-style fun at the Back to the Fifties Festival! There will be food, arts & crafts vendors, children’s activities, a street dance on Friday night, & huge car show on Saturday!
St. George Festival
When: September 19-21
Where: St. George Orthodox Christian Church
The St. George Festival is a family-oriented festival that includes Middle Eastern foods, live music, dancing, and a children’s carnival.
Global Fest Indy
When: September 20
Where: Northwood Christian Church
Explore global traditions in a local setting at this free, family-friendly festival. Since 2018, Global Fest has brought the community together with cultural performances, hands-on activities, and a variety of food vendors highlighting cultures from around the world.
Hunter’s Honey Harvest Celebration
When: September 20
Where: Hunter’s Honey Farm
Be sure to come out to the Honey Farm and celebrate 115 years of beekeeping in Indiana with the Honey Cafe, a beekeeper hard at work, mini tours, and helicopter rides (weather permitting).
St. Malachy Country Fair and Hog Roast
When: September 19-20
Where: St. Malachy Catholic Church in Brownsburg
The St. Malachy Country Fair and Hog Roast is a community weekend of food and fun. Stop by for a pork burger, listen to some live entertainment, and take a ride on the Ferris wheel.
Tinkerfest
When: September 20
Where: Indiana State Museum
Makers, inventors, and builders of all ages are invited to this daylong celebration of curiosity and creativity. Tinkerfest features nearly 30 hands-on, interactive stations where you can interact with robots, watch live science demonstrations, build gadgets, and see high-tech making like 3-D printing and laser-cutting. The event is included with regular museum admission.
Harvest Festival: Grape Stomp
When: September 21
Where: Daniel’s Vineyard, McCordsville
Celebrate the season at Daniel’s Vineyard with the annual Harvest Festival! This family-friendly event invites you to take part in a traditional grape stomp, browse the Fall Maker’s Market, enjoy live music, try food from local trucks, and play outdoor games in a beautiful vineyard setting.
Carmel Chinese Mooncake Festival
When: September 20
Where: Midtown Plaza Carmel
Experience the culture and traditions of China at the Carmel Chinese Mooncake Festival. The event features a Dragon Parade, traditional Chinese music and dancing, and, of course, mooncakes. Bring the whole family to Midtown Plaza to enjoy this cultural celebration.
Carmel Porchfest
When: September 21
Where: Carmel Arts & Design District residential streets
For a uniquely charming experience, Carmel Porchfest features a wide variety of musicians playing on the front porches of neighborhood homes. This free, family-friendly event invites you to stroll from porch to porch, discovering different musical acts in a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to spend a pleasant Sunday afternoon.
Festival of the Turning Leaves
When: September 26-28
Where: Main Street, Thorntown
Celebrate the beauty of fall at this FREE three-day event in charming Thorntown. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and fun for the whole family. Bring your own chair to relax and soak in the vibrant autumn atmosphere.
Rocky Ripple Festival
When: September 27
Where: Hohlt Park
The Rocky Ripple Festival offers more than 70 local artisans, live music, a kids’ interactive area, and great food with local beers and wine. Come spend the day enjoying all the family-friendly activities Rocky Ripple has to offer! Admission is free.
Carmel International Arts Festival
When: September 27-28
Where: Carmel Arts and Design District
Each year for the Carmel International Arts Festival, the streets at Main Street and Rangeline Road are lined with Artists from all over the country.
Atlanta New Earth Festival
When: September 27-28
Where: Downtown Atlanta, Indiana
The Atlanta New Earth Festival is the longest-running and largest festival in Hamilton County, attracting over 600 vendors. Attendees can discover handcrafted items, unique arts and crafts, pottery, clothing, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and vintage decor. A farmers market, kids’ zone, and delicious food vendors will also be available.
Apple Festival & Craft Show
When: September 27-28
Where: Anderson Orchard
Experience a delightful day at the Apple Festival & Craft Fair! Visitors can enjoy apple picking, a pumpkin patch, and over 80 crafters showcasing their unique creations.
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