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 and a day dedicated to donuts, the month is packed with family-friendly events that are perfect for getting out and enjoying the glorious autumn weather.
September Festivals around Indianapolis:
St. Joseph Fall Festival
Activities include rides, a kid’s tent, black jack, poker, raffle, silent auction, community barn sale, and a beer garden. Choose from a number of homemade menu items and desserts. Free admission.
Dates: August 31- September 2, Friday and Saturday 5:00 pm; Sunday 3:00 pm
Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church
Indianapolis Labor Fest
Georgia Street undergoes a transformation for this street festival featuring live music, food, beverages and family-friendly activities. Bring your kids down to the Eskenazi Health Indy Labor Fest Kids Zone with face painting, bounce house, zip line and more. Free admission.
Date: September 1
Location: Georgia Street- Downtown Indy, Time: 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Penrod Arts Fair
Indiana’s Nicest Day returns to the campus of the Indianapolis Museum of Art on September 9. This annual event showcases hundreds of artists, and offers live music, performing arts and local cuisine in a family-friendly setting. $15 presale; $20 at the door.
Date: September 8, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: Indianapolis Museum of Art
Caramel Apple Festival
Kick off Apple season at this annual festival. Pick your own apples, take a hayride, let the kids explore Tractor Town Adventure Farm and much more. Free admission. Activity pricing varies. See website for details
Date: September 8 & 15th , 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Location: Tuttle Orchards, Greenfield
YMCA World Fest
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis will host a new event—YMCA World Fest—on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, on Monument Circle. The free-to-attend celebration of culture will feature international food vendors with food available for purchase, music, sports and performers and will kick off the Y’s annual Welcoming Week festivities. FREE.
Date: Thursday, September 13th, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
Location: Monument Circle
Indy Donut Festival
Sample donuts and coffee from Indy-based donut shops and bakeries, and then vote for your favorite. This is a family-friendly event with live music, fun activities & great food! Proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research and awareness. See website for ticket pricing.
Date: September 29, 11:00 am
Location: Broad Ripple Park
St. George Festival
The annual St. George Festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment. Guests can enjoy Middle Eastern food, live music, DJ tent, food demonstrations, book signings, iconogrpahy tours and an on-site carnival. Free admission. Stop by St. George Orthodox Church before Sept. 14 to receive a bonus $5 food voucher.
Dates: September 121, 5:00-10:00 pm; September 22, 1:00-10:00 pm; September 17, 1:00-5:00 pm
Location: St. George Orthodox Church, Fishers
Irish Fest
This annual festival celebrates Irish heritage during a weekend encompassing cultural activities and family fun. Enjoy live music, Irish dancers, food, drink and fun for the kiddos in the Wee Folk Area. See website for ticket pricing.
Dates: September 14-16
Location: Military Park, downtown Indianapolis
Festival of Machines
Take a spin in a go-kart, view high-end cars, ride on a hovercraft, and see powerful machinery up close at this two-day festival that celebrates the ways we move forward. Included with general admission.
Dates: September 15-16, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: Conner Prairie, Fishers
Carmel International Arts Festival
The 20th Annual Carmel International Arts Festival will be fun for the whole family. Enjoy live entertainment while browsing the works of over 130 juried artists. Young Artist Tent, features the View the exceptional talent of our high school art students in Carmel in the Young Artist Tent. New this year: a Young at Art station for kids. Free admission.
Dates: September 22, 10:00 am.-6:00 pm; September 23, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: Arts and Design District, Carmel
Fiesta Familia: A Celebration of Latino Cultures
Celebrate Fiesta Familia! The festivities will honor children and celebrate Latino cultures. FREE.
Dates: Sunday, September 23, 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Oktoberfest @Saxony
Enjoy German food, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, live music, kids activities and, of course, a beer garden at this annual family-friendly celebration. Free, but canned food donations will be collected to benefit a local food pantry. Free admission.
Dates: September 21-22, Friday 5:30-10:30 pm; Saturday noon-10:30 pm
Location: Witten Park, Fishers
Rocky Ripple Festival
This annual festival is an art-filled, high energy day of live music, local art, multi-generational creative activities, delicious food, beer and wine by local vendors. Voted the most family friendly local festival of its kind, this is the last hurrah of the summer! Over seventy artist booths, six bands, kids’ activity area, drum circle, dancing, fun, fun, fun. Free admission.
Date: September 22, 11:00 am- 6:00 pm
Location: Rocky Ripple Hohlt Park
Atlanta New Earth Festival
The 37th Annual Atlanta New Earth Festival will feature over 600 unique arts and crafts, collectibles, and culinary delights. There will also be live entertainment and a kids’ zone with games, inflatables, and sweet treats. Free admission.
Date: September 22-23
Location: Downtown Atlanta, IN
Hamilton Harvest Fest
Families will enjoy a day full of fun activities, face painting, food, live bands and beer trucks, cupcake decorating and photo booths with printing on site. David Smith, professional pumpkin carver from the Food Network will also be on hand. Free admission. Call 317-684-7711 for more info.
Date: September 29, 3:00-8:00 pm
Location: Behind Stone Creek at Hamilton Town Center
St. Louis de Montfort Fall Festival
The annual St. Louis de Montfort Fall Festival offers fun-filled activities for adults and children of all ages! Enjoy fellowship, food, games, live music and more! Free admission.
Date: September 29, 2:00-11:00 pm
Location: St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Community, Fishers
Festival of Tabernacles
Live music, singing, dancing & kids activities. Fun for ALL Ages! FREE.
Date: Sunday, September 30, 1:00- 5:00 pm
Location: Broad Ripple Park
