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.
Related Article: Fall Fun Bucket List – Things to do this Fall in Indianapolis
September Festivals around Indianapolis:
Indy Strawberry Festival
Normally held the second weekend of June, the Indy Strawberry Festival was pushed to this fall due to COVID. Strawberry lovers will take over Monument Circle for the Annual Christ Church Strawberry Festival! Enjoy the “Works,” which includes traditional strawberries, ice cream and whipped topping on a shortcake biscuit. $7.
Dates: September 2
Location: Monument Circle, Downtown Indy
St. Joseph Fall Festival
Activities include rides, a kid’s tent, blackjack, poker, raffle, silent auction, community barn sale, and a beer garden. Choose from a number of homemade menu items and desserts. Free admission.
Dates: September 3-4: Fri and Sat 5 p.m. to 11 p.m – Sunday opens at 3 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church
9th Annual Blues Fest
End the summer with the 9th Annual Fishers Blues Fest, a Labor Day tradition! The free, two-night event includes performances by renowned local and national blues artists.
Date: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, September 3, and from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, September 4
Location: Nickel Plate District AMP
Indianapolis Labor Fest
Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis will transform into Indy LaborFest, a free-admission street festival featuring music, food, beverages and a kid’s zone. Each year, more than 20,000 people attend this premier Labor Day weekend event.
Date: September 4: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Georgia Street- Downtown Indy
Indy Arts Fest
Get ready for over 200 ft of murals. Live art demos. Graffiti artists painting cars and car parts. Body painting. Chalk art. Art vendors. Food, wine, beer, ice cream, burgers, beignets, and more.
Date: September 6, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Location: Indy Auto Man Service Building
Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest
The 9th Annual Kiwanis Club of South Central Indiana Balloon Fest will be held September 10-12 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Bloomington, IN. Adults and kids of all ages will love seeing the impressive display of Hot Air Balloons, some in fun shapes.
Date: September 10-12
Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds in Bloomington, IN.
Zionsville Lions Fall Festival
For Kids there are the Bounce Houses from Celebration Central, Poor Jack’s Amusement Rides and many fun interactive shows in the Pet Pavilion and Safety Zone Area. For Adults there are many Arts & Crafts Vendors, American Dream Car Show, and the Lion’s Lounge Saturday evening with adult beverages and the very popular “Impalas” band. For everyone there are many popular food vendors which will have popular festival treats including: pizza, elephant ears, popcorn, shaved ice, tenderloins, ribs, pulled pork, cotton candy and much more.
Date: September 10-12
Location: Lions Park
Related Article: Free Things to do in Indianapolis with Kids
Oktoberfest
A true Oktoberfest experience in Indianapolis! Music, entertainment, beirgarten and more.
Date: September 9-11
Location: German Park – Greenwood
IU Health Momentum Indy Festival
Experience FREE family fun at the IU Health Momentum Indy Festival on Saturday, September 11, 2021, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Families can take in bike-themed activities throughout the day including the PNC Mini Major Taylor Ride, PNC/Meijer Kids Zone including bike obstacle courses, family yoga, rock climbing wall, games, arts and crafts, and more!
Date: September 11
Location: University Park, 307 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Penrod Arts Fair
Indiana’s Nicest Day returns to the campus of the Newfields on September 11. 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 11, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: Newfields
5th Annual Bates-Hendricks Street Fest
his event features free food, music, family-friendly activities, local vendors and community groups gathering to celebrate our wonderful community!
Dates: September 11, 4-8 p.m.
Location: 1526 S New Jersey St, Indianapolis
Jeep Jam & Family Fun Fest
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of family fun! Jeep enthusiasts are encouraged to register their Jeeps for the Jeep Jam show portion of the event. There will be games, music and free food onsite too!
Dates: September 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Main Street Greenfield
Cuisine.Connect.Culture
Explore diverse arts, entertainment, traditions and food from all over the world at the City of Westfield’s inaugural Cuisine.Connect.Culture. festival. Our main stage will feature local talent, showcasing their heritage through song, dance and apparel. In addition to enjoying performances and sampling diverse cuisines, you’ll be able to discover the traditions, crafts, products and games from other countries. We hope you will plan to bring your family and enjoy this wonderful multi-cultural event!
Dates: September 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Downtown Westfield
Beech Grove Fall Festival
Enjoy rides, games, food booths and a craft fair on Saturday!
Dates: September 15-18
Location: Main Street (3rd Ave to 8th Ave) | Beech Grove
Carmel on Canvas
Enjoy an open-air painting exhibition and competition, quick paint and art fair on the sidewalks throughout the Carmel Arts & Design District and Midtown.
Dates: September 17-19
Location: Indiana Design Center
St. Malachy Country Fair and Hog Roast
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.
Dates: September 17-18
Location: St. Malachy Catholic Church in Brownsburg
St. George Festival
This will be your chance to enjoy many delicacies of Middle Eastern culture, hear live music, join in the dancing, bid on wonderful finds in the silent auction, shop with a variety of vendors, take tours of the church and learn more about Orthodox Christianity. There is something for everyone, including a Children’s Game Area with inflatable amusements and more. Free admission.
Dates: September 17: 5-10 p.m., September 18: 1-10 p.m., September 19: 1-5 p.m.
Location: St. George Orthodox Church, Fishers
Fall Harvest Celebration
Celebrate 111 years of beekeeping in Indiana with the Honey Cafe, beekeepers hard at work, mini tours, and helicopter rides (weather permitting).
Dates: September 18, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Hunter’s Honey Farm
Festival of Machines
If you want to get up close and personal with machines big and small, this is your chance. Featuring classic cars and vintage vehicles, big machines for children to climb on, hands-on activities, and a chance to learn about what people in the past thought of the future of transportation.
Dates: September 19, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: Conner Prairie, 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 24 & 25
Location: Garfield Park
Blues in the ‘Burg
An event for the whole family! Food trucks, musical acts, beer & wine garden and more.
Dates: September 24 & 25
Location: Arbuckle Acres Park
Avon Community Heritage Festival
A fun, family-friendly atmosphere where kids and adults can enjoy a day outside among friends and others in the community. Free!
Date: September 25, 4-9 p.m.
Location: Washington Township Park
Related Article: 2021 Indianapolis Pumpkin Patch Guide
Rock the Clock
Features live music, local beer and wine vendors, food trucks and a variety of ways for residents and visitors to connect with Greenwood’s downtown business community in a block-party-like atmosphere.
Date: September 25, 3-10 p.m.
Location: Greenwood City Center
Rocky Ripple Festival
This festival offers 70+ local artisans, live music, kids interactive area, great food with local beers and wine. Come spend the day enjoying Rocky Ripple and all the family friendly activities for all ages! Free.
Date: September 25, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Hohlt Park
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 25, 2 – 11 p.m.
Location: St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, Fishers
Carmel International Arts Festival
We are just a few weeks away from the 2021 Carmel International Arts Festival and we are so looking forward to all of the extremely talented artists, delicious food, children activities, and various vendors, and our awesome street concert on Saturday night, ART ROCKS!
Dates: September 25, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; September 26, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Main St & Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana
Apple Festival & Craft Show
Pick your own apples, visit the pumpkin patch, enjoy homemade apple cobbler or a fried apple pie with ice cream, play on the playground and jump in the giant straw pile!
Dates: September 25 & 26, 8 am-8 pm
Location: Anderson Orchard
Old Town Waverly Park Festival
Celebrating the past, present and future with period encampments, educational reenactments, demonstrations, exhibits, local arts & crafts, music, food and much more.
Dates: September 25 & 26
Location: Waverly Park in Martinsville,
Atlanta New Earth Festival
Hamilton County’s longest running and largest festival. Over 600 vendors. Handcrafted items, unique arts and crafts, pottery, clothing, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, vintage decor, farmers market, kids’ zone, food and free live entertainment.
Date: September 25 & 26: Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Atlanta, IN
