Family-Friendly Fall Events

Posted on August 4, 2026

If you’re looking for family-friendly fall events, this list can help you plan your itinerary!

Fall Events Calendar

From local festivals to live entertainment to spooktacular Halloween activities… here are the events to add to your Fall 2026 itinerary.

SEPTEMBER

Fall Events at Holiday World – There's tons of fall fun happening at Holiday World! The Summer Wine'd Down Culinary Fest wraps up on September 13. But the fun continues with Friday Night Live, offering live music, drink specials, and night coaster rides, on Fridays August 21 through October 30. And Happy Halloween Weekends kick off September 19 with fall-themed extras.

Dale Fall Festival – The county’s largest street festival offers carnival rides, live entertainment, and more family fun, September 10-12!

Bourbon & Barrels - Pepper's Ridge Winery hosts a full day of fantastic music, food, drinks, and music on September 12.

Lamar Fall Fest - The second annual street fest comes to town on September 12 with family-friendly fun, including a car show, live music, kids' activities, and more.

Grandview Civic Association Fall BBQ Chicken Dinner - Enjoy a fall feast of BBQ chicken with all the fixins on September 12.

Performances at Lincoln Amphitheatre – The stage lights up with live music from Sawyer Brown on September 5, On the Border—The Ultimate Eagles Tribute on September 12 and 13, and Steve Augeri (former lead singer of Journey) on September 26.

Live Music at Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery – Saturdays in September (and October!) are for live music and local sips!

Halloween Weekends at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph – Have a spooktacular stay on weekends, September 18 through October 31. Lots of Halloween fun, including costume and decorating contests, movie nights, and more. 

Ceramic Pumpkin Painting – Pick—and paint—your own ceramic pumpkin at Good Life Designs on September 19.

On the Hill 5K – Runners and walkers will line up for the popular race at Saint Meinrad Archabbey on September 19.

Honest Abe Trail Run – Sign up for a scenic race through the woods at Lincoln State Park on September 20.

St. Meinrad Rocks Fest – St. Meinrad Park comes to life on September 25and 26 for two days of music, vendors, food, and fun.

Mariah Hill Yanks Festival – On September 26, enjoy old-fashioned fun as local favorites the Mariah Hill Yanks take on the Indianapolis Blues and a team to be announced, playing according to the 1864 rules.

Spencer County Fair – Carnival rides, pageants, a demolition derby, food… enjoy it all and so much more September 30 - October 3!

OCTOBER

Fall Family Fun Festivities at Lakeview Orchards – October is packed with hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin painting, and more, Saturdays and Sundays through October 20.  

Happy Halloween Weekends at Holiday World – Fall fun weekends continue at Holiday World through November 1.

St. Francis of Assisi Octoberfest – On October 3, head to the St. Nicholas Church Pavilion for a day of food, fun, and fellowship!

Fire & Farm Expo - Tractor and farm equipment, plus St. Meinrad Volunteer Fire Department trucks, will be on display, along with food, demonstrations, kids' activities, and more on October 4.

Young Abe's Country Craft Fair – Lincoln State Park and Lincoln Amphitheatre will co-host this annual event on October 4, with craft vendors, food, and naturalist-led activities. Ticket-holders can stick around for the Amp Unplugged performance.

Sounds of Summer at Lincoln Amphitheatre – The performance season comes to a close on October 4 with a fantastic Amp Unplugged show celebrating the works of the Beach Boys.

Monte Cassino Pilgrimages at Saint Meinrad Archabbey – Every Sunday in October, gather for a pilgrimage to the shrine, including opening and closing hymns, short sermon, rosary procession, and Litany of the Blessed Virgin.

Chrisney Fall Fest – The annual fall festival is fun for the whole family, with rides, kids’ games, food, parade, and more, October 10.

Mt. Zion AppleFest – October 10 and 11 celebrate the 45th annual Applefest with arts and crafts vendors, food, and Indiana’s largest apple pie!

Fall Shop & Stroll at Santa's Reindeer Ranch - Head to the ranch on October 10 and 11 for some fall fun, including shopping, food, live music... and, of course, a chance to see the reindeer and other animals!

Harvest Party at Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery – Bring the family for complimentary wine samples, food, tours, and live music on October 17.  

Pet Pics with Santa Claus - Bring your four-legged family members to Santa Claus Museum & Village on October 24 to capture a fun and festive photo

Fall Heritage Day at Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum – Step back in time on October 24 to experience costumed interpreters, demonstrators, kids’ activities, music, food, and more.

More Fun Coming Up on the Calendar

Keep an eye on the Events Page to see what’s happening right now and what’s coming up for Christmas!