Things to Do in October
Posted on September 27, 2022
Visiting in October and looking for family-friendly fun for your to-do list? You’re in luck. The month is overflowing with fall events, activities, and things to do!
Pick or Paint a Pumpkin
Whether you want to pick, paint, or even smash a pumpkin—there’s an event for that! Lakeview Orchards hosts its Fall Family Fun Festivities on Saturdays and Sundays all month long, offering U-pick pumpkins, plus a hayride, straw maze, and corn maze.
On October weekends, families can also hop aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express for a train ride to a pumpkin patch to pick their gourd and decorate it. If playing with pumpkins is more to your liking, you can try pumpkin bowling, pumpkin tic tac toe, pumpkin ring toss, and pumpkin smashing at Pumpkins & More’s Kids Days on Sundays throughout the month.
Beginning October 8, Lincoln State Park is the place to be on Saturdays for hayrides, pumpkin painting, games—and some of the area’s prettiest fall scenery—during the Fall Fun Fest and Friends Fall Frolic!
Fall Festivals
Fall is festival season! The Spencer County Fair begins on September 28 and wraps up on October 1 with a full schedule of activities, including a car show, live auction, helicopter rides, demolition derby, and carnival rides. On October 1, you can also check out the St. Francis of Assisi Octoberfest for a day of cultural dancing exhibitions, live music, pumpkin decorating, German and Mexican food, and more.
On October 8 and 9, the Mt. Zion Applefest invites families out for arts, crafts, delicious food, and the chance to try one of Indiana’s largest apple pies!
Historical Events (Of All Kinds)
This area’s rich and unique history is celebrated year ’round. But this month, there are some extra-special ways to honor the past.
Check out Pioneer Day at the Colonel Jones Home on October 1 for tomahawk throwing, corn husk doll making, a snake program, and more. On October 29, Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum will host Fall Heritage Day, with costumed interpreters and demonstrators, kids’ activities, music, food, and museum tours. And experience history by candlelight during Junior Ranger Night at the Farm at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, also on October 29.
On October 2, we’re celebrating two different kinds of history. At the Santa Claus Museum & Village Open House, a classic model train exhibit (along with “Santa’s Indiana Office”) will join the impressive selection of town artifacts. And local football greats, including Jay Cutler and Ken Dilger, will be at Lincoln Amphitheatre to have their accomplishments celebrated during the Indiana Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Live Music
What does fall sound like? Crunching leaves, whistling breezes… and live music! Lincoln Amphitheatre wraps up its Saturday night performance series on October 1 with Midnight Rider: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers. And on October 9, Duke Tumatoe & the Power Trio take the stage for the final Sunday “Amp Unplugged” show of the season.
Enjoy local sips and live music at Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery on Saturdays this month, ending with the festive Harvest Party on October 22.
Seasonal Shopping
Christmas is getting closer, so the time is right to start shopping. But it’s also a great time to treat yourself!
There’s something for the whole family at Beloved Farms’ Wine Fest & Fall Market on October 1, including shopping and local wines and beers for the grown-ups and Inflatables, activities, and ice cream for the kiddos!
If you’re looking for locally made, handmade, and one-of-a-kind gifts, then you need to be at the Pumpkins & More Craft Show on October 29.
Happy Halloween
Did someone say spooky season? Not-too-scary family fun starts with Happy Halloween Weekends at Holiday World all month long.
On October 22, gather at Santa Claus Museum & Village on October 22 for All Hallows’ Eve to hear the classic ghost story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Have a scary good time when you brave the Haunted Barn at Pumpkins & More on October 22 and 23.
The Beloved Farms Halloween Bash offers a family-friendly celebration on October 29. And be sure to grab your pumpkin and hit the Yellig Park Trick-or-Treat Trail on October 30 for candy, costume contests, and more.
Additional Fall Events
Enjoy family-friendly fall events on October weekends during Fall in Love with the Farm at Beloved Farms. On October 2, Saint Meinrad Archabbey will host the Abbey Caskets Open House. The Archabbey will also present Monte Cassino Pilgrimages every Sunday during the month. And come see the cars (or show off your own) at the final Rockport Cruise-In of the year on October 8.
More Things to Do in October
☕ Soothe a fall chill with 35 cocoa flavors at Santa’s Candy Castle
🏌️♂️ Hit the links at Christmas Lake Golf Club or The Rustic Golf Course
🍿 Catch a movie under the stars with the family at Holiday Drive-In
🍗 Fill up on comfort food favorites at restaurants throughout the area.
🎅 Visit with Santa at the Santa Claus Christmas Store on weekends beginning October 8
🛍 Shop ’til you drop at Santa’s TOYS, Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop, Beverly J. Ellen, and Darlena’s Holiday and Gift Shoppe
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