What a magical time of year autumn is, right? The leaves are changing from lush green to brilliant hues of red, yellow, and orange, and the air’s got that little hint of chilliness to it – especially at night. It’s breezy and fall leaves drift on the wind. What better way to celebrate this lovely time than some good old-fashioned festivals? The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival in Indianapolis is an awesome Halloween festival in Indiana that we think might just be one of the best in the entire Midwest. Check it out and see why! You’ll be ready to pack your bags and head to the festival on time.

The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival has been going strong for 75 years.
Bart Everson/Flickr
Season after season, the festival has brought joy to families all over Indiana. In fact, one of the festival's very goals is to provide fun (and joy and delicious festival food) for the children of Irvington and Indianapolis, and honestly, we think it does it very well. There's a reason this festival has been running for so long and a reason it's so beloved.
Heck, it brings fun to the entire family. Even the less-alive ones.
Steve Baker/Flickr
There's no shortage of fun, fall-centric things to do during the course of this epic Midwestern festival. There's so much going on that we can't list all of it here, but some of the awesomeness is just too fun not to mention. Over the years, the festival has expanded so it's bigger and better than ever before.
The festival usually runs at the end of October for multiple days - that's a whole week of spooky festivities!
Leandro Neumann Ciuffo/Flickr
It all begins at Our Lady of Lourdes with a spooky organ music event and it only gets creepier (and more fun!) from there. Keep an eye on the festival website for the release of this year's dates and schedule.

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Check out carefully-painted window displays, awesomely carved pumpkins done by some of the Hoosier State's top carving artists, and more.
Steve Baker/Flickr
If creepy organ music isn't really your thing, no worries - there's also a seance being held at Irvington Lodge if you're brave enough to face the spirits head on. The festival itself is free to attend, though some events do have tickets that must be purchased. Trust us, it's worth it. This seance is no joke.
And, of course, that's not all - there's also spooky storytelling, a street fair with plenty of local vendors, and even a blood drive.
Steve Baker/Flickr
...no, not for vampires, silly. For your fellow Hoosiers! But what better time to give blood than the creepiest time of year? Despite some of the eerie activities, the festival is designed for the whole family so people of all ages (and fear levels) can enjoy it.
Don't miss the contests, either.
Stephanie Richard/Flickr
There's a house decorating contest and a scary story writing contest, so get creative and go for it - or just admire others' hard work. Either-or, you're in for a scary good time! You'll be hard pressed to find such a comprehensive Halloween festival anywhere else.

For the most up-to-date events calendar, specific event ticketing info, and information about how to volunteer at this year’s epic event, visit the Irvington Halloween Festival website.

Have you been to this festival before? If so, let us know about your experience in the comments section below. We love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique events.

What’s your favorite fall festival in Indiana? If it’s coming up, tell us about it using this form, and we might just feature it soon. Have a great time… if you dare!

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Festivals In Indiana

CC | April 29, 2024

What are the best festivals in Indiana?

This Halloween festival is pretty hard to beat, especially for the fall season, but it’s not the only festival the state has to offer. You might be surprised to learn about the long and diverse list of celebrations to be found here. While you’re visiting, be sure to add these festivals in Indiana to your itinerary.

  • Indianapolis 500 Festival
  • Zoopolis 500
  • Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival
  • Circus City Festival
  • Three Rivers Festival
  • Pierogi Fest
  • Jasper Strassenfest
  • Marshall County Blueberry Festival
  • Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival
  • Popcorn Festival
  • Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art

 

What charming small towns should I visit in Indiana?

Festivals are one draw to this dynamic state, but sometimes enjoying a small town is the best way to spend a getaway. There’s something so special about the small town attitude, where everyone knows everyone and you can peruse local businesses and restaurants on a classic Main Street. For a relaxing respite, visit these small towns in Indiana.

  • Madison
  • Angola
  • Winamac
  • Metamora
  • Carmel
  • Beverly Shores
  • New Harmony
  • Versailles
  • Corydon
  • Santa Claus
  • Nashville
  • Shipshewana

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