If There's One Fall Festival You Attend In Indiana, Make It The Feast Of The Hunters' Moon
By Tori Jane|Updated on April 30, 2024(Originally published August 23, 2022)
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Sometimes, you want to get out and enjoy the changing of the seasons without the typical pumpkins, corn mazes, and hayrides. You want something a little different – something that’s both mentally engaging and a total blast to experience. Well, we’ve gone and found just the thing – an exciting and unique fall festival in Indiana that’s now in its 57th year. It’s called the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon, and it is an experience you will never forget. Pack your bags, come sit by the fire, and learn about how life used to be here in Indiana long, long ago – before cell phones, coolers, or electronics.
The Feast of the Hunters' Moon is something along the lines of the Renaissance Festival in the sense that it's a completely immersive, old-school experience that strives to both entertain and educate.
You (and the family) will learn all about life in Indiana for Native American peoples at Fort Ouiatenon, which was the first fortified European outpost in what is now the Hoosier State. It's a great way to learn about the region's history while staying engaged and entertained.
You'll be surrounded by authentic 18th-century life and things to do; there are no modern items, like coolers, cell phones, radios, etc., allowed within sight at the event, making it one of the most fully immersive experiences of life long past out there.
Period dress is STRONGLY encouraged, and you can find details and ideas for what to wear on the official Feast of the Hunters' Moon website. The actors and actresses you'll be surrounded by are living their best 1700s lives - and you can too! You know it's going to be a fun event if there are costumes involved.
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Delight in discovering Native American and French vendors selling art, clothing, items, and more.
If you're interested, you can even apply to have a vendor spot at this year's event! Visit the website (again) for information about how to apply. You might discover local businesses that you never even knew existed and it's a great place to buy one-of-a-kind gifts and memorabilia.
The whole event in and of itself is a re-enactment of an age-old autumn tradition: the meeting of Native Americans and French folks at Fort Ouiatenon, which took place every year and, to this day, still does! If you don't know about this significant historical moment, you're in for a treat, you get to experience it for yourself!
Savor delicious foods that folks attending the festival centuries ago would have.
Sample ales, ciders, and more. Seriously, if you're a lover of the annual Renaissance Faire most states hold, you're absolutely going to LOVE this. To say it's a blast and half is to underestimate it. Although everything is period specific, there's still a huge selection of food and beverages so everyone in your party (even the picky eaters) can find something to enjoy.
This year's Feast of the Hunters' Moon takes place on October 5-6th, 2024.
Please do not forget to visit the Feast of the Hunters' Moon website for all the information you'll need to attend, including ticket sales.
Have you been to this and would you agree that it’s one of the most unique festivals in Indiana? Let us know in the comments below, we love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique and interesting experiences.
Do you have any favorite fall festivals in Indiana you’ve made a tradition? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. For another amazing, more traditional autumn day out, you’ll want to check out the best pumpkin patches in Indiana, too.
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More to Explore
Historic Towns In Indiana
CC|April 30, 2024
What are the most historic towns in Indiana?
If it’s the history of this celebration that gets you excited, there’s a lot more to experience. Small towns in the Hoosier State are some of the best ways to engage with the rich history of the territory. To learn more about long ago life, visit these historic towns in Indiana.
Corydon
Carmel
Beverly Shores
New Harmony
Versailles
Santa Claus
Nashville
Shipshewana
Madison
Angola
Winamac
Metamora
What are the most unique festivals in Indiana?
If this unique, one-of-a-kind festival is your jam, and you’re well over the pumpkin patches and hayrides, you’re in luck. Indiana happens to be a hot bed of quirky and wonderful local festivals. While you’re visiting, be sure to add these unique festivals in Indiana to your must-see list.