This fall, dive into the variety of seasonal adventures on the White River! Admiring vibrant foliage at parks like Strawtown Koteewi, enjoying the annual festivities like Harvest Nights at Newfields and ZooBoo, variety of concerts at Everwise Amphitheater, and the numerous other unique events that are coming to Indy this spooky season!
Autumn on the River
For those who love the river as much as we do, here is the information you’re looking for! If you have your own boat, canoe, or kayak, check out our paddling page for boat ramps and launch locations as well as where to find hazardous dams and safe water level recommendations. White River Canoe Company is located in Noblesville with trips starting in northern Hamilton County and offers tubes. Frank’s Paddlesports Livery is based in Riverside Park in Indianapolis with trips starting in Broad Ripple, both offering kayaks and canoes for rental.
We have put together a handy guide about the most common fish in the river, locations of boat ramps, fish consumption advisories, and fishing regulations. September 28 is the Free Fishing Day in Indiana, meaning Indiana residents don’t need a fishing license to fish. Those looking for a guided fishing experience: White River is home to Indiana’s premiere guide service, Two Forks Guide Service, who can take you out on an all-day, fully-furnished experience of solitude and beauty on the river!
Sweater Weather Sounds
Everwise Amphitheater will be bringing lots of touring acts to the riverbank in White River State Park. From international tours like Porter Robinson SMILE! 😀 to local acts like the Indy Jazz Fest. Becky G, Benson Boone, Conan Gray, and Yacht Rock Revue are just a few others to line the stage in downtown Indianapolis this fall.
Concerts at the Commons in Noblesville’s Federal Hill Commons will continue into part of the fall. Bands featuring Hi Infidelity and Chicago Rewired are scheduled to perform in September allowing the public to enjoy for free!
When Taylor Swift brings her record-setting Eras Tour to Indianapolis on Nov. 1-3, 2024, the Indiana State Museum will celebrate with a pre-concert tailgating-themed party, Tay/Gate, featuring food, themed cocktails and mocktails, bracelet trading, DJ entertainment, karaoke, local vendors and more. Plus, you can upgrade to the VIP experience to enjoy dedicated bars, additional food and special vendor experiences, including hair and makeup touch-ups, just to name a few.
Autumn Hues
Looking to connect with nature during the stunning fall colors? Explore these parks and trails along the White River for experiences that are perfect for both cherished memories and your Instagram feed!
- Strawtown Koteewi Park bursts with autumn colors. Enjoy vibrant foliage, crisp air, and scenic trails, including equestrian paths where you can take advantage of the Koteewi Equine Experience. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, riding, and appreciating the season’s beauty.
- The Central Canal Towpath will guide you through historic neighborhoods and destinations that are lined with trees full of fall foliage and wildlife to keep an eye out for. This multi-use trail leads you to Broad Ripple Park, which has a scenic overlook of the White River.
- White River State Park shines with vibrant leaves along its scenic trails and riverbanks. Enjoy the crisp air and colorful views while walking or biking through the park. Take your adventure farther by following the White River Greenway along its 7-mile that leads you to our very own Riverside Park.
- Southwestway Park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of autumn colors. From trails for hiking to golf courses, catch the leaves changing along the White River in the southside of Indy.
Spooky Spirits at the Zoo
The new Chimpanzee habitat has opened at the Indianapolis Zoo, welcoming these magnificent creatures to the riverfront in White River State Park. Among the largest such habitats in the nation, it has been designed to allow the animals to have a variety of choices as they roam through wire bridges overhead around the zoo.
If October feels too ordinary but haunted houses are too spooky, join us for ZooBoo at the Zoo! Enjoy Halloween fun with amazing animals, pumpkins, and engaging activities. Perfect for all ages, ZooBoo offers a festive atmosphere with active animals, colorful fall foliage, hands-free activities, and trick-or-treating. Make it a memorable family tradition with spooktacular costumes and seasonal fun. ZooBoo starts on September 25 and will go on until October 31.
Join us for Brewfari, an exclusive adults-only, after-hours night out at the zoo! Sample craft brews, ciders, and spirits, enjoy live music, and get up-close with the animals! Stroll through the Zoo’s pathways, take part in Halloween activities, enjoy psychic readings, rides on the Kōmbo Coaster, and live entertainment from DJ Lockstar. Costumes are encouraged! (Guests must be 21 or older.) The proceeds will be supporting the Indianapolis Zoo’s conservation efforts.
Newfields’ Seasonal Splendor
Harvest Nights presented by Everwise Credit Union is returning once again this fall! Experience the fifth season of fall fun at The Garden at Newfields with the return of Mischief Manor. Enjoy glowing gourds, friendly spirits like The Three Graces, and a revamped spectacle. Journey through foggy forests on the Pumpkin Path of Peril and feel the Ghost Train Rumble while marveling at thousands of pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns. Savor the seasonal treats like cinnamon Bavarian crème churros, giant pretzels, and caramel corn, along with the seasonal drinks including Spooky Campfire Cocoa and Night Owl Pumpkin Ale.
Also featured is a fleet of fang-tastic monsters designed by local artists. Wander through fallen leaves and colorful pumpkins while spotting ghoulish creatures themed around Petrifying Plants & Bewitching Blooms. View these Garden Monsters from September 28 to November 2, included with general admission and free for members.
Enjoy the Rocky Horror Picture Drag Show screening with a full shadow cast by Indianapolis’ top drag entertainers on October 4th. Your ticket includes a Rocky Horror kit at your seat—no need to bring props. Costumes are encouraged, but masks are not allowed.
Experience a magical screening of Practical Magic on October 5th. Enjoy margaritas from like the signature Midnight Margarita the cash bar, browse mystical goods from local vendors, and come in costume if you dare.
Trick-or-treat your way through Harvest Nights on two extra sweet evenings — October 25 & October 26. Your ticket includes everything you need to participate in this magical evening including a special Art or Treat bag. Collect candy and snacks knowing we’ve taken allergens into consideration to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the goodies. New this year, we’ve added a special 6:30 PM ticket time designed for families with little ones to enjoy before it gets too dark.
Boo-tiful Learning: Spooky & Scholarly
Step into history and nature this fall at Connor Prairie. Bite into a delicious caramel apple and smell the aromas of the food cooking on the hearth in Prairietown. Dive into seasonal fun with endless adventures through our award-winning corn maze, vibrant sunflower fields, and exciting fall festivals (with contests!). Embrace the thrills of the Headless Horseman’s spooky nights and experience the Habitat — our new outdoor Smithsonian-inspired exhibit.
The annual Indiana State Museum Halloween party, Night at the Boo Bash, will be back on October 11! Bring your family and friends and dress in your most creative costume for a chance to win a grand prize. Gear up for a spooktacular night of dancing, candy and fun activities for all ages like light play and a scream booth! Make sure to get your tickets in time!
Experience Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the Eiteljorg Museum on October 26! Learn the history behind the holiday, watch performances, meet artists and watch demonstrations, explore artwork, support local artists and create art – all for free!
Explore farm harvest, discover how food grows, and experiment with inedible plants. Enjoy sensory play, interactive story time, and more in this hour-long class for preschoolers at the Indiana State Museum. Join us for Small Wonders: Harvest Time on October 1, 2, & 5th.
Allow your young explorers the chance to engage in some spooky science at the Indiana State Museum. Pumpkin Patch Explorers will explore Halloween crafts and pumpkin art in this drop-off class, promoting creativity and independence on October 5th.
Join us – in the dark – for a night of family friendly mystery and spooky intrigue at the Indiana State Museum! Decorate your own candy bag, help solve a mystery as we decode puzzles, and find hidden clues throughout the galleries as we explore the museum by flashlight. Costumes are encouraged! Twilight Tales: Strange Encounters will take place on October 16, 18, 23, & 25.
Explore the seasonal changes during our Toddler Time: A (Not So) Spooky Halloween on October 26, 30 & 31! From spooky investigations to pumpkin art projects, we’ll have fun getting ready for the spooky season at the Indiana State Museum. These engaging one-hour sessions are designed to teach your little explorer skills like problem-solving and social-emotional communication through play. They’ll also develop fine and gross motor skills while participating in circle time, story time, station explorations and movement time.
Twilight Tales: Beyond the Grave is an 18+ night of spooky intrigue to experience the museum in the dark! Led through the galleries by museum staff and a flashlight, you’ll discover weird and creepy artifacts, hear stories of the museum’s most mysterious objects, and learn about myths and legends from Indiana’s past and present. Indiana State Museum will host these spooky nights on October 16, 18, 23, & 25.
Get back to the days of disco and bell-bottoms as we show off artifacts from Indiana State Museum’s collection depicting Indiana in the 1970s! Explore the fashion and home décor of the era, engage in interactive activities and shop a local pop-up shop. Be sure to enter our raffle for the chance to win a nostalgic prize! Quirky Queries will take you back 50 years at this 21+ event on October 17.
Pumpkin Paloozas
Noblesville First Friday makes historic Downtown Noblesville your evening destination with fun-filled themed experiences and special deals at shops and restaurants. Stop by the first Friday of any month throughout the fall (and beyond)!
Enjoy a special autumn day at Potter’s Bridge Park during the 25th Annual Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival on October 5th with no cost to the public! Listen to live music, visit the more than 100 arts, crafts, and food booths, or simply take in the natural beauty of Noblesville’s most scenic park on the White River Greenway Trail.
Bring the crew out for the Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest on October 19 at the Indy Art Center! The event features artwork, wares, and artisanal goods from 50+ local and regional artists with one-of-a-kind creations. Guests can participate in art activities while sampling local artists and artisans, enjoying food trucks, and selecting from local beer and a variety of wines for purchase. Admission is free and open to the public, making it a family-friendly event for everyone to enjoy!
Get ready for a memorable Halloween experience with a spooky (but not scary) trail of trick-or-treat stations during the Frights at Forest on October 25 at the Forest Park. Wear your best costume for a chance to win in our contests and enjoy hayrides, inflatables, and food trucks. Admission and activities are FREE! Bring the whole family for a ghostly good time!
You can earn rewards points for almost all of these places and activities through our free Discover White River Rewards Pass. Points can be redeemed for exclusive stickers and t-shirts as well as on-water experiences. Sign up for the digital pass today before the program ends on Nov 1!
Looking for all the happenings along the river? Be sure to check out our online events calendar for the scoop on everything going on this fall!
