As summer fades and the air turns crisp, Central Indiana’s White Riverway transforms into a tapestry of color and celebration. The trees lining the river shine with shades of red, orange, and gold, inviting you to pull on a cozy sweater and breathe in the scent of autumn. It’s the season of hayrides under the stars, glowing jack-o’-lanterns on porches, playful trick-or-treating and spooky stories. Whether you’re sipping cider at a festival or braving a haunted corn mazes after dark, autumn along the White River is packed with moments that spark nostalgia and beckon you outdoors. There’s so much happening—you won’t want to miss a single leaf-crunching step of it!
Fall Signature Experiences
During Harvest Nights, the Newfields Gardens become a picturesque and spooky spectacle. Wander through fog-filled forests, down the Pumpkin Path of Peril features tens of thousands of gourds and jack-o-lanterns, and make your way to Mischief Manor.
On October 5th, make your way to the river in Noblesville for Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival. Dance to a lively reel, get some tasty treats and beverages, and check out the artist booths. Walk across the historic covered bridge and enjoy the perfect views of the White River and the changing fall colors.
Stay wary on the Prairie and be part of the story as the Headless Horseman rides again! At this multi-evening festival, you can enjoy seasonal treats, hay rides, corn maze and live music.
While ZooBoo is fun for the whole family, sometimes adults just need a night to themselves. That’s when you make your way to Brewfari at the zoo! Put on your favorite costume, stroll through the exhibits, and sample craft drinks from breweries, cideries and distilleries.
Hamilton County’s beloved Nickel Plate Express will be leaving the station with numerous themed rides this fall. All ages can enjoy the fun on the Wild West Family Express, Oktoberfest Dinner Express, or private Fall Caboose Rides. For those 21 and older, two train adventure experiences await, perfect for the fall season: High West Wild West Express and Terror in Transylvania.
Music – Outdoor music season isn’t over yet!
Concerts continue at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. Don’t miss performances by Billy Currington & Kip Moore, Cody Jinks, and Papa Roach + Rise Against.
If you’re looking for a more intimate and cozy venue, check out Noblesville’s Concerts by the Commons, featuring local bands.
Arts + Culture – Feeling like you need more beauty and creativity in your life? These events are sure to inspire you.
Make your way to Newfields the first weekend of September for the Penrod Arts Fair. They call it “Indiana’s Nicest Day” for a reason. The Penrod Arts Fair is one of the largest single-day arts fairs in the country. Experience live music, sample delicious food and drink, and check out the wares of hundreds of artists and artisans.
Explore Newfields for free on the first Thursday of every month. This museum by the river features fascinating art and gorgeous gardens. There’s something for everyone!
Make your way to Indianapolis Art Center on October 25th for Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest. Enjoy art activities, food, and fun for all ages! Over 50 local and regional artists will feature their one-of-a-kind work.
Family Fun – The kids are back in school, but the adventures don’t have to stop.
Is there anything more breathtaking than a hot air balloon silhouetted against the setting sun? What about a whole fleet of them? Conner Prairie is again hosting the stunning Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival from September 5 – 7. If your family can tear their eyes away from the majestic balloons, there’s also live music, seasonal treats, and bounce houses to enjoy!
Broad Ripple Park hosts a series of engaging events for Little Gardeners. Bring your little ones for creative sessions including Grapevine Wreath, Apple Crafts, and Candle Making.
Lions, and tigers and wizards, oh my! ZooBoo is back at the Indianapolis Zoo. If haunted houses too scary, the zoo has the perfect spooky-spirited event for you and your kids. Experience Halloween activities, exciting animals and pumpkins galore! You can even wear your costumes and trick-or-treat to make it an unforgettable family tradition. Plus on Halloween, the zoo offers 50% off admission.
The Indiana State Museum has many family-friendly seasonal events this fall including Small Wonders: Spooky Halloween, Boo Bash, Toddler Time: Pumpkin Play, and Twilight Tales: Strange Encounters.
Outdoor Adventure + Volunteering – For those who want to get out on the water, here is the information you’re looking for!
Don’t have your own boat? No worries! We have two excellent liveries located on the White River: White River Canoe Company in Noblesville and Frank’s Paddlesports Livery in Indianapolis.
Before you head out on your own, check out our paddling page for boat ramps and launch locations as well as where to find hazardous dams and safe water level recommendations.
September 27 is one of DNR’s Free Fishing Day, meaning Indiana residents don’t need a fishing license to fish. Check out this handy guide about the most common fish in the river, locations of boat ramps, fish consumption advisories, and fishing regulations.
It’s our river, and we can all do our part to protect it. Join a welcoming community of river warriors doing their part on September 14th for the annual White River Clean Up in Hamilton County. You might make some new friends, and you’ll get a t-shirt to wear with pride for years to come.
Help the White River Alliance collect important data through one of their River Assessment Field Team (RAFT) Water Sampling events.
Discover the River That Connects Us All
Plan your perfect fall day along the White River at DiscoverWhiteRiver.com.
Share your moments by tagging us @INWhiteRiver—whether you’re kayaking near Carmel, biking into Noblesville, or watching a concert in Indy, we would love to see your riverway story!
