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We want to take you behind the scenes, to give you insider information you won't find anywhere else. This is where we pull Bloomington's hip happenings together with recommendations from our team, first-hand accounts from project producers, and guest blogs by local gurus.  The Backstage Blog helps you stay in front of it all.

Monday, August 8, 2022

Bloomington's Best Fall Festivals

Categories: Events, Festivals, General

As the leaves start changing throughout Southern Indiana, Bloomington comes alive with vibrant festivals and events to entertain spectators of all ages and interests. The beautiful scenery is enough of a reason to visit B-Town in the fall, but these incredible events are an added bonus you don't want to miss out on.
 

Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Festival

Three hot air balloons launching at the Indiana Kiwanis Balloon Festival

Date: Friday, September 8 through Sunday, September 10
Time: Varying times
Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds
Admission: Varying prices

Enjoy hot air balloon launches, helicopter rides, pyrotechnic skydivers, fireworks, a wine & beer garden, food & commercial vendors, and other entertainment at the Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Festival
 

Black y Brown Arts Festival

A man singing at the Black y Brown Festival of the Arts

Date: Saturday, September 10
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Switchyard Park
Admission: Free

The Black y Brown Arts Festival is a celebration and showcase of African, African-American, Hispanic, Latinx, and Native American creative arts and artists, affirming community space, preserving arts appreciation, and pride in the spirit of diversity of the local Bloomington community.


Monroe County Fall Festival

Monroe County Fall Festival

Date: Thursday, September 15 through Saturday, September 17
Time: 5:00-9:00 pm on Thursday & Friday; 12:00-9:00 pm on Saturday
Location: Marci Jane Lewis Park in Ellettsville
Admission: Free

The Monroe County Fall Festival is an Ellettsville tradition drawing folks from across Indiana for live music, a queen contest, education day, commercial tent, crafts, food vendors, live music & entertainment, games, parade, and much more.
 

Ridgefest

Fowler Pumpkin Patch

Date: Saturday, September 17
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Fowler Pumpkin Patch
Admission: $25.00 per ticket

Enjoy music by Cody Ikerd and more, plus beer, wine, and food vendors, and general fall vibes at Ridgefest!
 

Stinesville Stone Quarry Festival

Band performing at the Stinesville Stone Quarry Festival

Date: Thursday, September 22 through Saturday, September 24
Time: 6:00-10:00 pm on Thursday & Friday; 10:00am-11:00 pm on Saturday
Location: McGlockin Park in Stinesville
Admission: Free

Enjoy craft vendors, food booths, live music, a pie competition, an antique tractor show, a parade, and more at the annual Stinesville Stone Quarry Festival. 
 

Lotus World Music & Arts Festival

lotus parade

Date: Thursday, September 22 through Sunday, September 25
Time: Varying times — see the schedule
Location: Several downtown locations and venues
Admission: Several ticket packages are available — find ticket information

Celebrate the diversity, beauty, and joy of music and arts from around the world at the 29th annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival. Lotus invites attendees to safely enjoy multicultural music, art, food, dance, workshops, and more! 
 

Hoosier Hysteria

hoosier hysteria

Date: Saturday, October 7
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
Admission: Free

Get excited for the Indiana University basketball season at Hoosier Hysteria! Features include skills competitions, a dunk contest, and a brief scrimmage with both the men's and women's teams.
 

Indiana University Homecoming Weekend

iu homecoming parade

Date: Friday, October 7 through Sunday, October 9
Time: All day
Location: Various locations on the IU campus
Admission: Free

IU Homecoming Weekend allows alumni to reconnect with friends, relive their favorite college traditions, and show their kids their old stomping grounds. The Indiana University Alumni Association will host several events throughout the weekend, including a parade on Friday evening and the Hoosier Huddle, a members-only tailgate, on Saturday. 
 

Great Glass Pumpkin Patch

glass pumpkin

Date: Saturday, October 15
Time: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Monroe County Courthouse lawn
Admission: Free

Pick out your own homemade blown glass pumpkin or simply admire the display of over 900 glass pumpkins at the 13th annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch! All pumpkins are made by members of the Bloomington Creative Glass Center. Proceeds from the pumpkin sales support educational arts programming throughout the year.
 

Science Fest

Kids participating in a hands-on activity at Science Fest
Photo by Marc Lebryk

Date: Saturday, October 22
Time: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Multiple locations across the Indiana University campus
Admission: Free

Participate in over 150 hands-on science activities, demonstrations, and talks at Science Fest.
 

Look forward to it again next year:

Makevention

People talking at a booth at Makevention

Date: Saturday, August 27
Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Monroe County Convention Center
Admission: Free

Join the local community of makers as they showcase and celebrate their various works, including digital fabrication, screen printing, upcycling, and more, at Makevention. 
 

Pridefest

People walking around at Pridefest

Date: Saturday, August 27
Time: 2:00-11:30 pm
Location: Kirkwood Avenue
Admission: Free

Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and queer allies at the seventh annual Bloomington Pridefest! The festival will feature a vendor expo, musical performances, educational workshops, wellness activities, and other entertainment.
 

Indiana Toy and Comic Expo

IndianaToyAndComic

Date: Sunday, August 28
Time: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Monroe County Convention Center
Admission: $8.00 pet ticket (12 and under are free)

Enjoy the Indiana Toy and Comic Expo, featuring creators and special guests, contests, a meet and greet, and more!
 

4th Street Festival of the Arts & Crafts

people checking out vendors at Fourth Street Festival during Labor Day in Bloomington

Date: Saturday, September 3 through Sunday, September 4
Time: 10:00 am-6:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am-5:00 pm on Sunday
Location: 4th Street
Admission: Free

Enjoy the annual 4th Street Festival of the Arts & Crafts, with work available by over 120 local, regional, and national artists.
 


Looking for more information about fall in Bloomington? Check out these blogs:
Alyssa Davis

Alyssa Davis

Alyssa is the Digital Content Coordinator at Visit Bloomington. She's also a proud Indiana University alumna, Millennial cat lady, and Formula 1 enthusiast. 

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