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 events are an added bonus you don't want to miss out on.
Monroe County Fall Festival
Date: Thursday, September 11 through Saturday, September 13
Time: Thursday 5:00-9:00 pm, Friday 5:00-10:00 pm, Saturday 11:30 am-10:00 pm
Location: S. Park Street, near Marci Jane Lewis Park in Ellettsville
Admission: Free
A parade on Saturday at 10:00 am, two stages with free live music, craft booths, food vendors, a flea market, games for kids and more in Ellettesville.
Bug Fest
Date: Saturday, September 13
Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Location: Karst Farm Park
Admission: Free
Scurry, hop, fly, or drop on over to Karst Farm Park to celebrate insects and their relatives. There will be live insect displays, information tables on a variety of subjects, crafts, games, live entertainment, food trucks, and more. Pre-registration is NOT required but highly recommend. Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/250154378940156
Witch Fest - Harvest Market
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: Noon-7:00 pm
Location: Courthouse Lawn
Admission: Free
Artists of all kinds - handmade makers and crafters - along with astrological readers providing a variety of services from tarot to reiki. Live music throughout the day with story time crafts and more!
Fowler Tractor Show
Photo by: Monroe County Antique Machinery Assn.
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: Fowler Pumpkin Patch
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family to the first annual Fowler Tractor Show. Hosted by the Monroe County Antique Machinery Association, helping to show and preserve antique machinery in our community.
Stinesville Stone Quarry Festival
Date: Thursday, September 25 to Saturday, September 27
Time: 6:00-10:00 pm on Thursday & Friday; 10:00 am-11:00 pm on Saturday
Location: McGlockin Park in Stinesville
Admission: Free
Celebrating over 50 years at McGlocklin Park! This is the perfect way to get connected with Monroe County’s rich limestone history. Local bands, games for the family, dance companies, and food judging contests all ensure a variety of entertainment in this small-town favorite.
Lotus World Music & Arts Festival
Date: Thursday, September 25 through Sunday, September 28
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 annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival. Lotus invites attendees to safely enjoy multicultural music, art, food, dance, workshops, and more!
Makevention
Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion
Admission: Free (with suggested donation)
Demonstrations, workshops, food trucks, and all kinds of cool things happening all day. Kids will have a fun scavenger hunt to complete and there will be plenty of adult activities as well!
Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour
Date: Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12
Time: 8:00 – 10:00 am
Location: Ellettsville
Admission: Registration Required
Bicycle tour through 100 miles of beautiful, hilly landscape.
Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
Date: Saturday, October 11
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 16th 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. **or until pumpkins are gone
Indiana University Homecoming Weekend
Date: Friday, October 17 through Saturday, October 18
Time: Friday, 5:30 pm & Saturday, 2 hours prior to kick-off
Location: Friday - Parade on Woodlawn Avenue, Saturday - Memorial Stadium
Admission: Varies
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.
Harrodsburg Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Harrodsburg Community Center
Admission: Free
Vendor market, pumpkin sale, trick or treating and more at this family friendly event.
Science Fest
Date: Saturday, November 1
Time: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Various locations on Indiana University campus
Admission: Free
The mission of IU Science Fest is to celebrate and inspire curiosity among Hoosiers of all ages by providing exciting hands-on experiences with science, by promoting meaningful and direct exchanges with scientists, and by highlighting scientific research and teaching at IU.
