The Indianapolis Fall Bucket List for 2025
Fall’s here, Indy, and she understood the assignment. 🍂 From pumpkin patches to haunted hayrides, we pulled together 50 ways to make this season count. Grab your crew, grab your cider, and let’s do this. Here are 50 Things To Do This Fall in Indianapolis…
Here are 50 Things to Do This Fall in Indianapolis:
1. Kick off spooky season at the Children’s Museum Guild’s Bewitched BOOseum Haunted House (10/10-10/31) — a can’t-miss for families and thrill-seekers alike.
2. Spend the day at Conner Prairie’s Headless Horseman Festival (10/2-10/26) with the Midway Experience, Sleepy Hollow marionette show, and the iconic haunted hayride.
3. Visit a local art fair or makers market and stock up on cozy candles, seasonal decor, and locally made goodies.
4. Sip apple cider slushies at Beasley’s Orchard in Danville (bonus: apple cannons + Instagram-worthy pumpkins).
5. Take a scenic bike ride (may we suggest one from the Pacers Bikeshare?) along the Monon Trail or Cultural Trail and soak up the fall foliage.
6. Hit the pumpkin patch at Tuttle Orchards - then grab a hot cider donut to refuel.
7. Take in Harvest Nights at Newfields (9/26-11/2) with glowing gourds and lighted trails.
8. Hike the fall foliage trails at Fort Harrison State Park - peak color usually hits mid-October.
9. Explore the corn maze at Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown - it’s challenging, and so fun.
10. Take the kiddos to ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo (9/24-11/2).
11. Grab friends for fall-scented candle pouring at Penn & Beech.
12. Try a pumpkin chai at Rivet Coffee in Westfield or Zionsville.
13. Catch live music at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park before the outdoor season wraps.
14. Order a pumpkin ale at Bier Brewery.
15. Tailgate like a pro at a Colts game - here’s your cue to try that snacklebox idea.
16. Book a haunted hayride at Hanna Haunted Acres.
17. Take a scenic walk through Eagle Creek Park’s wooded trails.
18. Check out the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival (10/18-10/25).
19. Indulge in sweet treats at Cafe Babette or Filigree Bakery.
20. Go ziplining or try archery at Strawtown Koteewi Park.
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More Things to Do This Fall in Indianapolis:
21. Take a spooky tour of Crown Hill Cemetery.
22. Stroll through a local farmers’ market before the season wraps.
23. Host a family chili cook-off - extra points for a hot cider bar.
24. Take a weekend road trip to Fair Oaks Farms for Oktoberfest, pumpkin picking, and live music.
25. Have a backyard bonfire night - s’mores, blankets, and a fall playlist are mandatory.
26. Or, plan a cozy backyard movie night - bonus points for spooky classics.
27. Dress up for a family photo shoot in the pumpkin patch.
28. Make a trip to Hard Truth Distillery in Nashville, IN for a spirits tasting, hike around the grounds, and live music.
29. Sign up for a fall fun run or 5K - from glow runs to pumpkin dashes, there’s one for everyone.
30. Check out live music and food trucks at a community Oktoberfest.
31. Host a game-day party with seasonal snacks — think chili, soft pretzels, and apple cider sangria.
32. Shop local boutiques like Blue Peppermint for your fall ‘fit.
33. Plan a Midwest road trip over Fall Break.
34. Enjoy Friday night lights at a local high school football game.
35. Try archery tag or an escape room for a fun night out.
36. Stock up on Primrose Candles - we’re loving “Resting Witch Face” this year.
37. Take a scenic drive to Brown County for the ultimate foliage views.
38. Go for a horseback ride at Natural Valley Ranch.
39. Visit a new brewery or winery and try their seasonal lineup - cider flights count, too.
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More Things to Do This Fall in Indianapolis:
40. Take a ghost tour in Irvington - stories of H.H. Holmes and Lincoln await.
41. Book a fall family photoshoot at a park or orchard.
42. Sip on seasonal beers at Sun King Brewery’s downtown taproom.
43. Host a friendsgiving picnic at a local Indy park.
44. Check out a new-to-you coffee shop around town.
45. Enjoy the free Dia de Muertos celebration at the Eiteljorg Museum.
46. Find a haunted house. Here's a list of our favorites.
47. Try a new fall recipe - like mulled wine or pumpkin bread.
48. Visit a new local boutique or market pop-up for seasonal shopping.
49. Take the kids to the Sports Legends Experience® at the Children’s Museum before it closes for winter.
50. Make your own signature fall cocktail - we’re talking apple cider mimosas or mulled wine.
