Fall Activities in Zionsville 2026
Updated October 9, 2026
Fall in Zionsville brings concerts and live performances, outdoor and nature activities, community races, art events, farm visits and traditional fall activities through October and November.
This guide focuses on things to do in Zionsville throughout the fall season, including both scheduled events and activities that can be enjoyed on your own. For farm visits, see our guide to pumpkin patches, corn mazes and orchards near Indianapolis.
Fall Activities at a Glance
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16 activities
| Activity | What to Expect | |
|---|---|---|
| Fright Nights Haunted hayride, Fright Barn, family-friendly Spooky Story Barn and other nighttime activities | Oct. 23–24 | Haunted hayride, Fright Barn, family-friendly Spooky Story Barn and other nighttime activities |
| Nightmare at Elm Street: A Luminary Walk Evening walk lined with lights, playful skeletons and a Pumpkin Pathway | Oct. 29 | Evening walk lined with lights, playful skeletons and a Pumpkin Pathway |
| Pumpkins & Hayrides An afternoon of pumpkins, hayrides and fall activities at Lions Park | Oct. 25 | An afternoon of pumpkins, hayrides and fall activities at Lions Park |
| Trick or Trees Trick-or-treating along a family-friendly trail through Elm Street Green for ages 2–12 | Oct. 24 | Trick-or-treating along a family-friendly trail through Elm Street Green for ages 2–12 |
| Smashin’ Pumpkins Pumpkin smashing, composting tips and the Epic Pumpkin Drop | Nov. 7 | Pumpkin smashing, composting tips and the Epic Pumpkin Drop |
| Gallery On & Off Main Local artists showcased in shops and galleries along Main Street | Oct. 24 | Local artists showcased in shops and galleries along Main Street |
| Fall Races Two community running and walking events in November, including Thanksgiving morning | Nov. 21–26 | Two community running and walking events in November, including Thanksgiving morning |
| Night Hike Guided after-dark hike at Carpenter Nature Preserve for ages 5 and up | Oct. 16 | Guided after-dark hike at Carpenter Nature Preserve for ages 5 and up |
| Fall Birding at Carpenter Nature Preserve Naturalist-led bird walk for ages 12 and up | Nov. 7 | Naturalist-led bird walk for ages 12 and up |
| Owl Prowl Learn about local owls, then look and listen for them with a naturalist at Carpenter Nature Preserve | Nov. 13 | Learn about local owls, then look and listen for them with a naturalist at Carpenter Nature Preserve |
| Fall Campfire Sunset animal walk and marshmallow roasting at Carpenter Nature Preserve | Nov. 21 | Sunset animal walk and marshmallow roasting at Carpenter Nature Preserve |
| SFZ Concert Series Sunday afternoon concerts at St. Francis In-The-Fields | Oct. 11 & Nov. 1 | Sunday afternoon concerts at St. Francis In-The-Fields |
| ZCHS Performances & Sports Fall musical and Eagles home games | Throughout fall | Fall musical and Eagles home games |
| Traders Point Creamery Walk the pastures and explore a working dairy farm | Throughout fall | Walk the pastures and explore a working dairy farm |
| Fall Walks & Trails Wooded park trails and the paved Zionsville Rail Trail in fall color | Throughout fall | Wooded park trails and the paved Zionsville Rail Trail in fall color |
| Teeny Tiny Art Market Miniature works by local and regional artists on display and for sale at SullivanMunce Cultural Center | Nov. 20–Dec. 19 | Miniature works by local and regional artists on display and for sale at SullivanMunce Cultural Center |
Experience Fright Nights
Friday and Saturday, October 23–24, 2026 · 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Zionsville Parks & Recreation’s Fright Nights begins with a haunted hayride from Mulberry Fields Park to Maplelawn Farmstead, where the event continues with the Fright Barn, Spooky Story Barn, campfire, spooky encounters and other nighttime activities.
See the Fright Nights event guide for tickets, age recommendations and parking.
Explore Nightmare at Elm Street: A Luminary Walk
Thursday, October 29, 2026 · 6:00–8:00 p.m. · Elm Street Green Park
Zionsville Parks & Recreation lights a trail of luminaries around Elm Street Green for a self-guided Halloween walk. Families can search for mischievous skeletons hidden along the route and explore the glowing Pumpkin Pathway after dark. The free, drop-in event offers a not-too-spooky way to celebrate Halloween outdoors.
See the Zionsville Parks program page for details.
Enjoy Pumpkins & Hayrides at Lions Park
Pumpkins & Hayrides returns to Lions Park on October 25 from 2:00–5:00 PM for a free afternoon of fall activities.
The event includes hayrides, free pumpkins for painting while supplies last, Bach to Rock, Mr Daniel’s Music, Master Yoo’s Taekwondo, bounce houses, games and food. A kids costume contest begins at 4:00 PM, and parking in Lions Park is free for the event.
See the full Pumpkins & Hayrides event guide.
Take the Kids to Trick or Trees
Saturday, October 24, 2026 · 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Zionsville Parks & Recreation runs a Trick-or-Treat Trail through Elm Street Green Park for children ages 2 to 12, with the Pumpkin Path, marshmallow roasting, science activities and games alongside the trail.
Admission is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents. Registration opened October 1, and the event sells out each year.
See the Trick or Trees event guide for registration and parking.
Smash Your Pumpkins at Mulberry Fields
Smashin’ Pumpkins returns to Mulberry Fields Park on November 7, giving families a fun way to dispose of leftover pumpkins after Halloween.
Visitors can bring pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns to the smashing stations before the pieces are collected for composting. The Epic Pumpkin Drop is one of the main attractions, with Zionsville firefighters raising pumpkins on a ladder truck and dropping them from above for a dramatic smash.
See the complete Smashin’ Pumpkins event guide.
Explore Gallery On & Off Main
Gallery On & Off Main brings local artists and artisans into shops throughout the Village on October 24.
Main Street merchants open their businesses to participating artists, creating an art walk along Main Street and in nearby shops. Visitors can browse artwork, meet artists, and explore businesses throughout the district from noon to 8:00 PM.
Race Through Zionsville This Fall
Two community running events take place in November, ranging from a 2.2-mile run/walk to a half marathon.
Zionsville Half Marathon & 5K
The Zionsville Half Marathon & 5K returns November 21, offering both a 13.1-mile race and a 5K.
See the Zionsville Half-Marathon & 5K guide.
Gravy Chase
On Thanksgiving morning, November 26, the Gravy Chase offers 2.2-mile and 4-mile run/walk routes through historic downtown Zionsville.
The event is the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County’s largest annual fundraiser, with 100% of proceeds supporting programs, camps and sports for local youth. The Zionsville Gravy Chase enters its 10th year in 2026.
Experience Fall with Zionsville Parks & Recreation
Zionsville Parks & Recreation offers several smaller fall activities for people who want to spend time outside, learn about local wildlife, or enjoy an evening in the parks.
Oct. 16 · 7:00–8:00 PM · Night Hike
See Carpenter Nature Preserve from a different perspective after the sun goes down. A Zionsville Parks naturalist will introduce some of the native nocturnal animals that navigate the preserve in darkness, while participants test how well their own senses work along the nighttime trail. Ages 5 and up.
Nov. 7 · 9:00–10:00 AM · Fall Birding Series
Fall migration brings both resident and migratory birds to Zionsville’s parks. Join a Zionsville Parks naturalist for a November morning walk through Carpenter Nature Preserve and practice identifying birds by sight and sound. Ages 12 and up; all birding levels are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them; a few pairs will be available to borrow.
Register for the Fall Birding Series
Nov. 13 · 5:30–6:30 PM · Owl Prowl
Late fall is a good time to search for owls in Zionsville. Learn about the different owls found locally before heading into Carpenter Nature Preserve with a naturalist to look and listen for them in the wild. Ages 6 and up. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots; flashlights must be covered with a red wrap to protect night vision.
Nov. 21 · 5:00–6:30 PM · Fall Campfire
Start around sunset with a walk through Carpenter Nature Preserve to see which animals are active as daylight fades. After exploring the preserve, gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows and finish the evening outdoors. Ages 3 and up.
Register for the Fall Campfire
Browse all Zionsville Parks & Recreation programs.
Enjoy the SFZ Concert Series
The SFORZANDO (SFZ) Concert Series at St. Francis In-The-Fields Episcopal Church continues through the fall with two Sunday afternoon performances:
| Date | Artist | Program |
|---|---|---|
| October 11 · 4:00 PM | Becky Archibald and Friends | Wango Tzango Sfortzango! Original violin-and-piano tangos with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra violinist Bryson Karrer, plus jazz trios with a small combo, celebrating Archibald’s new album Tango for Disobedient Beasts. |
| November 1 · 4:00 PM | Alec Holcomb | A Panorama of Classical Guitar Music Familiar favorites, overlooked gems and rarely heard works that show the range of the classical guitar, including music adapted from other instruments. |
The concerts take place inside the church and provide an indoor arts option alongside Zionsville’s outdoor fall activities.
See the complete SFZ Concert Series schedule.
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Enjoy Fall Performances & Sports at ZCHS
Fall brings both performing arts and athletics to Zionsville Community High School, with the fall musical and Eagles sporting events throughout the season.
See a ZCHS Performance
The ZCHS Fall Musical takes the stage at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in November.
November 12–15 · A Chorus Line: Teen Edition
A Chorus Line: Teen Edition is the 2026 ZCHS Fall Musical, adapted for teen performers and family audiences. The musical follows a group of dancers auditioning for spots in a Broadway chorus line as they share stories about their lives, ambitions and experiences as performers. Performances are Thursday through Saturday, November 12–14, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m.
Check the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center ticket site for performance times and ticket availability as each event approaches.
Catch a Zionsville Eagles Game
Friday night football is one of the most recognizable fall sports at Zionsville Community High School, with varsity games continuing into October.
See upcoming ZCHS football games.
The ZCHS athletics calendar also includes soccer, volleyball, cross country, tennis, golf, and Unified Flag Football. As fall moves into November, basketball and wrestling also begin their seasons.
See all upcoming ZCHS sporting events.
Visit Traders Point Creamery
Fall is a good time to explore the farm at Traders Point Creamery, where visitors can see the working dairy farm and walk through the property along Eagle Creek.
The self-guided farm walk follows approximately 1.5 miles of paths through the pastures and farm grounds. A walking pass costs $5 per person and can be purchased from the Farm Store. Guided farm tours are offered April through October.
Visitors can also watch the cows being milked at 6:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday.
The farm can be combined with a stop at the Farm Store or a meal at The Loft, making it an outing that can last anywhere from an hour to much of an afternoon.
See Traders Point Creamery farm tour details and hours.
Take a Fall Walk or Bike Ride
Not every fall outing needs a scheduled start time. Zionsville’s parks and trails provide several places to get outside as temperatures cool and leaves begin changing.
Starkey Nature Park has wooded trails through approximately 80 acres along Eagle Creek. Overley-Worman Park adds trails, mountain biking and disc golf, while the Zionsville Rail Trail provides a paved multi-use route for walking, running and cycling through Zionsville.
See the Zionsville Rail Trail guide.
Browse the Teeny Tiny Art Market
The Teeny Tiny Art Market opens at SullivanMunce Cultural Center on November 20 and continues through December 19.
The juried market features miniature works by local and regional artists, with each piece measuring 6 x 6 inches or smaller. The small-scale format makes the exhibit easy to browse, with original artwork sized for collecting or holiday gift-giving.
Looking for Halloween Events?
For trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treats and other Halloween activities around town, see the Zionsville Trick-or-Treat & Trunk-or-Treat Guide.
Common questions
- What is there to do in Zionsville in the fall?
- Fall in Zionsville includes concerts and live performances, outdoor and nature activities, community races, art events, farm visits and traditional fall activities through October and November. Scheduled events include Fright Nights, Trick or Trees, Gallery On & Off Main, Pumpkins & Hayrides and Smashin’ Pumpkins.
- What fall races take place in Zionsville?
- Two community running events take place in November: the Zionsville Half Marathon & 5K on November 21 and the Gravy Chase on Thanksgiving morning, November 26.
- Where can I see fall colors in Zionsville?
- Starkey Nature Park has wooded trails through approximately 80 acres along Eagle Creek. Overley-Worman Park adds trails, mountain biking and disc golf, and the Zionsville Rail Trail provides a longer paved route for walking, running and cycling through Zionsville.
- Are there fall activities in Zionsville for families with young children?
- Yes. Trick or Trees at Elm Street Green Park on October 24 is a trick-or-treat trail for ages 2 to 12. Pumpkins & Hayrides returns to Lions Park on October 25, and Smashin’ Pumpkins at Mulberry Fields Park on November 7 includes pumpkin smashing and the Epic Pumpkin Drop.
- What fall programs does Zionsville Parks & Recreation offer?
- Zionsville Parks & Recreation offers a Night Hike on October 16, a Fall Birding walk on November 7, an Owl Prowl on November 13 and a Fall Campfire on November 21.
- Are there indoor fall activities in Zionsville?
- Yes. The SFORZANDO (SFZ) Concert Series presents Sunday afternoon concerts at St. Francis In-The-Fields, the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center hosts the ZCHS Fall Musical in November, and the Teeny Tiny Art Market opens at SullivanMunce Cultural Center on November 20.
- What Halloween events take place in Zionsville?
- Trick or Trees at Elm Street Green Park on October 24 is a trick-or-treat trail for ages 2 to 12. Fright Nights on October 23–24 features a haunted hayride from Mulberry Fields Park to the Fright Barn at Maplelawn Farmstead. Nightmare at Elm Street on October 29 is a free luminary walk at Elm Street Green Park.