Fall Activities in Zionsville 2026
Updated September 28, 2026
Fall in Zionsville brings concerts and live performances, outdoor and nature activities, community races, art events, farm visits, and traditional fall activities throughout September, 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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21 activities
| Activity | What to Expect | |
|---|---|---|
| GhostWalk Guided walking tour with local ghost stories and costumed actors | Oct. 2–3 | Guided walking tour with local ghost stories and costumed actors |
| 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 |
| Pumpkinfest Hayrides to the pumpkin patch with children’s activities and a petting zoo | Oct. 3 | Hayrides to the pumpkin patch with children’s activities and a petting zoo |
| Oktoberfest German food, live polka music and a 21+ Biergarten | Oct. 3 | German food, live polka music and a 21+ Biergarten |
| 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 |
| Zionsville Street Dance Live music from The Janeways and The Flying Toasters on Main Street in downtown Zionsville | Sept. 26 | Live music from The Janeways and The Flying Toasters on Main Street in downtown Zionsville |
| 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 |
| 80s Night Eighties music, fashion and throwback fun at local shops along Main Street | Sept. 17 | Eighties music, fashion and throwback fun at local shops along Main Street |
| Smashin’ Pumpkins Pumpkin smashing, composting tips and the Epic Pumpkin Drop | Nov. 7 | Pumpkin smashing, composting tips and the Epic Pumpkin Drop |
| Movies at Maplelawn Outdoor movies projected onto the barn at Maplelawn Farmstead | Sept. 19 & 26 | Outdoor movies projected onto the barn at Maplelawn Farmstead |
| 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 |
| Salem Methodist Church Fall Cookout Food, hayrides, pumpkin painting and an evening campfire | Oct. 2 | Food, hayrides, pumpkin painting and an evening campfire |
| Fall Races Three community running and walking events from October through Thanksgiving morning | Oct. 3–Nov. 26 | Three community running and walking events from October through Thanksgiving morning |
| Fall Programs in Zionsville Parks Guided birding, live music, night hikes, owl walks and campfires in Zionsville parks | Sept. 17–Nov. 21 | Guided birding, live music, night hikes, owl walks and campfires in Zionsville parks |
| Zionsville Farmers Market Saturday mornings with local produce, food vendors and live music | Saturday mornings through Sept. 26 | Saturday mornings with local produce, food vendors and live music |
| SFZ Concert Series Sunday afternoon concerts at St. Francis In-The-Fields | Sept. 13, Oct. 11 & Nov. 1 | Sunday afternoon concerts at St. Francis In-The-Fields |
| ZCHS Performances & Sports Fall musical, band and choir concerts, and Eagles home games | Throughout fall | Fall musical, band and choir concerts, 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 Zionsville’s GhostWalk
GhostWalk is an evening walking tour through Zionsville’s historic Village, with actors reenacting stories connected to local people, places and legends.
The approximately 45-minute experience returns October 2–3, 2026, with stories and stops that can change from year to year.
See the full GhostWalk event guide.
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.
Celebrate Fall at Pumpkinfest
Pumpkinfest at St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church returns on October 3 with an afternoon of family fall activities. The event is open to the public.
Children can take a hayride to the church’s pumpkin patch, and pumpkin decorating, face painting, the petting zoo, games and bounce houses are all free. Pumpkins are available while supplies last.
See the complete Pumpkinfest guide.
Raise a Stein at Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 3, 2026 · 4:00–11:00 p.m.
St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church holds its annual Oktoberfest in Parish Hall and the Biergarten. The evening is open to the public for adults 21 and older, with German food, live polka from Polkamotion, a stein-holding contest and a raffle drawing. There is no cover charge.
Pumpkinfest, the all-ages afternoon at the same church, runs from noon to 4:00 p.m.
See the Oktoberfest event guide for the menu and schedule.
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.
Dance on Main Street
Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 6:00–10:00 p.m., gates at 5:00 p.m.
The Zionsville Street Dance returns to Main Street with The Janeways followed by The Flying Toasters. Normally a summer event, the 2026 dance was rescheduled to September after the August date was cancelled.
This is a scaled-down makeup event and does not include a children’s area. Tickets are required.
See the Street Dance event guide for tickets and details.
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 opens October 1 and the event sells out each year.
See the Trick or Trees event guide for registration and parking.
Step Back to 80s Night
Thursday, September 17, 2026 · from 5:00 p.m.
Downtown Zionsville turns to the 1980s for an evening of music, fashion and pop culture along Main Street, with themed activities at participating businesses.
See the 80s Night event guide for details.
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.
Watch a Movie at Maplelawn Farmstead
Movies at Maplelawn brings outdoor movie nights to the historic Maplelawn Farmstead, with films projected directly onto the barn. Visitors can bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the lawn.
The 2026 schedule includes:
- September 19 · 1776
- September 26 · Hamilton
Gates open at 7:00 PM and the movies begin at dusk. Pizza, popcorn, desserts and beverages are available for purchase.
See the full Movies at Maplelawn 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.
Spend a Fall Evening at Salem Methodist Church
Salem Methodist Church’s Night Out with Christ Fall Cookout is scheduled for October 2, beginning at 6:00 p.m., and includes several traditional fall activities in one evening.
Visitors can take a hayride, paint pumpkins, gather around a campfire, participate in a candy dig, and enjoy dinner and s’mores. Stones Crossing will provide live music. All ages are welcome, and the church describes it as a community event. Guests can bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Salem Methodist Church has been part of the Zionsville community since the 1830s, with its first church built in 1849. The historic church sits in a wooded area off 550 South, adding to the setting for an outdoor fall evening.
Race Through Zionsville This Fall
Three community running events take place from October through Thanksgiving, ranging from a 3K walk to a half marathon.
Hit the Bricks
The Hit the Bricks 5K Run & 3K Walk on October 3 includes a timed 5K and untimed 3K. The routes use the Zionsville Rail Trail, neighborhood streets and Zionsville’s historic brick Main Street.
The 2026 race highlights the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County as its local charity, with a large portion of race fundraising benefiting programs for area youth.
See the Hit the Bricks 5K & 3K guide.
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.
Fall Birding Series
The three-part Fall Birding Series meets on Saturday mornings at different Zionsville parks:
- September 19 · Turkey Foot Park
- October 10 · Starkey Nature Park
- November 7 · Carpenter Nature Preserve
Naturalists help participants identify resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. Beginners are welcome, and each session is limited to 20 participants.
Campfire Concert Series
The Campfire Concert Series combines live music with an evening outdoors at Carpenter Nature Preserve.
- September 17 · Possum Jaw String Band
- October 8 · Squirrel Butter
Both concerts run from 6:00–8:00 PM and include campfires, sunset views and concessions.
Night Hike
On October 16, a guided Night Hike at Carpenter Nature Preserve explores how nocturnal animals navigate after dark. Participants also use their own senses to experience the park differently once daylight disappears.
Owl Prowl
The Owl Prowl on November 13 focuses on owl species found around Zionsville. After learning about local owls, participants head into Carpenter Nature Preserve with a naturalist to listen and look for them.
Fall Campfire
The Fall Campfire on November 21 at Carpenter Nature Preserve includes a sunset walk looking for animals active around dusk followed by marshmallow roasting around the campfire.
Browse all Zionsville Parks & Recreation programs.
Visit the Zionsville Farmers Market
The Zionsville Farmers Market continues on Saturday mornings through September 26, giving visitors a few more chances to shop the market as the season shifts into fall.
Vendors offer produce, baked goods, prepared foods, flowers and other locally made items, with live music and activities throughout the morning. The final market on September 26 includes Pumpkin Painting with MyArt, a Zionsville art studio that offers classes, camps and creative programs for children and adults.
See the full Zionsville Farmers Market schedule and details.
Enjoy the SFZ Concert Series
The SFORZANDO (SFZ) Concert Series at St. Francis In-The-Fields Episcopal Church continues through the fall with three Sunday afternoon performances:
| Date | Artist | Program |
|---|---|---|
| September 13 · 4:00 PM | Phil Pierick, saxophone | Chicago Bagatelles Project Music for solo saxophone from Bach to today. |
| 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 concerts, theater productions and Eagles sporting events throughout the season.
See a ZCHS Performance
Zionsville Community High School has several performances scheduled at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center this fall.
- September 29 · Fall Choral Concert
- October 5 · Fall Band Concert
- October 8 · Fall Orchestra Concert
- 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. 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 throughout September, October and November. Scheduled events include 80s Night, the Zionsville Street Dance, GhostWalk, Pumpkinfest, Oktoberfest, Gallery On & Off Main, Fright Nights, Pumpkins & Hayrides and Smashin’ Pumpkins.
- When does the Zionsville Farmers Market end for the season?
- The Zionsville Farmers Market continues on Saturday mornings through September 26, 2026. The final market of the season also includes pumpkin painting.
- What fall races take place in Zionsville?
- Three community running events take place from October through Thanksgiving: Hit the Bricks on October 3 with a timed 5K and untimed 3K, 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. Pumpkinfest on October 3 includes children’s activities, pumpkin painting and hayrides to the pumpkin patch. 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 runs a three-part Fall Birding Series, a Campfire Concert Series at Carpenter Nature Preserve, a Night Hike on October 16, 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 and fall choral, band and orchestra concerts, and the Teeny Tiny Art Market opens at SullivanMunce Cultural Center on November 20.
- When is GhostWalk in Zionsville?
- GhostWalk returns October 2–3, 2026. The approximately 45-minute guided walking tour moves through the historic Village while actors reenact stories associated with local people, places and legends.
- What Halloween events take place in Zionsville?
- GhostWalk runs October 2–3, with costumed actors reenacting local ghost stories along a guided walking tour of the historic Village. 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.