Weekend Roundup: Five Fall Festivals to Hit in Indiana, Oct. 25–26

Indiana communities will scatter the scent of kettle corn, the sound of live music, and the rustle of fall leaves across the state this weekend as five distinct festivals open on Oct. 25–26. From immersive colonial reenactments in Lebanon to vintage markets in Shipshewana and Corydon, reporters found events aimed at families, shoppers, history buffs, and anyone looking for an autumn escape close to home.

Organizers say the cluster of events is designed to showcase local tradition and small‑town hospitality while giving visitors a variety of experiences—hands‑on history, curated vintage shopping, family Halloween fun, and heritage programming. Below are the who, what, when, where and practical details for each festival to help readers plan their weekend.

Colonial Market Days — Lebanon (Oct. 25–26)
Abner Longley Park, 1601 Longley Dr, Lebanon
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 (approx. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM); Sunday, Oct. 26 (approx. 9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
What to expect: A two‑day, 18th‑century living history event featuring artisans (blacksmithing, weaving, woodworking), military encampments and tactical battles, period music and street performers, and a Sunday historical church service. Saturday evening includes a special tactical reenactment.

Why go: The festival offers immersive, family‑friendly demonstrations and interpretive programming that bring colonial daily life to the park grounds. It's a good pick for history fans and families who want hands‑on learning rather than purely passive exhibits.

Practical tips: Admission is listed as paid entry (check the event page for ticket prices). The park setting supports large encampments—arrive mid‑morning to beat the busiest hours and to catch scheduled battle demonstrations. Dress for fall weather; much of the activity is outdoors.

Corydon Extravaganza — Corydon (Oct. 25–26)
Harrison County Fairgrounds, 341 S. Capitol Ave, Corydon
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 (early bird 8:00–10:00 AM; general admission 10:00 AM–5:00 PM); some events run through Sunday, Oct. 26 depending on the show's schedule
What to expect: More than 150 vendors offering antiques, vintage finds, handmade goods, jewelry and art, plus food trucks, a wine bar, and live music. The event blends collector shopping with a festival atmosphere.

Why go: Hunt for unique décor or that one‑of‑a‑kind vintage piece, then sit down with a local wine pour or street food. The fairgrounds format keeps most shopping indoors and under cover, a plus for unpredictable fall weather.

Practical tips: Early bird shopping typically carries an extra fee (often around $10); general admission is lower (historical listings show about $5). Children 13 and under are usually admitted free. On‑site parking is commonly available in the fairgrounds infield; arrive early for the best browsing.

Halloween Town — Franklin (Oct. 25)
Youngs Creek Park and downtown Franklin (DriveHubler.com Amphitheater area)
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 (full day; key events from morning into the evening)
What to expect: A family‑focused Halloween festival with a morning "Rock the Block" community walk, the Halloween Hustle 5K and 1‑mile family walk, kids’ activities, a pet costume contest, Trick Your Trunk, and downtown "Trick‑the‑Town" trick‑or‑treating. Local personality appearances, haunted tours, and an evening movie are also scheduled.

Why go: This event is ideal for families with kids and costumed pets who want organized, community‑oriented Halloween fun. It blends fitness, contests, and classic downtown trick‑or‑treating in a walkable setting.

Practical tips: Many activities (5K, pet contest registration) may require pre‑registration or small fees; general attendance is typically free. Expect parking near Youngs Creek Park and available downtown lots—arrive before the 10:00 AM race or plan to come later in the afternoon for trick‑or‑treating (5:30–7:30 PM). Costumes are encouraged for all ages.

Heritage Day – Fall — Rockport (Oct. 25)
Rockport Lincoln Pioneer Village, 928 Fairground Dr, Rockport
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 (approx. 9:00 AM–4:00 PM CDT)
What to expect: Costumed interpreters, demonstrations of period crafts, museum tours, kids’ activities, music and food throughout the historic village reflecting Abraham Lincoln’s formative environment.

Why go: This smaller, educational festival offers a quieter, interpretive fall outing—great for families and anyone interested in local history and traditional crafts set against an authentic historic village backdrop.

Practical tips: Rockport is in the Central Time Zone—plan travel accordingly. Past events have shown modest admission fees (historical references list $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/children), but readers should verify current prices on the village’s official site before arrival.

Ship‑Chic Craft & Vintage Show — Shipshewana (Oct. 25)
Shipshewana Trading Place, 345 S. Van Buren St, Shipshewana
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 (9:00 AM–3:00 PM)
What to expect: A curated pop‑up market with 100+ vendors selling gifts, vintage items, home décor, clothing, accessories and beauty products in a heated, enclosed venue—ideal for a fall shopping day.

Why go: Shipshewana’s fall market is a favorite for shoppers seeking handmade goods and vintage finds in a comfortable indoor setting, and it pairs well with a day trip to explore the town’s Amish heritage and antique shops.

Practical tips: Historical listings show a modest adult admission (around $5) with children under a certain age admitted free—confirm current fees before you go. The Trading Place is heated—dress for comfort rather than for the cold.

Voices and context
Organizers across these events emphasize community, local vendors and family engagement. "The goal is to create experiences that highlight local craft, history and hospitality while giving people safe, walkable ways to enjoy the season," organizers note in event descriptions. For prospective attendees, that means a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and plenty of chances to shop, taste and learn.

What this means for readers
This weekend offers a spread of experiences for short drives or a mini road trip: hands‑on history in Boone County, treasure hunting in southern Indiana, family Halloween festivities near Indianapolis, heritage interpretation along the Ohio River, and curated markets in Amish country. If crowds and weather are a concern, favor indoor shows like Corydon Extravaganza or Ship‑Chic; if you want spectacle and living history, head for Colonial Market Days.

Before you go: check official event pages or city calendars for last‑minute schedule or admission updates, register in advance for timed events (5Ks, pet contests, early‑bird shopping), and pack layers—the state can be brisk in late October. Plan arrival times around marquee activities (afternoon battles, pet contests, trick‑or‑treat windows) to make the most of your visit.

Whether readers are shopping for antiques, stepping into a colonial encampment, or dressing their dog for a costume contest, this weekend’s lineup offers a little bit of everything—an open invitation to make a crisp fall day into a memorable Indiana adventure.