Weekend Roundup: From County Fairs to Hot Sauce — Where to Find Fall Fun in Indiana

Weekend Roundup: From County Fairs to Hot Sauce — Where to Find Fall Fun in Indiana

This weekend, communities across Indiana roll out everything from nostalgic county‑fair attractions to spicy food expos and pioneer reenactments. Through Sunday, September 28, dozens of events — many free — invite families, road‑trippers and culture hunters to taste local food, hear live music, admire vintage cars and step back into Hoosier history. Whether readers want "America’s Family Reunion" in Auburn or a heat‑seekers’ paradise in Terre Haute, the choices promise easy day trips and memorable small‑town experiences.

DeKalb County Free Fall Fair — Auburn (Sept. 22–27)
The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair wraps its run with a carnival midway, nightly national main‑stage entertainment and the county’s signature 4‑H competitions. Billed locally as "America’s Family Reunion," the fair pairs parade pageantry and pageants with classic fair food — think fresh donuts and lemonade — and free nightly acts. The fair has deep roots in the community (at least 88 fairs had been held by 2019) and remains free to attend, making it an easy stop for families looking for late‑summer fair magic. Tip: arrive before 6 p.m. for easier parking and to catch youth 4‑H shows during daylight.

Carmel International Arts Festival — Carmel (Sept. 27–28)
The Carmel Arts & Design District hosts over 130 juried artists in an art‑forward weekend of sculpture, jewelry, painting and performance. The festival opens Saturday at 10 a.m. and features Main Stage music and international dance into the evening. This is the pick for browsers and shoppers who want high‑quality work and street‑level entertainment. Tip: use downtown parking garages and pair the visit with a Main Street lunch.

Wabash Valley Pepper Fest & Hot Sauce Expo — Terre Haute (Sept. 28)
Spice lovers will find a one‑day, ticketed playground at 2800 Poplar Street from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Expect hot sauce tastings, pepper‑eating contests, chili cook‑offs, cooking demos, a beer garden and a classic car show. Organizer Craig McCulloch has built the event into a destination for heat seekers; ample free venue parking at the Meadows Shopping Center keeps access simple. Tip: arrive early for tasting lines and bring a water bottle or plan for the beer garden to cool off.

Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival — Huntington (Sept. 27–28)
This two‑day living‑history festival at the Huntington County Fairgrounds recreates mid‑1800s life with a pioneer village, military drills, mounted shooters and family melodrama. Saturday runs 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday begins with an old‑time worship service at 9 a.m. Ideal for history buffs and families, the festival offers interactive demonstrations that make history hands‑on. Tip: wear comfortable shoes for walking between encampments and demonstrations.

Cory Apple Festival — Cory (Sept. 26–28)
Free admission makes the Cory Apple Festival a classic small‑town weekend. Expect antiques, a car and motorcycle show, the Bad Apple Saloon beer garden, firemen’s breakfasts, a parade, and fundraising raffles that support the volunteer fire department. Parking typically costs $3 and many vendors prefer cash; ATMs are available on site. Tip: try the Jonah Fish Fry on Saturday and scope out antique booths early.

Versailles Lions Club Pumpkin Show — Versailles (Sept. 24–27)
As Indiana’s oldest festival, the Pumpkin Show blends carnival rides, live music, art and family contests into a community celebration of autumn. It’s free to attend and a festive stop for families seeking that small‑town fall atmosphere. Tip: Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds — go earlier in the day for shorter lines.

Model T Covered Bridge Tour — Parke County (Sept. 27–Oct. 1)
Classic car enthusiasts will find multi‑day driving tours through Parke County’s famed covered bridges. Registration is open at the fairgrounds; daily routes visit Amish businesses and scenic rural roads while reducing highway miles. The tour includes a swap meet and ice cream social on Saturday night. Tip: drivers should be prepared for gravel road segments and slow traffic through bridge towns.

Ducktail Run Rod & Custom Car Show — Gas City (Sept. 25–28)
One of the largest classic‑car gatherings in the state features more than 2,400 cars from 1972 and earlier, swap meets, vendors and nightly entertainment. The scale makes this a must for car fans and photographers. Tip: allocate extra time for the swap meet and bring sunscreen — many displays are outdoors.

Warm Glow Fall Festival — Centerville (Sept. 27–28)
Family‑friendly weekend at Warm Glow Candle Company with 100+ vendors, food trucks and live music. This is perfect for a relaxed day of shopping and tasting local food. Tip: try to visit Sunday morning to avoid larger crowds and enjoy cooler walkways.

Raptor Days at Hardy Lake — Austin (Sept. 27)
For families and nature lovers, Raptor Days offers live bird presentations, boat tours to view osprey nests, a car show and kids’ activities. Funds raised support the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center. Tip: boat tours have limited capacity — check in early for slots.

Other notable weekend options

• Jonesboro River Rally (Sept. 26–28) — Indiana’s biggest motorcycle rally with field events, stunt shows and memorial rides.
• Mill Race Marathon (Columbus, Sept. 26–27) — race weekend with downtown routes and community music.
• Great Pumpkin Roll Gran Fondo (Brookville, Sept. 27) — three scenic cycling route options and a finish‑line meal for riders.
• Old Court Days (Madison, Sept. 26–28) — long‑running arts, woodwork and antique fair with free admission.
• Huntingburg Herbstfest (Sept. 25–28) — four days of games, tournaments and nightly music.

Practical tips for a smooth weekend outing

• Check official festival websites or social feeds before you leave: schedules and headliner start times can shift.
• Bring cash for smaller vendors — several community events list cash‑only booths or modest parking fees (Cory noted $3 parking).
• For family days, aim for late‑morning arrivals to catch daytime kids’ activities and avoid peak evening crowds.
• Pack a small blanket or folding chair for outdoor stages and arrive early for prime spots.
• Expect mixed weather: layer up for cooler mornings and bring sunscreen for long daytime outdoors.

What this means for readers
This weekend demonstrates how Indiana’s festival scene marries small‑town tradition with big‑stage entertainment — from "America’s Family Reunion" in Auburn to the heat of a one‑day hot‑sauce expo in Terre Haute and the hands‑on history at Huntington’s pioneer encampment. For the casual road‑tripper, the breadth of free or low‑cost options makes spontaneous day trips rewarding; for planners, a few quick checks of parking and event schedules will unlock full, local experiences. Pick a stop, pack a friend or family member, and treat the weekend like a mini road trip through Indiana culture and fall flavors.

Sources: official festival announcements and local event listings for dates, locations and programming details.