Weekend Roundup: Glasstoberfest Leads a Packed Fall-Festival Weekend Across Southern Indiana

Historic downtowns, fairgrounds and river towns across southern Indiana will buzz with fall energy this weekend as a string of community festivals offers everything from live glassblowing and giant pumpkins to haunted tours and pioneer‑era demonstrations. The calendar is anchored by Zimmermann Glasstoberfest in Corydon (Oct. 17–18), with a wide array of one‑ and two‑day events across the region running Oct. 17–19, giving families and day‑trippers plenty of reasons to hit the road.

Zimmermann Glasstoberfest — Corydon, Harrison County (Oct. 17–18)
Zimmermann Glasstoberfest transforms Historic Downtown Corydon into a hands‑on celebration of glass art. Organized by Zimmerman Art Glass with Main Street Corydon and 102.7 WOCC, the two‑day event features live glassmaking demonstrations by more than 20 artists, artist booths, a beer and wine garden, German food and live music. The festival starts Friday around 4:00 p.m. and runs into the evening, then resumes Saturday from about 10:00 a.m. through late night. The core activity — watching molten glass become finished pieces — makes this a standout for art lovers and families alike. Tip: arrive Saturday morning to catch multiple demos and quieter vendor browsing; the festival is centered around Zimmerman Art Glass, 300 E Chestnut St.

Four Rivers Arts & Craft Harvest Home Festival — Huntingburg, Dubois County (Oct. 18–19)
One of southern Indiana’s long‑running craft shows, Four Rivers takes over the Dubois County 4‑H Fairgrounds with more than 200 vendor booths across indoor and outdoor spaces. The festival, marking its 50th year in 2025, pairs live artisan demonstrations with a robust food lineup from trucks and local bakers. Hours: Saturday 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. EDT; Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Parking carries a small $5 fee. Tip: bring a tote for purchases, and plan to spend Saturday morning exploring the specialty booths before the midday crowd arrives.

Fort Vallonia Days — Vallonia, Jackson County (Oct. 18–19)
Fort Vallonia Days celebrates local frontier heritage with craft booths, live entertainment, a Saturday parade at 1:00 p.m., a muzzleloader shoot and a slate of traditional contests and demonstrations. The festival, held 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. each day, is a major draw — attendance can approach 30,000 — so early arrival is recommended. The event funds upkeep of the reconstructed Fort Vallonia and its museum, making it both a celebration and a community fundraiser. Tip: expect large crowds Saturday; plan parking and family meeting spots in advance.

Autumn on the River — Bethlehem, Clark County (Oct. 18–19)
Hosted by Historic Bethlehem, Inc., Autumn on the River is a family‑friendly gathering around the 1927 schoolhouse at 206 Schoolhouse Aly. The two‑day festival offers a parade, live music, a car show, craft booths, lawn games, a Veteran’s “Wall of Honor” and even helicopter rides. Hours are roughly Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Sunday noon–5:00 p.m. Tip: the parade and special exhibits make Saturday a great day for families; check the event site (autumnontheriver.wordpress.com) for final parade times and raffle details.

Pennville Pumpkin Festival — Pennville, Jay County (Oct. 18)
All things pumpkin take center stage in Pennville Park with a giant‑pumpkin contest, parade, costume contest, kids’ activities, a 5K run/walk (race day registration opens 6:30 a.m., race at 8:30 a.m.) and an antique fire truck show. The festival is a classic small‑town fall celebration — come for the pumpkin displays and stay for the live music and community atmosphere. Tip: runners and early birds should arrive before 8:00 a.m.; families will find plenty of kid‑oriented programming throughout the day.

Harvest Fest — New Palestine, Hancock County (Oct. 18, Noon–3 p.m.)
This short, family‑centered Main Street event features trunk‑or‑treating, crafts, games and animal encounters at 11 East Main Street. Because the festival runs just three hours, plan to arrive close to noon to catch the full slate of activities. Tip: parking is usually available within a few blocks—pack a wagon or stroller for little ones.

Haunted Wine Walk & Tour — Brookville, Franklin County (Oct. 18, 6:00–9:00 p.m.)
For an adults‑only twist on fall festivities, Brookville’s Haunted Wine Walk blends ghost stories with wine tastings at participating Main Street shops and restaurants. The tour begins at the Valley House (468 Main St). Tickets are sold through MadTix ($20 advance single, $35 couple; higher at the door) and include guided visits to multiple historic buildings with eerie backstories. Tip: tickets often sell out — buy in advance and plan for stairs and limited ADA access at some stops.

Shubael Pioneer Village Heritage Weekend — Cannelton, Perry County (Oct. 18–19)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, the Shubael Little Pioneer Village weekend is a living‑history event that recreates pioneer life with blacksmithing, weaving, bread‑oven baking, period music and demonstrations in reconstructed log homes. The village, at 7590 E State Road 66, opens both days beginning around 10:00 a.m., offering a slow, educational pace perfect for history buffs and family outings. Tip: wear comfortable shoes for uneven ground and stay for a bread‑oven demo — those smells are part of the experience.

What to know before you go

Most events listed are free to attend; check specific ticketed features (Haunted Wine Walk, some races) in advance.
Arrive early on Saturday to avoid the biggest crowds, especially at Fort Vallonia Days and Four Rivers.
Expect fall weather: layers, comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are smart choices.
Bring cash for smaller vendors; many craft booths and food trucks accept cards but some prefer cash.
Make a day plan: several of these festivals run simultaneously across the region. Pick one anchor event (a demo, parade or race) and build your day around it.

Why this weekend matters
This clustered weekend of festivals reflects a seasonal rhythm in Indiana where small towns and arts communities turn autumn into a celebration of craft, history and local food. From the heat of the glass furnace in Corydon to the quiet hammering of a blacksmith in Cannelton, these events spotlight local makers and volunteer‑run organizations that sustain community culture and local economies. For readers, the takeaway is simple: whether seeking hands‑on art, harvest‑time fun or a spooky night out, this weekend offers a genuine, local fall experience — and plenty of reasons to map a short road trip and make new memories.

For updates and final schedules, check event webpages and social pages before you go; local organizers sometimes adjust hours or add new features as weather and volunteer schedules evolve.