Autumn On The River

The Autumn On The River festival in Bethlehem, Indiana, is a family-friendly fall event held on October 18-19, 2025 at the Old School House Grounds (206 Schoolhouse Aly). It celebrates autumn with a variety of activities including live music, a parade, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, lawn games, and exploration of the historic 1927 Bethlehem schoolhouse. The festival is fully handicapped accessible and serves to support the preservation of the historic schoolhouse.

The festival atmosphere is vibrant and community-oriented with beautiful fall foliage enhancing the experience. It draws thousands of attendees annually for its mix of entertainment, local history, and family fun.

Event Activities and Features:

• Live music performances on both days, featuring local musicians.
• A parade showcasing community groups and festive floats.
• Numerous food vendors offering homemade and seasonal treats.
• A variety of booths selling art, clothing, antiques, and accessories.
• Lawn and carnival-style games such as bounce houses, dime toss, hula hoop contests, and cake walks.
• An antique tractor show displaying historic farming equipment.
• Helicopter rides and a car show (noted some years).
• Raffles, silent auctions, and a live auction with proceeds benefiting Historic Bethlehem Inc.
• A dog costume contest adding fun pet involvement.
• Historic displays inside the schoolhouse, including local history, school class pictures, genealogical records, and a Veteran’s Wall of Honor.
• A Heritage Room with information on local history, genealogy, and cemeteries.
• Unique opportunity to use the authentic Bethlehem Holiday Cancellation Stamp from the old Post Office for stamping Christmas cards.

Rough Schedule:

• Saturday, October 18, 2025: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (activities and music throughout the day)
• Sunday, October 19, 2025: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (family-friendly activities and music continue)

Inside the schoolhouse, visitors can enjoy local history exhibits and participate in stamping postcards during the event hours.

History and Purpose:

The festival was founded as a way to celebrate autumn in the Bethlehem community while helping to fund the preservation and restoration of the historic 1927 Bethlehem schoolhouse. Proceeds from the event support Historic Bethlehem, Inc., the nonprofit overseeing the care of this landmark and promoting local heritage.

The event embodies a small-town, nostalgic fall vibe with a strong emphasis on community heritage, family-friendly entertainment, and local craftsmanship. It provides a welcoming environment for all ages, combining seasonal festivity with educational and cultural appreciation.