Festival of the Turning Leaves

The Festival of the Turning Leaves in Thorntown, Indiana is a lively fall event held annually on Main Street over the last weekend in September. Its atmosphere is family-friendly and community-centered, celebrating the seasonal change with a mix of outdoor, cultural, and entertainment activities.

Surrounding Area and Vibe:
Thorntown is a small town in Boone County, Indiana, with a quaint downtown area that serves as the festival's main hub. The vibe is festive yet relaxed, attracting locals and visitors who enjoy a mix of traditional fair activities, local crafts, and live entertainment. The town embraces the harvest season, creating a warm, welcoming environment for families and visitors.

Event Activities and Highlights:

• Friday (Family Fun & Movie Night):

  • Family-oriented events at the park.
  • Food trucks serving casual fare.
  • A foam party for kids.
  • Evening outdoor movie showing with free popcorn.

• Saturday:

  • Morning 5K and 10K runs, starting at 9am.
  • Afternoon parade at 1pm.
  • Corn Hole Tournament for friendly competition.
  • Book sale hosted by the local library.
  • Live music performances starting through the day into evening.
  • Children’s area known as the kids’ zone with crafts and games.
  • Street fair featuring craft and food vendors.
  • Museum tours and other local cultural activities.

• Sunday:

  • Morning breakfast event featuring biscuits and gravy by a local eatery.
  • A car show showcasing classic and specialty vehicles.
  • Touch-a-Truck event where children can explore various trucks.
  • Continuation of street fair, kids’ zone, live music, and food court.

Schedule and Locations:

• Nearly all activities are centered on Main Street, Thorntown, with the park area hosting family events and the movie on Friday.
• The runs start from a designated point downtown.
• The parade proceeds along a central route on Main Street.
• The street fair, food court, and kids’ zone occupy various blocks downtown.
• Specific venues like Lion's Park are used for breakfasts and special family events.
• Museum tours occur at local historical buildings accessible in downtown.

History and Origin:

The Festival of the Turning Leaves began as a localized celebration of fall and community spirit in Thorntown. It has grown steadily over the years into an annual weekend showcasing local culture, crafts, and outdoor events. Its founding stems from a desire to foster community pride and bring together families and visitors during the beautiful autumn season. The festival blends traditional county fair elements with cultural activities to highlight the region’s agricultural heritage and community vibrancy.

The event is fully handicapped accessible and typically attracts visitors from Boone County and surrounding areas interested in fall festivities with a small-town charm. It is organized and promoted by local township and community organizations.

Overall, the festival provides a wholesome, scenic, and interactive experience capturing the essence of fall in Central Indiana through races, parades, music, food, and family activities.