Harvest Homecoming Festival

The Harvest Homecoming Festival in downtown New Albany, Indiana, is a long-standing fall celebration held annually for over 55 years along the scenic Ohio River. The 2025 festival runs from October 4 through October 12 and is renowned as one of Indiana’s premier fall festivals. It features a lively parade, carnival rides, live music, children’s activities, craft and food booths, and unique contests such as a pumpkin-chunking event using a gravity-powered trebuchet. Some activities have a fee, while many are free and accessible, including accommodations for handicapped visitors.

The festival atmosphere is festive and family-friendly, with vibrant streets filled with local food vendors, artisans selling crafts, and entertainment reflecting a strong community spirit. The vibe combines nostalgic autumn traditions with lively music and children's fun, drawing thousands of visitors and locals each year.

Key activities and events typically include:

• Opening Ceremonies: Usually held in the early days of the festival with music and food near the Orange Bleachers area (at East 8th and East Spring streets).
• Harvest Homecoming Parade: A highlight event featuring over-the-top floats, vintage cars, marching bands, and lively performances. The parade route runs down Vincennes, Spring, and Bank streets, starting near New Albany High School.
• Carnival rides and games: Multiple rides and fair games available daily, suitable for all ages.
• Children’s Events: Special kid-friendly activities tailored to families.
• Craft and Food Booths: Regional vendors offer a wide variety of handmade crafts and delicious local cuisine on booth days.
• Live Music and Entertainment: Daily live performances showcasing local and regional artists.
• Pumpkin Chunking Contest: A unique, fun contest involving launching pumpkins using a trebuchet, usually a key draw for families and festival-goers.

A rough schedule for the festival often runs from about noon to 9:00 PM daily during the main event days, with specific times for the parade and main ceremonies on weekends—usually starting mid-afternoon.

Historically, the Harvest Homecoming Festival was founded more than five decades ago to celebrate the fall season and bring the New Albany community together around harvest traditions and autumn fun. Over time, it has evolved into a major annual event promoting local culture, agriculture, and family recreation, preserving a nostalgic and festive “homecoming” feel in the heart of downtown New Albany.

For more detailed schedules and event locations during the 2025 festival, visitors can check the official website or contact the organizers directly via phone at (812) 944-8572 or through their Facebook page.