About This Festival

The Waterman's Fall Harvest Festival takes place throughout October 2025 at Waterman's Family Farm in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. It is a family-friendly agricultural event celebrating the autumn season with a variety of interactive activities, rides, games, live music, and seasonal food offerings.

Location and Setting

The festival is held at Waterman's Family Farm, located at 7010 E Raymond St, Indianapolis. The farm is a working family farm set in a semi-rural area within Central Indiana, offering a rustic and authentic fall harvest atmosphere close to the city. The grounds include fields, farm buildings, and open areas set up for festival activities, emphasizing the charm of a traditional farm experience.

Festival Vibe and Atmosphere

The festival is known for its warm, family-friendly, and festive fall vibe with a touch of country charm. Visitors often describe it as a classic farm experience where kids and adults can enjoy seasonal fun in a welcoming outdoor environment. The farm is lively with music and activities, marked by the bright colors of pumpkins and autumn décor. Food vendors offer seasonal treats like apple cider slushies and baked goods, adding to the cozy harvest ambiance.

Key Activities and Attractions

  • Pumpkin-eating Dinosaur: A large, thematic attraction likely designed as a fun photo opportunity or interactive display.
  • Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch: Traditional hayrides transporting families to select pumpkins.
  • Straw Mountain: Large piles of straw for climbing and playing, especially fun for kids.
  • Corn Maze: An autumn classic that challenges visitors to find their way through paths cut in cornfields.
  • Tire Mountain Slide: A large slide built from recycled tires.
  • Ball Toss and Spinning Pumpkin: Carnival-type games suitable for all ages.
  • Train Ride: A miniature train circling part of the festival grounds.
  • Wagon Ball Pit: A play area filled with balls for young children.
  • Live Music, Bungee Jumping, and Rock Wall (available Saturdays and Sundays): Entertainment and adventure activities targeted at older children and adults.

Food and Refreshments

Festival visitors can enjoy apple cider slushies, baked goods, and general food offerings, which complement the fall harvest theme and provide seasonal flavors.

Rough Schedule and Hours (based on recent patterns, subject to confirmation for 2025)

  • The festival runs daily from October 1 to October 31, 2025.
  • Hours typically span from morning through evening, with approximate times:
    • Weekdays: 9am to 7pm
    • Fridays: 9am to 8pm
    • Weekends (Saturday & Sunday): 10am to 8pm
  • Last hayride departs one hour before closing daily.
  • Special accessibility accommodations are provided.

Admission

  • There is an admission charge for entry.
  • Tickets vary by day, with higher prices on weekends.
  • Children under 2 usually enter free.
  • Season passes may be available, providing entry for multiple visits.

History and Founding

Waterman's Family Farm has been a local favorite since 1978, owned and operated by the Waterman family. The farm has evolved over decades into a go-to destination for fall festivals and agricultural fairs in the Indianapolis area, blending traditional farming with family entertainment. The festival has become an annual tradition for many local families, building on the farm’s legacy as a working agricultural site that offers an immersive harvest celebration.

Additional Notes

  • The farm is a working farm, so the ground can be muddy; visitors are advised to dress accordingly.
  • Parking is free and available adjacent to the festival.
  • The farm also runs a year-round farmers market with fresh produce and local products.

This event combines classic farm fun and fall festivities, making it an iconic celebration of the harvest season in Central Indiana.