About This Festival

The Zionsville Fall Festival 2025 is a family-friendly event held from September 5 to 7 at Zionsville Lions Park in Zionsville, Indiana. It features a wide range of activities including a large parade, a carnival with bounce houses and rides, a car show, a beer garden, and numerous arts and crafts vendors, catering to all ages and interests.

Event Atmosphere and Location:
The festival takes place at Zionsville Lions Park, located at 11053 Sycamore St, Zionsville. The vibe is community-centered, lively, and inclusive, designed to foster family fun and local spirit over the weekend. The Lions Park setting provides ample space for rides, vendor booths, and entertainment areas, with handicap accessibility.

Key Activities and Attractions:

  1. Parade:
    The 72nd annual Fall Festival Parade is on Saturday, September 6, starting at 10:00 a.m. from Zionsville Community High School. It follows a 1.2-mile route along Mulberry Street, Ash Street, and finishes on Main Street. The 2025 parade theme is "Toon Town," encouraging participants to dress as cartoon characters. The parade features local marching bands, colorful floats, and community groups.

  2. VIP Carnival (Friday evening):
    This special event begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, aimed at families with children who have special needs, called the "Very Important People." It includes carnival rides, games, live music, balloon creations, and a dinner provided by Chick-fil-A. It offers a welcoming, supportive atmosphere free of charge to keep the focus on fun and inclusion.

  3. Carnival and Rides:
    General festival attendees can enjoy bounce houses, Poor Jack’s Amusement Rides, carnival games, and a "Silly Safari" activity area for kids.

  4. Arts & Crafts Vendors:
    Numerous local artists and craft vendors offer handmade goods throughout the weekend.

  5. Car Show (Sunday, September 7):
    Held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring stock, modified, classic, and vintage vehicles. Registration for participants runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with awards presented at 2:30 p.m. Categories include best paint, engine, interior, and decade classes, plus a People’s Choice and Lion’s Choice trophy.

  6. Food and Drink:
    Visitors can enjoy classic festival foods such as pizza, ribs, pulled pork, popcorn, and cotton candy from local vendors. There is also a beer garden and live music in the Lion’s Lounge on Saturday evening with a band called “The Impalas.”

  7. Additional Entertainment:
    Bingo is held on Sunday, and the Pet Pavilion and Safety Zone offer educational and engaging activities.

Typical Schedule Highlights:

  • Friday, Sept 5:
    5:00 p.m. – VIP Carnival kickoff in Lions Park

  • Saturday, Sept 6:
    10:00 a.m. – Fall Festival Parade begins at Zionsville Community High School
    Afternoon & Evening – Carnival rides, arts & crafts, beer garden with live music

  • Sunday, Sept 7:
    9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Car Show at Lions Park
    Various festival activities, including vendors and food

History and Founding:
The Zionsville Fall Festival and its parade have deep roots, with the parade celebrating its 72nd year in 2025. It is organized primarily by the Zionsville Lions Club, a community service organization dedicated to local philanthropic and social events. The festival reflects a long-standing tradition of community celebration and service.

Accessibility:
The festival is handicap accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.

Contact Information:
For questions or more details, the Zionsville Lions Club can be reached at (317) 873-5540, and their website is http://zionsvillelions.com.

This festival is an annual highlight in the Zionsville area, merging traditional fun with community engagement through its special programs and inclusive atmosphere.