Fall is finally here, and with the changing of the leaves comes some of the year’s best events. If you call Carmel, Indiana home like we do at Waterfront of West Clay, then you know that fall events aren’t to be missed. From haunted hayrides to trips to the pumpkin patch, there is no better place to be this season than right here in Carmel. Let’s take a look at some of the best fall events that Carmel, Indiana has to offer you and your family this year.
Stuckey Farm Harvest Festival
One of the area’s most popular events is back again this year- the Stuckey Farm Harvest Festival! Located approximately 15 minutes from Carmel in Sheridan, Indiana, the Stuckey Farm Harvest Festival is a long-time favorite of Carmel residents. Running from September 14th through October 27th, this fall event is packed full of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From the unlimited wagon rides throughout the farm and an 8-acre corn maze to Adventure Acres to pig races, the Stuckey Farm Harvest Festival is just the event to kickstart your fall season in Carmel.
For all-day access to all of the fall-themed fun that Stuckey Farm Harvest Festival has to offer, admission will cost you just $12.50 per person, with kiddos 2 and under getting in for free. Speaking of fall-themed fun, there is something new for the family to enjoy this year at the festival – picnics! Stuckey Farm will now be offering reservations for a packed picnic basket and picnic blanket so that you can enjoy a day under the apple trees with friends and family.
As always, the Stuckey Farm Marketplace will be open so you can pick up fresh apple cider and their famous warm cider donuts. Don’t forget, every weekend at Stuckey Farm has its own theme. Stay updated on this weekend’s upcoming events by checking out the Stuckey Farm Facebook page!
Conner Prairie Fall Fun With the Headless Horseman
For a fall event that thrills as much as it entertains, make sure you and your family visit Conner Prairie located approximately 15 minutes from Carmel, Indiana. This event runs from October 10th-13th, 17th-20th, and 24th-27th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Advance tickets for the event can be purchased online or at the gate when visiting. Basic Thursday or Sunday tickets can be yours for $17 per person if you aren’t a member of Conner Prairie, and admission is free for those who are. With weekends being the most popular days at Conner Prairie, premium Friday and Saturday tickets can be purchased at a price of $21 per person for non-members and admission is free for all members plus-level and above.
Nothing says fall in Carmel quite like a run through Conner Prairie’s 11-acre corn maze. With a variety of maze runs including short, long, and spooky, the whole family will have a great time.
Other activities include bounce houses, pumpkin bowling, and spooky storytelling. After you and your family have enjoyed all that Conner Prairie has to offer, end the evening with a haunted hayride where you’ll experience a Halloween favorite as you’re chased by the Headless Horseman himself!
Hotel of Spells Haunted House at Children’s Museum
One of the best kid-friendly fall events in Indiana is the Hotel of Spells at the Children’s Museum located in Indianapolis. While this fall event is a slightly longer drive from Carmel at around 25 minutes, the haunted house is a favorite for Carmel kids! With this year being the Hotel of Spells Haunted House’s 56th annual event, it is bound to be the best yet!
At the Hotel of Spells Haunted House, the entertainment and safety of the kids is a primary concern, which is why the Hotel of Spells experience is divided into two separate experiences. With the Lights-On Hours experience, children who scare a bit more easily can enjoy the Hotel of Spells Haunted House from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday through Tuesday and 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. For kids who dare to be scared, there are the Frightening Hours running from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tickets are available at the Children’s Museum Box Office at $9 per person. Interested in learning more about which Hotel of Spells experience is best for your family? Visit the Children’s Museum blog for more information on what to expect and make the best choice for you!
Ghosts & Goblins 5k/2k Run/Walk
Carmel’s 11th annual Ghosts & Goblins 5k/2k Run/Walk is Saturday, October 26th and it is a Halloween event that no Carmel resident should miss! Presented by the Carmel Education Foundation to benefit Carmel Clay schools, this fundraising event draws a large crowd each and every year.
Put on your best Halloween costume and register to participate in the Ghost & Goblins race. Starting and ending at CHS’s west parking lot, this fall event is a great opportunity for some friendly competition. Here are just a few of the contests and prizes you can expect at this year’s event:
- CEF Scholarship for Carmel High School Seniors – All Carmel High School seniors that register to participate or volunteer at this year’s event will be eligible to apply for the Lisa Evans scholarship.
- Most Participants Per CCS School – Each year, the elementary school with the most participants will be awarded the coveted Ghosts & Goblins Trophy to be displayed at the winning school for an entire year. Don’t leave middle schools out, though! For the middle school with the most participants, the Ghost and Goblins banner will be awarded for permanent display at their school.
- Costume Contest – What’s the Halloween season without a costume contest? That’s why Carmel’s Ghosts & Goblins race offers awards for the best adult, youth, and ensemble costumes. Make sure you’re there in your best Halloween costume!
Thanksgiving Trimmings DIY at Indiana State Museum
While Halloween is what’s on most minds of Carmel residents right now, there is another fall holiday just around the corner: Thanksgiving. Luckily, Indianapolis has Carmel residents covered with the ultimate Thanksgiving fall event. Located about 30 minutes away, this year’s Thanksgiving Trimmings DIY at Indiana State Museum is the perfect opportunity to put your DIY skills to the ultimate test!
If you are in need of some Thanksgiving decoration inspiration, this fall event is here to spark your creativity. From DIY Thanksgiving napkins to name cards crafted with natural dyes, you’ll create home table accessories to impress your whole family at this year’s Thanksgiving feast. This event is for adults only, so tell all your friends and add November 4th to your calendar.
Museum members may purchase tickets for $10, while non-museum members may purchase theirs for $12. This exciting event will guarantee to get the Thanksgiving season in Carmel, Indiana started off right!