
Do you feel that chill in the air?
It’s finally fall in Indianapolis, and Hoosiers of all ages are gearing up for a spooky Halloween season like no other with festivals and haunted attractions across the city. The Recorder has put together a short list of some of the big ones going on throughout the month, culminating in Trick or Treat night on Oct. 31.
Friday, Oct. 11
Night at the Boo Bash
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.
6-8 p.m.
$12
Indiana State Museum invites families to enjoy a spooktacular evening filled with fun, creativity and community spirit. The museum will feature a variety of hands-on Halloween-themed activities, science experiments, games and costume contests.
indianamuseum.org/programs/night-at-the-boo-bash-2/
Mobsters, Molls and Murder
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St.
6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
$23-$27
Theater meets murder mystery with Mobsters, Molls and Murder, blending interactive storytelling with rich historical context, inviting participants to solve a chilling mystery amid the glitz and danger of the 1920s.
Saturday, Oct. 12
Harvest Nights
Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road
7:30-10:30 p.m. (recurring until Nov. 2)
$16-$55; Children 5 and under free
Newfields is getting spooky, not scary, this fall! Join the museum for its after-dark event featuring something for the whole family. Wander through foggy and pumpkin-filled forests while sipping on hot cocoa or enjoying caramel corn and cinnamon Bavarian Creme Churros.
discovernewfields.org/harvest-nights
Zoo Boo
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.
2-7 p.m. Wed, Thurs, Sun, 2-9 p.m. Fri-Sat (recurring until Oct. 31)
Free for zoo members; included with admission
Family-friendly and scare-free fun for the kiddos, Zoo Boo is back with a Trick-or-Treat Trail, Roller Ghoster and Round-Go-Merry. Kids are invited to explore the whimsical Pumpkin Town in the Bicentennial Pavilion, listen to the Patch DJ, experience Jack’s Barn houses cats and more.
indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/zooboo/
Sunday, Oct. 13
Headless Horseman Festival
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers
5-10 p.m. (recurring until Oct. 27)
$26; free for members
Featuring thrilling activities, games and haunts for the whole family, Conner Prairie’s Headless Horseman Festival returns with new fire art performances, updated barrel train rides and Midway Experiences in addition to the beloved haunted hayrides, Trail of Terror corn maze, Sleepy Hollow Marionette Show and more.
Indy Scream Park
Indy Scream Park, 5211 S. New Columbus Road, Anderson
7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Tickets start at $46.95
Celebrating 15 years of frights, Indy Scream Park is back open, featuring six main attractions for guests to explore each night through Nov. 2.
Can’t find a specific event on the Community Arts Calendar? Check out our NEW Events Page!
Saturday, Oct. 19
The 78th Historic Irvington Halloween Festival Halloween Ball
Our Lady of Lourdes, 5333 E. Washington St.
8-11 p.m.
$45-$50
As part of the 78th Historic Irvington Halloween Festival, the Halloween ball promises an enchanting evening filled with festive costumes, live music and the spirit of a Halloween Adult Prom. The 21+ event features the theme of “Love among the Stars” with dancing, live music, refreshments and hauntingly stunning costumes.
irvingtonhalloween.com/halloween-ball
Locally made: Indy’s Fall Fest
Indianapolis Art Center ARTSPARK, 820 E. 67th St.
Noon to 5 p.m.
Free
Featuring a variety of art, ceramics, candles and jewelry from more than 50 local artist and artisan booths, this family-friendly festival is taking a creative approach to Halloween. Costumes are encouraged, all children will get a free pumpkin to paint and with the purchase of a $15 wristband, they will have access to a variety of hands-on art activities
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Haunted Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens, 2432 Conservatory Dr.
5:30 p.m.
$5
Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens transforms into a spine-tingling experience filled with eerie sights and spooky sounds as guests navigate through the haunted paths. A less haunted, scare-free experience for young kids takes place earlier in the evening.
facebook.com/events/857516792893912/
Saturday, Oct. 26
Día de Muertos Community Celebration
The Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free
The Eiteljorg is partnering with Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Nopal Cultural to celebrate Día de los Muertos with the community, filled with music, dancing, vibrant altars and art displays honoring the rich traditions of the Mexican Holiday.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Halloween Boo Bash
The Amp at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd
4:30-8 p.m.
Free
Returning for its third year, the Halloween Boo Bash features a variety of family-friendly activities, live entertainment and spooky treats from the local culinary hotspot.
eventbrite.com/e/halloween-boo-bash-tickets-1028286331097?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.