Events and Programs
Calendar of Events
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1 event,
Golden Hour Gatherings: Farm to Table Dinner with Chef Susan Collins
Golden Hour Gatherings: Farm to Table Dinner with Chef Susan Collins
Experience the magic of Golden Hour Gatherings at Conner Prairie! Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of our sunflower fields while savoring heritage breed foods and artisanal cocktails. Enjoy a custom six-course menu created by Chef Susan Collins that features our five rare Heritage Breeds. Each course will be paired with creative cocktails using locally sourced spirits that are sure to make your mouth water. After dinner, take a wagon ride of the Trails at Conner Prairie and experience the golden prairie sunsets. Location: Sunset Lounge Price: Member…
1 event,
Open for Labor Day
Open for Labor Day
We will be open for Labor Day from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.! Plan your visit today and purchase tickets.
2 events,
Stroller Strides
Stroller Strides
Join us on the Trails at Conner Prairie for Stroller Strides hosted by FIT4MOM North Indy. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. Taught by certified and specially trained fitness instructors, it is a great workout for any level of exerciser. Stroller Strides instructors weave songs and activities into the routine designed to…
Golden Hour Gatherings: Country Night
Golden Hour Gatherings: Country Night
Experience the magic of Golden Hour Gatherings at Conner Prairie! Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of our sunflower fields while savoring heritage breed foods and artisanal cocktails. Put your dancing shoes on and join us for an evening of live music and dancing. Learn new dance styles from local instructors while enjoying the picturesque prairie sunset. Explore tastings from West Fork Whiskey, light appetizers and our very own heritage breeds products. During the glow of the sunset, enjoy a wagon…
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 3 – 5
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 3 – 5
Playtime on the Prairie for 3-5 year olds is an hour long program designed for early learners and their parents or guardians. During these classes, attendees will have the opportunity to explore natural materials, participate in age-appropriate play invitations, CREATE, PLAY, and LEARN! Children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Purchase Tickets.
Closing Early For Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
Closing Early For Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
We will be closing the museum grounds at 4 p.m. to prepare for Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival. Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival begins September 6 through 8. Friday and Saturday evening includes live music, a variety of food options, bounce houses and engaging activities as balloons take flight before your eyes! After dark, enjoy our unforgettable balloon glow where you can get up close to the balloons and meet the pilots. Saturday and Sunday morning come back to Conner Prairie for…
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
September 6 – 8, 2024 Friday and Saturday evening, enjoy live music, a variety of seasonal treats including specialties from the Apple Store, bounce houses and so much more! Arrive early to experience a breathtaking balloon race that will kick off our picturesque balloon glow and immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of color. Saturday and Sunday morning, enjoy exciting competitions you can watch for free, with a nationally recognized grand champion announced after Sunday's final race. Learn more about our…
5 events,
Morning Free Events
Morning Free Events
Join us at dawn for our to cheer on your favorite balloons as pilots fill the sky in exciting competitions, with a grand champion announced after Sunday's final race! Learn more about Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival. Reserve your free ticket
Closing Early For Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
Closing Early For Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
We will be closing the museum grounds at 4 p.m. to prepare for Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival. Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival begins September 6 through 8. Friday and Saturday evening includes live music, a variety of food options, bounce houses and engaging activities as balloons take flight before your eyes! After dark, enjoy our unforgettable balloon glow where you can get up close to the balloons and meet the pilots. Saturday and Sunday morning come back to Conner Prairie for…
Our Love, Our Family: An African American Wedding
Our Love, Our Family: An African American Wedding
Join Conner Prairie on Saturday, September 7, for a celebration of love as we host a 19th century wedding that explores historic African American traditions. The sound of wedding bells are in the air for our happy couple. This wedding will explore historic African American traditions in the 19th century. Be a part of the wedding preparations and engage in festivities that focus on new promises of land, love and family. This event is free with the purchase of General…
Guided Walk through Promised Land as Proving Ground
Guided Walk through Promised Land as Proving Ground
Join us for a reflective walk through the new Promised Land as Proving Ground exhibit. This walk will include time to pause, reflect, notice and wonder as you experience Conner Prairie's newest exhibit with the Education Team. This program is free with general admission. Meet at the festival gates Times: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
September 6 – 8, 2024 Friday and Saturday evening, enjoy live music, a variety of seasonal treats including specialties from the Apple Store, bounce houses and so much more! Arrive early to experience a breathtaking balloon race that will kick off our picturesque balloon glow and immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of color. Saturday and Sunday morning, enjoy exciting competitions you can watch for free, with a nationally recognized grand champion announced after Sunday's final race. Learn more about our…
1 event,
Morning Free Events
Morning Free Events
Join us at dawn for our to cheer on your favorite balloons as pilots fill the sky in exciting competitions, with a grand champion announced after Sunday's final race! Learn more about Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival. Reserve your free ticket
0 events,
1 event,
Stroller Strides
Stroller Strides
Join us on the Trails at Conner Prairie for Stroller Strides hosted by FIT4MOM North Indy. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. Taught by certified and specially trained fitness instructors, it is a great workout for any level of exerciser. Stroller Strides instructors weave songs and activities into the routine designed to…
2 events,
Homeschool Days
Homeschool Days
Join us at Conner Prairie for homeschool day! Any homeschool family can visit Conner Prairie for our current school group rates without the usual requirement of having a group of 15 students or more. These rates are per student with one primary educator free per family and additional adults at the chaperone rate. Give your students a unique and personal experience to connect with history and nature. At Conner Prairie we invite guests to “Step into the Story,” and we…
Homeschool Day: American Cricket Pickup Games
Homeschool Day: American Cricket Pickup Games
Learn everything you need to know about Cricket! Homeschool days give your students a unique and personal experience to connect with history and nature. At Conner Prairie we invite guests to “Step into the Story,” and we also strive to step into theirs. Through observation, deep listening, and thoughtful questioning, we create meaningful connections, offering guests an opportunity to go beyond “doing” and experience “being.” Purchase tickets for Homeschool Day.
1 event,
Reviving a Forgotten Freetown
Reviving a Forgotten Freetown
Founded officially in 1872, Norwood is a Reconstruction Era settlement outside the boundaries of Indianapolis. Norwood’s founders were African American veterans from Kentucky because of their service beside the Indiana 28th Regiment during the last years of the Civil War. Norwood and its partner community Barrington sat as stable, independent Freetowns until they were annexed into Indianapolis in 1912. Using these oral histories and family archives, we have reconstructed the story of the Southeast side of Indianapolis from the perspective…
1 event,
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 0 – 2
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 0 – 2
Playtime on the Prairie for 0-2 year olds is an hour long program designed for early learners and their parents or guardians. During these classes, attendees will have the opportunity to explore natural materials, participate in age-appropriate play invitations, CREATE, PLAY, and LEARN! Children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Purchase tickets.
4 events,
Bird Migration Walk at The Trails at Conner Prairie
Bird Migration Walk at The Trails at Conner Prairie
Join Amos Butler Audubon Society for an autumn bird walk along the Trails. Enjoy the beauty of migration as birds return south, resting among the trees, river, and prairie habitats at Conner Prairie. Some binoculars will be available to borrow; feel free to bring your own. This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Learn more about the Trails at Conner Prairie.
Free Admission Day
Free Admission Day
Explore nature and history in new ways this fall during our Free Admission Day. The 1859 Balloon Voyage will be an additional cost. Reserve your free ticket. Kick off the day with our bird migration walk at the Trails at Conner Prairie, in partnership with Amos Butler Audubon. This walk will take place before the grounds open (8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.). Reserve your free ticket! While the museum is open make your way to The Drifting Studio for nature-based…
Cultural Diversity Drum Circle
Cultural Diversity Drum Circle
Join Cultural Diversity Drum Circle to explore the rhythms of different cultures and how they bring people together. This program is free with general admission. Performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Location: Next to Promised Land as Proving Ground Reclamation Building
Cultural Diversity Drum Circle
Cultural Diversity Drum Circle
Join Cultural Diversity Drum Circle to explore the rhythms of different cultures and how they bring people together. This program is free with general admission. Performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Location: Next to Promised Land as Proving Ground Reclamation Building
1 event,
White River Clean-up
White River Clean-up
The White River is the water resource backbone of Hamilton County, Indiana. It provides fishing, tubing, and boating opportunities, beautiful views from riverside trails, wildlife habitat, and a source for drinking water. Get on a canoe, grab some trash, and help keep our river clean. It's our community, it's our health, and it's our water. Register Now! Check In is at 8 a.m. at Conner Prairie (Carmel Clean Up) or White River Canoe Company (Noblesville Clean Up) Brought to you…
0 events,
1 event,
Stroller Strides
Stroller Strides
Join us on the Trails at Conner Prairie for Stroller Strides hosted by FIT4MOM North Indy. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. Taught by certified and specially trained fitness instructors, it is a great workout for any level of exerciser. Stroller Strides instructors weave songs and activities into the routine designed to…
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 3 – 5
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 3 – 5
Playtime on the Prairie for 3-5 year olds is an hour long program designed for early learners and their parents or guardians. During these classes, attendees will have the opportunity to explore natural materials, participate in age-appropriate play invitations, CREATE, PLAY, and LEARN! Children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Purchase Tickets.
1 event,
Fun in the Forge
Fun in the Forge
At Fun in the Forge, you will have the opportunity to be a blacksmith for a day. Create simple projects such as hooks, a flint and steel firestarter (with instructions on how to use it) and a dinner bell. All tools and materials will be provided. Ages 13+ (ages 16 and under must register with an adult). Learn more about our classes. Price: Member: $95 Nonmember: $105
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Stroller Strides
Stroller Strides
Join us on the Trails at Conner Prairie for Stroller Strides hosted by FIT4MOM North Indy. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. Taught by certified and specially trained fitness instructors, it is a great workout for any level of exerciser. Stroller Strides instructors weave songs and activities into the routine designed to…
0 events,
1 event,
Sun King Tapping Party
Sun King Tapping Party
Join us at Sun King Fishers on September 26 and enjoy a pint of our Headless Horseman-themed beer, Conner Scary! Bring the family for fun fall-inspired activities like pumpkin painting, creating your own halloween mask and a chance to get your photo taken with the Headless Horseman. Don't forget to enter into our Headless Horseman giveaway where you can win four tickets to Headless Horseman and Sun King Brewery swag! Plus, a dollar from every pint purchased of this signature…
1 event,
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 0 – 2
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 0 – 2
Playtime on the Prairie for 0-2 year olds is an hour long program designed for early learners and their parents or guardians. During these classes, attendees will have the opportunity to explore natural materials, participate in age-appropriate play invitations, CREATE, PLAY, and LEARN! Children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Purchase tickets.
2 events,
Deaf Heritage Day
Deaf Heritage Day
Join us for our 5th Deaf Heritage Day and immerse yourself in history while engaging in a deeper understanding about the Deaf community and culture, American Sign Language, and the history of the Indiana School for the Deaf. American Sign Language interpreters from GLOBO will be available throughout the grounds, allowing Deaf and Hard of Hearing guests to enjoy Conner Prairie with ease. This event is free with general admission.
Celebration of Corn
Celebration of Corn
Join us as we celebrate all things corn! Help the citizens of Prairietown prepare for their fall harvest and learn about the significance of corn throughout history. Adventure through Conner Prairie's corn maze, learn about crop science, discover the importance of corn in products you use every day, craft corn-themed make and takes and enjoy corn themed activities. This event is included with your daily admission. Thank you to our sponsor:
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Stroller Strides
Stroller Strides
Join us on the Trails at Conner Prairie for Stroller Strides hosted by FIT4MOM North Indy. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. Taught by certified and specially trained fitness instructors, it is a great workout for any level of exerciser. Stroller Strides instructors weave songs and activities into the routine designed to…
2 events,
Closing Early for Headless Horseman Festival
Closing Early for Headless Horseman Festival
Join us for 16 nights of spooktacular thrills at the Headless Horseman Festival. Dare to explore our 11-acre Trail of Terror, family-fun entertainment, live performances and delicious themed food and drinks including sweet treats from the Apple Store.
Headless Horseman Festival
Headless Horseman Festival
THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN RIDES. . . STAY WARY ON THE PRAIRIE! Join us for 16 nights of spooktacular thrills at the Headless Horseman Festival. Dare to explore our 11-acre Trail of Terror, family-fun entertainment, live performances and delicious themed food and drinks including sweet treats from the Apple Store. Don't forget to vote for your favorite Scarecrow!
3 events,
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 3 – 5
Playtime on the Prairie Ages 3 – 5
Playtime on the Prairie for 3-5 year olds is an hour long program designed for early learners and their parents or guardians. During these classes, attendees will have the opportunity to explore natural materials, participate in age-appropriate play invitations, CREATE, PLAY, and LEARN! Children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Purchase Tickets.
Closing Early for Headless Horseman Festival
Closing Early for Headless Horseman Festival
Join us for 16 nights of spooktacular thrills at the Headless Horseman Festival. Dare to explore our 11-acre Trail of Terror, family-fun entertainment, live performances and delicious themed food and drinks including sweet treats from the Apple Store.
Headless Horseman Festival
Headless Horseman Festival
THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN RIDES. . . STAY WARY ON THE PRAIRIE! Join us for 16 nights of spooktacular thrills at the Headless Horseman Festival. Dare to explore our 11-acre Trail of Terror, family-fun entertainment, live performances and delicious themed food and drinks including sweet treats from the Apple Store. Don't forget to vote for your favorite Scarecrow!
6 events,
Knifesmithing
Knifesmithing
Under the guidance of Nathan Allen, you'll learn about the history and creation of a traditional hand-forged knife. Topics include proper steel selection, use of a coal forge and anvil, filing, and finishing a handle. You can expect to complete at least one knife during class. Some tools required. Ages 16+. This is a 3-day class. Please be sure you are available for all three sessions! Purchase Tickets Class schedule: Saturday, October 5, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sunday, October…
Leatherworking
Leatherworking
Join Ken Scott as he teaches you his unique style of making hunting bags and pouches. Through pattern development, cutting, stitching, finishing, and basic leatherworking techniques, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind hunting pouch. You’ll also learn Ken’s unique antiquing methods. Ages 14+ (ages 14/15 must register with an adult). View our other classes! Make sure you can attend all three sessions: October 5, 6 and 7, 8:30 – 5 p.m.
Closing Early for Headless Horseman Festival
Closing Early for Headless Horseman Festival
Join us for 16 nights of spooktacular thrills at the Headless Horseman Festival. Dare to explore our 11-acre Trail of Terror, family-fun entertainment, live performances and delicious themed food and drinks including sweet treats from the Apple Store.
Trails at Conner Prairie: Time with Trees
Trails at Conner Prairie: Time with Trees
On October 5, join Conner Prairie staff for a stroll along the R.B. Annis Vista Trail. This tree stroll will focus on identification, history, science, and invitations to connect with trees through your senses. This program is free with general admission. Times: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Meet at the main entrance Learn more about the Trails at Conner Prairie.
Trails at Conner Prairie: Time with Trees
Trails at Conner Prairie: Time with Trees
On October 5, join Conner Prairie staff for a stroll along the R.B. Annis Vista Trail. This tree stroll will focus on identification, history, science, and invitations to connect with trees through your senses. This program is free with general admission. Times: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Meet at the main entrance Learn more about the Trails at Conner Prairie.
Historic Funeral
August 17 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Grief and loss have always been a part of our lives. Join Conner Prairie on August 17 as we explore grief and mourning from a 19th century perspective.
This program, set in 1836 Prairietown, is offered to respectfully interpret some of the beliefs and attitudes regarding illness, death and burial in the early 19th century.
Throughout Prairietown discover how each member of the community grieves and what mourning practices looked like in 1836. View the topics the different residents will be presenting:
- Campbell House: Dr. and Mrs. George Campbell and their daughter Lillian will discuss infant/child death, the historical reality of illness often resulting in death and 19th century grieving, death and funeral practices. The family will also be examining the deceased’s belongings in order to determine his identity and who to inform of his passing.
- Golden Eagle Inn: Martha Zimmerman and her children will discuss spousal and parental death, family support in times of loss and 19th century grieving, death and funeral practices.
- Whitaker Store: George Whitaker and his son James will discuss infant/child death, grief anniversaries and 19th century grieving, death, and funeral practices.
- Prairietown Graveyard: Various members of Prairietown will be digging graves, cleaning headstones, gathering flowers for the deceased and speaking on their experience with grief and loss.
We respect how you might feel with the topic of death so feel free to inform the Prairietown residents of your comfort level.