Events for the Whole Family This Fall
Step into history and nature this fall at Conner Prairie. Bite into a delicious caramel apple and smell the aromas of the food cooking on the hearth in Prairietown. From endless adventures through our award-winning corn maze to fall festivals and the legendary Headless Horseman festival, a stroll across our grounds illuminate the beauty of nature and the transformation of the season in Central Indiana.
Upcoming Programs & Events
Habitat
Open Now
A new way to experience the world around you at Conner Prairie! Our newest outdoor Smithsonian experience allows you to see what habitats a tree fosters after it has fallen and the ways in which mushrooms hold together the ground we walk on. Habitat showcases the unique habitat throughout the gardens and landscapes of Conner Prairie.
Past Events
Golden Hour Gatherings: Farm to Table
September 1
Golden Hour Gatherings: Country Night
September 3
Put your dancing shoes on and join us for an evening of live music and dancing. Learn new dance styles, explore whiskey tastings and try our very own heritage breeds products. Cap your night with a wagon ride around the Trails at Conner Prairie.
Apple Store Opens
September 5
Enjoy all of your fall favorites and seasonal delights at the Apple Store!
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
September 6 - 7
Come celebrate a weekend of innovation and experience the colorful glow of Indiana's largest hot air balloon festival.
Jupiter Flights Morning Events
September 7 - 8
Join us at dawn to cheer on your favorite balloons as pilots fill the sky in exciting competitions, with a grand champion announced after Sunday's final race!
Guided Walk Through Promised Land As Proving Ground
September 7
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.
Our Love, Our Family: An African American Wedding
September 7
The sound of wedding bells are in the air for our happy couple. Celebrate the matrimony of two families as the couple embark on new opportunities and challenges of inequality in the 1830s.
Homeschool Day
September 11
On this 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.
Trails at Conner Prairie: Fall Bird Migration
September 14
oin 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.
Free Admission Day
September 14
Explore nature and history in new ways this fall during our Free Admission Day. The 1859 Balloon Voyage will be an additional cost.
Cultural Diversity Drum Circle
September 14
Join Cultural Diversity Drum Circle to explore the rhythms of different cultures and how they bring people together.
White River Clean-Up
September 15
Join us in volunteering to help improve the quality of the White River by signing up to remove trash during the White River Clean-Up Day. Along the shoreline or via canoes register for a time that fits your schedule best! This annual event helps improve water quality for thousands of residents along the river.
Blacksmithing: Fun in the Forge
September 21
Take history home with you by completing several projects such as barbeque skewers, a flint and steel firestarter and a dinner bell.
Stroller Strides
September 3, 10, 17 and 27
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.
Deaf Heritage Day
September 28
Our history is a product of diverse people and cultures. This program will provide guests from the Hearing and the Deaf communities an opportunity to learn about Deaf culture, American Sign language, and the history of the Indiana School for the Deaf.
Celebration of Corn
September 28
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.
Headless Horseman Festival
October 3 – 27
Experience family fun at Indiana’s favorite fall tradition! Journey into Sleepy Hollow on Central Indiana’s iconic hayride as you unravel the mystery behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. See if you can escape the Headless Horseman on our updated hayride experience.
Trails at Conner Prairie: Time with Trees Nature Walk
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.
Knifesmithing
October 5 – 7
Under the guidance of Nathan Allen, you'll learn about the history and creation of a traditional hand-forged knife.
Leatherworking
October 5 – 7
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.
Reviving a Forgotten Freetown
October 8
Norwood, established in 1872 by African American veterans near Indianapolis, thrived as a Freetown until its annexation in 1912. Efforts are underway to revive the overlooked narratives of the US Colored Troops who founded these communities through oral histories and family archives. Kaila Austin, a public historian, is working to preserve their histories and promote racial equity with support from Indiana Humanities.
Axe Forging
October 8 – 9
Explore traditional forging techniques with blacksmith Nathan Allen. Examine stylistic differences and construction techniques used on historic axes.
Kiln Burn
October 12
Come visit the pottery shop in Prairitown to watch pottery being made. Explore the historical process and experience the 19th century tradition of a kiln burn to find out how a white hot fire and some table salt adds a beautiful “finish” on our handcrated pieces.
Stroller Strides
October 1, 8, 15 and 22
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.
Make Your Own Spice Blend
October 19
Create your own Spice Blend using spices inspired by Conner Prairie's new Promised Land as Proving Ground exhibit. Each spice blend bag includes several "Kitchen Conversations" questions to invite dialogue about your story and your place in history.
Cooking Over the Hearth
October 26
Learn to prepare a traditional meal over an open fire. Enjoy the smell of wood smoke as hearth cooking expert Sarah Withrow shares her historic culinary knowledge. Learn to blend traditional techniques with historic and contemporary recipes.
Big Sit Birding Event
October 27
Join Indiana Audubon at Conner Prairie for a Big Sit as part of Birdability Week 2024. This free outing is open to everyone including beginner birders and families with small children. Join a guided bird outing along the paved Prairie Trail, or view birds along the trail from benches.
Stay & Play
October 29
We invite you to join us for Stay & Play — A special time to reap the benefits of play and take in the beauty of the season from a beautiful, cozy indoor spot on the Prairie!
Member Event: Treasures on the Trails
October 30
Join us for Treasures on the Trails, a Halloween-inspired experience in nature for our members. Children ages 12 and younger can engage in fun activities, celebrate the holiday in a safe environment and show off their Halloween costume if they wish.
Holiday Heritage Market
November 2
Our first-ever market offers historic and handmade goods including custom pottery, textiles, meat products from our heritage breeds animals and the latest Prairie Provision products, developed by our Agriculture department.
Member Appreciation: Adventure Awaits
November 7–10
Our opening week of Membership Appreciation events celebrate the joys of play. Express yourself through wonder and imagination whether it is indoors at Featherston Barn—we offer elements of Discovery Station and Anything Can Happen Art to promote imaginative play—or at our Ag Adventures at Estridge Family Park for children of all abilities to experience limitless outdoor play. The Tubing Hill will also be open for members to enjoy.
Member Appreciation: Guided Walks of Promised Land as Proving Ground
November 14–17
Join us for a guided walk with Conner Prairie staff through Prairietown and experience the Promised Land As Proving Ground. This walk will include time to pause, reflect, notice, and wonder as you learn about the history of African American culture through food, faith, family, and fellowship.
Member Appreciation: Cultural Diversity Drum Circle
November 14 and 15
Join Cultural Diversity Drum Circle and explore the rhythms of different cultures, how they bring people together, and how music improves wellbeing to uplift and celebrate the human experience.
Blacksmithing: Fun in the Forge
November 16
Take history home with you by completing several projects such as barbeque skewers, a flint and steel firestarter and a dinner bell.
Member Appreciation: Create Your Own Spice Blend
November 16 and 17
Enjoy the opportunity to explore and create your own spice blend using spices inspired by the exhibit. Each spice blend bag includes several “Kitchen Conversations” questions to invite dialogue about your story and your place in history.
Wheel Thrown Pottery: Afternoon Sessions
October 28, November 4, 11 and 18
Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. Students will be able to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to progress at your own rate and develop your skills.
Stay & Play
November 19
We invite you to join us for STAY & PLAY! A special time to reap the benefits of play and take in the beauty of the season from a beautiful, cozy indoor spot on the Prairie!
Wheel Thrown Pottery: Evening Sessions
October 29, November 5, 12 and 19
Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. Students will be able to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to progress at your own rate and develop your skills.
Member Appreciation: Drifting Studio
November 21–24
Join us at the Drifting Studio and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature near the Trails at Conner Prairie. The Drifting Studio is The Curious Life’s mobile art studio that allows you to freely create and widely imagine. Sit down, reflect, read, and enjoy the nature around you.
Member Appreciation: Walk the Trails at Conner Prairie
November 21–24
Enjoy self-guided tours of the Trails at Conner Prairie. Self-guided programs, curated by our nature specialists, engage guests in various topics related to nature exploration and Conner Prairie. Just pick up a leaflet at any trailhead and begin your journey.
Member Appreciation: Trails for Kids
November 21
Join Conner Prairie staff at the Trails at Conner Prairie for a stroll along the R.B. Annis Vista Trail. During your walk, connect with nature in ways that feel right in your heart, body, and mind. Your guide will provide you with invitations to aid you in your nature exploration.
Member Appreciation: Time with Trees
November 22
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.
Member Appreciation: Introduction to Forest Therapy
November 23
Experience an introductory Forest Therapy session by a forest therapy guide. Forest Therapy is a guided walk that invites participants to slow down and experience natural spaces in new ways. Your guide will offer a range of invitations to support "bathing" in the sights, sounds, textures, and smells in this shared natural setting.
Member Appreciation: Stroller Strides
November 24
Learn about Stroller Strides through an introduction to our self-guided program. Conner Prairie partnered with Fit4Mom North Indy to create this fitness program that caretakers can do with their young ones in strollers.
A Merry Prairie Holiday
Fridays through Sundays, November 29 – 30 and December 6 – 22
Join us for Central Indiana's most beloved holiday festival and make the season magical at A Merry Prairie Holiday. Across acres to explore, surround yourself amongst thousands of lights and capture that perfect moment. There is something for everyone to enjoy this year.
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
SEPTEMBER 6 - 8, 2024
All events for Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival are sold out
Come celebrate Indiana's largest balloon festival where you will experience a kaleidoscope of color during our popular nightly balloon glow.
Check out all of the engaging family-fun activities across three days that explores and celebrates the innovation of flight!
Headless Horseman Festival
October 3 - 27, 2024, every Thursday-Sunday
The Headless Horseman rides again at Conner Prairie’s annual fall festival. Join us for an evening of family fun that includes the fall-themed activities, an updated Midway experience, fire art from Circle City Fire, chilling storytelling, magic and more!
The legendary hayride returns. See if you can escape the Headless Horseman!
Scarecrow Contest
2024 Registration is closed
Get into the fall spirit by signing up for our scarecrow contest. Craft your scarecrow exactly how you want it to be — creepy, creative or cute. All entries will be displayed at the Headless Horseman Festival, presented by Bank of America, with prizes awarded to the top three scarecrows.
Golden Hour Gatherings
August 25, September 1 and 3
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. Join us for a celebration of nature, flavor, and community.
Sunflower Field
Closed for the season
Find that picture-perfect moment in our sunflower field. Learn more about our wedding package as well as our professional photo shoot pass.
Don't miss out on this opportunity as sunflowers rely on mother nature.
Holiday Heritage Market
November 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Our market offers historic and handmade goods including custom pottery, textiles, meat products from our heritage breeds animals and the latest Prairie Provision products, developed by our Agriculture department.
Get behind-the-scenes look at our classes and workshops to see demonstrations of how these products are made and information on how you can sign up for a class and develop the skills to make your own piece of history.
We are also offering a chance to get early access tickets to our 2025 Corn To Cocktail series before tickets are made available to the general public.
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.