Events for the Whole Family This Fall at Conner Prairie
Step into everything Conner Prairie has to offer this fall. From the spectacular beauty of our sunflower field to spooky nights with the legendary Headless Horseman, our fall festivals and events are a great way to celebrate the season. Take a stroll across our grounds and explore our newest outdoor Smithsonian-affiliated exhibit Habitat and inspire curiosity through seasonal events dedicated to art, culture, and education. There is something for everyone.
Headless Horseman Festival
October 6-30, every Thursday-Sunday
The Headless Horseman rides again at Conner Prairie’s annual Halloween festival. Join us for an evening of ghoulish delights that the whole family can enjoy. Activities include the Headless Horseman marionette show, our scary corn maze, spooky storytelling, Halloween games, the haunted hayride, and more!
Scarecrow Contest
Think you can create an award-winning scarecrow? Enter our scarecrow contest! Whether you like your scarecrows spooky and scary or cute and creative, we want to see the best scarecrow you can make! Click here to learn more.
Registration is closed.
Corn Maze
Features from the 2021 corn maze
The 22,160-foot maze features three unique adventure paths to appeal to guests of all ages:
- Puzzle Maze: Test your wits in our family-friendly puzzle maze. This maze may take up to an hour or more to complete. The Puzzle maze is closed during nighttime Headless Horseman events.
- Kids' Maze: Bring the little ones along on our shorter kids' maze. This maze may take up to 30 minutes to complete.
- Haunted Maze: Brave the spooky Haunted Maze after dark – inspired by ghost stories and legends of the region.
Be sure to ride the 1859 Balloon Voyage for a birdseye view.
Sponsored by:
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.
Darshana: A Glimpse into the Hindu Civilization
September 24 - October 4
Join us in discovering a colorful overview of Hindu concepts and practices, which offers an opportunity to learn about one of the oldest civilizations in the world and a continuing global presence today.
Darshana: A Glimpse into the Hindu Civilization Performances
October 1
Discover Hindu culture through traditional art forms like kathak and Bharathanatyam and musical instruments including Veena and Tabla.
Deaf Heritage Day
October 2
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.
Explore the Arts: The Steampunks: Works of Edgar Allan Poe
October 15
12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
THE STEAMPUNKS crank up the gears of music and the macabre in a show featuring music inspired by the spirit of the Halloween season and by the writings of Edgar Allan Poe.
Chautauqua: Bloody Hearts, Bloody Hands
October 31
For this special Halloween night Chautauqua, bring along a camp chair and join us around the open fire as we share terrifying details from Indiana’s long list of female murderers.
Planting and Growing
November 5 and 6
Lilly Theater
Come and experience the original play by Fonseca Theatre Company in partnership with Conner Prairie: Planting and Growing. Planting and Growing shares the story of a contemporary Mexican-American family in Indiana.
Explore the Arts: Laughs Allowed Laughter Yoga
November 19
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., & 2:00 p.m.
Laughter Yoga is the practice of combining deep breathing with unconditional laughter. Laughter activities utilize games and movement to build a connection among the group allowing for playfulness that creates prolonged laughter.
Past Events
New Love & New Freedoms: An 1860s African American Wedding
September 3 and 4
Starting at 2 p.m.
Join a new couple as they embark on married life, encountering new opportunities and confronting ongoing challenges of inequality for African Americans in the late 1860s. This program will offer guests the opportunity to explore 19th century expressions of Black beauty and love.
We Can Camp!
September 3 - September 4
Join us as you learn basic camping skills, enjoy fun outdoor experiences and spend the night on our grounds in a tent! This program is perfect for first-time campers or anyone looking for a refresher. We provide all the camping gear you'll need, along with modern restrooms and overnight security.
HOMESCHOOL DAYS
Wednesday, September 14: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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.
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
September 17
Explore Conner Prairie for Free! As Smithsonian Affiliates you get access into Conner Prairie for free as well as other participating museums and cultural institutions across the country. This day is an annual celebration that allows you to explore their curiosity for free! Learn more about our Explore the Arts event also featured this day: Herencia Musical: A Music Journey Through America Latina
Shofar Workshop
September 18
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Small Picnic Shelter
Hosted by the Indiana Jewish Discovery Center is the Shofar Factory! Participants will learn about the meaning of Shofar, see the process of Shofar making, hear the sound of the traditional blasts, and experience the joy of Jewish culture.
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival
September 9 - 11, 2022
Text GLOW to 55433 and receive festival updates!
Come celebrate a weekend of innovation and experience the colorful glow of one of Indiana's largest hot air balloon festival.
Members: $11 Non-members: $22
Check out all of the engaging family-fun activities across three days that will explore the innovation of flight!