As the leaves start changing throughout Southern Indiana, Bloomington comes alive with vibrant festivals and events to entertain spectators of all ages and interests. The beautiful scenery is enough of a reason to visit B-Town in the fall, but these events are an added bonus you don't want to miss out on.
Monroe County Fall Festival
Date: Thursday, September 12 through Saturday, September 14
Time: 5:00-9:00 pm on Thursday, 5:00-10:00 pm on Friday; 1:00-10:00 pm on Saturday
Location: S. Park Street, near Marci Jane Lewis Park in Ellettsville
Admission: Free
A parade on Saturday, two stages with free live music, craft booths, food vendors, a flea market, games for kids and more in Ellettesville.
Black y Brown Arts Festival
Date: Saturday September 14
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Switchyard Park
Admission: Free
A celebration and showcase of African, African-American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and Native American creative arts and artists, affirming community space, preserving arts appreciation, and pride in the spirit of diversity. A family-friendly arts market will feature food vendors, community art activities, and community info booths. Following the market will be a live show of performance groups and bands at the Switchyard Park Amphitheater.
Pridefest
Date: Saturday September 14
Time: TBD
Location: Kirkwood Avenue
Admission: Free
Pridefest is a free celebration of LGBTQ people and allies in Bloomington. The festival features live performances, music, food, drinks, educational workshops, and interactive activities.
Witch Fest - Harvest Market
Date: Saturday, September 21
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: Courthouse Lawn
Admission: Free
Artists of all kinds - handmade makers and crafters - along with astrological readers providing a variety of services from tarot to reiki. Live music throughout the day with story time crafts and more!
La Fiesta del Otoño
Date: Saturday, September 21
Time: Noon - 4:00 pm
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion
Admission: Free
Celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanics.
Stinesville Stone Quarry Festival
Date: Thursday, September 26 through Saturday, September 28
Time: 6:00-10:00 pm on Thursday & Friday; 10:00am-11:00 pm on Saturday
Location: McGlockin Park in Stinesville
Admission: Free
Celebrating over 50 years at McGlocklin Park! This is the perfect way to get connected with Monroe County’s rich limestone history. Local bands, games for the family, dance companies, and food judging contests all ensure a variety of entertainment in this small-town favorite.
Lotus World Music & Arts Festival
Date: Thursday, October 3 through Sunday, October 6
Time: Varying times — see the schedule
Location: Several downtown locations and venues
Admission: Several ticket packages are available — find ticket information
Celebrate the diversity, beauty, and joy of music and arts from around the world at the annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival. Lotus invites attendees to safely enjoy multicultural music, art, food, dance, workshops, and more!
Quilts From The Heartland
Date: Friday October 4 through Saturday, October 5
Time: Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Monroe Convention Center, 302 S. College Avenue
Admission: $10.00 (under 12 free)
Members of the Bloomington Quilters Guild showcase their work in all genres of the quilting world, traditional, modern, applique and art quilts. Vendors, the “Treasure Shop” with fabrics, quilting notions, patterns, and books at fantastic prices.
Science Fest
Date: Saturday, October 5
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Various locations on Indiana University campus
Admission: Free
The mission of IU Science Fest is to celebrate and inspire curiosity among Hoosiers of all ages by providing exciting hands-on experiences with science, by promoting meaningful and direct exchanges with scientists, and by highlighting scientific research and teaching at IU.
Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour
Date: Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6
Time: 8:00 – 10:00 am
Location: Ellettsville
Admission: Registration Required
Bicycle tour through 100 miles of beautiful, hilly landscape.
Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Monroe County Courthouse lawn
Admission: Free
Pick out your own homemade blown glass pumpkin or simply admire the display of over 900 glass pumpkins at the 14th annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch! All pumpkins are made by members of the Bloomington Creative Glass Center. Proceeds from the pumpkin sales support educational arts programming throughout the year.
Makevention
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion
Admission: Free (with suggested donation)
Demonstrations, workshops, food trucks, and all kinds of cool things happening all day. Kids will have a fun scavenger hunt to complete and there will be plenty of adult activities as well!
Indiana University Homecoming Weekend
Date: Friday, October 18 through Saturday, October 19
Time: Friday, 5:30 pm & Saturday, 2 hours prior to kick-off
Location: Friday - Parade on Woodlawn Avenue, Saturday - Memorial Stadium
Admission: Varies
IU Homecoming Weekend allows alumni to reconnect with friends, relive their favorite college traditions, and show their kids their old stomping grounds. The Indiana University Alumni Association will host several events throughout the weekend, including a parade on Friday evening and the Hoosier Huddle, a members-only tailgate, on Saturday.
Hoosier Hysteria
Date: Friday, October 18
Time: TBD
Location: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
Admission: Free
Get excited for the Indiana University basketball season at Hoosier Hysteria! Enjoy scrimmages with both the women's and men's teams.
