Art Sanctuary Open Studio Martinsville, Indiana

Art Sanctuary Open Studio Linda Barrett in Martinsville, Indiana


What’s going on in Indiana this weekend? Plenty! Now that Mother Nature is really starting to put on a show in some parts of the state, there is no better backdrop to loads of outdoorsy fun than that. Don’t worry, there are plenty of rain or shine events AND plenty of indoor activities as well. Craft shows to fall festivals, glass pumpkins to 5K runs, there’s certainly something here for even the pickiest member of your group. Of course, you could always check out my Indiana Festivals and Events Calendar to see even more.

Remember, these festival highlights only cover this weekend and next week up to the Thursday. THIS IS NOT A COMPREHENSIVE LIST. There is far, far more to do around the state than the small sample I am including here. This is just a teaser, really. Click the link above for more Indiana festival fun. 

As always, if I missed a festival on the calendar (NOT BELOW, these are just random highlights), please let me know via an email through the contact form or through the comments section below. This is a huge state, I am one person, and any omission of any event, car show, town yard sale, or festival is accidental–and only because I (rather disappointingly) lack omniscience. Bummer. Still, I do appreciate a heads-up. It helps ensure that your festival will make its way in front of thousands, tens of thousands!, of eyes. Please include the name of the festival, the date, times, features, and where it is to be held. I will be sure and add it to the calendar.

Indiana Festivals and Events This Week

I know I haven’t officially posted about Art Sanctuary in Martinsville, but let me tell you, it is such a neat place! They are hosting their 2nd Friday Open Studios Night. There are an incredible amount of artists of all kinds that have studios inside this church turned, you guessed it, art sanctuary! Definitely go check them out from 6 PM – 9 PM. If you want to buy me a present, please do so there. I just love it.

Two days of riding with about fifty miles each day? That must mean it is time for the 48th Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour! This enormous Elletsville, Indiana event attract cycling enthusiasts from around the country–and even internationally. Yes, it’s kind of a big deal. Seriously, this is HUGE! Free food and entertainment makes it unique.

Knightstown. Have you visited that cute little town? If not, well, you are missing out not only on some of the best homemade diner-style food we have EVER had (wow those fries. My mouth is watering just thinking about it), but there’s also the Hoosier Gym! Need another reason? If you insist. It’s also the Knightstown Hoosier Fall Fest. Arts, crafts, antiques, and then some are lining up with good deals.

OH! This weekend is also the Indiana Short Film Festival event in Danville! They have had filmmakers from Australia, Spain, and Ireland submit content for the big festival. Having personally viewed last year’s winner, I can tell you that it is really a neat idea and full of talent! It’s held at the Royal Theater downtown which will provide the perfect setting.

Indiana’s HUGE Covered Bridge Festival begins today, October 9, in Parke County. The ten day event draws in folks from absolutely everywhere. It’s a shopping extravaganza–with plenty of food thrown in. There’s no prettier setting than the covered Indiana bridges surrounded by changing autumn leaves.

My mother and I used to attend the Hebron Elementary Arts and Crafts Fair. Although it has been years since I have visited. Okay, maybe even decades, it was always a great mix of crafts, antiques, and resale items. We loved it! I think you will, too. Find more than 125 vendors!

It’s no secret that Brown County is pretty psyched about all the artists that have chosen to make the area their home and studio. During the Back Roads of Brown County Tour this weekend, you can actually take a peek inside and see artists at work! Buy directly from the artists. Win/win.

Columbus is an awesome city. Honestly, I always cringe when someone describes a city as a small town. No, they aren’t small towns when there are tens of thousands of people! But Columbus totally has that feel. I dig it. Indiana blogger Beta Motivation, Kola Olaosebikan, sent along the information for the Ethnic Expo. It sounds yummy! Loads of food, a parade on Saturday at 11 AM, with the food booths scattered around city hall makes for a really memorable time. I love that idea!

Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival features all kinds of fun! From a remote control air show to the Martinsville Fall Foliage 5K Run to  a classic car show and an artisan market, this festival promises a little bit of everything–and a whole heap of fun for everyone in the family!

Craft beer lovers will want to set aside some time on Saturday to visit Porter’s Perfect Pint, a Porter, Indiana event that draws in forty regional and national craft beer brewers. Sip and find new favorites and enjoy the silent auction. Designated drivers receive a reduced admission fee.

Hello, Batesville! That’s where you might want to wander if you want to be a part of the 9th Annual Ertel Cellars Winery Festival. Steam engine hayrides, arts and crafts, food, and wine (that’s kind of a given), combine for a family-friendly event.

This weekend? Oh, it isn’t 2015. We are traveling way in the past, like 1812 kind of past, for this one! Friday through Sunday, it is a living history weekend at Mississinewa 1812. Rain or shine. It’s a fantastic trip back in time.

There’s just no walking through this pumpkin patch. At the 6th Annual Great Pumpkin Patch Review in Bloomington, the pumpkins are all made of glass! This is a preview event, no sales. But, you can at least figure out which one you want to make a beeline for when the show officially opens on Saturday.

Your Weekend, Planned

See how easy it is to find something to do? Oh, I know. Now you are going to complain that there’s too much to chose among! I know just how you feel. Remember, if you see me out and about, say “hey,” and I may just have a fun little surprise for you. And, no, if I am running errands that just doesn’t count! You know who you are. But if you are at a festival or event and happen to see me, well, save the cheese fries for me. Dibs!

Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus! I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is little Indiana!

Just don’t forget to tell ’em that  little Indiana sent you!

Where to Find Indiana Festivals Highlighted Above

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