Many major events have been canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic that it's hard to believe there are still some options for fun outdoor events.
Last week, Marion County eased up on public restrictions, allowing live entertainment to resume, the outdoor capacity of restaurants and bars to move up to 100% and more.
Although there are several COVID-19 risks with participating in traditional fall activities, such as trick-or-treating, crowded indoor parties, and indoor haunted houses, there are still some events that can happen with low risk— considering proper social distancing practices are followed and everyone wheres a mask.
LIST: Pumpkin patches & corn mazes open in central Indiana with COVID-19 safety measures
Here are outdoor fests still happening this fall in central Indiana.
Arts Market on the Circle
Downtown Indianapolis — October 15
Over 20 local artists will gather on Monument Circle to display there work at this monthly event.
Visitors will have the option to purchase body care products, jewelry, art, pop culture pieces, and homemade masks. The market starts at 4 p.m.
Fall Festival at AgriPark
Fishers — October 17
A free festival is planned at the new 33-acre Fishers AgriPark for Saturday, October 17.
From 1 to 5 p.m. festival-goers can enjoy pumpkins, food, activities, and more while checking out Hamilton County's new urban farmland.
Harvest GP + Indianapolis 8 Hour
Speedway — October 2 - 4
Racing fans can head to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time in 2020 for the historic IndyCar Harvest GP.
The event consists of two races for the NTT IndyCar series, one on Friday, Oct. 2 and the other Saturday, Oct. 3. There will also be an eight-hour endurance race for the Intercontinental GT Challenge on Sunday, Oct. 4.
This is the first major racing event to take place in October at IMS in its 111-year history.
Up to 10,000 fans can be in the stands for the event.
Headless Horseman
Fishers — Every Weekend in October
Conner Prairie's annual festival this year marks the 200th anniversary of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Commemorating the connection between the legend and the Headless Horseman will be full of activities and specials for this classic festival. Click here to learn more.
Heartland Film Festival
Fishers & Indy's West Side — October 8- 18
Indiana’s largest and longest-running film festival will celebrate its 29th year in October across Indianapolis, with safe, drive-thru screenings at Conner Prairie and Tibbs Drive-In.
On October 12, 13 and 14 films will be screened at Conner Prairie and the rest at Tibbs Drive. Viewers can also watch online.
Click here to see the line-up of films and to purchase tickets.
Indy Scream Park
Anderson — Every Friday & Saturday until November 7
This 120-acre park is now open with a thorough COVID-19 safety plan and attractions, including its brand new haunt: Zombie Paintball Assault, a fully interactive paintball gun experience to fight zombies.
Indy Scream Park also has fire pits, food, alcohol, and games.
Ticket prices are $20 and can be purchased online.
Monster MASKarade
Indianapolis —October 2 - 31
The outdoor Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience will be hosting a safe and socially distanced family affair at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
The Monster MASKarade will be on Friday evenings from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 8-10 a.m.
Kids can dance with mummies, join Frances the Friendly Witch’s parade, take on the challenge at SportsTRACKular obstacle course, and more.
Nightmare on Edgewood
Indy's South Side — Every Weekend until November 7
Nightmare on Edgewood has two new attractions and a thorough COVID-19 safety plan for those chasing thrills this Halloween.
Guests will have a chance to step into their favorite scenes from popular horror movies and walk through a haunted barnyard and deranged sanitarium.
There are so many more classic frights and Halloween fun to check out at nightmareonedgewood.com.
Original and Fabulous GermanFest and Beer Games
Downtown Indianapolis — October 3
Indianapolis' historic Athenaeum will host a German farmer's market and an abundance of German cuisine, singing, and dancing in the Rathskeller’s Biergarten.
The beloved wiener dog races are virtual this year to comply with safety guidelines.
This year's festival is free to attend.
Spirit & Place Festival
Downtown Indianapolis — November 5 - 15
The Spirit & Place Festival in downtown Indianapolis examines how origin stories and myths help us wrestle with morality. How cultural and social biases influence the formation, interpretation, and impact of origin stories and how these stories have collectively shaped us.
Click here to learn more about the Spirit & Place Festival.
Zoo Boo
Downtown Indianapolis — October 7 - November 1
This is an annual family-friendly event at the Indianapolis Zoo.
The zoo will be full of Halloween decorations, photo opportunities, and activities. Click here for more information.
