October means changing leaves (and weather), apple cider, walks on leaf-covered trails, spooky Halloween events and more to help your family create a month to remember. As always, we're here with your go-to list of Morgan County events to get on your calendar for the month ahead.
Be sure to check our full calendar of events and our fall activities page for even more seasonal fun and don't miss our list of area dining options to help fuel the fun!
Fall Color!
We're already seeing some very early signs of fall color in the area, and we expect peak color to hit late in October this year. Plan your visit accordingly if you've got leaf-peeping plans. (Here are some suggestions for where to peep.)
Cruise-in on the Square - Thursdays
Come on out and see all the cool cars, motorcycles, trucks and more each Thursday evening through October. Bring your own cool ride to participate in the Cruise-in on the Square, or just enjoy those of other car owners. Begins at 5 pm. Plan to make an evening of it and enjoy dinner at a downtown eatery.
Hall's Haunted Halls - Weekends
Make plans now to enjoy one of the best seasonal haunted houses in the Indy region. Hall's Haunted Halls will be open Fridays and Saturdays in October. The doors creep open at 7 pm and slam closed at 11 pm. Tickets are available online ($15) or at the door ($20). Kids under 10 (admitted ONLY with an adult over 18) are $10 at the door only. This haunted house is 100% volunteer operated and proceeds go to the Hall Civic Organization. Refreshments are provided on site by the Boy Scouts for a reasonable price.
Season Finale - Oct. 1
Paragon Speedway will present their Season Finale on Saturday, October 1. The final event of 2022 will feature Steel Block Sprints, Super Stocks, Modifieds, Bombers and Hornets. General admission is $15 per person ($30 for pit access); kids are free with paid adult.
Fall Demolition Derby - Oct. 1
The Morgan County Fairgrounds is gearing up to host the annual Fall Demolition Derby on Saturday, October 1. Admission gate opens at 4 pm; action begins at 5 pm. Multple classes are featured. Admission is $10 adults; $5 kids age 6-12. Kids under 6 are free. Pit passes are $15 for all ages.
Martinsville Golf Club Fall Invitational - Oct. 1-2
The Martinsville Golf Club will host their 2022 Fall Invitational on October 1 and 2. The two-day stroke play event will feature some of the best fall golf in Indiana. Open to all skill levels. Players are flighted after the first round and compete for cash prizes in their flight. Put your own group together or enter as an individual.
Drink at the Creek: Beatles vs Stones & Dean Martini - Oct. 1
Kick off October right with a Drink at the Creek Concert on the first of the month! Opening act for this show is Dean Martini, then you'll enjoy Beatles vs Stones as they seek to settle the long running debate on which classic rock band is the best! Music begins on the stage at Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery at 5 pm. As always, there will be plenty of locally crafted beverages available, as well as food options on site. Music begins at 5 pm. Bring your own seating. All ages welcome.
October Brunch at 21 North - Oct. 2
Join Chef Matt Harakal and the rest of the 21 North Eatery and Cellar team for this month's featured Fall Brunch on Sunday, October 2 from 11 am to 2 pm. You know the menu will feature tasty seasonal dishes and locally sourced favorites. There are always drink specials and a fantastic dessert menu to round out the experience. Kids menu available; reservations recommended.
Martinsville Arts Council Open House - Oct. 2
See what's coming up from the Martinsville Arts Council! Join them for an Open House event at the historic Depot Theater on October 2 from 3-5 pm. Enter to win gift cards and tickets to the upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors (in November). This event is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be provided.
Canvas for Critters - Oct. 5
Enjoy an evening of creativity at the Art Sanctuary while supporting the Morgan County Humane Society on October 5. Beginning at 6:30 pm, participants will create a fall theme on canvas under the direction of local artist Nancy Maxwell in her studio. Cost is $35 and benefits the Morgan County Humane Society. Kids are welcome with adult. Call 765-349-9177 to reserve your space.
Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival - Oct. 6-9
The Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival is an iconic fall tradition. Taking place this year on October 6-9, the festival returns to their traditional downtown location on the Martinsville courthouse square. This classic fall festival will still feature carnival rides, tasty treats, games, activities and live entertainment! Don't miss off-site events as well such as the RC Air Show and Car Show. Complete schedule available on our recent Fall Foliage Festival blog post.
FFF Brickhouse Marketplace - Oct. 6
Brickhouse on Main will once again host a Brickhouse Marketplace event during the Thursday of Fall Foliage Festival. Stop in to browse booths from local vendors, artisans and crafters and enjoy tasty fall fare as you take a break from carnival rides and entertainment on the square!
Morgan County Farmers Market - Oct. 8 & 22
The outdoor summer Farmers Market comes to a close at the end of September, but this year the Morgan County Farmers Market is gearing up to host Autumn Market on alternate Saturdays in October and November. Find them at the Spirit of Life Church on Indiana Street, just a couple blocks west of their outdoor location. Dates in October are the 8th and 22nd, beginning at 9 am.
Drink at the Creek: Hairbanger's Ball & The Big 80's - Oct. 8
Get ready to rock on October 8 with the final Drink at the Creek concert of the year, featuring Hairbanger's Ball and The Big 80s. As always, there will be plenty of locally-crafted beverages available from Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery as well as food options on site. Music begins at 5 pm. Bring your own seating. All ages welcome.
Fall Break Festivities - Oct. 8-16
Anderson Orchard will once again host their kid-friendly version of Octoberfest, Kids Fest, featuring all the fun of the orchard itself plus food trucks, bounce houses, games, a double-bungee trampoline and more! Come join the fun on October 2-3.
Community Concert: Jeremy Stolle - Oct. 11
The Morgan County Community Concerts Association returns with a fun performance from Jeremy Stolle on Tuesday, October 11. An accomplished performer both on Broadway and alongside major orchestras, Jeremy Stolle is currently one of the performers filling the role of the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. He will perform classic Broadway tunes with a pop flair. Tickets may be purchased online for the entire series or individual shows. This performance will take place at the Mooresville High School Auditorium.
Chief's Table Wine Tasting - Oct. 12 & 26
Join 21 North Eatery + Cellar at their Chef's Table for an evening of hors d'oeuvres and wine tasting on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. On October 12 and 16, beginning at 6:30 pm, a limited number of guests will enjoy a showcase of wines with accompanying tasty treats from Chef Matt's kitchen. All bottled wines will be available for purchase. Each week will have a different theme. Make your reservations early!
2nd Friday Open Studios Night - Oct. 14
October's monthly Open Studios Night at the Art Sanctuary of Indiana will feature the Fall Foliage Festival Art Show, which will also be on display throughout the month. Stop in and visit with resident artists on October 14 from 6 to 9 pm.
Indiana Bat Convention - Oct. 14-16
The Indiana Bat Convention (AKA BatCon) will take place at the Art Sanctuary of Indiana in downtown Martinsville on October 14-16. If you love cosplay, Halloween, and related art, you'll want to be at this event! The event will include vendor booths, cosplay contest, discussion panels and more.
Annual Craft & Vendor Fair - Oct. 15
Corinth Baptist Church in Martinsville will host their Annual Craft and Vendor Fair on October 15 from 10 am to 2 pm. Lunch will be available on site from 11 am to 1 pm and vendors will offer a mix of fall and holiday decor, gift items and more. Church is located northwest of Martinsville, near Eminence.
Habitat for Humanity Craft Fair - Oct. 15
Morgan County Habitat for Humanity will host their Annual Holiday Craft Fair at the Morgan County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 15, from 8 am to 3 pm. This is the 5th year for this annual event and there will be a wide variety of artisan and craft vendors.
Mooresville Arts-a-palooza - Oct. 15
Join the Mooresville Arts Partnership for a fun fall festival event on Saturday, October 15 from noon to 4 pm. The Mooresville Arts-a-palooza is fun for all ages! There will be a variety of arts activities activities to enjoy as well as live music, vendor booths, food trucks and more! Admission is free.
Orchard Dash - Oct. 15
Anderson Orchard will once again host their Orchard Dash 5K event on Saturday, October 15. This fun event is the only 5K in the Indy region held on the grounds of an orchard! The course takes you through the orchard along a route with beautiful hills, apple trees, berry fields, a pumpkin patch and pond along the way. A shorter Kids' Lil' Apple Dash race is held for the little ones as well. Participants get to indulge in caramel apples and apple cider after the race!
Murder at the Black Dog Brewing Company - Oct. 16
Join Black Dog Brewing Company along with performers from the Murder Mystery Company for an evening of murder, mystery and beer on October 16. This "married to the mob" themed murder mystery will have you unsure who to trust! Tickets include a buffet style dinner and one beverage of your choice (additional drinks available for purchase). Tickts must be purchased in advance.
Third Thursday Shop the Square: Spooky Shopping - Oct. 20
Join downtown Martinsville businesses for their monthly Shop the Square event on the Third Thursday of each month, this month on October 20. There are always great specials to be found in retail shops and it's a great excuse to come out and enjoy the Cruise in on the Square and dinner at a downtown eatery as well. This month's theme is Spooky Shopping, just in time for Halloween!
Titles & Tastes: A Book & Wine Pairing Event - Oct. 20
This brand new event is a fun collaboration between Cedar Creek Winery & Eatery and our favorite independent book shop, Fables & Fairy Tales! Enjoy an intimate evening of wine tasting and book shopping on Thursday, October 20 from 5 to 7 pm. Titles & Tastes: A Book & Wine Pairing Event will feature wine tasting, a glass of your favorite variety and the opportunity to shop a specially hand-picked selection of books, including their popular "blind date books." Tickets are limited; cost is $25 per person. Additional food and drink available for purchase.
Jimmy Nash Pumpkin Patch - Oct. 21
Jimmy Nash City Park in Martinsville will once again host a Pumpkin Patch event for families to enjoy the fall season at the park. Kids age 14 and younger can choose a pumpkin from the patch (while supplies last). Kids of all ages can enjoy additional activities including games, face painting and more. This is a free event and all are welcome.
Public Hayrides at Pioneer Park - Oct. 21
On Friday, October 21, the Mooresville Park and Recreation District will host a public hayride opportunity at Pioneer Park from 6-8 pm. Enjoy the evening as you take in the beauty of Pioneer Park on a hayride. Leaves from Shelter #2. Cost is $5 per person (cash only).
Broadway Bingo - Oct. 22
The Martinsville Arts Council will host a fun evening of Broadway Bingo on Saturday, October 22 at the historic Depot Theatre on Marion Street in Martinsville. Doors open at 6:30 pm; bingo starts at 7 pm. This is a free event and there will be prizes!
Fall Harvest Festival - Oct. 22-23
Maple Grove Market will host their Fall Harvest Festival with fun kids' activities, live music, pumpkins, demonstrations, hayrides and more on October 22 and 23. Admission is free! Stop by between 11 am and 4 pm. (A Trunk or Treat will take place on Saturday, October 23 only from 4-6 pm.)
Sammy Terry Live - Oct. 23
See legendary performer Sammy Terry live at the Art Sanctuary, just in time for Halloween. The Art Sanctuary will host this event on Sunday, October 23 beginning at 6 pm. Concessions will be available and there is a meet and greet opportunity after the show. Tickets are limited.
Morgan County in the Civil War: The 33rd Indiana Regiment - Oct. 29
The Morgan County Public Library will host a program from Dr. Chris Walker, Assistant Professor of History at Indiana Wesleyan University, on Saturday, October 29 at 3 pm. Learn more about the 33rd Indiana Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. Over 2,000 men served in the regiment, including Morgan County residents, and they fought in some of the war's most important military campaigns. This program is free.
Halloween Hike - Oct. 29
Mooresville's annual Halloween tradition returns to Pioneer Park this year. The popular Halloween Hike event takes place on Saturday, October 29, beginning at 2:30 pm and features approximately 20 stops along a mile long trail along the park road. Treats and trinkets will be distributed to participating kids, age 12 and under.
The Haunting of Waverly - Oct. 29
Join Old Town Waverly Park for the annual Haunting of Waverly event featuring a trunk-or-treat, traditional arts demonstrations and more! The haunting takes place beginning at 5 pm on Saturday, October 30th. Watch out for the headless horseman after 7 pm if you take the River Trail Hayride! (There is a charge for the hayride.)
Yappy Howl-o-ween - Oct. 31
Stop by the green space outside of Gather Around BBQ during trick or treating on Halloween night to visit with Little Rascals Pet Rescue during their annual Yappy Howl-o-ween event! They'll be there from 6 to 8:30 pm to welcome both pups and human kids for fun and treats.
