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. Keep an eye out for our Haunted Happenings blog post coming soon with lots of Halloween events!
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.
Taps on the Square - Fridays
Each and every Friday in downtown Martinsville, tribute is paid to those Veterans, Rosie the Riveters, police and fire fighters who have passed on with the weekly presentation of Taps on the Square. Names are read aloud at 6:50 pm, followed by live, echoing Taps played by local buglers at the seventh bell.
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.
Fall Fest at The Field - Oct. 5
Join the League of Miracles for Fall Fest at The Field at their location on Landersdale Road near Mooresville on Saturday, October 5, from 10 am to 3 pm. The event will include bounce houses for the kids, food trucks, vendor booths, free crafts, games, prizes and more!
Morgan County Authors Fair - Oct. 5
Join the Morgan County Public Library for the Morgan County Author Fair on October 5. You'll be able to meet local and Indiana based authors and learn about new books to explore, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Main Branch of the Library in downtown Martinsville.
Speaker: Mooresville's Renowned Artists: Robert Indiana & Clifton Wheeler - Oct. 5
The Mooresville Public Library presents the next installment in their series of Bicentennial speakers, on October 5, beginning at 2 pm. Learn about Mooresville's resident renowned artists, Robert Indiana and Clifton Wheeler. All ages welcome; no pre-registration required.
Drink at the Creek: Hairbangers Ball & The Big 80s - Oct. 5
Outdoor concert season's not over yet at The Creek! Enjoy live music with regional favorites Hairbangers Ball and The Big 80s on the stage at Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery, beginning at 5 pm. As always, there will be plenty of locally crafted beverages available, as well as food options on site. Bring your own seating. All ages welcome.
Paragon Classic/Champions Night - Oct. 5
Join Paragon Speedway for their season finale featuring the Paragon Classic and Champions Night on October 5. Featured cars will include 410 Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Bombers, and Hornets. General admission or Pit admission available.
Live Music: Hank Haggard - Oct. 5
Hoosier Que hosts live music each Saturday evening with an ever-changing list of performers. Saturday, October 5 brings musician Hank Haggard to the stage, with music beginning at 7 pm. Enjoy great food and an exceptional variety of craft beer and bourbon while you're there! Located at Foxcliff Golf Club.
Halloween Boo Bash - Oct. 5
Martinsville Parks and Recreation invites you to come out and enjoy an adults-only Halloween Boo Bash on Saturday, October 5, from 8 to 10 pm at The Venue in Downtown Martinsville. This will be an epic night of costumes, music and fun, with food and alcohol available for purchase on site. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite. Ticket Link.
6th Annual Wheels for Veterans Car Truck & Motorcycle Show - Oct. 6
The Mooresville Fraternal Order of Eagles presents their 6th Annual Wheels for Veterans Car Truck & Motorcycle Show on Sunday, October 6. This car show benefits area veterans organizations including the Honor Flight Network. Registration begins at 9 am with awards at 2 pm. Enjoy live music, door prizes and refreshments on site.
Jewelry Class: Copper Wire Wrapped Earrings - Oct. 7 & 17
Join jewelry artist Pam Hurst for this fun earring class! Class will meet at The Sterling Butterfly on Morgan Street, on either October 7 at 10 am or October 17 at 6 pm. Choose the date and time that works best for you. Participants will create beautiful Copper wire wrapped earrings in autumn colors. Class fee includes all materials, tools and instruction.
Anderson Orchard Fall Break Festivities - Oct. 7-18
Join Anderson Orchard for this year's installment of fun Fall Break Festivities, October 7-18. The orchard is open from 8 am to dark each day and activities will include a petting zoo, face painting, hay rides, on site concessions and the Gumption Chef Food Truck! All normal orchard activities will be avilable as well, including the playground and giant straw pile, u-pick apples and raspberries and of course, cider slushies!
Peace Restored Trivia Night - Oct. 8
Peace Restored in Mooresville will host a fundraising Trivia Night at their location on Indianapolis Road in Mooresville on Tuesday, October 8, beginning at 6:30 pm. Put your trivia team together and get registered! Dinner will be served from 6:30 to 7 pm and tickets are $30 per person.
Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival - Oct. 10-13
This annual four-day festival is a Martinsville tradition! The Fall Foliage Festival takes place in Downtown Martinsville. Enjoy carnival rides, vendor booths, a 5K run/walk, bed races, art exhibit, car show, live music and so much more! The festival takes place October 10-13. The Fall Foliage Festival Parade steps off at 1 pm on Sunday. Schedule available on our blog.
Morgan County History Center Ice Cream Social - Oct. 10
Join the Morgan County History Center and Museum on October 10 for an ice cream social during their normal open hours. Browse the current exhibits, indulge in a sweet treat and talk local history with volunteers and other attendees.
Jimmy Nash Pumpkin Patch - Oct. 11
Jimmy Nash City Park in Martinsville will once again host a Pumpkin Patch event for families to enjoy the fall season at the park. The first 200 kids age 16 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.
2nd Friday Open Studios & Open Mic Night - Oct. 11
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 11 from 6 to 9 pm and enjoy Open Mic Night in the downstairs gallery as well! This is a free event and all are welcome.
Meet Artist Matthew Skillern - Oct. 12
Krypton Comics is pleased to bring artist Matthew Skillern back to Martinsville on Saturday, October 12, during the Fall Foliage Festival. Stop by the store to meet this amazing artist, see his work in person, ask questions, browse the store and enjoy Downtown Martinsville. Event begins at Noon.
Bar Mc Rodeo Championship on the Track - Oct. 12
Paragon Speedway will host the championship finals of the Bar Mc Rodeo season on Saturday, October 12. Come ready for lots of action, and don't forget your hat and boots! The event will feature bull riding, bronc riding and barrel races, along with onsite food trucks, vendors and more. Gates open at 5 pm; action starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $20 per person for adults and kids age 12 and under are free.
Mooresville Arts-a-palooza - Oct. 19
Join the Mooresville Arts Partnership at their location on Indianapolis Road, just south of Pioneer Park, for their annual Arts-a-palooza event on October 19. This fun event features vendor booths, kids' activities, on site artists, live music, food trucks and more! All ages are welcome; admission is free. Event runs from 10 am to 4 pm.
Community Drum & Dance Circle & Workshop - Oct. 19
Join Rediscover Martinsville for their second Community Drum & Dance Circle & Workshop, at the downtown performance venue. Contact them in advance to reserve a drum, or bring your own! The fun begins at 4:30 pm and lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Drink at the Creek: Back 2 Back - Oct. 19
Cedar Creek is wrapping up their 2024 Drink at the Creek Concert Series with one final concert on Saturday, October 19! Enjoy the timeless music of Elton John and Billy Joel with nationally-touring tribute experience Back 2 Back. They'll take the stage at Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery, beginning at 5 pm. As always, there will be plenty of locally crafted beverages available, as well as food options on site. Bring your own seating. All ages welcome.
Orchard Dash - Oct. 20
Anderson Orchard will once again host their Orchard Dash 5K event on Saturday, October 20. 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!
Titles & Tastes: A Book & Wine Pairing Event - Oct. 24
This 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 24 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.
Halloween Hike - Oct. 26
Mooresville's annual Halloween tradition returns to Pioneer Park this year. The popular Halloween Hike event takes place on Saturday, October 26, beginning at 2 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.
HalloweenFest - Oct. 26
Jimmy Nash City Park invites you to come enjoy the third annual HalloweenFest on Saturday, October 26. From 7 to 9 pm, kids can tour the various park shelter houses that will be decorated in various themes and trick or treat throughout the park. This is a free event!
Halloween at The Creek - Oct. 26
Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery invite you to enjoy Halloween at The Creek with a live DJ dance party, costume contest and more! The fun begins at 4 pm on Saturday, October 26.
The Haunting of Waverly - Oct. 26
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 26th. Watch out for the headless horseman after 7 pm if you take the River Trail Hayride! (There is a charge for the hayride.)
Community Concert: Jared Freiburg & The Vagabonds - Oct. 26
The Morgan County Community Concerts Association presents the kickoff event for their 2024-2025 season. Join them at the Mooresville High School Auditorium for a captivating performance from Jared Freiburg & The Vagabonds, performing an electric lineup for your favorite rock and roll, blues, country and jazz hits from the 1950's. Single show tickets are $15 per person; available online or at the door.
Live Music: Rose O'Neal & Aaron Grubb - Oct. 26
Hoosier Que hosts live music each Saturday evening with an ever-changing list of performers. Saturday, October 26 brings local favorites Rose O'Neal and Aaron Grubb to the stage, with music beginning at 7 pm. Enjoy great food and an exceptional variety of craft beer and bourbon while you're there! Located at Foxcliff Golf Club.
Halloween Party & Live Music: The Roosters Band - Oct. 26
Trackside Bar & Grill in Paragon will welcome The Roosters Band to perform at this year's Halloween party, scheduled for Saturday, October 26. Music begins at 8 pm; come dressed to impress for the costume contest!
7th Annual Sammy Terry Live Stage Show - Oct. 27
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 27 beginning at 6 pm. Concessions will be available and there is a meet and greet opportunity after the show. Tickets are limited.
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.
