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.

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.  

Apple Festival & Craft Fair - Oct. 1
Enjoy day two of Anderson Orchard's popular Apple Festival & Craft Fair on Sunday, Oct. 1. Browse 80+ vendors and several food trucks, plus enjoy all the fun of a trip to the orchard with apple and berry picking, the pumpkin patch, straw pile, play area and more! Craft Fair is open 9 am to 5 pm, the orchard itself is open until dusk. 

ABATE Chilifest - Oct. 1
Day two of the annual Chilifest at the Morgan County Fairgrounds will be October 1 with live music, vendor booths, chili and more! Admission is $25 for adults ($30 for couples) and $5 for ages 12-16. Kids under age 12 are free. Proceeds benefit ABATE of Indiana. 

Banned Book Week - Oct. 1-7
Fables and Fairy Tales, downtown Martinsville's independent local book shop, invites you to celebrate Banned Book Week with them, October 1-7. Stop in and browse their banned book shelf and see which books have been banned over the years... and why!  Some of them might be surprising to you. 

Live Music: The 78s - Oct. 1
Join Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery for live music on Sunday, Oct. 1 from The 78s. Music begins at 2 pm on the outdoor stage, if weather permits. The onsite Eatery will be open with tasty pizza, sandwiches and more, plus enjoy your favorite locally-crafted beverages! Bring your own seating. This is an all ages show and all are welcome. 

Emoji Painting Workshop - Oct. 4
The Mooresville Public Library will host a fun emoji painting workshop for kids on October 4, beginning at 6 pm. Participants will paint their favorite emoji! Please register in advance. 

Teen Poetry Slam - Oct. 5
The Morgan County Public Library in downtown Martinsville will host a fun Teen Poetry Slam event on October 5. This program is open to grades 5-12 and participants are asked to bring up to two poems or story excerpts to share. Poetry Slam will be followed by pizza! Space is limited, please register in advance. 

Free Outdoor Movie - Oct. 6 
Join Martinsville Parks & Recreation for a free outdoor movie on October 6 at The Venue, located at the corner of Jefferson and Pike Streets in downtown Martinsville. The movie will begin around 7:45 pm. Bring your own seating, snacks will be available on site. Featured movie will be Guardians of the Galaxy 3.  

Silent Disco at The Creek - Oct. 6
The Martinsville Rotary Club is bringing back their popular Silent Disco event at Cedar Creek Winery. Tickets are available in advance. Participants will be able to choose from three music channels on provided headphones, so you can dance together - even when your musical tastes differ! The fun starts at 7 pm. Cost is $20 per person. 21+ only. 

Hall's Haunted Halls - Weekends, Oct. 6-28
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 (Oct. 6-28). 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. 7
Paragon Speedway will present their Season Finale on Saturday, October 7. The final event of the 2023 racing season will feature 410 Sprints, Super Stocks, Bombers and Hornets. General admission is $15 per person ($30 for pit access); kids are free with paid adult. 

Fall Break Festivities at Anderson Orchard - Oct. 7-14
Anderson Orchard presents fall break fun for those not traveling during their school vacation! October 7-14, stop by the orchard for hay rides, food trucks, face painting, a pettings zoo, and more! The Orchard is open from 8 pm to dusk each day and there is no admission for these Fall Break activities.  

Mooresville Arts-a-palooza - Oct. 7
The Mooresville Arts Partnership invites you to join them for their annual Arts-a-palooza and Car Show event on October 7. From 10 am to 4 pm, enjoy vendor booths, arts activities, live music, a car show, food trucks and more! This is a free event and all are welcome!  

Local Author Fair - Oct. 7 
Join the Monrovia Branch of the Morgan County Public Library for their annual Author Fair! You'll meet several locally-based, published authors and purchase their books on-site. With authors stationed all over the library and various genres represented, you're sure to find your next favorite read, or the perfect gift for a friend! Stop by between 2 and 5 pm. This is a free event.  

Countdown to the Eclipse Series: Greenwich Observatory - Oct. 7
The Mooresville Public Library presents a series of speakers leading up to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. This installation is all about the Greenwich Observatory. Listen as a representative of the Indiana Astronomic Society explains the history, purpose and location of Greenwich Observatory in the UK. Talk starts at 6 pm; all ages welcome. 

Drink at the Creek: Hairbangers Ball & The Big 80s - Oct. 1
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. 

Live Music: Analiese & Ali - Oct. 7
Black Dog Brewing Company invites you to come enjoy an evening of live music with Analiese & Ali on Saturday, October 7. Music begins at 7 pm. Saturdays are also typically JP's Steak Night at Black Dog, so come hungry! 

Family Craft Night: Spooky Votives - Oct. 9
Morgan County Public Library in downtown Martinsville presents a Family Craft Night featuring Spooky Votives on October 9. Space is limited, so register in advance so you can create your own spooky votive to take home. 

Yoga & Meditation for Beginners - Oct. 10 & 17
Morgan County Public Library presents Yoga and Meditation for Beginners. Learn gentle beginning yoga stretches and meditation practices in a relaxed and friendly setting on select Tuesdays this fall. This month's classes will take place on October 10 and 17 (also mark your calendar for November 7 and 21). 

Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival - Oct. 12-15
The Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival is an iconic fall tradition. Taking place this year on October 12-15, 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. 12
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! 

Ghouls Night Out at The Creek - Oct. 13
Cedar Creek Distillery invites you to gather your "ghouls" for a night out on Friday the 3th. Ghouls Night Out will feature live music from Rob Amerhein, Permanent Jewelry, onsite beauty services and more! Enjoy a girls' night out with your besties, beginning at 5 pm. No admission charge! (Beauty services are charged individually.)

Jimmy Nash Pumpkin Patch - Oct. 13
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. 

2nd Friday Open Studios Night - Oct. 13
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 13 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.

 Knobstone Trail Mini Marathon - Oct. 14
Join the Knobstone Trail Hiking Association for their annual Mini Marathon on Saturday, October 14 at Morgan-Monroe State Forest. This fun trail run offers multiple course lengths for runners of all skill levels - choose from 5K, 10K, 10 mile and 13.1 mile courses. Race being at 9 am; registration is limited, so get registered early (or mark your calendar for next year)! 

Orchard Dash - Oct. 14
Anderson Orchard will once again host their Orchard Dash 5K event on Saturday, October 14. 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! 

Meet Artist Mitchell Caver - Oct. 14
Krypton Comics will host artist Mitchell Caver in the store during Fall Foliage Festival weekend on Saturday, October 14. Stop by the store in downtown Martinsville to meet this amazing artist, see his work in person (think Disney meets Marvel), ask questions, browse the store and enjoy the festival. 

Drink at the Creek: The Prince Experience & Soul Street - Oct. 14
Cedar Creek is wrapping up their 2023 Drink at the Creek Concert Series with one final concert on Saturday, October 14! Enjoy the timeless music of Prince with The Prince Experience, as well as regional favorites Soul Street 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. 

Live Music: Indiana Sweet Corn - Oct. 14
Black Dog Brewing Company invites you to come enjoy an evening of live music with Indiana Sweet Corn on Saturday, October 14. Music begins at 7 pm. Saturdays are also typically JP's Steak Night at Black Dog, so come hungry! 

5th Annual Wheels for Veterans Car Truck & Motorcycle Show - Oct. 15
The Mooresville Fraternal Order of Eagles presents their 5th Annual Wheels for Veterans Car Truck & Motorcycle Show on Sunday, October 15. 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. 

Beer Boards & Brush - Oct. 15
Black Dog Brewing Company is welcoming back the ladies from Fables & Fairy Tales for another fun installment of Beer Boards & Brush on Sunday, October 15. Participants will choose from two designs to create their own creative wooden sign to take home. This event takes place in the family seating area, so those under 21 are welcome.  

Live Music: Tim Neuman - Oct. 15
Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery invite you to come out for an afternoon of live music with Tim Neuman on October 15, beginning at 2 pm. This is a free performance and all ages are welcome. They'll use the outdoor stage as long as weather permits, so bring your own seating (in case of bad weather, performance will take place inside at the Tap Room). 

Martinsville Community Choir Fall Concert - Oct. 17
The Martinsville Community Choir will present their fall concert at the Art Sanctuary of Indiana on Tuesday, October 17. Music will begin at 7 pm. Performance is free; donations accepted. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun and familiar tunes. 

Popcorn & Painting for Kids - Oct. 17
The Morgan County Public Library in downtown Martinsville presents a fun program for kids! With popcorn to snack on an a fun Halloween themed cat to paint, your little ones will have a ball at this Popcorn & Painting for Kids program, beginning at 6:30 pm. Program is free but registration required. Open to grades K-5. 

2Xtreme Monster Trucks LIVE - Oct. 21
This season's racing may be done at Paragon Speedway, but they've got one more BIG event scheduled for October 21. 2Xtreme Monster Trucks will be on site for a giant, outdoor, adrenaline-fueled show that will delight monster truck fans of all ages. Advance sale tickets are $15 per person; day of tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids. All access tickets are $45 per person or a family four-pack for $135. All ticket holders can enjoy the pre-show pit party for $5. Gates open at Noon. 

Community Concert: Jason Lyle Black: From Blockbusters to Broadway - Oct. 21
The Morgan County Community Concerts Association invites you to join them at the Mooresville High School Auditorium on October 21 for a journey through numerous musical styles. Jason Lyle Black, From Blockbusters to Broadway: 100 Hits from Screen to Stage will delight music lovers of all ages! Single tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online in advance or at the door. 

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.  

Live Music: Kris Garner - Oct. 21
Join Black Dog Brewing Company for an evening of live music with Kris Garner on Saturday, October 21, beginning at 7 pm. Saturdays are also JP's Steak Night at Black Dog, so be sure to come hungry! 

Meet Artist Stuart Sayger - Oct. 21
Krypton Comics is pleased to bring artist Stuart Sayger back to Martinsville on Saturday, October 21. Stop by the store to meet this amazing artist, see his work in person, ask questions, browse the store and enjoy Downtown Martinsville. 

Pumpkinpalooza - Oct. 21
The Morgan County Public Library in downtown Martinsville presents their annual pumpkin celebration, Pumpkinpalooza! The fun will take place on Saturday, October 21. Be sure to register ahead of time because space is limited for this popular program! 

Discover Those Long Lost Females - Oct. 21
If you're doing family history research and you're struggling to trace the women in your family line, this program is for you! On October 21, the Morgan County Public Library in downtown Martinsville presents an informative speaker session on how to successfully Discover Those Long Lost Females. Space is limited, so register early! This is a free program.  

Live Music: Sisters Brew - Oct. 22
Enjoy live music at Anderson Orchard on Sunday, October 22 with popular local band Sisters Brew! Music begins at 1 pm, and the concession stand will be open, as well as all the other fun orchard activities, throughout the day. 

Haunted Library Tour - Oct. 24
Is the Mooresville Public Library haunted? Find out on this fun tour that highlights locations where paranormal activities have been reported. The Haunted Library Tour begins on October 24 at 6 pm. Don't worry - the tour is suitable for all ages.  

Morgan in Motion 5K Run/Walk Series - Oct. 25
The YMCA of Morgan County presents the final free 5K run/walk of this year's Morgan in Motion series on Wednesday, October 25. This series of casual, fun run/walk events takes place at various parks and trails around the county, which this month's location at Bradford Woods. Meet at 6 pm for this free, family-friendly event. 

Titles & Tastes: A Book & Wine Pairing Event - Oct. 26
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 26 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. 

All American Benefit Bash - Oct. 28
The All American Benefit Bash will take place on October 28, benefitting local children's and women's charities. This fundraiser will feature live music from BIGG COUNTRY and Austin James, plus bounce houses for the kids, a mechanical bull, fireworks, vendors, food trucks and more! The fun starts at 3 pm and fireworks take place at dusk.

Halloween at The Creek - Oct. 28
Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery will host a fun Halloween themed event, kicking off from 4-6 pm with family-friendly trick or treating, then Halloween at the Creek really kicks off at 6 pm with DJ Scotty Manley, a dance party and costume contest! Of course, your favorite locally crafted beverages will be available at the eatery is open until 8 pm. 

Halloween Bash & Costume Contest - Oct. 28
Trackside Bar & Grill will host a Halloween Bash and Costume Contest on Saturday, October 28. No cover charge, fun drink specials and of course, the costume contest ($10 to enter, or $!5 for couples).

Halloween Hike - Oct. 28
Mooresville's annual Halloween tradition returns to Pioneer Park this year. The popular Halloween Hike event takes place on Saturday, October 28, 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. 28
Jimmy Nash City Park invites you to come enjoy the second annual HalloweenFest on Saturday, October 28. This event is a partnership with WCBK FM. 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. 

Live Music: Josiah Brewer - Oct. 28
Black Dog Brewing Company presents an evening of live music with Josiah Brewer on Saturday, October 28. Music begins at 7 pm. Come enjoy great food, local beer and live music!  

The Haunting of Waverly - Oct. 28
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 28th. Watch out for the headless horseman after 7 pm if you take the River Trail Hayride! (There is a charge for the hayride.)

Traveling to Find Your Ancestors - Oct. 28
The Morgan County Public Library presents another helpful family genealogy presentation. Many times you'll find that your ancestors come from other places, where you'll need to travel to visit libraries, archives and courthouses to collect useful information. This session on October 28, Traveling to Find Your Ancestors will help you plan a successful family research trip. Session begins at 10:30 am. Space is limited so please register in advance. 

Family History Creative Writing Workshop - Oct. 28
The Morgan County Public Library invites you to come learn from author, family historian and educator, Katie Andrews Potter with a Family History Creative Writing Workshop on October 28 at 2:30 pm. Bring a notebook and your favorite writing implement and you'll learn how to get your family stories down on paper in a fun and creative way that will captivate future generations. Space is limited, so register in advance.  

Mooresville Downtown Street Fair & Trick or Treat - Oct. 29
Summer may be over, but there's one more fun Downtown Mooresville Street Fair event on the way! This is the rescheduled May event, that's been reimagined to create a fun Halloween themed event. Come explore 100+ vendor booths, food trucks, entertainment and of course, trick or treating on Sunday, October 29, from Noon to 5 pm. 

6th Annual Sammy Terry Live Stage Show - Oct. 29
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 29 beginning at 6 pm. Concessions will be available and there is a meet and greet opportunity after the show. Tickets are limited.

Live Music: Phil Pierle - Oct. 29
Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co and Distillery invite you to enjoy another free, casual performance from Phil Pierle. A regular at The Creek, Phil is a popular performer. Music begins at 2 pm on Sunday, October 29. The eatery will be open for snacks, a late lunch or an early dinner. 

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.