Things to Do in Indianapolis in October

To honor the businesses and charities in the Fountain Square cultural district—the oldest historic district in the state, located southeast of downtown Indy—participate in this October event called Run(317). The name stands for one of the city's area codes and the 3.17 mile distance of the run/walk. Those 21 and older can enjoy complimentary craft brews, live music, and food at the fun post-race party. Proceeds will go to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, a nonprofit organization.

Come to Crown Hill Cemetery for some bone-chilling ghost tales by Storytelling Arts of Indiana—if you dare. Usually several food trucks are available; attendees may also bring a picnic dinner to this fun ticketed gathering. You'll want to grab a folding chair or blanket for this event held under an outdoor tent in the middle of the cemetery.

If you'd enjoy attending a reception with a buffet, drinks, and an auction of decorated pumpkins, you can buy separate tickets for the RIP Reception in the Waiting Station building, which takes place before the storytelling event.

You do not have to be Scottish to attend this annual mid-October event at German Park in Indianapolis. At this entertaining charity festival, you will learn about Scottish traditions, history, and culture while enjoying face painting and live Celtic and Irish music and dancing, along with other entertainment. The day's highlight is the caber toss—a sport in which a large tapered pole is tossed—and other competitive traditional Scottish highland sports like the hammer throw.

At this 21 and older event, dozens of Indianapolis bars in various locations in the city will host a two-night pub crawl on a late October weekend which includes live bands, DJs, dance parties, and costume contests. There are various ticket options which include food or beverage gift cards, cheap drink specials, and no cover charge at the venues. Those dressed for Halloween can participate in a costume contest with a $1,000 grand prize. A portion of the proceeds goes to local charities.

Celebrate all things German at Athenaeum, Indianapolis’ center of German heritage located near the Indianapolis Cultural Trail public space. This family-friendly event features wiener dog races, the OktoberFAST 5K run/walk, and a kids' play area. You won’t want to miss the booze-themed competition known as the Durstig games or the Strong Man competition. Of course, you can also enjoy German food, beer, dancing, and live music. Make sure to wear your lederhosen (short leather breeches) if you have them.

Proceeds go toward the care of the historic Athenaeum, a former German clubhouse and gymnasium built in Germanic style in 1893—the building received the National Historic Landmark designation in 2016.

If you’re a car connoisseur, you'll want to head to Caffeine and Chrome at Gateway Classic Cars of Indianapolis for a no-cost event that is open to the public. This hassle-free event happens the last Saturday of every month. Drive your prized classic car—or just come to admire them—at the showroom and enjoy a morning of free coffee and donuts. Talk to other car aficionados and classic car owners, and check out Gateway’s latest arrivals.

See the NFL Indianapolis Colts football team in action at Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium with city skyline views. This top-notch facility opened in 2008 and features a retractable roof over a seven-level facility that seats more than 67,000 fans. The stadium covers approximately 1.8 million square feet and receives nearly 1 million visitors each year.

If you take a 35-minute drive north of Indy to Noblesville early in October, the whole family will find a weekend filled with fun and history at the Indiana Renaissance Faire. The event features music, juggling, knighting ceremonies, acrobats, costumed characters, and over 70 artisans and vendors, all in honor of the Golden Age of Queen Elizabeth I. Numerous food vendors will be onsite, and free games for kids are offered.

The (Dia de los Muertos) Day of the Dead Community Celebration takes place annually in late October, educating and entertaining the public about Latino culture through its musical and dance performances, beautiful ofrendas (altars), and parades. The event also presents opportunities to create art and shop at the Mercado (marketplace), among other festivities. Located at Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art in White River State Park, Indianapolis, this is a free celebration.

Indianapolis Pagan Pride Day at Marion County Fairgrounds is an annual gathering since 1997 at which the local Pagan community—which holds beliefs different from those of the main world religions—gives back to the larger metropolitan area through charitable means. Rather than accepting an admission fee, the event organizers ask that canned and dry goods or toiletries are donated to specific charities. It's also a fun and engaging early October day featuring dancing, art, drumming, an auction, and educational workshops.