70°FFall brings a full lineup of festivals, seasonal celebrations and Halloween happenings in La Porte County. Fill your calendar with local food, live entertainment, colorful autumn traditions and just the right amount of spooky fun.
FESTIVALS
Sunflower Fair | September 19 | Michigan Ave, Downtown La Porte, IN
One of the area’s largest festivals brings thousands of visitors to Downtown La Porte. Explore more than 130 craft and nonprofit vendors while enjoying food, live entertainment, rib cook-off, children’s activities and more.
Wanatah Scarecrow Festival | September 25–27 | 245 N Main St, Wanatah, IN
Small-town festival, big-time memories! The Wanatah Scarecrow Festival features more than 175 craft vendors, 20 food vendors and plenty of activities and entertainment for the entire family.
Pioneer Days | September 26-27 | Creek Ridge County Park, 7943 W 400 N, Michigan City, IN
Step back in time during a weekend filled with traditional crafts, historical demonstrations and hands-on activities. Explore pioneer life, meet historical reenactors and enjoy old-fashioned family fun throughout the park.
Westville Pumpkin Festival | October 3 | Prairie Meadow Park, Corner of Hwy 421 & US 6, Westville, IN
Celebrate the pumpkin harvest with family fun for all ages. Festival highlights include a 5K run and walk, food and craft vendors, pumpkin baked goods, a basket raffle, parade and more.
Trail Creek Fall Festival | October 17 | Nelson Park, Whippoorwill Ave, Trail Creek, IN
Celebrate fall with vendors, music, food, games, crafts, pumpkin painting, a bounce house and a face painter and balloon artist. Bring your four-legged friend for the pet costume parade and contest, and stop by the Park Board tent for the silent auction benefiting a new playground at Nelson Park.
FRIGHTS
Hesston Ghost Train | October 3–4, 10–11, 17–18 and 24–25 | Hesston Steam Museum, 1201 E 1000 N, Hesston, IN
Climb aboard a real steam train for a ride through the haunted woods. Three railroads operate throughout the event, with trains departing frequently. The Ghost Train offers family-friendly, frightening fun for all ages.
La Porte Downtown Trick-or-Treat | October 10 | Downtown La Porte, IN
Bring the kids downtown from 1–3 p.m. to fill their treat bags with candy from participating businesses. This event is presented by the Downtown La Porte Events Committee and is separate from the citywide trick-or-treat hours on October 31.
Boo at the Washington Park Zoo | October 17 | Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN
Give your little ghosts and goblins a safe and festive trick-or-treating experience. Area businesses will line the zoo’s decorated pathways to hand out candy. Regular admission rates apply, and advance tickets are recommended due to limited availability.
Haunted Trails | October 18 | Friendship Botanic Gardens, 2055 E US Hwy 12, Michigan City, IN
Wear your favorite costume and follow a festive trail through the Gardens, stopping for games, activities and candy along the way. This family-friendly afternoon also includes cider, storytellers, a bonfire and a food truck.
Halloween Happenings at the La Porte County Fairgrounds | October 23–25 | La Porte County Fairgrounds, 2581 W St Rd 2, La Porte, IN
Get ready for a spook-tacular weekend of family fun! Enjoy trick-or-treating through Pioneerland and the campground, pumpkin decorating, a chili cook-off, ghost hunt, scavenger hunt, costume contests and more. Attend for the day or make a weekend of it by camping at the Fairgrounds.
FUN
Uncorked & Untamed Cider & Wine Fest | September 19 | Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN
Experience Washington Park Zoo after hours during its first Uncorked & Untamed Cider & Wine Fest. Enjoy three hours of unlimited tastings, live music and a sunset stroll through the zoo with a glass of cider or wine in hand.
La Pour Brew & Wine Fest | November 14 | La Porte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, La Porte, IN
Celebrate craft beer, wine and good times at the 11th Annual La Pour Brew & Wine Fest inside the historic La Porte Civic Auditorium. Enjoy local and regional selections, live music, delicious food and great company, with VIP entry at noon and general admission from 1–4pm.
Watch the Calendar for Citywide trick-or-treat times as Halloween approaches.
Find these events and more on visitmichigancitylaporte.com.