One of the best parts of October in Terre Haute is the calendar filled with fall fun! But don’t expect to find many Halloween events here, because Halloween gets its own special calendar! (Coming soon!) This portion of our calendar focuses on fall, harvest, pumpkins, and autumn events.

82 Things to Do in Terre Haute in October!

(updated 9/30/2026)

Thursday, October 1. French Lick Scenic Railway resumes their “Scenic Train Rides.” Climb aboard for a 90-minute journey through the hills and forests of Southern Indiana. The train departs from the historic 1907 Limestone depot located in the heart of French Lick, and only steps from the grand French Lick Hotel. The trip will take you on a winding ride through the Hoosier National Forest, pass several sites of interest, and through the Burton Tunnel – the second longest railroad tunnel in the State of Indiana at just under 1/2-mile in length.

Thursday, October 1. Intro to Ham Radio at VCPL Main.

Featured Event!

Comedy by Sandy Rustin
Rated PG
Directed by Gregory Andis
Production Dates: October 2-4 | 9-11

Watch CLUE at Community Theatre of Terre Haute!

Performance Times: Fri./Sat. – 7:30pm | Sun. – 2:30pmIt’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well, dead. So whodunit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, CLUE is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.

For ticket information, check out ctth.org!
Please contact tickets@ctth.org for any ticketing questions!

Friday, October 2. Opening reception of Wabash Valley Exhibition hosted by the Swope Art Museum.

Friday, October 2. Barn Party at Remnant Church. Tractor rides, dancing, food, and more!

Friday, October 2. Annual Sporting Clay Classic.

Friday, October 2. Dancing with the Terre Haute Stars. Since 2007, Dancing with the Terre Haute Stars has grown each year to become one of Terre Haute’s premier fundraisers. This is the 20th year that CASY has hosted this event, and since its debut in 2007, this event has helped raise more than $2 million dollars for CASY’s youth programs.

Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3. Free showings of Nightmare Before Christmas at the drive-in.

Featured Event!

Friday, October 2-October 4. Join the Here We Grow Again Terre Haute event! Ready for a shopping experience like no other? Come see how thrifting, sustainability, community, and kids’ resale come together in one exciting pop-up event! Whether you’re looking for amazing deals, unique finds, or just want to be a part of something big, this event is for you!

Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4. Pioneer Days with Vigo County Parks and Recreation. Step back in time during our 54th Annual Pioneer Days in our 19th- century log cabin village October 3rd – 4th from 10 am to 5 pm. Experience the way of life lived by Pioneers of Indiana during the 1800s- 1840s. There will be children’s activities, live music, hands- on demonstrations, vendors, historical cabins & covered bridge, food trucks and much more. Free Admission- Parking $5 per car.

Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4. Max + Honey’s 7th annual two-day pumpkin festival. Cost of admission to the Festival is $5 per vehicle. While here, purchase a bracelet for $13 to enjoy all of our fun fall activities including: Slide, Petal Cars, JUMP PAD, pony ride, barrel train, petting zoo, bubble station, pumpkin patch, corn box, corn maze, hillbilly swing ride, basketball hoop shoot, and more!

Saturday, October 3. Local Authors’ Day at the Terre Haute Farmers Market. We’ll have everything from children’s books to romance and every genre in between. Come and meet your favorite author or try something new!

Saturday, October 3. Fire Prevention Parade with Sugar Creek Fire Department. Parade at 7:45 PM.

Saturday, October 3. Car Talk Storytime at VCPL Main.

Saturday, October 3. Fall Vendor Event at Bear’s Coffee and Roasting Co.

Saturday, October 3. Paris Potterfest in Paris, ILLINOIS.

Saturday, October 3. Friends of Library Book Sale at VCPL Main.

Saturday, October 3. Fall Fest at Vigo County Conservation Club. Admission and parking are free! Chili cook off, car show, costume contest, and trunk or treat!

Saturday, October 3. Terre Haute Pride Fest featuring nonprofits, artist, businesses, healthcare resources, spirituality organizations, live music, drag show, alpacas, and more! Event is free but please secure a free digital ticket.

Sunday, October 4. Frights and Crafts: A Spooktacular DIY Doormat Night hosted by Happy Tails Animal Rescue.

Sunday, October 4. Book Lovers Social with Pop Up Social.  Find your favorite comfy sweater, grab a warm bowl of soup, enjoy delicious sandwiches and dessert, and spend the afternoon surrounded by fellow book lovers. You’ll receive a cute book-themed reusable tote bag and have the chance to swap books, create something fun, shop local vendors, and chat about your latest favorite reads.

Monday, October 5 and Tuesday, October 6. Free showings of Beetlejuice at the drive-in.

Featured Event!

Monday, October 5 and Tuesday, October 6. Audition for Closed for the Holidays at Community Theatre.

Tuesday, October 6. Labyrinth: The 40th Anniversary at VCPL Main.

Tuesday, October 6. Animals Around the World at VCPL Main.

Wednesday, October 7. Adventures in HeroQuest at VCPL Main.

Wednesday, October 7. Be a Field Biologist by International Crane Foundation at VCPL West.

Thursday, October 8. Monster Mash Glow Bash (with Minnie and Mickey) at Hot Wheels Skate and Event Center.

Thursday, October 8. Pokemon Creation at VCPL Main.

Friday, October 9. Makers Club-Tween Edition/Fall Break. The Tween Creative Club is a fun, laid-back space for ages 10–15 to get creative, try new things, and make something they can be proud of!

Friday, October 9. Deadline for educators to request FREE “Bulbs in the Classroom” Grow Kit.

Friday, October 9. First day of Parke County Covered Bridge Fest! October 9-18, 2026 This festival is located in Parke County, Indiana, and was founded in 1957. This 10-day festival always starts on the 2nd Friday in October. The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival – showcases the county’s 31 historic covered bridges and features authentic arts and crafts, fantastic food, and beautiful fall foliage.

Featured Event!

Saturday, October 10. During National Girls and Women in Sports Day, girls can stand with the team during the National Anthem, play in a scrimmage, get autographs and photos with the team! Register in advance here! 

Saturday, October 10. Paper Mache Pumpkins/Kids Class with Makers Studio. Kids ages 5 and up will get to decorate their very own paper mâché pumpkin and make it completely their own!

Saturday, October 10. Cozy Crafts: Sugar Skull Painting at VCPL Main.

Saturday, October 10. Brat Trot through Terre Haute’s historical brewing district.

Saturday, October 10. Shattered Glass-Pumpkin Class at Makers Studio.

Saturday, October 10. Ouabache Land Conservancy. October Big Day. Celebrate fall migration at land trust properties across Indiana while contributing to a global day of citizen science. Participating in October Big Day means you’re part of a global birding celebration that fuels migration research and conservation. Spend a fall morning exploring Indiana Land Protection Alliance (ILPA) member land trust properties, discover a new birding destination, and add your bird observations—counts, photos, or audio—to a worldwide effort in citizen science.

Saturday, October 10. Sip N Share: DIY Paper Mache Pumpkins at VCPL Main.

Saturday, October 10. Michael Jackson Thriller Skate at Hot Wheels Skate and Event Center.

Saturday, October 10. ISU Homecoming Parade. The route for the Blue and White Homecoming Parade will start at the corner of 9th St and Wabash St. From there, it’ll head west to the corner of 5th St and Wabash St. Then it will turn and head north on 5th St towards campus. Each unit will stop in front of the announcement stand by the Indiana State University Foundation Office. Lastly, they will continue onto campus, still on 5th St, through our designated sensory-friendly zone.

Monday, October 12. Columbus Day “Find Your Way to the Treasure” skate at Hot Wheels Skate and Event Center.

Monday, October 12. PJ Storytime at VCPL West. Ages 0–6: The entire family can wind down from an exciting day at PJ Storytime! Wear your favorite pajamas, cozy up together, and relax with stories, nursery rhymes, and songs.

Monday, October 12-16th. Fall Break Camp at Clay County YMCA.

Monday, October 12 and Tuesday, October 13. Free showing of Ghostbusters at the drive-in.

Tuesday, October 13. Crow Crafts at VCPL Main.

Wednesday, October 14. Food is Medicine at the Maple Center. In this 4 week class series, learn to prevent or reverse heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes & digestive issues with healthy food choices.

Thursday, October 15.Midnight Margaritas-Adult Canvas at Makers Studio. Calling all Practical Magic fans! Join us for an enchanting evening of creativity inspired by the magic, friendship, and fun of Midnight Margaritas.

Thursday, October 15. Teen Board Game Night at West Branch VCPL.

Thursday, October 15. Cheers for Charity at the Country Club of Terre Haute.

Thursday, October 15. Adopt a Glurb at VCPL West. Ages 6–11: Are you ready to take care of your very own Glurb? Learn everything you need to know at Adopt-A-Glurb, your one-stop guide to caring for these mischievous creatures. Assemble your Glurb with a needle and thread or hot glue, collect your adoption certificate, and take home your new pet monster.

Friday, October 16. Birdie’s 1st Birthday Open House. Light refreshments and good vibes!

Friday, October 16. Rose Drama Club: Murder on the Orient Express. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of year, but by morning, it has one fewer passenger. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.

Saturday, October 17. All-you-can-eat waffles to support Shrek and Children’s Theatre of Terre Haute!

Saturday, October 17. Build Your Own Cryptid: Stuffed Animal Taxidermy at VCPL Main.

Saturday, October 17. Riley Lions Club Fish Fry. Dine in or take out!

Saturday, October 17. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Princess Day at Cache Lauren: The Salon. Includes hair, nails, makeup, activity, picture with the prince and princess, princess popcorn, cookie decorating and movie, and more!

Saturday, October 17. Adult Sip and Skate (21+) at Hot Wheels Skate and Event Center.

Saturday, October 17. The Buffalo Stampede Endurance Race at Griffin Bike Park.

Saturday, October 17. Terre Haute’s ALL WHITE Party: The Soul Lounge. We’re bringing you the best in R&B, featuring your favorite live saxophone performer-Jerome Saxton and DJ Kool Breeze keeping the music going and the dance floor moving all night. This is a grown and sexy experience designed for the 30-and-up crowd, whether you come with your significant other or your favorite group of friends, come ready to have a great time. Put on your best all-white look and come dressed to impress!

Saturday, October 17. Spooky Sparkly DIY Pumpkin Pail–art class for kids with Makers Studio at Haute City Center. Get ready for some Halloween fun! Each child will create their very own one-of-a-kind pumpkin treat pail using lots of fun paints, sparkles, embellishments, and spooky decorations. No two pumpkins will look alike! All supplies and embellishments are included, plus each child will enjoy Halloween-themed snacks while we create. Feel free to bring your own drink!

Saturday, October 17. Fall Fest in Center Point, Indiana. October 17 from 10 am-9pm. Join the entire town for Fall Fest in Center Point, IN—a full day of community events for all ages! From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit The Exotic Feline Rescue Center for local vendors, games, food and treats, face painting, family-friendly activities, and of course-Exotic Animal Tour featuring some of our amazing rescue tigers, lions, foxes, and more. Tours cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Saturday, October 17. Build Your Own Cryptid at VCPL Main.

Sunday, October 18. Autumn Winds at the Woods: a Chamber Concert Series by the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.

Sunday, October 18. Buffalo Stampede Memorial 5k run/walk.

Monday, October 19. Read to Rover at VCPL West.

Tuesday, October 20. Time Travelers at the Federal Building. Step inside a historic Terre Haute landmark! The Vigo County History Center’s Time Travelers program invites you to explore the former Terre Haute Federal Building, now home to Indiana State University’s Scott College of Business.

Wednesday, October 21. Crockpot Cooking at VCPL 12 Points.

Thursday, October 22. It Was a Very Good Year: A Taste of Wines with Dinner at Sycamore Banquet Center with Art Spaces.

Friday, October 23. Escape from Area 51 at VCPL Main. All Ages: Mysterious government agents have asked you to infiltrate Area 51, the legendary Air Force base rumored to house alien technology. Work together with your team to solve puzzles, find clues, and discover hidden secrets that will lead to the ultimate discovery—and an urgent choice: do you save yourself, free the captives, or do both?

Friday, October 23. The Paper and Paste Decoupage Club at VCPL Main.

Saturday, October 24. Makers Club-Tween Edition (ages 10-15) at Haute City Center. DIY Bag Chain & Lip Gloss Holder.

Saturday, October 24. Song and a Slice at Unity Presbyterian Church.

Saturday, October 24. Dek of Hearts at Boot City Opry.

Saturday, October 24. A Night at the Museum at the Vigo County History Center. Join us as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with an evening of food, live music, interactive entertainment, and unexpected encounters with the people and stories that shaped our nation, and our community. As the United States marks its Semiquincentennial, this year’s event shines a spotlight on the ideals, innovations, and individuals who have helped define the American story. Along the way, you’ll meet familiar faces from Terre Haute and Vigo County’s past, portrayed by well-known faces from our present – bringing local history to life in fun and surprising ways. Walk the red carpet, raise a glass, and celebrate 250 years of America’s story… and the role our community has played in it.

Sunday, October 25. Cops & Monsters 5K Run/Walk.

Sunday, October 25. FREE chamber music series at Westminster Village with the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.

Wednesday, October 28. Snackin’ with the Alpacas Storytime at White Violet Center hosted by VCPL.

Thursday, October 29. Dinner and a Show at Wabash Activity Center. Join us October 29 as the Crosley Radio Players perform at our very first dinner theater! Call for reservations for dinner for $25. Doors open at 5:45 for dinner at 6. Our dInner is catered by Kiss of the South. If you want only to see the show,cost is $10 and show begins at 7. The Crosley Players will present a spooky episode of The Shadow followed by musical performances by the Crosley Crooners, and finally the hilarious hijinks of Fibber McGee and Molly!

Friday, October 30. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The United European Ballet at Hatfield Hall. Experience the magic of the classic fairy tale, Snow White, where goodness abounds, true love triumphs, and friendships flourish; all told through dance and set to classical music. This timeless story of innocence, kindness, and bravery will mesmerize audiences of all ages as they follow the young heroine and her prince on their quest to outsmart the Evil Queen while also forming beautiful friendships along the way.

Saturday, October 31. Tiny Art on Canvas at VCPL Main.

Featured Event!

Toddler Tuesday at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. Drop-in for a couple hours of your toddlers interacting and playing with one another! And, it’s just $5 per person, thanks to a generous grant from the Vigo County Community Foundation.

October Events in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley

Look ahead to November! 

Click for Midwest Fall Fun: Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, and Jumping Pillows!

We know the Haute is here for Halloween! Our 2026 Halloween guide is coming soon! 

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As always, typos happen and event details change. While we do our best to keep this calendar updated and correct, please confirm details before solidifying your plans or making fun promises to your children. We also can’t advise you what is good, better, best for your family and our community. Be safe and make good choices.