Autumn in Indiana is a season made for crisp air, colorful leaves, and festive fun that includes your four-legged friends.
Dog-friendly fall festivals offer a chance to explore pumpkin patches, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in the vibrant fall atmosphere together.
From lively games to cozy strolls through decorated grounds, these events celebrate the season in a way everyone can enjoy. Grab your pup and experience fall in full swing.
1. Beasley’s Heartland Apple Festival — Danville, IN
Nothing beats the sight of pups prancing through apple orchards with their tails wagging in the crisp autumn air!
At Beasley’s, leashed dogs can join their humans for hayrides, live music, and photo ops among the fall foliage.
The festival offers special dog-friendly areas where your furry friend can enjoy a cool drink while you sample fresh apple cider.
Weekend events run throughout October, making this a perfect opportunity for some seasonal snapshots with your canine companion.
2. Anderson Orchard Apple Festival & Craft Fair — Mooresville, IN
Furry friends receive the royal treatment at this charming orchard celebration!
Anderson’s sprawling grounds welcome well-behaved dogs to explore the festival atmosphere while owners browse handmade crafts and fresh produce.
Your pooch can sniff exciting new scents while you enjoy caramel apples and cider donuts.
The festival typically runs weekends in September, featuring live entertainment and plenty of shaded areas where dogs can rest between adventures among the apple trees.
3. West Side Nut Club Fall Festival Pet Parade — Evansville, IN
Canine fashionistas strut their stuff at this adorable parade that’s become a highlight of Evansville’s massive fall festival!
Dogs of all sizes don creative costumes while competing for prizes in categories like “Most Original” and “Owner-Pet Lookalike.”
The main festival spans a week in October, but the pet parade is a special one-day event drawing hundreds of spectators.
After showing off in the parade, leashed pets can join their humans to explore select vendor areas of this iconic southern Indiana celebration.
4. GermanFest at the Athenaeum — Indianapolis, IN
Lederhosen-clad pups are welcome at Indy’s most authentic Oktoberfest celebration!
The historic Athenaeum transforms its outdoor spaces into a dog-friendly German village where four-legged friends can join the cultural festivities.
While humans enjoy traditional food, beer, and music, dogs can cool off at water stations placed throughout the grounds.
The festival typically happens in early October, offering a perfect opportunity for both you and your furry companion to experience a slice of German heritage in downtown Indianapolis.
5. Barktoberfest — Westfield, IN
Created specifically with canines in mind, this tail-wagging celebration at Urban Vines Winery & Brewery combines the best of Oktoberfest with all things dog-friendly!
Pups can participate in costume contests, agility courses, and even bobbing for tennis balls. Humans aren’t forgotten either, with wine and craft beer available while you watch the doggy shenanigans.
The event typically falls in early October and features local pet vendors, adoption opportunities, and plenty of space for dogs to socialize safely in the beautiful outdoor setting.
6. Paws in the Park — Munster, IN
Centennial Park explodes with canine energy during this celebration of all things dog!
Four-legged attendees can splash in the special dog swimming area or test their skills on the agility course while making new furry friends.
Vendors offer everything from gourmet treats to custom collars amid the beautiful fall foliage.
The event typically occurs in early fall and includes demonstrations from police K-9 units, pet photographers capturing seasonal portraits, and experts offering training tips for better behavior during holiday gatherings.
7. Hogan Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — Brownsburg, IN
Leashed companions can join their families for classic fall fun at this welcoming farm attraction! Dogs trot alongside children searching for the perfect pumpkin or navigate the corn maze paths with their owners.
The farm provides water stations throughout the grounds to keep furry visitors hydrated.
Open weekends throughout September and October, this low-key venue offers plenty of Instagram-worthy moments as your pup poses among pumpkins, hay bales, and other quintessential autumn backdrops that capture the season’s spirit.
8. Lagers in Lawrence Oktoberfest — Indianapolis, IN
Beer-loving dog owners rejoice at this laid-back Oktoberfest celebration where four-legged friends are welcome throughout the grounds!
The outdoor festival area features plenty of space for pups to relax while humans sample craft brews. Live music creates a festive atmosphere without overwhelming sensitive canine ears.
Typically held in late September in the Lawrence area of Indianapolis, this growing event includes German-inspired foods, local artisans, and special treats available for purchase that are made specifically for doggy palates.
9. Ales for Adoptable Tails — Indianapolis, IN
Rescue dogs steal the spotlight at this heartwarming brewery event that combines craft beer tasting with animal adoption opportunities!
Your own pup can tag along while you sample local brews and meet potential new family members from area shelters.
The festival typically features a silent auction with proceeds benefiting animal rescue organizations.
Held in various Indianapolis breweries throughout fall, this event series creates a relaxed environment where dogs and beer enthusiasts alike can socialize while supporting a great cause during the beautiful autumn season.
10. Barktoberfest — Columbus, IN
Columbus puts its own spin on canine celebration with this downtown festival that transforms the city center into puppy paradise!
Local shelters bring adoptable dogs while visitors’ pets enjoy treats from specialty vendors and splashing in kiddie pools.
The event features a blessing of the animals ceremony that welcomes dogs of all faiths.
Usually held in September, this heartwarming community gathering includes a pet costume contest, training demonstrations, and plenty of photo opportunities against the backdrop of Columbus’ famous architectural landmarks.