If There’s One Fall Festival You Attend in Indiana, Make It the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon

Sometimes, you want to get out and enjoy the changing of the seasons without the typical pumpkins, corn mazes, and hayrides. You want something a little different - something that's both mentally engaging and a total blast to experience. Well, we've gone and found just the thing - an exciting and unique fall festival in Indiana that's now in its 57th year. It's called the Feast of the Hunters' Moon, and it is an experience you will never forget. Pack your bags, come sit by the fire, and learn about how life used to be here in Indiana long, long ago - before cell phones, coolers, or electronics.

The Feast of the Hunters' Moon is something along the lines of the Renaissance Festival in the sense that it's a completely immersive, old-school experience that strives to both entertain and educate.

You (and the family) will learn all about life in Indiana for Native American peoples at Fort Ouiatenon, which was the first fortified European outpost in what is now the Hoosier State. It's a great way to learn about the region's history while staying engaged and entertained. You'll be surrounded by authentic 18th-century life and things to do; there are no modern items—like coolers, cell phones, radios, etc., allowed within sight at the event—making it one of the most fully immersive experiences of life long past out there.

Period dress is strongly encouraged, and you can find details and ideas for what to wear on the official Feast of the Hunters' Moon website. The actors and actresses who attend the festival as re-enactors are living their best 1700s lives—and you can too. You know it's going to be a fun event if there are costumes involved. Delight in discovering Native American and French vendors selling art, clothing, items, and more. If you're interested, you can even apply to have a vendor spot at the event. More information is available on the website linked above. You might discover local businesses that you never even knew existed, and it's a great place to buy one-of-a-kind gifts and memorabilia.

Revel in cannon and rifle fire, paddle in the canoe races, and watch awe-inspiring Native American traditional dances, food, and more. The whole event in and of itself is a re-enactment of an age-old autumn tradition: the meeting of Native Americans and French folks at Fort Ouiatenon, which took place every year and, to this day, still does! If you don't know about this significant historical moment, you're in for a treat, you get to experience it for yourself!

Savor delicious foods that folks attending the festival centuries ago would have. Sample ales, ciders, and more. Seriously, if you're a lover of the annual Renaissance festivals most states hold, you're absolutely going to love this. To say it's a blast and half is to underestimate it. Although everything is period specific, you'll still find a huge selection of food and beverages so everyone in your party (even the picky eaters) can find something to enjoy.

This year's Feast of the Hunters' Moon takes place on October 11–12, 2025. Please do not forget to visit the Feast of the Hunters' Moon website for all the information you'll need to attend, including ticket sales.

Have you attended this festival? Would you agree that it's one of the most unique festivals in Indiana? Do you have any favorite fall festivals in Indiana that you've made an autumn tradition? We'd love to hear about them. For another amazing, more traditional autumn day out, you'll want to check out the best pumpkin patches in Indiana, too.

Feeling inspired to head out to Feast of the Hunters' Moon this year? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.