The autumn leaves have changed and nights are getting cooler. It’s fall and that means time for family and friends to gather for fun festivals, outdoor activities, and great food and drink throughout Elkhart County.
Clue: The Musical
See the famous board game come to life as a musical in the Round Barn Theatre at The Barns at Nappanee, 1600 Market St., Nappanee. Can you solve the mystery first? Performances open October 3, 2024, continue through November 2, 2024
Goshen First Friday: Goshen Gives Back
Downtown restaurants and shops invite you for this monthly festival of fun, good times and tasty treats while also supporting a great cause. From 5 to 9 p.m. October 4, 2024, participating merchants will share 10 percent of proceeds to their partner charity.
The Garden of Villains
Your favorite superheroes and villains have taken over Wellfield Botanic Gardens, 1011 N. Main St., Elkhart, for this family-friendly Halloween-themed event from 6 to 9 p.m. October 4-5, 2024. Stroll the gardens’ promenade and catch performances of comic book characters from every age and get photos with the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum’s most eye-catching sculptures.
Looking for more fall and Halloween-themed activities? We’ve got you covered:
- Pumpkin Hunt, through October 31, Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Ave., Elkhart
- Shipshewana Fall Crafters Fair, October 3-5, Michiana Event Center, 455 E. Farver St., Shipshewana
- Fall Fest, 4 to 8 p.m. October 12, Coppes Commons, 401 E. Market St., Nappanee
- Fall Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 12, Southgate Crossing, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart
- Spooky Night Hike, 7 to 8:30 p.m. October 18, Cobus Creek County Park, 30680 County Road 8, Elkhart
- Island Park Trunk or Treat, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. October 19, Island Park, Main and Sycamore streets, Elkhart
- Trick or Treat at the Fairgrounds, 1 to 5 p.m. October 25, Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Road 34, Goshen
- Halloween Campfire & Hayrides, 7 to 10 p.m. October 25-26, Ox Bow County Park, 23033 County Road 45, Goshen
- Greencroft Fall Bazaar, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. October 26, Greencroft Community Center, 1820 Greencroft Blvd., Goshen
- Let’s Get Spooky Market, 2 to 6 p.m. October 26, Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Road 34, Goshen
- Trunk or Treat Fall Fest, 5 to 9 p.m. October 26, Shanklin Park, 411 W. Plymouth Ave., Goshen
It’s a day to embrace the wizard that’s within you at Magical Me Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 5, 2024, at West Park Pavilion, 500 N. Nappanee St., Nappanee. Even muggles can enjoy the fantastic beasts, potions, and food and drink at the shopping village. Classes to improve your wizarding skills are available for a registration fee.
Experience the wonder of science with children of all ages at Science Spooktacular from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 6 at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Road 34, Goshen. This annual event showcases hands-on activities and demonstrations to bring to life robotics, chemistry, physics and more.
Pumpkins on wheels take over the street at 2 p.m. October 12 for this thrilling spectacle of racing. Enter early to get your own racing kit, then build a pumpkin worthy of the checkered flag, or just come and see the fun for yourself!
Blues icon Robert Cray and his band are ready to take the stage of the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 760 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, for a show at 7:30 p.m. October 12. Cray has performed with legends from John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters to Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, becoming a legend himself in his storied career.
Goshen Theater Presents: Little Shop of Horrors
You never know what will grow in the Goshen Theater’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Shows will be 7:30 p.m. October 18, 2024, and 2:30 p.m. October 19, 2024, at the Goshen Theater, 216 S. Main St., Goshen.
Get ready to rock out as Premier Arts, Inc. presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “School of Rock” with performances October 18-20, 2024, at The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart.
Lerner on the Lawn: Louder Now
It will be a great night for live music in downtown Elkhart as LOUDERNOW is the featured artist in Lerner on the Lawn at 6 p.m. October 31, 2024, at Central Park, 300 S. Main St., Elkhart. While you’re enjoying the music, be sure to browse the amazing artists exhibiting as part of Elkhart ArtWalk and find a cozy spot for a bite to eat and drink at downtown Elkhart’s restaurants.