By late September, your family calendar looks like air traffic control, the kids have “lost” three hoodies already, and you’ve had your first pumpkin spice something before 9 a.m.

The good news is that fall in Elkhart County is seriously packed with fun, and a lot of it is free. So grab that coffee (reheated for the second time, we know) and let’s plan your autumn.

This Weekend: Quilts, Pie & Doughnuts

Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale (Sept. 25–26)

If you’ve never been, this is your year. The sale runs Sept. 25–26, 2026, with activities kicking off Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. It all happens at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen. MennonitesaleMennonite Central Committee

Come for dinner at the food booths, browse the gorgeous quilts, and let the kids loose at the children’s activities. Saturday brings the live quilt auction and your last chance to bid on the online silent auction. Bonus: the doughnuts, funnel cakes and pie are legendary. Get all the details on the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale website. MennonitesaleExperience Elkhart County

Michiana Pottery Tour

Artsy mom alert! This tour features more than 30 artists spread across northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan, and it happens on the last Saturday and Sunday of September. Perfect for a kid-free Sunday drive (a girl can dream). visitelkhartcounty

First Weekend of October: Festival Central

Goshen First Fridays Harvest Festival (Oct. 2)

Downtown Goshen knows how to throw a party. The October First Fridays event is the Harvest Festival on Friday, October 2, celebrating community, creativity and the arrival of fall. downtowngoshen

Even better? First Fridays events are free, hosted by downtown merchants and local sponsors. Check out everything on the Downtown Goshen First Fridays events page. downtowngoshen

Coppes Commons Fall Fest in Nappanee (Oct. 3)

This one is pure small-town magic. The Fall Fest runs Saturday, October 3, from 2 to 7 p.m., with a hayride, a kids’ train ride, bonfires with s’mores, food and vendors. AllEvents

While you’re in town, the Nappanee farmers market sets up under the Downtown Pavilion every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 3. See what else is happening on the Visit Nappanee events calendar. Visit Nappanee

Apples, Pumpkins & Corn Mazes (Oh My!)

Nothing says fall like wandering a corn maze while your kids sprint ahead and you pretend you’re not lost. Here are our favorite local stops from the Visit Elkhart County fall family activities guide:

• Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard (Goshen): Run by the same family for five generations, with about a dozen apple varieties you can pick yourself or grab from the market. visitelkhartcounty
• Miller Orchard (Nappanee): Fill up on fresh apples and don’t leave without a jug of cider. visitelkhartcounty
• Knollbrook Farm (Goshen): Home to a 12-acre corn maze with 5 miles of paths, plus pumpkin activities and bonfire spaces you can rent. visitelkhartcounty

Don’t Miss the Wakarusa Pumpkin Tree!

This is your must-have fall family photo. Wakarusa’s one-of-a-kind Pumpkin Tree stands 17 feet tall at the center of town, at Waterford and Elkhart streets. visitelkhartcounty

Pro tip: Swing by the Wakarusa Dime Store afterward to stock up on candy. Bribery works. We don’t judge. visitelkhartcounty

Leaf-Peeping on the Heritage Trail

Need a quiet afternoon? According to Visit Elkhart County, the Heritage Trail is at its best when the leaves start turning gold, red and orange. Experience Elkhart County

A few friendly reminders for Amish Country: many Amish businesses prefer cash, they’re closed on Sundays, and you should never ask to photograph or film the Amish. Plan your route with the Heritage Trail guide to Amish Country. Experience Elkhart County

Halloween Fun (More Giggles Than Goosebumps)

Haunted Walk Through the Woods (Oct. 22–24)

A family favorite! This Elkhart Environmental Center event is free, with donations appreciated, and runs October 22 from 5–8 p.m. and October 23–24 from 5–9 p.m. City of Elkhart

Got little ones who scare easily? Thursday, October 22 is Kids’ Night, with a family-friendly trail full of fun props, plus food vendors and music. Details are on the Haunted Walk Through the Woods page. City of Elkhart

Goshen Trunk or Treat (Oct. 24)

Goshen Parks & Recreation hosts Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Shanklin Park, and it’s free. Daytime trick-or-treating? Yes, please. Find more on Goshen’s special events page. In

More Spooky-Sweet Picks

• Train-loving kids: The National New York Central Railroad Museum is hosting children’s storytimes and two Halloween events called All Aboard the Spooktacular Express this fall. Greatnews
• Tiny trick-or-treaters: The Pine-Not-So-Haunted Woods Walk is designed for families who want more giggles than goosebumps. Experience Elkhart County
• Everything else: Get the full list on the Visit Elkhart County Halloween guide.

Save the Date: Goshen Light Parade (Nov. 6)

Before you know it, the holidays will be here. November First Fridays brings the Goshen Light Parade on Friday, November 6, an old-fashioned nighttime parade down Main Street. Bundle up the kids and bring the hot cocoa! downtowngoshen

Your Fall Bucket List Starts Now

Whether it’s a cider run, a corn maze meltdown (yours or theirs), or the perfect Pumpkin Tree pic, Elkhart County has your whole season covered. For the latest dates, keep the Visit Elkhart County events calendar bookmarked.

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🍂 Now we want to hear from YOU! What’s the one fall tradition your family can’t skip? Apple picking, the corn maze, or that annual photo in front of the Pumpkin Tree? Tell us in the comments on our Facebook and Instagram! 🎃