Longtime Southern Indiana tradition, Harvest Homecoming, is back for 2024 and will be taking over downtown New Albany when the festival celebrates its 56th year with the theme "Autumn Sock-Hop."
Touted as one of the best fall festivals in Indiana, this annual fall rite of passage in SoIN takes place October 5-13, featuring annual favorites and a few new activities!
From musical entertainment and eclectic food and craft booths to a parade, children’s activities and more, we’ve rounded up a handful of can’t-miss events for you to enjoy an authentic Harvest Homecoming experience.
Opening Ceremonies
When: 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: Orange Bleachers (East 8th and East Spring streets)
Details: Get in the spirit during the official kick-off of the 2024 Harvest Homecoming at this event, which features music, food vendors and special guests. (Pro tip: The Orange Bleachers also offer prime viewing for the Harvest Homecoming Parade).
Harvest Homecoming Parade
When: 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: Parade route is along Vincennes, Spring and Bank streets
Details: Experience over-the-top floats, vintage cars and loud bands. The parade kicks off at New Albany High School, marches down Vincennes Street, then takes a right on Spring Street and ends on Bank Street.
Festival Rides
When:
- 5 – 10 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday, Oct. 8 & 9
- Open at 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12
- Open at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 13
- Open at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 14
- 12 – 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15
Where: New Albany Riverfront (between State & Bank Streets)
Details: Ride all day for $25 is ONLY for the first two days (Tuesday and Wednesday). Starting Thursday (Booth Days), rides move to a ticket system and will not have a set closing time. Cash Only with ATMs available.
Food & Craft Booth Days
When:
- Noon to 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10
- 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday, Oct. 11 & 12
- Noon to 5 p.m.*, Sunday, Oct. 13
- *Optional sensory inclusion hour from 11 a.m. - noon.
Where: downtown New Albany
Details: Check out a variety of vendor booths featuring arts and crafts and food, including favorites like chicken and dumplings, pumpkin ice cream, donuts and roasted corn.
Live Entertainment on the Samtec Cares Family Stage
When:
- Noon - 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10
- 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Friday, October 11
- 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 12
- Noon - 5 p.m., Sunday October 13
Where: First Financial Bank Lot, State St & E Market St
Details: The stage will be booked and busy! Don't miss performances by the River City Puppets on Thursday from 2 - 3 p.m. and the Silly Safaris from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on Friday. Click here for the full lineup to plan your fun-filled Harvest Homecoming visit!
Purdue Pumpkin Chunking Competition
When: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8
Where: Purdue Polytechnic New Albany
Details: Want to see teams launch pumpkins to hit a target from up to 100 yards away, using a gravity-powered trebuchet firing 7-10 lb pumpkins? Head to Purdue Polytechnic New Albany on October 8th to watch the Pumpkin Chunking competition. Teams of high schoolers, college students and adults compete for awards in accuracy, originality, and efficiency. Parking, food trucks and booths featuring kids' activities open to the general public at 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
Second-annual Harvest Homecoming Pickleball Cup
When: Saturday, October 5 & 6
Where: Sam Peden Community Park, 3037 Grant Line Rd
Details: The tournament will follow a doubles format with teams competing in pool play, followed by a single elimination bracket. Teams are guaranteed at least four games per division. Divisions offered are Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles at the play levels of 3.0-and-Below, 3.5, and 4.0-and-Above. Also offered are Senior (60+) divisions for Men’s and Women’s teams at an open skill level. The tournament will follow the 2024 USA Pickleball rules with traditional scoring of games played to 11, win by 2. Participants must provide their own paddles and Franklin X40 neon yellow balls will be the provided tournament balls. The cost is $40/player/division, with a $20 discount if a player registers for a second division. For more information, you can email parks@floydcounty.in.gov.
Family Movie Night at the Amphitheater
When: Saturday, October 12
Where: New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater
Details: Grab your blankets and chairs for family movie night on the New Albany riverfront! Enjoy a showing of Hotel Transylvania and Hocus Pocus. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
View more events and information at the Harvest Homecoming Festival website.
