Last weekend we took our in-laws to Conner Prairie to watch some old time baseball and it was so cool. My love for Conner Prairie never diminishes… whether we are taking guests to one of our favorite museums or popping over after school for an hour or so, #discoverCP never disappoints. And there’s so many fun Conner Prairie events for the fall that I just felt the need to share…
SEPTEMBER
The Apple Store
Open NOW! Check the website for their hours, but they should be open Tuesday-Sunday from 11-5 through October. We love to pop in our our way out (or into Headless) for Apple Cider slushies and pumpkin donut holes.
Symphony on the Prairie
September 6th & 7th are the last nights for this so if you like Kenny G or Billy Joel and Elton John, you might want to grab tickets. This is such fun event and perfect for a night out with friends… it’s drinks and kid friendly too!
*Tickets Required
Postman Comes to Town
September 8th – 10a-5p
The postman is coming to Prairietown to deliver the mail. This sounds like fun as this is how the residents of Prairietown receive news of current events! I’m interested to see how the characters react to mail!
Barker Brothers Kiln Burn
September 28th – 10a-5p
From the CP website : “Gather around the Barker Brother’s Pottery Shop to watch how delicate clay pots transform into beautiful, durable wares using centuries-old techniques. The “salting” generally occurs between 2:30-3:30 p.m., which is the most dramatic part of the burn, with the fire reaching its hottest point of 2300 degrees Fahrenheit, and flames actually shoot out of the kiln’s chimney 5-6′.” We’ve never done this before, but it’s been on my Conner Prairie bucket list since last year!
Festival of Machines
September 14th & 15th (included with general admission)
We’ve been to this before, by accident, and it was a great accident! You’ll see all different kinds of machines… large and small, land and air! They’ll also be hosting the First Festival of Machine Invitational Showcase, featuring vehicles that represent the best of the best of local car show winners. And while it seems very car/truck centered, it’s fun for the whole family! With STEM areas, building areas, and other hands-on activities.
Smithsonian Day
September 21st – 10a-5pm
Did you know Smithsonian Museums offers FREE admission to their affiliates once a year!? This is how we were introduced to Conner Prairie and so I love to share about this event. Museum Day Live is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Magazine. Participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket … for free. Just go online and grab your ticket and print it out before you get there!
*Note, it’ll probably be busy this day so go early 🙂
*Free Tickets Required
OCTOBER
Chautauqua
October 4th 6:30p-9p
From CPNamed for the town in New York where the first large assembly took place, a Chautauqua presented lecturers, entertainers, scientists, and politicians to the public, offering knowledge and fellowship that might otherwise be out of reach in less metropolitan areas. Conner Prairie is bringing back the idea of the Chautauqua and offering a series of special evenings that marry education and entertainment, thoughtfulness and humor, food and drink. Each guest receives a signature cocktail as well as light appetizers and educational presentations designed to engage the brain.
*Tickets Required
Headless Horseman
October 10-13, 17-20, 24-27 6pm-10pm-ish
This is one of our favorite fall events. We have gone for the last four years, since Ella was three. It’s spooky, cooky, fun, and enjoyable for all ages! It’s way fun to go with friends, but being with family on the hayride is great too! Take in the haunted hayride, festival games, and corn maze.
*Tickets Required (on sale now)
Ghost Hunt
October 31st 10pm- November 1st 1am
Since this is a new event this year, this is directly from the Conner Prairie website : “Join us for this first-ever public Ghost Hunt! We’ll tell some tales, hear haunting employee experiences, and spend some time in three purportedly “active” houses at Conner Prairie. As groups travel between locations, there will be a couple of stop-offs to grab an adult beverage (courtesy of Sun King Brewery), eat some popcorn, and hear some hair-raising historical stories. Bring your own ghost-hunting equipment, and at the end of the night, we’ll gather to share a visitation from a warming “spirit” (courtesy of Hotel Tango Distillery), and any evidence gathered from beyond the veil.”
Sounds like LOADS of fun!
*Tickets Required
NOVEMBER
A Merry Prairie Holiday
November 29-December 31 Open from 6-10 p.m., Friday-Sunday (gates are open from 6-9 p.m.)
Another new event this year is the holiday celebration. There will be many activities including North Pole Village, Conner Prairie by Candlelight Classics, and a Winter Wonderland Wagon Ride through thousands of twinkling lights. We went to this last year when it was just Conner Prairie by Candlelight and 100% enjoyed it! We are super excited for the expanded event this year
*Tickets Required (on sale now)
*Special fireworks display on December 31st at 9pm.
And that’s just a few on the calendar! Make sure to visit Conner Prairie’s website for more details and their full calendar. There’s so many fun things to explore and participate in here that there’s sure to be something for everyone. Happy Fall!
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