If you’re searching for ways to spend time together as a family, you’ll find a wide range of amazing annual festivals and events to check out in and around Fishers, Indiana. In fact, our local area has so many activities offered throughout the year, it can feel like a challenge to figure out where to look for your next event to attend! That’s why Crème de la Crème of Fishers is here to help.

We’ve put together this list of some of the top annual festivals and events close to home so you can make sure to put your favorite activities on your calendar. Whether you’re interested in art, music, food, or anything in between, you’re sure to find your new family tradition on this list.

Fishers Farmers Market

Farm fresh eggs from the farmers market in Fishers, IN

dozen eggs on tray” used with permission via Unsplash by baconandbaileys

Looking for a fun way to spend your summer Saturdays? You’re in luck. A weekly farmers market takes place right here in Fishers, offering up a wide array of wholesome goodness sure to take your family meals to the next level.

The Fishers Farmers Market takes place from May through September. In 2021, the market begins on May 1 and runs through Sept. 25. Every Saturday morning, you can come by to browse goods from local producers, makers, and growers from 8 a.m. to noon. Whether you’re shopping for fresh produce, meats, coffee, or anything in between, you’ll find plenty to love whenever you visit this local farmers market.

The Fishers Farmers Market is consistently ranked as one of the best farmers markets in our region. You’ll find a wide variety of vendors from Central Indiana here. Treat your family to baked goods, stock up on produce or eggs for the week, or bring home tasty treats like honey. The market is juried to very strict standards, so no matter what you choose on a given Saturday, you can expect fresh, local, and flavorful foods from these farmers and producers.

Fishers Oktoberfest

When fall rolls around, you’ll want to check out the Fishers Oktoberfest. Held here in Fishers, this Oktoberfest celebration offers free fun for the whole family.

Our local Oktoberfest brings together traditional German cuisine with fairgoers’ favorites (think: hot dogs and funnel cakes). Enjoy art vendors or live shows featuring music and dance from local talent. You can also visit the all-day beer garden — it’s Oktoberfest, after all!

Cool Creek Concert Series

Located just a short drive from Fishers, Carmel boasts a wide range of annual activities you’ll want to add to your calendar. The Cool Creek Concert Series is a Hamilton County favorite. This popular summer concert series gets you out into the park, making a perfect combination of music and nature the whole family can enjoy.

Tickets for adults cost $5, while kids 12 years old and younger can attend these fun shows for free. Gates typically open at 6 p.m. with concerts starting at 7 p.m. You’ll find a range of shows taking place from June into August, so you’re sure to find a great evening to head to Carmel’s Cool Creek Park for a show.

It’s not just music you can expect, either. These events feature kid zone activities as well as food and drink vendors to make your night out even more fun. If you prefer, you can even bring your own food and drinks. Just don’t forget the blankets and lawn chairs, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the concert.

Carmel International Arts Festival

Carmel is home to another can’t-miss yearly event: the Carmel International Arts Festival. Held in September, this arts festival boasts a global flair, not to mention tons of opportunities for local families to have fun. You’ll get to see works from some incredibly talented artists while indulging in delicious food, browsing various vendors, and letting the kids enjoy children’s activities offered here.

If you plan to visit on the Saturday night of the festival, you’ll get to take part in “ART ROCKS!” as well. This family-friendly street party features a local band in Carmel’s Art and Design District. Take in some art, grab a meal from the food and beverage trucks, and indulge in the music and bustling atmosphere. Whether you have a budding artist in your family or you just want a fun option for a local outing, you’ll want to have this festival penciled into your calendar each year.

Christkindlmarkt

No list of local annual events would be complete without a mention of Christkindlmarkt, another great event that takes place super close to Fishers in Carmel. The 2021 market is scheduled to take place from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24. Open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m., this local market brings a longstanding European tradition right to Indiana.

Enjoy ice skating and browse the offerings from various vendors, sample Germanic-inspired food and drink, and bring home some handmade gifts for the holiday season. No matter what brings you to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, you’re sure to love the charming atmosphere this annual festival creates.

Headless Horseman Festival

Nearby Conner Prairie also features an array of amazing annual events, perhaps none as popular as the Headless Horseman Festival. Every fall, this festival commemorates The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and its connection to Conner Prairie’s Headless Horseman. There’s something for everyone here, so when you want to get into the Halloween spirit, make sure you visit this October event.

Head out on a haunted hayride, or explore a super spooky, scary maze. If you have little ones along for the experience, you can also check out another corn maze designed for the whole family to enjoy. From storytime to fortune-telling to balloon trips and beyond, this local event should be on your calendar every autumn.

That concludes the Crème de la Crème of Fishers roundup of local events and activities to look forward to every year. Did we leave out a festival or event your family never misses? Drop us a line so we can add your recommendation!