Newfields, Indianapolis: October Harvest Nights

Everything you need to know about exploring Newfields' popular, Fall attraction, Harvest Nights, in Indianapolis!

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​Updated September, 2022

Looking for a fun, fall activity in Indianapolis?

As ever, Fall continues to be the Hoosier state's most incredible season, so we need to take advantage and get outdoors while the gorgeous, Midwestern weather lasts!

After the great success of Newsfields' Winterlights in its original years, the art museum, which, fittingly, describes itself as "a place for nature and the arts," has added a yearly Harvest event, displaying a plethora of pumpkins, light displays, and cornstalks to delight the senses. 

For more on a visit to Newfields, check out the full post!

​And, thankfully, Harvest Days and Nights, is back for the third year running, with relaxed pandemic precautions and plenty of outdoor activity to get the entire family out of the house for the night!

Looking for other outdoor activities
​in Indianapolis?

Redfin asked me about our favorite outdoor activity in Indianapolis.
Check out the article we were featured in:
​7 Local-Approved Outdoor
Activities in Indianapolis | Redfin

Newfields Harvest Nights:
​The Basics

When is Harvest Nights?

In 2022, Newfields Harvest Nights runs from September 30-October 31. 

Tickets

Newfields Harvest Nights is *popular* and tickets sell out quickly. Entires are timed, between 7:30 and 10:00 PM. We were able to get in before our allotted time slot, because we happened to arrive early, but it's such a popular event that I would not depend on them allowing that all the time.

And remember, you must buy tickets in advance. You cannot buy tickets at the door.

2022 Harvest Nights Update

Ghostly light show projected onto Oldfields, the Lilly mansion at Newfields, during Harvest Nights

With the easing of the pandemic, guests at Harvest Nights will be allowed into the Lilly estate during Harvest Nights, for the first time since the event began! Previously, only the exterior has been used for the light show (and never fear - the light show isn't going anywhere either).

2022 Harvest Nights Ticket Prices

When do Newfields Harvest Night tickets go on sale?

For the 2022 Harvest Nights, tickets are on sale now. I would strongly suggest snagging some tickets for any day you can get! We went on a random Wednesday last year and were *lucky* to get tickets. 

FAQ: Do I need a Newfields entry ticket in addition to a Harvest Nights ticket?

No! Since the normal operations of the museum are closed during your visit to Harvest Nights, you do not also need to purchase a regular entry ticket. That said, you will *not* be able to visit the art exhibits during your visit.

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FAQ: But I want to see the exhibits at Newfields! What is Harvest Days?

Never fear! If you want to explore the grounds at Newfields and see the art and other exhibits that the museum usually offers, just come by during the day! Your general admission ticket allows you to explore the pumpkin-filled grounds during the day. Of course the light-based events won't be visible during the day, but for young kiddos or one-time visitors, don't forget about Harvest Days!

Day time pumpkin display at Newfields

Kolsch at the new beer garden at Newfields

Parking at Harvest Nights

Though we were a bit worried about the parking situation, Newfields was prepared! A team of parking staff direct you to spots, much like parking for an evening at Symphony on the Prairie, back when times were normal.

Parking for Harvest Nights on the Newfields grounds is free.

Safety precautions

Though a number of the pandemic safety precautions have been eased, they are still not accepting cash.

Harvest Nights' main events are entirely outdoors, starting to the right of the museum building, and continuing through the grounds.

​However, at the end of the walk, after seeing Oldfields, guests do walk through the museum, past the gift shop and restrooms, and back to their cars. As you'll know if you've visited before, it's a large, wide-open area, but just FYI, if you're concerned about pandemic safety, you do have to walk through the interior.

Is Harvest Nights too scary for kids?

Naturally, it'll depend on the kid. It is quite dark, there are scarecrows, mist, and comical ghosts, but it's not intended to be frightening. Nothing jumps out, and there isn't anything "gruesome" or bloody. At best, it might be a little creepy or disorienting because of the dark. If this is a concern, consider Harvest Days!

​Newfields Harvest Nights:
​What to expect!

PUMPKINS! Ok, there's more than just pumpkins, but I can safety say I've never seen so many of my favorite thing in one place! After leaving the ticketing area, you'll start with a walk away from the main building, through a tunnel of corn stalks, complete with spooky mist and music!

Entering the corn stalk display, complete with mist and creepy music

Then, you'll enter a fairly amazing (and *long*) walkway of lit-up Jack-o-Lanterns, which is the highlight of the event. This portion also includes an area to stand and watch "the ghost train" (lights that make it look like a train is coming toward you - how do people think of these things!)

After the Jack-o-Lanterns, you'll reach a crossroads, where there are food and drink vendors.​ Continuing past, hopefully with beverage in hand, you'll head toward the Lilly mansion, and the permanent beer garden, home to more drink sales.

Now you've reached another focal point of the experience, at Oldfields. Spend some time watching the incredible, 1930's ghostly light show *projected* onto the building!

Light show at the Lilly Estate

Scarecrow walkway

Don't forget to see the scarecrows, located across from the Lilly house.

After the Oldfields light show and scarecrows, you'll continue across the old bridge, packed with more (real) pumpkins than you could've imaged it could hold, back toward the museum.

How long does Harvest Nights take?
The event is very flexible. You can stay as much or as little time as you like. As we were there late, and just adults, we were in and out fairly quickly. We walked through the entire event, but didn't linger too long at any specific area. Round-trip, from parking to driving out again, was about an hour and a half.

​Newfields Harvest Nights:
​Food and Drink

​Teaming up with local vendors, Newfields has concocted a lovely, seasonal menu of beverages and snacks for Harvest Nights. Note: they do not serve actual meals, so be sure to eat before you come!

For an extra $3, you can make your drink glow!

Newfields Harvest Nights:
​Don't forget the gift shop!

​The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields has an excellent gift shop, and during Harvest Nights is no exception. Not only is it open, but they've added great autumnal products, including these lovely pumpkins by local artist Shawn Everette.

Thanks for stopping by!

Grab your tickets for Harvest Nights and have a great time! x Don't forget to check out my other posts on Newfields and exploring Indianapolis, and follow along on social media for all of my Indianapolis adventures!

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