The Headless Horseman returns to Conner Prairie with thrills, chills & fall family fun

Conner Prairie’s longest-running and most beloved fall festival is back! This October, the Headless Horseman Festival, presented by Bank of America, will once again transform the grounds into a destination filled with mystery, thrills, and seasonal fun for all ages.

From family-friendly games and activities to chilling nighttime adventures, guests can experience an evening packed with fall traditions, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to play. Festivalgoers can test their skills with axe throwing, bean bag games and basket toss, enjoy face painting, take on carnival rides and attractions, and indulge in classic fall treats in the Apple Store throughout the evening.

Of course, no visit to the festival is complete without Conner Prairie’s iconic Headless Horseman hayride. Guests journey deep into the Sleepy Hollow story, where they’ll come face-to-face with the legendary Headless Horseman himself. The hayride requires an additional ticket and is not included with general festival admission.

As darkness falls, the thrills continue in the Haunted Trail, where brave guests can venture into a frightening corn maze filled with eerie surprises.

Festival highlights

• Interactive games and activities, including axe throwing, bean bag games, and apple basket tossing.
• Seasonal favorites, including family activities, carnival rides, and classic fall treats.
• Live entertainment, featuring music, magic, theatrical and fire performances.
• The iconic Headless Horseman hayride, where guests encounter the Headless Horseman. The hayride requires an additional ticket beyond general festival admission.
• Conner Prairie’s beloved Apple Store, featuring its famous caramel apples, cider slushies and other seasonal treats.
• Perilous Plunge, a dry tubing hill offering another dose of adventure.
• Corn Mazes, short and long mazes (long closes after dark).
• Haunted Trail, a frightening nighttime experience in the corn maze for guests looking for an extra scare.
• Eerie Illusions Magic Show, bringing mysterious tricks and surprises to the festival.
• Sleepy Hollow Marionette Show, where you can watch the legendary tale of Sleepy Hollow come to life through the art of marionette puppetry in this charming, family-friendly performance.
• Tomorrow’s Show, a ghost story by Ty Stover.
• Barrel Train Ride, taking younger guests through a musical pumpkin patch. The ride is designed for guests who are under 48 inches tall.

Whether guests come for the games, entertainment, seasonal treats, or the chance to encounter the Headless Horseman himself, the festival offers something for everyone – from family-friendly fun early in the evening to a more frightening experiences after dark.

The Headless Horseman festival runs Oct. 1 to 25, Thursdays through Sundays. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance, as popular festival nights and Headless Horseman hayride times can sell out.

For tickets, festival hours and additional information, visit ConnerPrairie.org.