Bartholomew County’s fall calendar moves between Columbus and Hope, with public events, performances, and library programs taking shape in familiar community spaces. The season runs from early October into November, with arts, local traditions, and Halloween gatherings along the way.

One local story has especially long legs: after a green, hairy figure was reported at Mill Race Park in 1974, Columbus turned the mystery into the Mill Race Monster Festival. We can follow that bit of lore into a weekend of art, music, storytelling, food, and family activities, or head downtown for Ethnic Expo and its many ways into local culture. A free process demonstration and a stage full of young musicians round out the Columbus picks; Hope brings hands-on activity and Halloween traditions into the mix.

Columbus: culture, art, and a local legend

Artist Bridget Conn will demonstrate her lumen process at 411 Gallery, showing how she works from setup to the reveal of a finished piece. Her free program combines a talk, Q&A, and demonstration, and runs Thursday, October 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The gallery is open noon to 8 that day, so there is time to see the exhibition too. Details are on 411 Gallery’s event page.

Ethnic Expo

Ethnic Expo fills the area around City Hall on October 9 and 10, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days. Columbus-area cultural organizations share food, music, dance, art, and traditions, with children’s activities and live entertainment. We can wander between the international food court, global marketplace, and live stages instead of planning the day around a single performance. The festival is free; see the Ethnic Expo visitor details and organizer updates before heading downtown.

Mill Race Monster Festival

In 1974, people reported seeing something green and hairy at Mill Race Park. That story is the starting point for the Mill Race Monster Festival, where local folklore meets art, music, storytelling, food, and family activities. The festival runs October 23 to 25 at Mill Race Park. The program and ticket details are on the festival site.

Battle of the Bands

The Columbus Area Arts Council is bringing young musicians to The Commons on Friday, November 20. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Bands and individual musicians ages 19 and under compete, and the event is free and open to everyone. If your household has a young music fan, this is a chance to cheer for performers at the start of their stage careers. Find details on the Arts Council’s Battle of the Bands page.

Hope: hands-on and Halloween plans

Paint, Plant, & Thrive

At Hope Town Square on October 7, from 5:30 to 6:25 p.m., this all-ages program invites people to paint a pot, plant a succulent, and learn easy care tips. Supplies are provided and registration is required. Participants leave with a planted succulent, so the outing carries on at home. Check the library’s event listing for registration information.

Teen Drop-In

Hope Branch’s Teen Drop-In is for students in grades 7 to 12. It’s set for October 13 from 3 to 5 p.m., with the library noting possible games and crafts. Registration is required. The library event page has the sign-up details.

Goodies, Goblins, and Ghost Stories

Goodies, Goblins, and Ghost Stories brings decorated trunks and trick-or-treating to Hope Town Square on October 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s an early Halloween gathering for families who would rather keep the evening close to home. Check the Town of Hope events page for updates.

Which Bartholomew County outing fits your day?

Ethnic Expo is the big downtown wander; Bridget Conn’s demonstration is shorter and free. Mill Race Monster Festival brings the local legend to life across a full weekend, while Battle of the Bands makes room for young performers. In Hope, the library program is hands-on, and Goodies, Goblins, and Ghost Stories keeps Halloween close to the square. Check each organizer’s page for last-minute changes, and register for the library programs before going.

Published: October 1, 2026