Downtown Tell City will come alive with hay rides, laughter, and the scent of homemade pies on Saturday, October 4, when neighbors gather for the third annual October Fest. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., City Hall will serve as the heart of a celebration built on small-town pride and volunteer spirit. What began with a clipboard and a handful of determined residents has grown into a cherished fall tradition.

October Fest is part of Tell City’s involvement with Main Street America, a national nonprofit devoted to revitalizing historic downtowns.

The mission is simple but ambitious: to bring life, business, and beauty back to Main Street one handmade booth, hay ride, and cookie at a time. “October Fest started with a clipboard, a handful of volunteers, and a whole lot of stubborn love for Tell City,” said Event Chair Andi Hayes. “We’re not fancy, but we believe Main Street deserves to shine—and we’ve worked hard to build something that brings joy, business, and connection to our community.” This year’s festival offers something for everyone.

Families will find free children’s activities like cookie decorating, pumpkin carving, and a jump house. The TC Mopar Club will host a classic car show, while a hay ride loop begins near the Gazebo.

More than thirty local vendors will showcase handmade crafts, food, and art. Visitors can enjoy soup and baking competitions with community voting, a free photo booth and scavenger hunt with prizes, and a hot chocolate station that will add to the cozy autumn atmosphere. The Perry County Cookbooks will also be on sale, with proceeds supporting the William Tell Fountain restoration project. The heart of October Fest lies in the partnerships that sustain it.

Lead Creek Farm, which donates pumpkins each year for the carving station, shared: “Lead Creek Farm is proud to sponsor and provide pumpkins for the annual Tell City Strong October Fest. As members of this community, we believe in supporting the initiatives that make our city a better place to live, work, and play. We love seeing the community come together to celebrate the Fall Season.

Enjoy our pumpkins and let the carving begin!” Isaiah House 117, a nonprofit providing safe spaces for children in crisis, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “The Isaiah 117 House Spencer/Perry is so excited to be participating in this year’s October Fest. We are truly blessed to live in a community where nonprofits and local businesses support one another. This partnership ultimately improves the lives of our community members, with a special focus on our children.

We greatly appreciate Tell City Strong for putting in the long hours to make this event possible.” Other supporters include Huber Funeral Home, a generous sponsor committed to local outreach, and the Girl Scouts of Southern Indiana, empowering youth and serving with heart. More than just a festival, October Fest is a reflection of Tell City’s resilience. It is run by neighbors, supported by local businesses, and grounded in the belief that small towns deserve big celebrations.

On October 4, all roads will lead to Main Street, where Tell City once again proves that even the smallest towns can celebrate in a big way.