Pulaski County’s fall events have something for everyone
- By: Jennifer Arzola
- Last Updated: September 21, 2026
Fall in Northwest Indiana is full of pumpkins, costumes, and treats. However, visitors looking for something extraordinary should look no further than Pulaski County.
The Pulaski County Community Development Commission (CDC) is promoting a fall lineup that includes unique events such as a monkey art raffle, a Dolly Parton dress-up weekend, and a haunted campground trail.
Pulaski County CDC Administrative Assistant Taylor Bailey, who has lived in Pulaski County her entire life, said the events reflect the county’s character.
“Pulaski County is centered around a slower-paced kind of life,” Bailey said. “We invite visitors to sit back and relax in a hometown atmosphere.”
The Pulaski County CDC doesn’t want to keep these events to themselves. In fact, a key part of Pulaski County CDC’s mission is to ensure that events, such as these, are widely known and showcased.
“We like to promote any events that are going on in the county,” Bailey said. “In addition, the Pulaski County CDC does everything we can on the county side to help these local events in any way.”
Many of the fall events can be found on the Play in Pulaski: Indiana’s Hidden Gem Facebook page. Two events kick off the season on Saturday, September 26. The Tri-Tender Triathlon starts on Main Street in Winamac, and the same day, Rising Sun Campground in Monterey debuts Dolly and Kenny Weekend. This new event invites guests to dress as their best Dolly Parton or Kenny Rogers. Additional activities include a golf cart rodeo, poker run, and a DJ.
While visiting these events, Bailey encourages visitors to explore beyond a single town.
“Pulaski County honestly has a lot of things that many places don’t, including a primate sanctuary,” Bailey said.
On Sunday, September 27, Peaceable Primate Sanctuary, home to 182 retired primates, hosts Funky Monkey Fest. This event includes a raffle of art made by the sanctuary’s monkeys, Poblanos food truck, kids’ crafts, face painting, and music. Adult admission is $10, and children 5 and under get in free.
Additional unique events are scheduled for October in Pulaski County.
In early October, the 28th annual Medaryville Crane Cruise takes place October 10, and participants are encouraged to register.
Broken Arrow Campground in Winamac hosts multiple Halloween events the weekend of October 16-17, including Wicked Woods—a haunted trail, a pet costume contest, adult/children costume contest— and a pumpkin patch to name a few.
The Tippecanoe River State Park is also hosting its Halloween Festival October 23-24. The event includes games, a costume contest, trick-or-treating, and a decorated campground.
Fort Knox Paintball holds its Fort Knox Paintball Olympics October 24-25. To register, participants should visit Fort Knox’s FaceBook page.
“A lot of people don’t even realize all of this exists in Pulaski County,” Bailey said.
The Pulaski County CDC knows that visitors will find something for everyone, including hidden gems tucked down roads travelers might not otherwise take.
To learn more about the Pulaski County Community Development Commission, visit its website at pulaskionline.org/department/cdc.
