A Magical Forest Festival Returns to Evansville
Something straight out of a storybook is returning to Evansville this fall.
Fairies, forest folk, magicians, giant puppets, woodland creatures, and even a costume parade will take over Wesselman Woods this September for the second annual Woodland Wonders, an immersive festival where fantasy and nature come together.
Whether you're raising little adventurers, a fan of The Lord of the Rings, Redwall, or Over the Garden Wall, or you're simply looking for something a little different to do this fall, this event sounds like it belongs on your calendar.
A Forest That Feels Like a Fairytale
Woodland Wonders transforms Odonata Hill and the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape into an enchanted forest inspired by folklore and fantasy.
The idea behind the event is simple: when people fall in love with the magic of the forest, they're more likely to fall in love with protecting it too.
Guests are encouraged to come dressed as fairies, wizards, woodland creatures, knights, elves, or any other fantastical character they can dream up.
As Wesselman Woods puts it:
Costumes are encouraged. Imagination is required. Respect for the forest is essential.
What You'll Find Along the Trail
Rather than simply walking through the woods, visitors will discover entertainment and activities tucked throughout the forest.
Expect to encounter:
- A magician performing illusions
- Larger-than-life forest puppets
- Medieval battle and dance demonstrations
- Storytellers sharing folklore and woodland legends
- Nature-inspired crafts and hands-on activities
- Animal encounters
- A scavenger hunt
- An artisan venfor market
- A constum parade to close the afternoon
Adults 21 and older can also purchase admission that includes samples from a small beer garden featuring foraged-inspired beers.
Read More: Don't Miss the Gnome Scavenger Hunt at Audubon State Park
Inspired By Some Beloved Stories
One detail I especially love is where the inspiration came from.
Wesselman Woods says Woodland Wonders draws inspiration from stories like:
- The Lord of the Rings
- Redwall
- Everdell
- The Wind in the Willows
- Over the Garden Wall
That combination of fantasy, storytelling, and one of the nation's largest remaining old-growth forests feels like a pretty perfect match.
When is Woodland Wonders
Woodland Wonders takes place:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wesselman Woods
551 North Boeke Road
Evansville, Indiana
Ticket prices are:
- Adults (13+): $20
- Adults with beer samples (21+): $30 (limited availability)
- Children (3 - 12): $18
- Children under 3: Free
Tickets go on sale later this month. Wesselman Woods members will receive early access, along with a discount on admission.
Because admission is limited, any remaining tickets sold at the gate will cost $5 more than advance pricing.
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