Fishers Arts Council and Hamilton County Tourism will present the 7th annual Harvest Fest on Sunday, September 13 from noon to 5 pm along the Nickel Plate Trail in heart of downtown Fishers. This year’s family-friendly event features over 70 artists, artisans, and authors, ten nonprofits, strolling musicians plus a full band, fun games and art activities, and plenty of food and drink for all. Harvest Fest’s goal is to “harvest funds for nonprofits.”
Additional support for Harvest Fest comes from Beer Garden Sponsor, MashCraft – Fishers. Fishers Parks, the City of Fishers, and Hamilton East Public Library are partners this year, offering support, supplies, and assisting with securing additional funds for the event.
“We are excited to bring Harvest Fest to the Nickel Plate Trail for a second year in a row,” said Ross Hilleary, Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Fishers. “Fishers Arts Council is a proud recipient of a 2026 Tourism Gives grant from Hamilton County Tourism to bring a cultural event to the Nickel Plate District, which is a perfect opportunity to partner with the City of Fishers and Fishers Parks.”
“I love all of the growth we have experienced since Harvest Fest was founded in 2020,” said Les Reinhardt, Fishers Arts Council’s Executive Director. “Moving from Heritage Park at White River to the Nickel Plate Trail has added so much to the experience, emphasizing the importance of art, community, and enjoying the beautiful amenities of Fishers.”
Harvest Fest will start at Café Patachou’s patio (8654 E. 116th Street) and branch off into seven “art fields” along the trail, ending at Hamilton East Public Library (5 Municipal Drive.) The event map, including address for all the art fields, recommended parking, restrooms, where to find your favorite creative, and more can be found at FishersArtsCouncil.org/Harvest-Fest.
This free, family-friendly event has grown to focus on “harvesting funds” and expanding awareness for several nonprofits that serve Fishers and beyond, shopping directly from local artists, and showcasing local musicians. This year’s nonprofits include Bee Free Bakes, Central Indiana Wood Workers, Delaware Township Trustee food pantry, Fishers Community Chorus, Fishers Art Center, Fishers Historical Society, Hamilton East Public Library Foundation, Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Saving Our Sisters (a female veterans organization), and Fishers Arts Council. Each organization will offer something different to raise much-needed funds, including art activities, face painting, refreshments, and more. The featured musicians will be Erick Oneal Fisher, Brandon Douthitt, Glenn Seland, and the band, Enigma Fig, with all musicians sponsored by the City of Fishers. You can see the musician schedule online here.
Some of our highlights for fundraising include Fishers Arts Council’s Turkish Paper Marbling activity (known as Ebru) led by Esma Yokus, courtesy of a grant from the Penrod Society. Other highlights include live animal interactions with Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation; face painting by Paints by Deb, hosted by the Fishers Historical Society; and a food drive with the Delaware Township Trustee’s food pantry. The food pantry will be seeking non-perishable donations from their wishlist (http://tinyurl.com/delawarefoodpantry) or monetary donations that will be used to purchase fresh milk, meats, and produce. When you stop by to donate food, decorate your own tote bag to hold your treasures from the day!
Bring your appetite and grab lunch, early dinner, or tame your sweet tooth with food trucks that have graciously partnered to donate a portion of their proceeds to participating nonprofits: Biscuit Baby (benefiting Saving Our Sisters), Chef TLC with Faith the Food Bus (benefiting Delaware Township Trustee food pantry), Dog & Ball (benefiting Central Indiana Wood Workers), Ice Cream Donuts (benefiting Hamilton East Public Library Foundation), Kona Ice Indy (benefiting Fishers Art Center), Pastelitos Las Gochitas (benefiting Fishers Historical Society), and Smokey Blue BBQ (benefiting Bee Free Bakes).
”Joe Janik and the MashCraft – Fishers crew are also back as our Beer Garden sponsor for the third year in a row,” said Reinhardt. “Their support of our arts programming has been going on four years now and I am truly thankful for how our community comes together to make Harvest Fest the best experience it can be. Our board of directors are proud to offer a fundraising opportunity for Central Indiana-serving nonprofits in a fun, community, art fair atmosphere.”
Fine Art & Prints: Alyssa Overton Art, Amber Davis Fine Art, Andrea Bowden Art, Because Why Nart, Britt Ritchie Fine Art, Cathy Wilburn Art, Cordial Kitten, Dr. Mattie Lee Jones, Ellen’s Creative Escape, Heartpours by Lor, JB Art, Jenny Spires Art, Jill Keough Art, Lori Patrick Fine Art, Macabre Marionette Art, Miller Modern Art, Neal Snap Art, Randall Scott Harden Art, Sadly Harmless, Samuel Ralston Fine Art
Jewelry & Leather: Glass Utopia, Jewelry by Matt B, Katina Washington Luxury, Lovely Lobes by K and K, Melly’s Distractions, Miller Modern Art, Primrose and Plum, Saturn Glow Studio, Sculpted by Syd, The Crafty Bee, Wydia Designs
Indiana Authors: Matthew Barron, Sutton Bishop, Brent Dragoo, Lillie Evans, Liz Flaherty, J.C. Kenney, DeWayne Landwehr, Nan Reinhardt, Quack & Beans, and Crystal Rhodes
Woodworking & Woodcarving: Ask Cheese Woodworks, Greater Goods Design
Ceramics, Pottery, Sculpture: Fey Clay Studio, Olivia Ooky, Staffelbach Ceramics
Blown, Fused Glass: Glass Utopia
Fiber Arts & Clothing: Beverly Jerabek, Ballard-Harris Designs, Campb Crochet, Lizzy’s Fancy, Molly Pope, Novel Knot, Second Act Crochet & Crafts, Singing Land Fibers, Teresa Wesley Amigurumi, Vern Sews
Soaps & Personal Care: Azure’s Secret, Han and Co Handcrafts, Make It Classy Beauty, Natural Blend Essentials, Sweet Melissa Honey & Hive, The Folk Method
Candles: Heaven and Earth Candles, Lucky Star Co.
Home & Garden Decor & Plants: Melly’s Distractions, Olivia Ooky, Ruth’s Garden, Glass Utopia, Azure’s Secret, Novel Knot, Lucky Star Co., Handmade Rock Canvas
Desserts and Sauces: Eva’s Cookies, Pup & the Pepper
Kid’s Items & Accessories: Ballard-Harris Designs, Campb Crochet, IndySuz, Lizzy’s Fancy, Macabre Marionette Art, Second Act Crochet & Crafts, Cordial Kitten, Sadly Harmless, Sculpted by Syd, Quack & Beans, Matt 3D Creations, Teresa Wesley, The Snow Collective
