September 11 | VIP Carnival at the Zionsville Fall Festival
Families with children with special needs are invited to enjoy a free carnival experience during the Zionsville Fall Festival, with rides, food, and family-friendly fun in an inclusive community setting.
Event Details
When: Friday, September 11, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Where: Lions Park, 11053 Sycamore Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
Cost: Free
Hosted By: Zionsville Lions Club and HAWK Foundation
Registration: RSVP requested
Event Details:View the VIP Carnival registration page
About This Event
If your child loves trucks, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, or anything with wheels, Truck Town offers an opportunity to get an up-close look at a variety of vehicles in a family-friendly setting.
Children are invited to explore vehicles from both inside and out while meeting the people who operate them. The event is free to attend and encourages hands-on exploration and curiosity.
One feature that makes Truck Town especially noteworthy is its designated Quiet Hour from 9:00-10:00 AM, offering a calmer experience before the event becomes busier.
Accessibility Highlights
Features Families May Appreciate:
Event specifically designed for families with children with special needs
Free admission
Carnival experience within the larger Zionsville Fall Festival
Family-friendly activities and food
Opportunity to participate in a community tradition in a more intentionally inclusive setting
Hosted in partnership with an organization supporting families affected by autism and other special needs
Helpful Planning Tips:
RSVP ahead of time so organizers can plan for food and supplies.
Review the larger Fall Festival layout before attending.
Consider which carnival activities your child may enjoy and which may be overwhelming.
Bring headphones, communication supports, or other sensory tools your family typically uses.
Have a plan for taking breaks from the carnival environment if needed.
Who Might Enjoy This Event?
This event may be a good fit for:
Families with children with disabilities
Autistic children and their families
Children who enjoy carnival rides and activities
Families looking for inclusive community recreation
Siblings who want to participate in a larger community event together
What Families May Want to Know
Before you go:
The VIP Carnival takes place Friday evening during the Zionsville Fall Festival.
The VIP experience is specifically intended for families with children with special needs.
Admission is free.
Families are encouraged to RSVP so organizers can plan appropriately, although the event information indicates last-minute attendees are welcome.
The general Zionsville Fall Festival is also taking place that evening, so families should expect a larger community event surrounding the VIP Carnival.
Why Families May Appreciate It
Carnival environments can be exciting, but they can also present challenges for children who experience sensory, communication, mobility, or other barriers. Creating an intentionally inclusive opportunity within a larger community festival can give more families a chance to participate in a tradition they might otherwise avoid.
The VIP Carnival also offers something beyond the activities themselves: a chance for families to see other families with disabilities represented and welcomed in a familiar community setting.
Plan Your Visit
☐ RSVP for the VIP Carnival
☐ Review the Fall Festival and Lions Park layout
☐ Talk through carnival activities with your child ahead of time
☐ Pack sensory and communication supports
☐ Plan breaks if needed
☐ Check the weather before heading out
What’s on Your Calendar?
Know about another sensory-friendly, inclusive, or family-friendly event happening in Central Indiana?
