The 2025 Harvest Homecoming Festival brought fall festivities and food to New Albany, Indiana–nicknamed “The Sunny Side of Louisville”–from Oct. 9-12. From food trucks to merchandise booths to family games, there were fun autumn-themed activities for all ages.
“I just love seeing the community come together to enjoy every aspect of the festival,” said Allyson Glass. Glass is the current vice president of the parade and pumpkin decorating for the festival, as well as the president-elect for 2026-27.
The event offered a wide variety of food options, such as gyros, Afro-Caribbean cuisine and soft pretzels. Visitors could play a variety of games, from pickleball to mini car racing. Each day offered a new form of live entertainment. Xalt Aerialists performed thrilling stunts and Dancesensations’ Showbiz Kids showcased youth musical talent.
“I think my favorite thing about performing there [Harvest Homecoming] is seeing everyone come together to support something I love doing,” said Mia Wolf (10, HSU). Wolf has been performing aerial stunts at Harvest Homecoming for two years.
Along with entertainment, Harvest Homecoming is a great atmosphere for small businesses to market their products, such as Shine Sparkle Slay, a stationary brand focused on improving mental health through guided journaling.
“I just love the support that we’re getting from the community. […] I just look forward to seeing how many people we’re able to help through the brand and my story,” said Stephanie Rodriguez. Rodriguez explained that the face-to-face connection with customers was incredibly impactful for her.
Other small businesses, including Zydeco Tree and Space Snackers also benefited from having a booth at Harvest Homecoming by connecting with the community.
While the festival is a great opportunity to have fun and buy products, many booths also provide a chance to make an impact in the Louisville community. Groups such as the Animal Rescue League and Catalyst Rescue Mission educate visitors about the issues they are working to solve and what an individual can do to provide support.
Catalyst Rescue Mission is a homeless shelter in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The shelter works to provide food, hygiene products and clothing to unhoused people in the area. There are approximately 90 people living in the shelter right now, where the maximum capacity is 150.
“We’re actually the only shelter on this side of the river that has our doors open all year long. […] We have never actually had a booth until this year, and we realized that there’s a lot of people in New Albany that are in need of housing,” said Rex Wheatley, the Director of Marketing at Catalyst Rescue Mission. Wheatley explained that Harvest Homecoming was important for finding a potential partnership with another organization.
From unique products to skilled performances, Harvest Homecoming has something for everyone, and attending is a great way to support the community and economy of the Greater Louisville Area. The next Harvest Homecoming will occur early in October in 2026. The official dates will be announced on the website.
