Online tickets will remain on sale until Friday, September 18 at 11 AM or until we reach 700 tickets sold. 

A very limited number of remaining tickets will be sold at the door at an increased price (+$5) on the day of the event. These will sell out quickly.

An All-Ages Fall Celebration at Wesselman Woods

Step beyond the mundane of the everyday and into Woodland Wonders, where the ancient forest stirs with stories of fairies, forest folk, and forgotten lore. This fall, Wesselman Woods invites you to experience the magic that lives beneath the leaves—where moss can become a stage, mushrooms mark mysterious paths, and every log rolled over is a gateway to wonder.

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Event Details

Date: Saturday, September 19

Time: 2-6 PM

Audience: All ages welcome!

Location

Odonata Hill and the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape at Wesselman Woods

Admission

• Adult General Admission (Ages 13+) $20
• Adult Admission + Beer Samples (Ages 21+) $30
• Children (Ages 3-12) $18
• Under 3 gets in free

A very limited number of remaining tickets will be sold at the door at an increased price (+$5) on the day of the event. These will sell out quickly.

Members receive a $3 discount on each ticket! Check your inbox for early bird access and promo code or email us.

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Costumes are encouraged. Imagination is required. Respect for the forest is essential!

Rooted in the belief that a love of wonder and fantasy can grow into a love for the natural world, Woodland Wonders celebrates the deep connection between nature and the imagination. This enchanting event is designed for adventurers of all ages and draws inspiration from folklore, fairytales, and fantasy realms like Lord of the Rings, Redwall, Everdell, The Wind in the Willows, and Over the Garden Wall.

Wander the woods and encounter:

• A magician weaving illusion and delight

• Larger-than-life woodland puppets by Anomaly Puppets

• Battle and dance demonstrations with the The Shire of Riviere Constelle (pronounced ri-vee-air kon-stel-ay)

• Fighting steel-armored knights from the Washington Black Dragons

• Live music beneath the canopy

• Storytellers spinning tales of forest folklore and ancient magic

• Hands-on crafts and activities inspired by ecology, woodland creatures, and mythology

• A vendor market, brimming with handcrafted treasures, nature-inspired art, and fantastical wares

• Foraged and local brews in our 21+ beer garden provided by the Ohio Valley Homebrewers Association and Haynie’s Corner Brewing Co.

• A costume parade to close the day

You’ll meet enchanting fairies, learn the language of the leaves, and uncover how even the tiniest critters play a role in the great woodland tapestry. Through story and song, play and discovery, Woodland Wonders invites all to see the forest not just as a setting—but as a living, breathing character worth protecting.

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Additional Details

• Wesselman Woods will closed to the public on Friday, September 18 to Monday, September 21.
   
• Please note that all ticket sales are final. We are unable to offer refunds or exchanges once your purchase is complete. All proceeds are funds raised to support Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve and our animal ambassadors.
   
• In the event of inclement weather on Saturday, we will attempt to host the festival on Sunday, September 20. If so, Wesselman Woods cannot guarantee that the performer and vendor lineup will be the same but they have also been given the rain date.
  • In the event that we cannot host the event either day, the 2026 festival will be cancelled.
     
• No pets. No alcohol. No smoking or vaping.
   
• Accessibility: This event takes place entirely outdoors at the Odonata Hill and the Nature Playscape. These areas feature natural, unpaved trails with uneven terrain—primarily grass, mulch, and rock surfaces. They may not be suitable for all wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers. However, we have seen guests use wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters to successfully navigate these spaces. Whether the area is accessible for you may depend on your individual mobility, the type of device you use, and your comfort level on uneven ground.
   
• How long are tickets on sale? Tickets will remain on sale until Friday, September 18 at 11 AM or until we reach 700 tickets sold. A very limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door, but prices will increase and tickets will sell out quickly.
   
• Where should I go when I arrive/where do I park? We will open the gate closest to the bike path in Wesselman Park, adjacent to the West Meadow (the former Par 3 Golf Course). So, you can park in Wesselman Park, close to Shelter House #1 (see the map below) or in the former Roberts Stadium Parking lot (accessible via E. Franklin Street).
   
• Do I need to show a ticket or print-out at the door? Yes! Please have your QR code(s) ready at the door, either on your phone or printed out.
   
• What should I wear? Costumes are encouraged! Please review the weapons/props guidelines, if those are a part of your cosplay. A costume parade will take place at the end of the event. Keep in mind that you will be outdoors for the entire event. You will be walking on grass, rocks, and mulch.
   
• Other questions? Contact Kristina Arwood, via email or at the office (812) 479-0771.

Find out more about our sponsors online: 
Window World • Thomas A & Sharon K Ruder Foundation • Altrusa International: Evansville, IN • Alliance Technical Group • Merry Maids • Red Spot Paint & Varnish • CenterPoint Energy • Columbia Sportswear Company: Employee Store • Hafer Architects

Event Partners: Digicom • Velocity Fitness • Woods and Stems • Ohio Valley Homebrewers Association • Ancient Roots Native Nursery