Presented by Wesselman Nature Society

Woodland Wonders Festival 2026

About This Event

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 limited number of remaining tickets will be sold at the door at an increased price (+$5) on the day of the event.

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

-----------

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 puppets, bringing the spirit of the forest to life
  • Battle and dance demonstrations by our local chapter of medieval reenactors
  • 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
  • A small beer garden, with samples of foraged beers for adults aged 21 and over
  • A costume parade to finish the event

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 and Saturday, September 19, to prepare for the event. We will also be closed on Sunday, September 20 for cleanup.
     
  • 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 1 PM. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door but prices will increase.
     
  • 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: Altrusa International: District 6Alliance Technical GroupWindow WorldMerry MaidsColumbia Employee Store: Henderson • Thomas A & Sharon K Ruder Foundation • Hafer ArchitectsDigicomOhio Valley Homebrewers Association • Velocity FitnessWoods & StemsAncient Roots Native Nursery

About This Event

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.

---

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 limited number of remaining tickets will be sold at the door at an increased price (+$5) on the day of the event.

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

-----------

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 puppets, bringing the spirit of the forest to life
  • Battle and dance demonstrations by our local chapter of medieval reenactors
  • 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
  • A small beer garden, with samples of foraged beers for adults aged 21 and over
  • A costume parade to finish the event

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.

---

Additional Details

  • Wesselman Woods will closed to the public on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, to prepare for the event. We will also be closed on Sunday, September 20 for cleanup.
     
  • 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 1 PM. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door but prices will increase.
     
  • 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: Altrusa International: District 6Alliance Technical GroupWindow WorldMerry MaidsColumbia Employee Store: Henderson • Thomas A & Sharon K Ruder Foundation • Hafer ArchitectsDigicomOhio Valley Homebrewers Association • Velocity FitnessWoods & StemsAncient Roots Native Nursery

Getting There

Wesselman Woods
551 N. Boeke Road
Evansville, Indiana 47711
United States