WOODLAND WONDERS

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Saturday, September 13 from 2-6 PM

A New, 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 overturned log is a gateway to wonder.

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

(551 N. Boeke Rd, Evansville, IN)

Admission:

• Adult General Admission (Ages 13+) $15

• Adult Admission + Beer Samples (Ages 21+) $25

• Children (Ages 3-12) $12

• Under 3 gets in free

  • A limited number of remaining tickets will be sold at the door at an increased price (+$3) on the day of the event.

  • Members receive early access and a $2 discount on each ticket! Check your inbox for early bird access and promo code or email us.

Audience: All ages welcome!

Time: 2-6 PM

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

PLEASE NOTE

• Wesselman Woods will closed to the public on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13, to prepare for the event.

• This event takes place in an area that features natural, unpaved trails with uneven terrain—primarily grass, mulch, and rock surfaces. It may not be accessible for wheelchairs or mobility devices.

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

• A live harpist playing ethereal melodies beneath the canopy

• Traditional Irish music by talented local artists

• 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

• Woodland-inspired food tastings from Bauerhaus Catering

• 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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You can look forward to activities provided by the local organizations and partners listed below!

• Interact with the stories of Grandmother Willow, Susan Fowler

• Community nature art project with Dawn Murtaugh

• Art installation photo opportunities by Kevin Titzer

• Paint rocks with Granted

• Learn about the concept of Leave No Trace

• Get active with Velocity Fitness

• The Wesselman Woods team will conduct a scavenger hunt and animal encounters!

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Find out who will be selling their wonderful wares at our festival.

Additional Vendors include…

• Tie-dye creations by Sarah Wolf

• Special event-themed merchandise from Wesselman Woods

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What fantastical creature or woodland wildlife will you become?

Costumes inspired by folklore, fantasy, and the magic of the forest are encouraged. From mischievous gnomes and elegant faeries to wise old owls and brave forest adventurers, your imagination will help us bring the woods to life.

We invite guests of all ages to don their most enchanting ensemble and take part in our Woodland Wonders Costume Parade. Whether you create your own masterpiece or assemble a cozy woodland look from your closet, every costume adds to the magic of the day. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Costume Inspiration:

• Fairytale and folklore characters

• Woodland critters (foxes, owls, mice, squirrels)

• Forest witches, herbalists, and elves

• Adventurers from your favorite fantasy stories

Please refrain from glitter and sequins, if possible, because of their long-term impact on the forest. Costumes must follow our safety and prop guidelines.

Thank you for helping keep the forest safe and friendly for all!

Weapons and Props Guidelines

To help keep our enchanted forest safe and welcoming for everyone, please review these guidelines before arriving in costume:

• Real-world weapons are not permitted. Costumes and cosplay props must not include any historical or modern weapons, or anything that could be mistaken for them. This includes (but isn’t limited to):

  • Self-defense items (like pepper spray, tasers, or stun devices)

  • Recreational weapons (Airsoft, paintball, water, cap, or BB guns)

  • Sharp tools (knives, scissors, axes, or blades of any kind)

  • Martial arts equipment (including wooden practice weapons)

• Fantasy props are welcome, as long as they clearly look imaginary and do not resemble real weapons. Please carry and display them thoughtfully, with respect for everyone’s personal space and comfort.

• No live steel or functional projectile weapons. If it’s sharp or can fire anything, please leave it at home.

• Keep it peaceful for fellow attendees and for the forest. If your prop makes sound, the volume must be moderate and must have an option to turn it off.

Thank you for helping us create an event that feels safe, magical, and full of wonder for all!

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• No pets.

• No alcohol. 

• No smoking or vaping.
  

• Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public on Friday and Saturday, September 12-13, to prepare for the event.
  

• 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 12 at 1 PM. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door but prices will increase. A limited number of remaining tickets will be sold at the door at an increased price (+$3) on the day of the event.
  

• 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 our Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, Kristina Arwood, via email or at the office (812) 479-0771.

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Thank you to our sponsors

Find out more about our sponsors online: Window World • Methodist Temple UMC • Edward Jones  • Bauerhaus Catering  • Alcoa  • Granted • Ohio Valley Homebrewers Association • Thomas A & Sharon K Ruder Foundation • State Farm • Old National Bank • Alliance Technical Group • Velocity Fitness • Woods and Stems • Schnucks • Ancient Roots Native Nursery