'Mill Race Monster Festival' is this weekend

Monday, October 19, 2026 at 4:05 AM

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The inaugural "Mill Race Monster Festival" is this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 23 to 25, at Mill Race Park. It is your chance to experience Columbus, Indiana’s own cryptid legend.

Inspired by the mysterious creature sightings reported in Mill Race Park in 1974, the Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) presents this brand-new festival that brings the legend to life through art, stories, performances, food, and family activities.

Learn the lore. Explore the park where it all began, and decide for yourself if the stories are true.

Here is what you can expect at CAAC's Mill Race Monster Festival:

Monster-inspired art - including life-size monsters by artist Jim Christie
Storytelling and tours about the legendary 1974 sightings
Costume contest with cash prizes
Live music and performances throughout the festival
Scientific monster analysis at the kidscommons Monster Investigation Station
Cryptid Clutch 3-Point Shootout by Columbus Parks and Rec
Festival bites and themed treats all weekend long

Click here for tickets to the Columbus Area Arts Council's Mill Race Monster Festival, a celebration of art, storytelling, and delightfully strange creativity.

More from Bartholomew County News

Columbus Firemen's Cheer Fund 'Chili Cook-Off' returns next month

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund is bringing the heat back to NexusPark on Friday, November 6, as the Columbus Fire Department's (CFD) seven rookies compete to make the best chili and take on last year’s reigning champion.
Semi hits I-65 bridge over U.S. 31

TAYLORSVILLE, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) and German Township Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD) responded to a one-vehicle crash on southbound U.S. 31 in Taylorsville late Friday afternoon.
Purdue University research team searches for Amelia Earhart's lost plane

NIKUMARORO, Kiribati — Almost 90 years after the plane went down, the search for what could be Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10-E continued last week in Nikumaroro's Lagoon. Unfortunately, on Sunday, Oct. 18, the research team confirmed that the object it thought might be the plane was not Earhart's aircraft.
Columbus Board of Works approves wellness contract extension for police officers

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety has approved a contract renewal with The Resiliency Practice LLC to continue providing confidential mental health and counseling services for local police officers.
BCSO arrests suspect following reported battery and firearm incident

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) arrested a Columbus man after an alleged battery on Saturday, October 10.
Ivy Tech Columbus celebrates 2026 Distinguished Alumni, Benefactor of Year honorees

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Ivy Tech Community College Columbus recently recognized Ashley Curry and Carolyn N. Pitt for their contributions during a statewide celebration in Indianapolis.
Edinburgh awards $1.4M contract for industrial substation control building

EDINBURGH, Ind. - The Town of Edinburgh is moving forward with major upgrades to its electrical infrastructure following approval of a key contract for its Industrial Park Substation project.
Contract awarded for roof replacement at Columbus Fire Station No. 3

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus is moving forward with infrastructure improvements at Fire Station No. 3 following action by the Board of Public Works and Safety.

Weather

Mon
70°F
Tue
73°F
Wed
72°F
Thu
70°F
Fri
68°F

'Mill Race Monster Festival' is this weekend

Share

More from Bartholomew County News

Weather

Search