Oaktober Fest
Kick off the season with fall fun at Gabis Arboretum’s first-ever Oaktober Fest, featuring a live performance by Santeria: A Tribute to Sublime! The next day, bring the whole family for Family Day, which includes a magician, games, live animals and more. Then keep the excitement going by viewing the Trail of Scarecrows and, for those feeling brave, sign up for the Haunted Hike the following week!
Oaktober Fest Events
Saturday, October 4 to October 31
Trail of Scarecrows
Join the 2025 Gabis Arboretum Trail of Scarecrows – Movie Magic Edition!
This fall, Gabis Arboretum invites you to step into the spotlight and bring your favorite films to life—scarecrow style! Our annual Trail of Scarecrows is back with a blockbuster twist: Movie Magic. Whether you’re a fan of timeless classics or modern hits, this is your chance to recreate iconic characters, unforgettable scenes or entire cinematic worlds using scarecrows.
Friday, October 10
Moonlight & Moth Light Haunted Hike
Step into the haunted arboretum for a chilling night of ghost stories, spectral encounters and emotional echoes that linger in the trees.
Oaktober Fest Concert Details
Thank you to everyone who attended the inaugural Oaktober Fest concert!
A Tribute to Sublime
This inaugural event features a live concert by Santeria: A Tribute to Sublime, a high-energy band that brings the spirit of the ’90s to life. Santeria delivers the sounds and vibes of a true ’90s Sublime show live on stage.
With a setlist packed with hits like Santeria, Badfish, Doin’ Time and more, they will keep concertgoers dancing, singing and swaying with the oaks.
Their dynamic blend of reggae, ska and punk rock creates an unforgettable musical experience for fans of all ages.
Guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the show under the oaks in one of Northwest Indiana’s most scenic natural venues.
To request a disability-related accommodation, please contact the Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2163 five days prior to the event.
In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2337.