Harvest Homecoming – A Local Legacy

Image Credit: Courier Journal

Honored by the Library of Congress Bicentennial Local Legacies Project in 2000, the Harvest Homecoming Festival has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to New Albany, Indiana and has been growing and thriving since 1967.

The festival was conceived as a means of bringing the people of southern Indiana together to share in its wealth of talent, history, and beauty, as well as to promote the vast tourism opportunities.

What is now more than a week’s worth of activities began with a $300 donation to put on a three-day ‘Pumpkin Festival’, a civic effort by the Tourism Bureau of the New Albany Chamber of Commerce. It is now funded exclusively by Harvest Homecoming Festival Associates, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, fully operated by volunteers and powered by sponsors.

Mission Statement

Harvest Homecoming is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing a family-oriented festival. It unites the community in a spirit of fellowship and is committed to continuous improvement.

A Letter From Our President

Dear Festival Friends,

It is my honor to welcome you to the 59th year of Harvest Homecoming! For nearly six decades, our festival has been about bringing our community together. It is a time for family and friends to enjoy great food, support small businesses, encourage our nonprofit organizations, and create lasting memories. As President, my goal is to preserve this wonderful tradition while creating an atmosphere where families can come together, celebrate, and make memories for years to come.

Our 2026 theme, Holiday Harvest!, brings together two of my favorite times of the year—Harvest Homecoming and Christmas. I am especially excited to welcome Santa Claus as our Parade Grand Marshal and to have him visiting with families during our booth days. Just as the holiday season brings people together with joy and wonder, Harvest Homecoming does the same by strengthening the bonds within our community.

My hope is that the spirit of Harvest Homecoming and the joy of Christmas inspire our community throughout the remainder of 2026. Thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, vendors, nonprofits, and everyone who helps make this festival possible. Most importantly, thank you for being part of the Harvest Homecoming family.

I look forward to celebrating with you this fall!

Sincerely,

President, Harvest Homecoming

Mission Statement

Harvest Homecoming is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing a family-oriented festival. It unites the community in a spirit of fellowship and is committed to continuous improvement.