Indiana Dinosaur Museum Adds Coffin Race to Fest

The second annual HalloweenFest drew an estimated 3,000 people to South Bend for pumpkin carving, a coffin race and haunted attractions.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Family

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of an open wooden coffin on autumn grass beside a glowing carved pumpkin under a muted sky. — The Indiana Dinosaur Museum's second annual HalloweenFest drew an estimated 3,000 people to South Bend, featuring a new coffin race. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you take your family to a local Halloween event like this one?

The Indiana Dinosaur Museum held its second annual HalloweenFest, a family event that added a new coffin race in which participants pull each other in a coffin. An estimated 3,000 people attended the event.

Why it matters

The museum added the coffin race to set its family Halloween event apart from other seasonal activities in the South Bend area. The event gives families an alternative to traditional Halloween outings.

The only figure reported is an estimated attendance of 3,000 people, with no year-over-year comparison given. Attendance at the coffin race and other activities was not broken down.

The players

Indiana Dinosaur Museum

A South Bend, Indiana museum focused on dinosaur exhibits that hosts family programming and seasonal events throughout the year.

The details

HalloweenFest included pumpkin carving, cornhole, face painting, a haunted trail and wagon ride, and an evening haunted house. In the coffin race, Emerson and Ronen beat an all-adult team in their heat.

November 1, 2026: HalloweenFest held at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum.

Season Trajectory

The second annual HalloweenFest builds on the museum's first-year event by expanding its family activities with the new coffin race. Growth from its first year suggests the museum is positioning the event as a recurring South Bend fall tradition.

Families in South Bend can attend HalloweenFest and its activities, including the coffin race, pumpkin carving, and face painting. The haunted trail, wagon ride and evening haunted house offer additional options for those attending.

The takeaway

Local family events that combine a hands-on activity with a unique theme can draw large crowds to a community museum. Families planning fall outings may find that smaller venues offer distinctive experiences alongside traditional Halloween fare.