Bethel College Fall Festival

For over 35 years, Bethel College has celebrated education, diverse cultural traditions, special foods, fine arts, crafts, and friendship at its annual Fall Festival, held each year on an extended weekend in late September or early October. Over 5,000 people come to Newton and the Bethel campus to enjoy an array of activities. Whether you’re acquainted with Bethel or not, you’re invited to make yourself at home on our campus, greet old friends and make new ones, sample new foods, listen to new sounds, and enjoy Bethel tradition.

Thursday

Each year, the Newton community kicks off Bethel’s Fall Festival on Thursday evening, 6-9 p.m., with Taste of Newton downtown. Dozens of food booths sponsored by groups from the college, area churches, civic clubs and service organizations line the streets. Music and dance groups perform at two locations.

Friday

On Friday, the Bethel College Admissions Office hosts prospective students and their families on campus. Classes end at noon, and the afternoon and evening include special activities for Bethel students and guests.

Saturday

Most Fall Festival activities are held on Saturday. The campus comes alive with an array of activities:

* foods of all kinds, including traditional Mennonite fare
* booths by academic departments and clubs
* music and other entertainment on three stages
* children’s activities of all kinds, indoors—including a Peace Fair for All Ages—and outside—including a petting zoo and inflatable games
* Bethel athletic events, including women’s and men’s soccer games and the homecoming football game
* 5-K run-jog-walk for anyone wanting to join the fun
* arts and crafts by alumni and guests of the college
* full-length stage production of a drama, comedy or musical
* humorous programs in the Swiss-German and Low-German dialect
* exhibits in the art gallery and at Kauffman Museum
* craft demonstrations and special features, such as displays of antique quilts
* an auction and Market on the Green to benefit the Bethel College Women’s Association
* special lectures by alumni and guests
* the latest in Bethel “logo wear” and memorabilia at the Bethel Bookstore
* walks through a prairie exhibit and along Sand Creek near the college
* alumni reunions for grads in various majors, for young alums, and for the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th anniversary classes

Sunday
On Sunday morning, the Bethel College Mennonite Church, adjacent to the campus, hosts a special worship service. Fall Festival activities conclude with a final comedy or musical performance on campus in the afternoon.