With autumn now in full force, Ohio is bustling with seasonal festivals and activities for the whole family.
Fall in Ohio is an autumnal wonderland of foliage, festivals, and all things pumpkin, no matter what area of the state you are visiting. Outside of classic apple-picking, hayrides, and pumpkin patches, Ohio is full of unique activities to make the season memorable.
There is no shortage of fall festivals throughout Ohio. Each year dozens of festivals take place celebrating everything from pumpkins and apples to leaves and family fun.
Bob Evans Farm Festival: October 14-16
The Bob Evans Farm Festival in Rio Grande, Ohio is a family-friendly event with activities for every age. The festival includes animals, live music, a lumberjack show, handmade arts and crafts, and delicious local foods. There is free camping available on location during the week of the festival. Attendees have the chance to dine at the original Bob Evans restaurant but can also try local fall Ohio favorites such as apple cider, bean soup, and homemade ice cream.
Fall Festival of Leaves: October 14-16
As one of the best-known festivals in Southern Ohio, the Fall Festival of Leaves in Bainbridge is fun for the whole family and includes numerous shows to see, events to watch, and local food to eat. From live music and karaoke to antique trucks, log sawing, arts and crafts, and rides for the kids, this event is sure to have something for every age.
Walk with Nature Fall Festival: October 16
Families can join Heritage Trails Park and the St. Marys Kiwanis for its annual nature walk and Nature Fall Festival at Memorial Park in St. Marys, Ohio. Families can experience a relaxing autumn stroll along the Miami Erie Canal and then return to Memorial Park to enjoy live music, arts and crafts shows, youth activities, Civil War re-enactors, and a farmers market as well as food trucks for snacking. There will be a shuttle bus available to help families get to and from their vehicles before and after the festival.
Circleville Pumpkin Show: October 19-22
Every fall, the annual Circleville Pumpkin Show takes place on the third Wednesday in October. This festival celebrates pumpkin in all of its forms. Attendees can view the biggest pumpkins Ohio has to offer as well as watch the parade and the Miss Pumpkin show, try the pumpkin-throwing contest, and fill up on pumpkin-flavored bread, donuts, beverages and other tasty pumpkin treats. There are enough pumpkin-related things to see and do to engage just about anyone.
Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival: October 21-22
The 51st Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival held at Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio will be held on the third full weekend in October. The Apple Butter Stirrin’ is one of the largest apple butter festivals in the state and includes live music, free crafts for kids, more than 100 local craft and food vendors, and abundant varieties of tasty homemade apple butter to eat and purchase.
Family Fall Fest: October 22
Families can gather together to enjoy fall activities at the Family Fall Fest held in Boardman, Ohio. This free event offers carnival games, bouncers, live music, face painting, straw mazes, a bonfire, and delicious autumn concessions for one and all to enjoy.
South Euclid Oktoberfest: October 29
The annual Bavarian Festival held in South Euclid, Ohio has been held annually since 1810. The longstanding tradition is a favorite celebration of the community, with live bands, giant steins, and plenty of bratwurst. This fall festival is a cultural experience for all attendees.
According to ohio.org, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine encourages Ohioans to get out with their families and make wonderful fall memories.
“Fall is a beautiful time of year throughout Ohio,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “I encourage families to get out and make some wonderful fall memories. Whether that’s attending a big football game, hiking and biking through our beautiful state parks, or checking out some of Ohio’s ‘haunted’ history.”
Autumn in Ohio is full of distinctive seasonal activities to enjoy with loved ones and to create memories to share all season long. Additional fall activities in Ohio can be found at ohio.org.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Bob Evans Farm Festival” by Bob Evans.
