Fall is almost here, Central Ohio—and you know what that means.
Crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and one jam-packed calendar of festivals. From pumpkin-packed traditions like the legendary Circleville Pumpkin Show to quirky favorites like the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, autumn is the season when Central Ohio really shows off.
Whether you’re in it for the food, the music, the hayrides, or just an excuse to wear your coziest flannel, these can’t-miss fall festivals will keep your weekends full of fun.
Sweet Corn Festival
What: Nothing says “Goodbye, summer” quite like a weekend at the Sweet Corn Festival in Millersport. The festival is free to attend and features a 5k, live entertainment, vendors, and of course, delicious sweet corn.
When: August 27-30
Where: Heritage Village at Historic Lions Park
Website: Sweet Corn Festival
52nd Annual Greek Festival
What: Discover the essence of Greek culture and heritage at the 52nd Annual Greek Festival in Columbus. Immerse yourself in traditions that seamlessly blend the old and the new, from inspiring Cathedral tours to mouthwatering cuisine, lively music, and captivating exhibits. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and free for kids 12 and under.
When: August 29 through September 1
Where: The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High Street
Website: Greek Festival
Obetz Zucchinifest
What: Embrace the zucchini spirit at the Obetz Zucchinifest, a lively celebration featuring entertainment, food, and family fun. This year’s festivities include performances by Shenandoah, Appalachian Outlaws, Chris Young, and more.
When: August 29 through September 1
Where: Fortress Obetz, 2015 Recreation Trl, Obetz, OH 43207
Website: Obetz Zucchinifest
Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
What: Since 1966, Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival has celebrated and shared the arts with the community. Each year, more than 15,000 visitors flock to UA on Labor Day to immerse themselves in hands-on art activities, live music, and the opportunity to explore and purchase fine art and crafts. Admission is free.
When: Monday, September 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Northam Park, 2850 Tremont Road
Website: Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival
What: The Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival is a time-honored Labor Day weekend tradition, serving as the oldest and largest Labor Day festival in the state of Ohio. With live music, delicious food vendors, a beer tent, and even rides, you can celebrate all weekend long. Finally, enjoy the parade on Monday to close out a fantastic weekend.
When: August 30 through September 1
Where: Downtown Canal Winchester
Website: Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival
Ohio Renaissance Festival | Every weekend in September & October
What: Want to travel through time? Head to the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Ren Fest runs every weekend in September and October. There are themed weekends, including Viking Weekend, Pirate Weekend, Highland Weekend, and more.
When: Click here for dates and information
Where: 10542 East State Route 73 Waynesville, OH
Website: Ohio Renaissance Festival
Ohio Pawpaw Festival
What: Get set for the Ohio Pawpaw Festival: a lively community gathering celebrating the pawpaw, a fruit tree native to Ohio and Appalachia. Indulge in pawpaw-inspired dishes, explore talks on growing, genetics, and sustainability, and join amusing contests for the biggest, tastiest pawpaw. Whether you’re a curious foodie or a sustainability enthusiast, this festival promises a weekend of pawpaw-packed fun and learning. Tickets start at $20.
When: September 12-14
Where: Lake Snowden, 5900 US-50, Albany, OH 45710
Website: Ohio Pawpaw Festival
Germania’s 66th Oktoberfest
What: This three-day fest will feature traditional German Oktoberfest foods and drink, music from a variety of bands, dancing, stein-holding contests, kids’ activities, and tons of fun.
When: September 19-21
Where: 543 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Germania Oktoberfest
Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival
What: This outdoor art show features local artists and food vendors selling their crafts. There will be hundreds of one-of-a-kind, blown glass pumpkins for sale along with other fine craft vendors and artists selling an array of works from disciplines like metal, fabric, wood, and painting.
When:September 19-21, opens at 10 a.m. each morning
Where: Jack Pine Studio, 21397 OH-180, Laurelville, OH 43135
Website: Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival
Young’s Dairy Fall Farm Pumpkin Fun
What: Young’s Dairy has reimagined its Annual Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival to run throughout the fall season. The fun farm days will allow visitors to snack on Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, take a tour of Young’s cheese-making facility, watch cow milking, and more. There is even Pumpkin Bowling!
When: Saturdays throughout September and October, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Where: Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm
Website: Young’s Dairy Fall Farm Pumpkin Fun
Grandview Heights Fall Festival
What: Join the Family Fall Fest at Wyman Woods Park on October 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.! Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin games, a zombie hike, and more. Parking is limited, so plan to walk or park nearby. Don’t miss the fun!
When: October 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Wyman Woods Park (1520 Goodale Blvd)
Website: Grandview Heights Fall Festival
Columbus Italian Festival
What: Every year, the Italian community comes together for a 3-day celebration in October with the finest in food, entertainment, and Italian culture. Tickets are $12 in advance (online) or $15 at the door.
When: October 10-12
Where: 720 Hamlet St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Columbus Italian Festival
Groveport Apple Butter Day
What: Come celebrate Groveport’s Heritage with kettles of homemade apple butter over wood fires, pioneer demonstrators, live entertainment, and handmade crafts. You can also look forward to the Annual Groveport Cane Pole Fishing contest.
When: October 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, 51 Wirt Rd, Groveport, OH 43125
Website: Groveport Apple Butter Day
Circleville Pumpkin Show
What: The Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the largest fall events, dating back to 1903. When I say there will be pumpkin EVERYTHING, I mean it! Pumpkin pies, ice creams, bread, drinks, and so much more pumpkin. A veritable pumpkin explosion. There’s also a pageant, seven parades, rides, games, activities, entertainment, and so much more. Can you tell I love the Pumpkin Show?
When: October 15-18, with festivities beginning at 9 a.m. on the first day, and then at 10 a.m. for the remainder of the festival.
Where: Downtown Circleville, OH
Website: Circleville Pumpkin Show
The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow
What: Westerville Parks and Recreation is celebrating fall at Heritage Park during the Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow. The park will transform into an autumn wonderland, featuring pumpkin painting and crafts, festive games, music, professional pumpkin carving, food trucks, and more. The trails will be aglow with thousands of carved pumpkins!
When: October 16-19, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, 60 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081
Website: The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow
HighBall Halloween 2025
What: Get all glammed up and head downtown for the most fashionable night in the Halloween season. HighBall is one elaborate costume party, so don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. There will be costume contests, live music, food, drinks, and fun.
When: October 25, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m
Where: 400 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: HighBall Halloween 2024
