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

52nd Annual Greek Festival

Obetz Zucchinifest

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival

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

Germania’s 66th Oktoberfest

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

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

The post Fall In Love With Central Ohio’s Best Fall Festivals appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Recently recognized by USA TODAY as one of the top 10 Oktoberfests in the nation, Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest is a celebration of German heritage that draws tens of thousands of visitors from across the Midwest each year. “We’re thrilled to host the 59th Annual Columbus Oktoberfest to celebrate our German heritage and one of central Ohio’s most cherished traditions,” said Carla Epler, Chief Operating Officer of Schmidt’s and Executive Director of the festival.

Here’s what you can expect at this year’s fest:

From three stages of live music and polka dancing to more than 80 vendors in the Marktplatz Pavilion, there’s no shortage of ways to eat, shop, and celebrate. And for the first time, this year’s lineup also includes paint-and-sip sessions with a local artist.

Worried about the weather? Don’t be! The event takes place in three massive halls designed to mimic the legendary beer halls of Germany, with more than 100,000 square feet of covered space.

Here are some of the highlights for 2025:

Test Your Strength at the Gemütlichkeit Games

Presented by Koorsen, these events have become a crowd favorite since 2021. Watch contestants attempt the Steinheben (508-pound stone lift) and Steinstossen (180-pound stone throw) among other feats of strength.

Family Fun at Kinderplatz

Bring the kids to Kinderplatz for free bounce rides, crafts, face painting, and special activities with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Get Moving at the Meiler Vier Run/Walk

Throw on your lederhosen (or your running shoes) and join the four-mile race around the fairgrounds, complete with plenty of festive costumes.

Compete in the German Games

From cream puff eating to Mass Kruegstemmen (beer stein holding) and even yodeling contests, there’s something for everyone. The stein-holding contest also serves as a qualifier for the U.S. Stein Holding Association’s State Championship Tournament.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Schmidt’s Restaurant & Sausage Haus will be serving all the favorites—bratwursts, Bahama Mamas, frankfurters, fried bologna, sauerkraut, and jumbo cream puffs (don’t miss the caramel apple cream puff, a recent fan favorite).

Know Before You Go

The 59th Annual Columbus Oktoberfest will be held rain or shine:

• Friday, September 5: 5 p.m. – Midnight
• Saturday, September 6: Noon – Midnight
• Sunday, September 7: Noon – 8 p.m.

Admission is free, parking is $15, and the event is cashless (fest cards are available on site). Best of all, a portion of the proceeds supports local charities.

With more than 15 live bands, endless food and beer, and family fun all weekend long, this year’s Columbus Oktoberfest is set to be one for the books. Prost!

For more info, visit columbusoktoberfest.com.

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Cider has a rich history, and it’s been a beloved drink for generations.

Cider has been around for thousands of years, made simply by pressing fresh apples into juice. Some mills keep it cloudy and rustic, others go for smooth and clear, but the flavor is always tied to tradition. Sweet or dry, sparkling or still, cider is the kind of drink that feels just as at home at a bonfire as it does at a sunny afternoon picnic.

Ohio has plenty of cider mills ready to kick off the season. From family-run orchards to popular weekend destinations, these are the spots where fresh-pressed cider makes late summer feel like the start of something new.

Lynd Fruit Farm

Haus Orchard and Cider Mill

MacQueen Orchards

Moes Cider Mill

Beckwith Orchards

Hirsch Fruit Farm

Laurelville Fruit Farm

Legend Hills Orchards and Cider Mill

Pick N’ Save Orchard

Geig’s Orchard

Hugus Fruit Farm

These cider mills aren’t just places to grab a drink—they’re destinations full of fall magic and flavor. So throw on your coziest flannel and head to one of these charming spots to sip on the best cider Ohio has to offer. Cheers to autumn!

The post The Best Cider Mills To Visit In Ohio This Season appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

On September 6, High Street will once again trade cars for creativity as Hops on High returns for an all-day, open-street celebration. From noon to 8 p.m., the Short North Arts District will be packed with live music, hands-on art, street performances, local shopping, and of course, plenty of food and drinks.

This month’s event is leveling up the neighborhood’s iconic Gallery Hop with interactive art zones, pop-up classes, and live demonstrations. Lincoln Street will transform into an artist alley featuring Blockfort creators in action, from carnival-style games to massive murals.

And if you’re still looking for that picture-perfect summer backdrop, the Summer Spray mural—1,300 square feet of colorful, collaborative art—will be hosting its closing reception with the artists themselves on site.

One of the coolest additions this time? Open Walls.

Picture an 8-foot cube turned blank canvas just waiting for you (yes, you) to grab a brush and add your mark.

“There’s a special kind of magic that happens when we turn the Short North into a place where people can walk freely along High Street,” said Betsy Pandora, Executive Director of the Short North Alliance. “You can feel the neighborhood’s heartbeat in every conversation with a shop owner, every note of live music, every piece of art being made right in front of you. September’s Hops on High is about celebrating that energy together.”

And the fun doesn’t stop there. You’ll find street soccer with the Columbus Crew, skate demos with live music from Half Baked Brewing, family-friendly activities, and an open-street market featuring more than 80 local vendors and artists. The Hops on High Trail will also connect you to 30+ neighborhood shops with deals, treats, and surprises along the way.

Basically, if you love live music, food trucks, street art, or having fun, this is your event.

Bonus: it’s totally free.

Hops on High will return once more this year on December 6 for a holiday edition that promises a wintry wonderland of shopping and art. Until then, grab your friends, your comfy shoes, and maybe a paintbrush—you’re not going to want to miss this one.

For full event details, including vendors and schedules, visit shortnorth.org/HopsOnHigh.

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Whether you’re a book lover or an architecture enthusiast, these libraries offer a feast for the eyes and the mind. Let’s take a tour of some of the most stunning libraries in the state.

Mercantile Library

Columbus Metropolitan Library

Cleveland Main Library

Ohio Presidential Libraries

Wagnall’s Memorial Library

Brumback Library

Piqua Public Library

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful reading nook or a place to spend a few hours escaping from the real world, these magnificent libraries in Ohio have something special to offer. Happy exploring!

The post These Ohio Libraries Are So Beautiful That They Belong In A Storybook appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail features 150 sites across the state, from Toledo’s National Museum of the Great Lakes all the way down to the Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a scenic weekend road trip, there’s something on this trail for you.

Explore The History of Ohio’s Waterways

And she’s right. Stopping along these waterways is like stepping back in time and seeing how central they were—and still are—to life in Ohio.

Plan Your Stops by Theme or Region

The trail is organized into seven categories, making it easy to customize your trip:

• Boat rides and ferries
• Lake Erie lighthouses
• Lake Erie museums and historic sites
• Canal museums, locks, and natural areas
• Ohio River museums and historic sites
• Natural areas and overlooks
• Aquatic science and research sites

In Northeast Ohio, for example, you could tour the Steamship William G. Mather, a 1925 lake freighter docked in downtown Cleveland. Or you could walk or bike the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, stretching all the way from Cleveland to Tuscarawas County. And don’t forget a stop at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, the state’s longest natural beach.

Part of a Bigger Celebration

The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail is the third of six experiential driving trails planned by America 250-Ohio, which is organizing the state’s celebrations for the U.S. semiquincentennial in 2026. Previous trails included the Ohio Air & Space Trail, which focuses on aviation and aerospace history, and the Ohio Creativity Trail, highlighting Ohio’s writers, artists, and musicians.

There’s more to come, too. Future trails will celebrate Ohio inventors, transportation, and leadership, including stops connected to U.S. presidents.

The trails are just one piece of the semiquincentennial celebration. Ohioans can also look forward to themed monthly celebrations, Ohio Goes to the Movies screenings in all 88 counties, and dozens of other events across the state. You can see the full lineup of events at america250-ohio.org.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure, a family outing, or a way to brush up on local history, the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail is a fun, hands-on way to explore Ohio’s waterways. Pack your camera, plan your route, and get ready to see Ohio from the perspective of its rivers and lakes. History has never looked so scenic.

Start planning your trip with the interactive Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail map here.

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This year’s headliner? The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, flying six F/A-18 Super Hornets at speeds of up to 700 miles per hour. They’ll be joined by the F-16 Viper Demo Team, an F-35 from the Air Force, and a long list of other performers ready to make you say, “wow” (and maybe cover your ears).

And it’s not just about looking up.

On the ground, you’ll find dozens of aircraft on display, live entertainment, music, food, and even meet-and-greets with the iconic Top Gun characters Maverick and Iceman.

The details you actually need:

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From 12 to 4 p.m. on August 24, High Street (from Broad to Long) becomes a car-free playground. The highlight? The Roll Lane, a dedicated space for bikes, scooters, rollerblades, hoverboards, unicycles, and yes, even your neighbor’s hover-skate if they let you borrow it. Helmets are encouraged.

Beyond wheeled fun, there’s plenty to see and do: food trucks, pop-up workouts, live art, and activities celebrating wellness, active lifestyles, and the city’s arts and culture scene. The event is organized in partnership with Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla and Downtown Columbus, Inc., with the goal of connecting community, mobility, and fun in one afternoon.

Heads up for commuters: COTA buses on North High Street between Broad and Long will be rerouted during the event, so check COTA.com or the Transit app before you roll through.

Parking is easy with nearby garages at Columbus Commons, Ohio Statehouse, Metropolis/Leveque, and more. But if you can bike, walk, or scooter from nearby, even better—there will be plenty of bike storage on site. Dogs are welcome too, as long as they’re leashed (just keep them out of the Roll Lane).

Whether you’re cruising, skating, or just stopping by for the snacks and art, UnderCurrent: Walk, Roll, and Play promises a sunny afternoon of street-level community fun. Rain or shine, the streets are ready for you.

Mark your calendar:

• August 24, 2025 – High & Gay, Downtown Columbus
• September 28, 2025 – High & Gay, Downtown Columbus
• October 26, 2025 – High, Gay & Town Streets, Downtown Columbus

For more info, head over to downtowncolumbus.com.

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Chadwick Arboretum (Columbus)

Tips: Wear comfortable shoes; this place is huge! Also, parking can be tricky on weekdays due to its location on campus, so try to visit on the weekend.

More info: Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

Cox Arboretum and Gardens MetroPark (Dayton)

Tips: The Butterfly House is typically open from late June to Labor Day—plan your visit accordingly. Also, the Tree Tower has a lot of stairs, so prepare for a bit of a workout!

More info: Cox Arboretum and Gardens MetroPark

Dawes Arboretum (Newark)

Tips: Dawes is massive, so consider bringing a picnic to enjoy by the lake. Also, there’s a driving tour option if you prefer to see the sights from the comfort of your car.

More info: Dawes Arboretum

Holden Arboretum (Kirtland)

Tips: The Canopy Walk can get crowded on weekends, so arrive early. If you’re up for it, climb the Emergent Tower for an unbeatable view of Lake Erie and the surrounding countryside.

More info: Holden Arboretum

Mt. Airy Arboretum (Cincinnati)

Tips: The Arboretum is dog-friendly, so bring your furry friend along for the adventure! There’s also a lovely pond that’s perfect for a reflective moment or two.

More info: Mt. Airy Arboretum

Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum (Indian Hill)

Tips: This is a lesser-known spot, so it’s usually pretty quiet—perfect for a meditative walk. It’s free to visit, but donations are welcome to help maintain the grounds.

More info: Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum (Dayton)

Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery is quite hilly. The historical tours offered here are fantastic if you’re interested in learning more about the famous figures buried on the grounds.

More info: Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum

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Unlike a traditional historical museum, this space celebrates contemporary craft and the incredible work of Ohio artisans, offering a hands-on, inspiring experience for anyone curious about creativity.

Founded in 1963 as Ohio Designer Craftsmen, the organization has been supporting and promoting professional craft artists for decades. The museum itself opened in 1992, serving as a public platform to showcase the high-quality, contemporary crafts of Ohio designers.

Since then, it has become a hub for inspiration, learning, and connection with local creators.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore five major exhibitions each year, along with numerous focus exhibits and a rotating display from the museum’s permanent collection. From hand-blown glass to ceramics, hand-carved wood, textiles, jewelry, and paper art, the museum highlights the extraordinary talent of Ohio’s craft community.

If you’re looking to try your hand at crafting, the Ohio Craft Museum offers a variety of classes, workshops, and events suitable for all ages and skill levels. And if you’re just browsing for something special, the gift shop features a rotating selection of unique, handcrafted items by local artists—perfect for gifts or treating yourself.

Admission to the Ohio Craft Museum is always free.

Plus, there’s plenty of parking on the east side of the building, making it easy to pop in for a few hours of inspiration. The museum is usually open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., though it will be closed for renovations from July 7 through August 31. Don’t worry though—the offices remain open, and all scheduled summer camps will continue as planned.

During this temporary closure, the museum is getting a big upgrade, including all-new lighting in the gallery space. When it reopens on September 1, visitors can expect a brighter, more inviting environment to enjoy the art on display.

Whether you’re hunting for a unique museum experience, searching for inspiration for your next project, or looking for a one-of-a-kind handcrafted gift, the Ohio Craft Museum is a must-visit Columbus spot. It’s a place to discover the creativity flowing through Ohio and maybe even spark a little creativity of your own.

For more information about current and upcoming exhibitions, classes, and events, visit the Ohio Craft Museum website. Remember, the museum is closed through August 31, so start planning your visit now.

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