Ohio festivals and events




Ohio Geoclash & Festival

The annual Ohio Geoclash & Festival will be held in Seneca County in 2023. It takes place from May 31 through June 4 throughout the community. The main event occurs at the Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater at the East Green in Downtown Tiffin.

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt that uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) and online clues to help participants find caches or hidden containers. In partnership with Geocachers Anonymous, Destination Seneca County launched the only geocaching trail in Northwest Ohio as of September 2021. Since the trail’s launch, more than 150 geocachers have completed the trail, some traveling up to 17,712 miles. Destination Seneca County will soon unveil a new interactive geocaching trail featuring a new theme, caches, and locations.

Historically, the Ohio Geoclash & Festival draws more than 500 geocachers into the host community throughout the weeklong event. The week before the festival, the planning committee will place geocaches in the community, allowing geocachers to explore the area.

Seneca County is the first community in Northwest Ohio to host the festival because of the growth of geocaching in the area. The festival is designed to allow geocachers to experience different areas of Ohio and help support many small businesses throughout the festival.

Ohio Memorial Weekend Destinations

Here are 16 Ohio Memorial Weekend destinations that truly symbolize the holiday and our remembrance of those who died in active military service.

Champaign Aviation Museum

Fallen Timbers Battlefield

Fort Jefferson

Fort Meigs

Fort Recovery

Fort Steuben

Mansfield Soldiers & Sailors Memorial

MAPS Air Museum

McCook House Civil War Museum

Motts Military Museum

Ohio Veterans Museum & Hall of Fame

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

National Veterans Memorial & Museum

Spirit of ’76 Museum

USS Cod Submarine Tour

WACO Museum

These are just 16 Ohio Memorial Weekend places to go or things to do out of many others, with military collections at various historical museums, events, and sites. Visit www.OhioTraveler.com to see these sections of the website for more ideas of where to go on Memorial Day in Ohio or discover other places for long weekend getaways.

Scottish Terrier Show

Annual Specialty Show and Sweepstakes by
The Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Dayton

The Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Dayton will host a two-day show weekend. On Friday, the club will have a Specialty show with regular and non-regular classes in the early afternoon. Saturday will feature Sweepstakes & Regular Class Judging. The Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Dayton Specialty Show is for Scottish Terriers.

Cabin Fever Arts Festival

Admission to the Cabin Fever Arts Festival is free.

  • When: April 1, 2023, from 10am – 4pm
  • Location: (Map It) Southern State Community College Central Campus at 100 Hobart Dr. in Hillsboro, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-393-2747

The Cabin Fever Arts Festival in Hillsboro, Ohio:  Got Cabin Fever?  Here’s a cure. This will be the perfect event for the individual or entire family looking for a great excuse to get out of the house!  The festival will feature the presentation and sale of fine arts and crafts from members of the Appalachian Artisans Guild and many juried guest artists.  Stained glass, wood furniture, wooden toys, baskets, ceramics, and lavender gifts are just a few of the creative pieces that will be available from over 45 artists.

Brumbaugh Fruit n Fun Farm

Admission to Brumbaugh Fruit n Fun Farm is approx. $10 per person (all activities included). Those age 65 and over or 3 and under get in free.

  • When: Starts the weekend after Labor Day and runs through October Weekends ending in early November (every Saturday from 11am – 7pm and Sunday from 12 – 7pm).
  • Location: (Map It) 6420 Arcanum-Hollansburg Road in Arcanum, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-692-8084
  • Website: brumbaughfruitfarm.com

Brumbaugh Fruit n Fun Farm is an extremely affordable, family, fall fun experience.  With more than 25 activities included in the admission price, there’s something for the whole family to do.  Whether you like the thrill of Billy Bee’s Flight of Fun (zip line), Monster Mountain (40-foot tunnel slide), the adventure of Storybook Forest, or just a nice leisurely hayride to the pumpkin patch, Brumbaugh’s is the place for you.  There are also lots of great things to eat at the bakery, like Brumbaugh’s famous fritters, as well as fresh fruit and cider slushees in the market.  Bring the whole family out to Brumbaugh’s for a fall fun day today!

Athens International Street Fair

Admission to the International Street Fair in Athens is free.

  • When: International Week is April 3 – 8, 2023, and the Street Fair is the last day on Saturday.
  • Location: (Map It) East Union Street between Court St. and University Terrace in uptown Athens, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-593-4330
  • Web:  Click here

Athens International Street Fair in Athens, Ohio has evolved over time to become a local and regional favorite. The Street Fair, which runs from 11 am to 5 pm, is a collaboration of the university’s international student groups and nonprofit community organizations. Typically, more than 30 organizations have booths at the International Street Fair to sell food, crafts, etc. and there are stage performances throughout the day.

Ohio Valley Frontier Days

Admission to the Ohio Valley Frontier Days: Adults $6; youth $3; under age 6 free.

  • When: April 3 & 4, 2023, from 10-8 and 11-5, respectively
  • Location: (Map It) Steubenville, Ohio (120 South Third Street)
  • Phone: 740-283-1787
  • Web: click here

Ohio Valley Frontier Days in Steubenville:  Every year Historic Fort Steuben – a reconstructed 18th-century fort built on its original site overlooking the Ohio River – opens its mighty wooden gates for two special days to reenactors, demonstrators, musicians, dancers, storytellers, artists, crafters, and visitors of all ages for its family-friendly Festival. Within the picket walls, the 1stAmerican Regiment sets up camp and demonstrates the action of the flintlocks as well as the daily life of the enlisted men who inhabited the Fort in 1787. Visitors participate in games and contests, learn about surveying on the frontier, make crafts and join in activities that bring the past to life. Buildings are open for tours; Baron von Steuben teaches a military drill to young volunteers; Chief Logan tells his story while Native American camp outside the walls and provides insight into the culture of their tribes. A Colonial Dance on Saturday night adds to the fun. Meet the blacksmith, bucket maker, candle makers, woodworker, and others who demonstrate 18th & 19th-century skills. Crafts, food, animals, and music – including award-winning Ohio singer-songwriter Steve Free – make this a weekend the whole family will want to experience.

Easter Egg Hunt at Young’s Dairy Farm

Admission for the Easter Egg Hunt at Young’s Dairy Farm is free for this event only.

  • When: Usually held on Easter Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: (Map It) 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road in Yellow Springs, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-325-0629
  • Web: Click here

Easter Egg Hunt at Young’s Dairy Farm in Yellow Springs, Ohio:  Young’s Dairy Farm celebrates Easter with its annual Easter Egg Hunt rain, snow or shine. Easter egg hunts are broken down into various age categories: 4 and younger, 5-7 years old, and 8-10 years old. This tradition at Young’s Dairy has been going on for approximately 20 years and boasts having more than 4,000 hard-boiled and dyed eggs for the hunt. It also presents Barnabe the mascot, so bring a camera for pictures to remember.

Young’s Dairy Farm is a working farm that is family-owned and operated. They plan many events and activities for the whole family. Additional points of interest include homemade ice cream, watching cows being milked, goat petting, two restaurants, bakery, gift shop, driving range, batting cages, miniature golf, and more…for a fee.

Great Steubenville Eggsibition

Admission to the Steubenville Eggsibition & Storywalk is free.

  • When: Mid-April thru early May during daytime hours.
  • Location: (Map It) Throughout Downtown Steubenville, Ohio (Maps available at Leonardo’s Coffeehouse at 159 N. 4th Street and other participating shops)
  • Phone: 740-275-4134
  • Web: click here

It’s time to celebrate spring by attending the annual Steubenville Eggsibition & Storywalk, which features thirty-two 18” to 36” uniquely designed Easter Eggs strategically situated in storefronts in the downtown area.

The Art Eggs are also visible from the outside for folks who just want to window shop. Maps for the egg hunt will be available at Leonardo’s Coffeehouse and participating shops. After finding and viewing all the Art Eggs, “egg-hunters” will be able to stop in at headquarters and choose a prize mini-egg. All the Art Eggs were painted by local artists and range from traditional Pysanky to depictions of scenes, personalities, or literary images.

As an added attraction, the Public Library of Steubenville & Jefferson County has created an Easter Egg Storywalk to coincide with the Eggsibition. Pages of a story will be placed around town near each of the “hidden” eggs. Participants can collect a map from the Library or Leonardo’s and claim a prize at the downtown library when they have completed the Storywalk!

For more information on this and other events in the area, go to www.visitsteubenville.com.

Bears Mill Spring Open House

Admission to the Bear’s Mill Spring Open House is free.

  • When: April 15, 2023, from 11am to 5pm
  • Location: (Map It) 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road, Greenville, Ohio 45331
  • Phone: 937-548-5112
  • Web: click here

Bear’s Mill Spring Open House: Celebrate National Preservation Month at Bear’s Mill! It was built in 1849 by Gabriel Baer and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975, Bear’s Mill is one of the few operating water-powered mills in Ohio today. The Friends of Bear’s Mill non-profit organization is holding a special Spring Open House the first weekend of May. Tour the four-story working antique, shop in the Mill Store & Gallery, and make a donation to help keep the doors open and the wheels turning.

The Friends are dedicated to keeping the Bear’s Mill property open to the public by offering community-oriented events including educational tours, nature walks, regional art exhibitions, and unique shopping. May, National Preservation Month, is a wonderful time to support the unique historic landmark.

Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival

Admission to Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival is free.

  • When: April 21 – 23, 2023 (Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm.)
  • Location: (Map It) Downtown Bellbrook, Ohio (State Route 725 between Interstate 675 and U.S. Route 42)
  • Web: click here

The Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival is one of the first outdoor festivals of the year in southern Ohio. Nestled in the Little Miami River valley, historic Bellbrook is small-town America at its most patriotic and picturesque. In addition to all of the expected arts, crafts, concessions, children’s activities, and entertainment (this is serious bluegrass country), the Sugar Maple Festival includes a 5K run (usually on Saturday), a maple syrup food contest, dog show (usually Friday evening) and a beer garden with live entertainment (Friday & Saturday nights).

Mohican Wildlife Weekend

Admission to Mohican Wildlife Weekend is Free.

  • When: April 21 – 23, 2023
  • Location: (Map It) Mohican State Park, Malabar Farm State Park, and the Loudonville Public Library
  • Phone:  1-800-642-8282
  • Web: mohicanwildlifeweekend.com/

Mohican Wildlife Weekend:  Want to experience the habitats of birds and bats, learn about fly fishing, and more in the great outdoors? Then come out to enjoy the Annual Mohican Wildlife Weekend. It’s a celebration of wildlife habitat, heritage, and natural history. Choose from eight program sites in Ashland & Richland Counties that will offer workshops and demonstrations to interest beginners and experienced naturalists alike. It’s sure to be a fun and educational weekend for kids of all ages. Bring the whole family!

Site offerings often feature birding boat tours, photographing birds, nature crafts, wagon tours, bat & owl demonstrations, fly fishing demonstrations, and much more. Mohican will host several programs & activities. These activities have included “The Hidden Gems of Mohican.” Hosted by the Mohican Trails Club and Mohican State Park, explore the park and forest that few only get to see. You may even have an opportunity to try a new protein with a Mohican State Park Naturalist – edible bugs! Download the Trails 2 Go app at www.mohicanwildlifeweekend.com.

Grove City EcoFest

Admission to the Grove City EcoFest is Free.

  • When: April 22, 2023, from 9am- 2pm
  • Location: (Map It) Town Center in Grove City, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-277-3050

Celebrate green, healthy living at Grove City’s EcoFest. Enjoy live entertainment, demonstrations, workshops, information booths, and natural-living products. While you’re at the event, explore Grove City’s “green” park, featuring solar lighting and equipment made from recycled materials. Learn how green businesses and alternative energy production make Grove City more attractive, healthier, and safer through interactive experiences for all ages. Special zones include a kids’ area, an entertainment stage, a healthy eating spot, a sustainability zone, and much more.

Geauga County Maple Festival

Admission to Geauga County Maple Festival is free.

  • When: April 27 – 30, 2023 (Always the last full weekend in April ending on Sunday)
  • Location: (Map It) Historic Chardon Square (Rt. 6 & Rt. 44) in Chardon, Ohio (Geauga County)
  • Phone: 440-332-7055
  • Web: maplefestival.com/

Geauga County Maple Festival in Chardon, Ohio:  Join in the fun as Geauga County celebrates the coming of spring and the years’ maple syrup crop. This festival takes place on Historic Chardon Square in the heart of Geauga County. For visitors looking for fun there are all the traditional things a festival offers, rides, games, food & great entertainment. What sets this event aside is all of the Maple related activities that take place over the weekend like the crowning of the Maple Queen, the “sap” run, bucket painting, Maple candy carving, Pancake Breakfasts (with pure maple Syrup), and pancake eating competitions.

Area sugar bushes also put their syrup to the test with syrup & maple candy judging. Winning syrups are also auctioned off as part of the weekend entertainment. Food choices include Maple candy, Maple corn, and the popular Maple stirs available at the Log cabin on the square. Grand parades take place on Saturday and Sunday and showcase a lot of the community businesses and events. Check back to the website at www.maplefestival.com as schedules are constantly being updated as the big event approaches. Don’t miss the fun!

Ohioana Book Festival

Admission to the Ohioana Book Festival is free and open to the public.

  • When: April 28 – 30, 2023
  • Where: (Map It) main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Public Library at 96 S. Grant Avenue
    in Columbus, Ohio
  • Phone:  614-466-3831
  • Web: Click here

The Ohioana Book Festival in Columbus, Ohio is “Celebrating Ohio’s Authors.” It brings more than 100 authors together with readers of all ages for a day of panel discussions, readings, a book fair, children’s activities, prizes, entertainment, and food.

Arbor Day Festival

Admission to Arbor Day Festival at Dawes Arboretum is approx. $5+/car.

  • When: April 29, 2023, from 11am – 3pm
  • Location: (Map It) Dawes Arboretum at 7770 Jacksontown Road SE in Newark, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-323-2355 or 800-443-2937
  • Web: click here

Arbor Day Festival at Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio:  It’s Arbor Day at last! Festival activities usher in spring and summer at The Arboretum, our busiest times.  This Arbor Day Festival is an opportunity to learn about and show appreciation for what Mother Nature gives us and to spend a spring day enjoying the outside.  An array of activities and educational displays go on all day, including tree climbing and kids’ crafts.

Ice Wine Festival

Welcome to the Ice Wine Festival at Grand River Valley Wine Region in Northeast Ohio

  • When: Daily throughout March from 12-5pm
  • Location: (Map It) Wineries of the Grand River Valley Region in Northeast Ohio
  • Phone: 440-466-3485
  • Web: click here

Ice Wine Festival at Grand River Valley Wine Region in Northeast Ohio: Several popular Ohio wineries join together for this unique winter event. Patrons will visit each of the participating wineries and sample their Ice Wine along with a complimentary appetizer. Many of the wineries will also have a featured event including ice carving, jewelry shows, dog sledding & much more. The cost is approximately $6 at each winery, which includes wine samples, an ice wine glass at each winery, appetizer, and special events. Participating wineries include Debonné Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards, and St. Joseph Vineyards.

A Christmas Story House

Admission to A Christmas Story House & Museum in Cleveland: $15/adult, $14/senior, and $11/children age 3-12.   Group discounts are available. The price of admission includes a guided tour of the house and yard and admittance into the museum.

  • When: Open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm except for major holidays
  • Where: (Map It) 3159 W. 11th Street, Cleveland, OH  44109. Admission tickets to A Christmas Story House can be purchased at the giftshop (3166 W. 11th Street) located directly across the street from the house.
  • Phone: 216-298-4919
  • Web: click here

A Christmas Story House & Museum in Cleveland, Ohio:  The house used in the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story” has been restored to its original 1983 movie appearance. Purchased and renovated by Brian Jones, a true fan of the movie who sells leg lamps for a living, the house takes visitors on a nostalgic journey to the sights and scenes where Ralphie Parker dreams of nothing but receiving a genuine Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle for Christmas. In addition to A Christmas Story House, visitors can explore the museum where items from the movie are on display, more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos are featured and movie-related memorabilia can be purchased.

Coshocton Sunflower Festival

Admission to the Coshocton Sunflower Festival is approx. $12-20/person.

  • When: Various dates in August (click link below)
  • Location: (Map It) 24688 County Road 10 in Coshocton, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-502-9245
  • Web: click here

The Coshocton Sunflower Festival is all about experiencing the joy of spending time with your friends, family, and loved ones in a 4-acre field of the happiest flowers on Earth – sunflowers! This festival features more than 30 varieties of sunflowers. Explore the field, enjoy photo ops, and choose your favorite flowers. Wagon rides are available to and from the sunflower fields. In addition, enjoy live music, food truck, beer garden, craft vendors, and activities.

Fall Foliage Trains

Fares vary for Fall Foliage Trains at Hocking Valley Scenic Railway.

  • Open Fall Foliage Trains are offered on Thursdays and Fridays in October in addition to the regular Saturday and Sunday Schedule at 1:00 p.m. and last about 2 ¼ hours, including a 30-minute stop at a reconstructed 1840’s era village.
  • Location: (Map It) The Depot in Nelsonville contains the ticket office, and it is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 33 and Hocking Parkway (Fulton Street), behind the Rocky Boots Outlet
  • Phone: 855-323-3768 or 740-753-9531
  • Play Video

Fall foliage train rides at Hocking Valley Scenic Railway:  The 22-mile round trip to Logan, Ohio and back are leisurely rides along the Hocking River and Appalachian foothills providing great family-friendly entertainment. Choose to ride in either the 1920’s commuter coaches or open-air cars. There’s even first-class service in a restored B&O coach complete with air-conditioning. The most used engine is a diesel locomotive built-in 1952. The interesting history of the area and the railway are highlighted by the conductor’s narrative as the train passes by a canal lock, historic old company towns and other landmarks while following the Hocking River through rolling hills filled with natural fall splendor.

During the trips, passengers have an opportunity to step off the train and back into time at Robbins Crossing. Instantly, cooking from the nearby wood stove floats an inviting aroma past your nose. Clanking and clamoring rings out from the fully-operational blacksmith shop. Ladies in period-dress are busy candle making and spinning yarn. Folks gather on porches for some good ole Appalachian-style music dancing off instruments of Yesteryear.

The leisurely visit may be commemorated with a unique purchase at the railway’s Gift Shop and Train Store.

Fall Fun Days Harvest Festival

Fall Fun Days Harvest Festival in Grove City

  • When: Starts in late September and always ends on October 31
    Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to dusk (till 11:00 p.m. for bonfire parties)
  • Location: (Map It) is 9015 London Groveport Rd. in Grove City, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-878-7980 or call the recorded INFOLINE at 614-878-9462
  • Web: Click here

Grove City Fall Fun Days Harvest Festival:  Celebrated annually, many families, schools, churches, companies and many other groups and individuals annually visit the Fall Fun Days Festival at Circle S Farms, located in scenic southwest Franklin County. Our festival features hayrides to pick a pumpkin, a six-acre corn maze, sunflower maze, Fun Hay Barn with slides, Scarecrow Cave, Fodder Lane, petting zoo, weekend entertainment and much more. Private hayrides with bonfire parties are available. There is a full-service bakery with many tasty treats including freshly made donuts of all kinds. On the weekends the Pumpkin Cafe is open. Group reservations are requested and walk-ins are welcome.www.circlesfarm.com

Wood County Fair

Admission to the Wood County Fair is $7/person for ages 10 and older.

  • When: July 30 – August 6, 2023
  • Location: (Map It) 13800 W Poe Rd. in Bowling Green, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-352-0441
  • Web: click here

The Wood County Fair held at the Wood County Fairgrounds in Bowling Green is an eight-day event held every summer. More than 100,000 people attend annually. This tradition has supported many of the county’s youth and community members by providing exhibitions, education, and entertainment that create a sense of pride. The fair has helped create lasting memories for countless people and strives to continue making memories for future generations.

Summit County Italian American Festival

Admission and parking to Summit County Italian American Festival are free. 

  • When: August 3 – 5, 2023
  • Location: (Map It) Lock 3 Park at 200 South Main St. in Akron, Ohio
  • Web: click here

The Summit County Italian America Festival in Akron has been celebrated for more than 60 years. The festival is held by The Council of Italian-American Society every year to enjoy anything and everything Italian. From wine tasting to a pizza-eating contest to fireworks, the Italian celebrations are three days of enjoyment for the whole family. Great traditional food and entertainment are something that everyone can enjoy. There is a homemade wine contest, Italian classics like bocce, morra, and more. A mass is held on Sunday and after a spaghetti dinner.

Fall Hayrides

Fall Hayrides at Cleveland Metroparks Mill Stream Run Reservation costs vary. See link below.

  • When: Saturday nights in October from 6 – 10 p.m.
  • Location: (Map It) Chalet Recreation Area • Mill Stream Run Reservation. Chalet Recreation Area is located on Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, between Routes 42 & 82 in Strongsville – just off I-71 & the Ohio Turnpike.
  • Phone: 440-572-9990
  • Web Site: www.clevelandmetroparks.com

Fall Hayrides at Cleveland Metroparks Mill Stream Run Reservation:  The tractor-drawn hayrides leave every half hour and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus, on Saturday nights enjoy square dancing for all ages and a hay maze. Other activities include balloon twisting, pumpkin painting, scavenger hunt, crafts and coloring stations. This is one hayride where you’re allowed to throw hay!

HallZOOween

HallZOOween at Cincinnati Zoo

  • When: Saturdays and Sundays in October
  • Location: (Map It) Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Phone: 513-475-6124 or 1-800-94-HIPPO
  • Web: Click here

Cincinnati Zoo HallZOOween:  Little ghouls, boys, and animals can enjoy three spooktacular weekends of fun. Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during HallZOOween, young Frankensteins (12 and under) can trick-or-treat their way around the Zoo.  Along the way, guests may encounter Pumpkin Pandemonium – the Zoo animal’s version of trick-or-treating, including Gorilla Pumpkin Hunt, Snow Monkey Pumpkin Hide & Seek, Elephant Pumpkin Smash, Indian Rhino Apple Bob, and Polar Bear Pumpkin Bob. Other activities include a Little Creatures Carnival, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin patch, spooktacular train ride, scare-ousel, strolling characters, face painting, and mini pumpkin decorating activities.

Dublin Irish Festival

Admission to Dublin Irish Festival is $15/person/day but discounts are available online (Free admission for children 12 and younger).

  • When: August 4 – 6, 2023 (Friday from 4pm – Midnight; Saturday from 11am – Midnight; Sunday from 11am – 9pm)
  • Location: (Map It) Coffman Park, 5200 Emerald Parkway in Dublin, Ohio (The free Shuttle service will run continuously from Metro Place North & South to the Festival).
  • Phone: 614-410-4545
  • Web: https://dublinirishfestival.org/

Dublin Irish Festival is now the world’s second-largest Irish celebration. More than 100,000+ guests are expected this year.  For a complete listing of entertainment, please visit the website above.

Haunted Hayride & Forgotten Forest

Tickets to Haunted Hayride & Forgotten Forest in Lebanon, Ohio range from $10-20.

  • When: Fridays and Saturdays from late September through the end of October
  • Location: (Map It) 525 Brimstone Rd. in Wilmington, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-748-2272
  • Web: Click here

Haunted Hayride & Forgotten Forest in Lebanon, Ohio, is located on over 50 acres of natural woodlands along Bull Run Creek. The 30-minute tractor-drawn haunted hayride brings a new look and feels to the crisp autumn. Hunker down with your friends and family as you tour the spooky trails, the unexpected lurking at every turn.  Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the woods…After the hayride is sure and takes in the evening’s entertainment featuring story-telling by the bonfires. Enjoy the harvest at the on-site concession stand. Pick your own pumpkin and if you are really brave, dare to enter the Forgotten Forest.

Lake Eerie Fearfest

Admission to Lake Eerie Fearfest is approx. $25.  (Additional for fast pass)

  • When: Weekends in October – Friday/Saturday – 7:30pm – Midnight. Sunday – 7:30pm – 10:00 PM. Halloween – 7:30pm – 10:00pm
  • Location: (Map It) 3319 US Route 250 in Sandusky, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-626-4467
  • Web: http://www.lakeeeriefearfest.com/

Lake Eerie Fearfest at Ghostly Manor in Sandusky, Ohio and Lake Erie coast:  This October, four legendary haunts unite with newly renovated Ghostly Manor, as seen on The Travel Channel’s “Best Places I’ve Ever Been.”  Lake Eerie Fearfest bands the mysterious legends of Lake Erie together under one roof to create the area’s newest, unique and feared haunted destination.  You don’t want to miss the nationally recognized Ghostly Manor, and all-new haunted encounters brought in from around the world, including Darkmare, Caged, Quarantine & Eerie Chateau!  Lake Eerie Fearfest consists of six acres of non-stop haunted action.

Leaders Family Farms and Scream Acres

Tickets to Scream Acres at Leaders Family Farms in Napoleon are approx. $20/person.

  • When: October on Fridays 6pm until 10pm, Saturdays 1pm until 10pm, Sundays 1pm until 9pm. ScreamAcres opens at dark each night.
  • Location: (Map It) Leaders Family Farms located a mile west of Napoleon, Ohio just off of state route 24 on county road 16
  • Phone: 419-599-1570
  • Web: http://screamacres.com/

Scream Acres at Leaders Family Farms in Napoleon, Ohio:  Fun for all ages at Leaders Family Farms and Scream Acres. You can “get lost” in the twists and turns of a seven acre jack-o-lantern corn maize. Win prizes at Northwest Ohio’s only corn cannon range. Sing and dance on the karaoke stage. Take a scenic and peaceful hayride around the farm. Take your pick of thousands of pumpkins in the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Kids can get “moo-ving” in a cow train, play on the slides or make their way through straw tunnels. For those with young children there’s a special place – Little Farmers Barnyard. It includes a corn box, mini straw jump and inflatables to enjoy. There’s also a wide array of concessions.

For those who are brave of heart and dared to be scared, explore Scream Acres Haunted Cornfield, Northwest Ohio’s most terrifying field of corn! This separate field of corn has many turns and twists with the added fear of the unknown. With creatures lurking behind the walls of corn you never know who… or what may be “stalking” you! At ScreamAcres Haunted Cornfield “you pay to get in…. but pray to get out!!”

Niederman Farm Fall Festival

Admission to Niederman Family Farm Fall Festival is $12/person. Bonfire reservations required. S’ more & food packages for groups.

  • Open: Late September through October on weekends (Fri 6pm-10pm, Sat 11am – 10pm, Sun 1-6pm). In October it is also open Wed & Thr from 6pm – 9pm. Mon & Tue available by group reservation only.
  • Location: (Map It) Niederman Family Farm at 5110 LeSourdsville-West Chester Drive in Liberty Township, Ohio (between Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio)
  • Phone: 513-779-6184
  • Web: click here

Niederman Family Farm Fall Festival: This Southwest Ohio working farm provides the ultimate fall experience! Niederman Family Farm invites you to experience a 22-acre corn maze, pick pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, take a hayride, visit and feed the barnyard animals and have a picnic. Spend the day, bring your family, school group, church group, scout troop, Mom’s club, or just yourself.

Old West Pumpkin Fest

old-west-pumpkinfestAdmission to Old West Pumpkin Fest at Rockin R Ranch starts at $12/person.

  • When: Weekends in October – every Saturday & Sunday from 12 noon to 5pm
  • Location: (Map It) Rockin’-R-Ranch at 19066 E. River Rd. (SR 252) in Columbia Station, Ohio
  • Phone: 440-236-5454
  • Web: www.clevelandhayride.com

The Old West Pumpkin Fest at Rockin R Ranch in Columbia Station, Ohio:  Toddlers, adolescents, young families, and grandmas and grandpas can’t wait to see the fabulous “Country Kids’ Show” performed live on stage featuring costume characters that your child would love and recognize. The Live musical show is performed five times a day. This is an interactive show for the kids where they can dance and play instruments. Take as many rides as you want on the Pumpkin Patch Hayride that takes you to the Pumpkin Patch and pick and paint your own pumpkins. The whole family can walk through the Funny Fun House, pet the animals at the Petting Farm, get your face painted, and much more. Where can you go and ride ponies all day long at no extra charge? There is a farm market, souvenir shop and concession stands for your favorite food and drinks. There’s even a pumpkin slide!

Pumpkin Fest at Pigeon Roost Farm

Admission to Pumpkin Fest at the Pigeon Roost Farm market area is free. “Fun Center”/ Corn Maze cost $10/person (extra for wagon rides).

Pumpkin Fest at Pigeon Roost Farm:  Come Celebrate Fall in the Country.  Enjoy a nostalgic family trip back to a working farm.  After more than 30 years, it’s still growing!  See the old barns, friendly barnyard animals, and interesting display of antiques and observation beehive.  Choose from thousands of pumpkins in all sizes and shapes, colorful and unique heritage squash, several sizes of Indian corn, corn shocks, straw bales, hard shell and decorative gourds.  Young and young-at-heart will have a great time exploring the “Great Pumpkin Fun Center” with new Fort Pigeon Roost, giant gerbil wheels, a “goat walk”,  Corn Maze,  and the Enchanted Forest.  The kids’ favorites—hillside slide, spooky straw tunnel and Conestoga corn box are still included.  Five shops have handmade crafts and a large selection of fall decorations, and the children have their own “Kids Korner”.  On weekends there are wagon rides, face painting, food concessions, crafters and demonstrations.  So come visit and bring your camera to capture some of those special memories! See website for scheduling school, birthday and group outings.

Spooky Ranch at Rockin R Ranch

spooky-ranchAdmission to Spooky Ranch at Rockin R Ranch starts at $22/person.

  • When: Weekends in October – Fridays & Saturdays 7 pm-11:30 pm and Thursdays & Sundays 7 pm-9:30 pm
  • Location: (Map It) Rockin’-R-Ranch is at 19066 East River Rd (SR 252) in Columbia Station, Ohio
  • Phone: 440-236-5454
  • Web Site: www.spookyranch.com

Spooky Ranch at Rockin R Ranch, Cleveland’s premier haunted event located in Columbia Station, Ohio, has recently been awarded the 25th top haunted house in the country! Over 20 plus years of screams and appealing to the masses. The Disney of haunted attractions in Cleveland. Spooky Ranch is most known for its Famous Haunted Hayride. “You will scream, laugh and be amazed, leaving you absolutely entertained. ” Not your Ordinary boring hayride.” There are terror and suspense at every turn” A Hollywood theatrical production with scenes, sets, and special effects seen nowhere else in the world. There’s a Thirty-foot tall fire-breathing creature, 18-foot wingspan animated monsters, monsters that pick up the whole wagon & shake it!!  Extreme Nightmares Haunted House is Ohio’s most extreme haunted house and takes haunt seekers to another level of terror and screams. Crazy Clowns in 3D Haunted House -Experience the psychedelic haunted crazy adventure wearing 3D glasses. 3D is the new generation of entertainment with crisp, bright ultra-realistic images. Imagine monsters and clowns so lifelike you stepped inside a scary movie or video game. Await the anticipation of crazed, psycho, frightful clowns.

Amish Labor Day Sale & Cookout

Admission to the Labor Day Sale & Cookout is Free.

  • When: September 1, 2, and 4 (Closed on Sunday the 3rd), 2023
  • Location: (Map It) 960 Wheat Ridge Road in West Union, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-544-8524
  • Web: www.wheatridgeamish.com 

Welcome to the Amish Labor Day Sale & Cookout at Miller’s Furniture, Bakery & Bulk Foods Labor Day Weekend. The Labor Day Weekend sale offers 10 percent off all items in stock at the furniture store only. It is recommended to order early for Christmas.

On Saturday during Labor Day weekend, the annual Amish School Benefit Cookout will have a menu that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, noodles, Chip’s fresh pie,  ice cream, coffee, and soft drinks.

Nowhere Else Festival

Admission to the Nowhere Else Festival starts at $90/person.

Nowhere Else Festival featuring Over-The-Rhine is like an extended musical family reunion with some of the best folk and boutique music today, played by musicians near and far on a rural farm in Southwest Ohio. Guests enjoy music throughout the day and evening while lounging with blankets, chairs, and coolers. The hillside is dotted with food trucks, Frisbees, and corn hole. In a nearby renovated barn is an art exhibition featuring imaginative pieces and offers a chance to chat with the artists behind the works. Nearby cabins and camping are available. There’s nowhere else to be Memorial weekend, just a stone’s skip from Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton.

Obetz Zucchini Fest

Admission to Obetz Zucchini Fest is free.

  • When: September 1 – 4, 2023
  • Location: (Map It) Memorial Park at 4175 Alum Creek Drive in Obetz, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-491-1080
  • Web: click here

The Obetz Zucchini Festival in Obetz, Ohio, is a four-day family festival celebrating the zucchini.  The event includes entertainment, including a national touring act on Saturday, rides, games, pageants, a Friday night cruise-in, a parade, food, and of course, lots of zucchini.  Sunday is Kids Day, with free activities all day.

Zoar Village’s Lantern Tours of Ghosts

Admission to Zoar Village’s Lantern Tours of Ghosts is $18 per person.

  • When: By reservation only from September through October at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays
  • Location: (Map It) Zoar, OH 44697 – Located 2.5 miles east of I-77 (exit 93) on St. Rte. 212
  • Phone: 330-874-2002
  • Web: Click here

Zoar Village’s Lantern Tours of Ghosts:  Visitors are invited to take a haunted stroll through the village with history and ghost stories told by costumed guides. Overnight accommodations are available at the bed and breakfasts in the village.

Come be a part of history this year at the historic village of Zoar, Ohio. German Separatists founded the Village of Zoar in the Tuscarawas River Valley of Ohio.  In 1817 they left Germany and came to the United States seeking religious freedom.  Later they formed a communal society that lasted for 79 years and was one of the most successful communal societies in the United States. Today, many of the buildings the Separatists built still line the main street of the historic village. Ten of these buildings are operated as museums by the Zoar Community Association. For information about daytime tours, please call 330-874-2646 or visit the Zoar Store at 198 Main St., Zoar, OH 44697.

Portsmouth River Days

Admission to Portsmouth River Days in Portsmouth, Ohio, is free.

  • When: September 1-3, 2023, from 12pm-11pm, Daily
  • Location: (Map It) 4th Street Municipal Parking lot in Portsmouth, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-821-6806 or Email bryansmith@friendsofportsmouth.com
  • Web: click here or visit Facebook

Visit Portsmouth River Days 60th Year Celebration beginning the Friday thru Sunday of Labor Day weekend. River Days festivities are being held on 4th Street in the Municipal Parking lot and surrounding area near the historic Boneyfiddle district of Portsmouth, Ohio. It is free, nightly entertainment on the riverfront stage. Also, enjoy the arts and crafts, rides and inflatables, and vendor merchants. There’s even Southern Ohio Axe Throwing. And, of course, lots of great food and more. Concerts begin at 7:00pm nightly. The Grand Parade begins at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, with the Queens Pageant at Shawnee State University Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m (Tickets are required for the Pageant and Little Miss Pageant). Sunday, there will be Children’s activities at 12:00pm near the Music Stage in the Big White tent. Portsmouth River Days will end Sunday Night with a Fireworks Extravaganza at 10:30pm.

Fort Rowdy Gathering

Admission to Fort Rowdy Gathering is free.

  • When: September 2 – 4, 2023 (Always Sat – Mon on Labor Day weekend) Sat. 10am – 8pm, Sun. 10 am – 6pm, Mon. 10am – 4pm
  • Location: (Map It) Community Park, Covington, West U.S. Route 36, Covington, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-473-5439

Fort Rowdy Gathering:  From the hovering lights of campfires, frontier enthusiasts gather in groups playing guitars, drums, and washboard, much like small trading villages once participated in the 1800s. The weekend begins with an old-fashioned hometown parade on Saturday, but the highlight of this festival is the mountain man encampment located next to the Stillwater River.  The event and parking are free to the public.

Food Truck Rally

Admission to the Food Truck Rally and OHIO Tax-Free Weekend at Destination Outlets is Free.

  • When: August 4 – 6, 2023, from 12pm – 6pm
  • Location: (Map It) 8000 Factory Shops Blvd. in Jeffersonville, Ohio
  • Phone: 800-213-9083
  • Web: click here

Bring the whole family for the hottest shopping event of the season, Ohio Tax-Free Weekend! Destination Outlets will have 10 + food trucks every day, with your chance to vote for your favorite. Enjoy super savings, delicious food, and great music brought to you by Ramblers Quartet.

Jammin’ Food Truck Fest

Admission to the Jammin’ Food Truck Fest at Schoenbrunn Village is Free.

  • When: September 2, 2023, from 11am – 7pm (Always the Saturday before Labor Day)
  • Location: (Map It) Historic Schoenbrunn Village at 1984 E. High Ave. in New Philadelphia, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-922-6776
  • Web: Click here

Jammin’ Food Truck Fest at Historic Schoenbrunn Village in New Philadelphia, Ohio delivers some end-of-summer fun that involves food, beer, wine tasting, and shopping.  Have fun playing Bocce Ball, Badminton, volleyball, corn-hole, horse-shoes, and classic children’s games. Listen to live music. Enjoy a variety of specialty foods like ice creams, walking tacos, BBQ classics and fusion, smoked meats, comfort food, mac-n-cheese, pizza, and a variety of other drinks and treats. The event will also have a beer garden that can be enjoyed throughout the lower level. A donation results in a discount at the drink tent, beer garden, wine tasting. All proceeds will benefit the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, Historic Schoenbrunn Village, and The Museum of Clay Industry and Folk Art.

Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival

Admission to the Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival is Free.

Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival in Logan, Ohio, will be filled with Sasquatch enthusiasts, speakers, and vendors.  There will be plenty of good fun with live music, a Squatch Walk, Squatch & Find, and Howling Contest.  Be sure to allow some time to look for Bigfoot in the Hills.

Milan Melon Festival

Admission to Milan Melon Festival in Milan, Ohio, is free.

  • When: September 2 – 4, 2023 (Always Sat – Mon on Labor Day weekend)
  • Location: (Map It) Village Square on State Route 113 East in Milan, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-499-3254 or 419-366-0765

Milan Melon Festival in Milan, Ohio:  Where else can you see things like the Big Wheelie Race, Melon Eating Contest, kiddie pedal-tractor pulls, and a two-hour grand parade? The Melon Festival in Milan provides that and bands, a fireman’s chicken barbecue, arts and crafts, antique car show, and Queen’s Contest.  Oh, and plenty of melons in all shapes, sizes, and forms. This three-day event packs in more than 100,000 visitors.

Akron Sugar Plum Tour

Tickets to Akron Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Houses cost $35 each.

  • When: Usually the first Sunday in December from 1-5pm.
  • Location: (Map It) Five exquisitely decorated homes in the Akron area.
  • Phone: 330-376-8522
  • Web: click here

The Akron Sugar Plum Tour in Akron, Ohio: This seasonal tour of Gracious Holiday Homes in Akron is just around the corner! This year’s tour-goers will again enjoy a day touring five great Akron area homes decked out in holiday finery! The Sugar Plum Tour is an annual fundraising event benefiting the Gay Community Endowment Fund. To learn more about the fund and its mission, please visit the fund’s website.

Ohio Renaissance Festival

Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveysburg costs approx. $28/person age 13+ and $10/kids age 5-12 and $25/senior.

Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveysburg:  Ohio’s premier family event features 11 stages of continuous entertainment, seven food and beverage buildings, and more than 130 arts and crafts shops. Knights, comedy, daring stunt shows, giant roasted turkey legs, bread bowl stews, handmade arts, and crafts abound in the authentically recreated 30-acre 16th Century English village.

Alumapalooza

Admission to Alumapalooza at the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, Ohio is $95/person (walk-ins).

Welcome to Alumapalooz at the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, Ohio.  Alumapa-what you ask?  Alumapalooza is a family-friendly festival for people who love Airstream travel trailers.  Two dozen or so informative seminars and fun presentations are offered throughout the week plus additional things like live music, yoga, trailer open houses, cooking demonstrations, a barbeque, and much more.  Alumapalooza is open to Airstream owners and non-owners alike.

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

Admission to Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights in Delaware, Ohio begins at $20/carload on weekdays and $30 on weekends. More for larger vehicles.

  • When: Daily in December Mondays through Thursdays 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
  • Where: (Map It) Alum Creek State Park at 3311 South Old State Road in Delaware, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-412-3499
  • Web: click here

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights in Delaware, Ohio located at the Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds:  See 132 light displays with a total light count of more than one million. After gazing at the lights, come in and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies and spend some time with Santa.

Castle Noel

Admission to Castle Noel in Medina is approx. $29.50/person age 13+,  and $22.50/child age 12 and younger.

  • Open: Year-round. Hours vary per season and days of the week. See the website below for the current schedule.
  • Location: (Map It) 260 S. Court St. in Medina, Ohio
  • Phone:  330-721-NOEL (6635) or 440-453-5889
  • Web: Castle Noel

Feature Story
Miracle in Medina

Castle Noel in Medina, Ohio:  Hollywood meets Christmas …in an old church in a quaint town. It is America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction.  Mark Klaus (It’s all in the name) and his wife, Dana, have created a wonderland. It features authentic props from Hollywood Christmas movies, including Elf, Grinch, Christmas Vacation, and many other holiday classics. It even has Eddy’s infamous RV from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! Other delights are unique structures like Santa’s Squeeze simulating the feeling of going down a chimney.  There’s even a two-story slide coming down Santa Clause Mountain which is a replica of the slide from the movie, A Christmas Story.  There is also Toy Land which allows people to relive childhood by revisiting favorite toys from the Christmas past. And there’s $2 million worth of stunning Christmas displays from New York City stores.  All this and much more wait for your Xmas celebration any time of year.

Christmas Candlelighting

Admission to Christmas Candlelighting at Roscoe Village is free.

Christmas Candlelighting at Roscoe Village:  Historic Roscoe Village cheers on the holiday season with its Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony.  Share in the tradition of lighting the Christmas tree and participate in lighting your own candle as “Silent Night” is heard throughout the crowd.  Throughout the day, guests can enjoy art with Santa, strolling carolers, candlelight tours, complimentary hot-mulled cider and cookies, and many other holiday festivities.

Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill

Admission to the Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill is $10 and kids under 6 are free.

  • When: Day after Thanksgiving through December
  • Location: (Map It) 75 Water Street in Clifton, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-767-5501
  • Web: click here

The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill

Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill features a winter wonderland with more than 3.6 million Christmas lights!  The tranquil setting along the Little Miami River is, with the flip of a switch, transformed into a brilliant, dazzling display of lights, sights, and sounds from every direction to create the Annual Clifton Mill Outdoor Lighting Display.  The extraordinary extravaganza runs nightly from 6 to 9:30 p.m. until January 1. The mill is the largest remaining water-powered gristmill in the United States and stands five stories tall. Step into the Millrace Restaurant to rest a bit, have a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate, and snack.

Lebanon Blues Festival

Admission to the Lebanon Blues Festival in Lebanon, Ohio, is free.

  • When: August 4 & 5, 2023 (always the first Saturday in August)
  • Location: (Map It) downtown Lebanon, Ohio
  • Phone: 513-228-3103
  • Web: click here

The Lebanon Blues Festival is presented by the Lebanon Optimist Club. It will take place in historic downtown Lebanon along Broadway & Mulberry Streets. Listen to the sultry sounds of seven blues bands while enjoying your favorite foods. Sit and sip a cool drink in our deluxe beer garden. Gaze at more than150 classic automobiles. Browse the downtown specialty shops for gifts and antique treasures during “Old Fashioned Bargain Days”.  Come out and enjoy the “Blues, BBQ & Bumpers.”  In addition, there will be a 5K Blues Run along the new bike trail.

Christmas in the Village Home Tour

tipp-homes-tourTipp City’s Christmas in the Village Home Tour costs $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour.

  • When:  Usually the first Saturday in December from 12 – 5pm.
  • Location: (Map It) Downtown Tipp City, Ohio
  • Web: click here

Welcome to The Tippecanoe Christmas in the Village Home Tour. Nestled in Southwest Ohio, Tipp City is a jewel of a town in rural Miami County.  At the Holidays they throw their doors wide open and encourage guests to visit their historic downtown and tour the fancifully decorated homes on the Christmas in the Village Home Tour. The tour is held on the first Saturday of each December.

Whether you are a couple looking for design ideas or a group of pals kicking off to the Season, you are welcome to come to explore. Each home will reveal the charm and traditions of the homeowners’ own Holiday displays, as well as stunning tabletops designed by members of DSID, the Dayton region’s professional design organization. Entertainers will stroll the streets, keeping toes tapping as you visit homes at your own pace. All profits benefit local charities. Buy tickets online through the link above.

Christmas in Zoar Village

Admission to Christmas in Zoar Village is approx. $10/person (12 and younger are free).

  • When: December 2023 dates to be confirmed, from 10am – 6pm and 12pm – 4pm, respectively (Tree lighting ceremony Saturday at 6pm)
  • Location: (Map It) 198 Main St. Zoar, OH 44697
  • Phone: 330-874-3011, Toll Free 1-800-262-6195
  • Web: https://historiczoarvillage.com/

Christmas in Zoar Village showcases an old-fashioned Christmas with naturally decorated historic house museums and visits from the traditional German Belsnickle and Krist Kind. Snacks and meals are available throughout the village, from craftspersons making delicious treats to church groups offering full meals or the local restaurant providing a buffet.

American Folk and Craft Artists fill the historic schoolhouse, the number one house offering unique Christmas gifts and décor. The historic blacksmith and tinsmith shops feature local artisans producing wares the old-fashioned way. The dairy and kitchen operate much as they did 200 years ago and offer a sample of the foods they made in Zoar. The meeting house is filled with music all day from local high school, amateur, and professional music groups.

The main attraction at the event is the tree lighting in the garden. This event starts at the meeting house with a candlelight service, continues with a procession to the garden, and culminates with tree lighting.

Fredericktown Tomato Show

Admission to Fredericktown Tomato Show is free.

  • When: September 6 – 9, 2023 (Held the Wed-Sat after Labor Day)
  • Location: (Map It) Fredericktown, Ohio
  • Web: click here

The Fredericktown Tomato Show in Fredericktown, Ohio, is a community-wide street fair. The event features exhibits of various items such as tomato products, needlework, flower arrangements, and photography. The fest also has two parades, rides, and a craft show. A plate auction is also held. Other featured events are the big wheel race, Little Miss Tomato contest, bathtub races, stage entertainment, and of course, a tomato toss.

Marion Popcorn Festival

Admission to Marion Popcorn Festival in Marion, Ohio is free.

  • When: September 7 – 9, 2023, from 11am – Midnight (Always the Thrs – Sat after Labor Day)
  • Location: (Map It) Marion, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-387-FEST or 740-387-3378
  • Web: click here

Marion Popcorn Festival has a lot poppin’. For starters, it’s claimed to be the largest popcorn festival in the world and attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually. It’s no wonder the American Bus Association named it one of the top 100 events in North America. The free entertainment has included headlining bands, parade, bike tour, 5k run, fine arts and crafts, Kiddie Korner, and an over-50 softball tournament. There are numerous rides and activities for the whole family.

Black Swamp Arts Festival

Admission to the Black Swamp Arts Festival is free.

  • When: September 8 – 10, 2023 (always the first weekend after Labor Day)
  • Location: (Map It) 100 S Main St. in Bowling Green, Ohio
  • Phone: 877-865-6082
  • Web: click here

Black Swamp Arts Festival in Bowling Green is a three-day experience featuring free concerts and fine art shows at Ohio’s largest free music festival. The Black Swamp Arts Festival (BSAF) connects art and the community.

Clinton County Corn Festival

Admission to the Clinton County Corn Festival is free.

  • When: September 8 – 10, 2023 (Always the weekend after Labor Day)
  • Location: (Map It) Clinton County Fairgrounds at 958 W. Main St. in Wilmington, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-383-Korn
  • Web: click here

Clinton County Corn Festival is a bushel of fun for everyone. This family-fun event was started over 40 years ago by the Antique Power Club. Enjoy seeing the steam bellow from antique tractors, partake in the skillet and rolling pin toss, or pie-eating and tug-of-war competitions. Watch the crosscut saw competition. The big events you won’t want to miss are the Corn Olympics complete with outhouse races, the tractor pulls, and the evening concert. There is plenty of antiques, crafts, a flea market, and food booths offering corn on the cob or course as well as delicious pork and steak sandwiches, ice cream, and all your fair favorite foods and drinks.

Christmas Ranch

Admission to Christmas Ranch: $22 – 33 per vehicle.

  • Open: Begins after Thanksgiving through January 1st.  Operating Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Holidays, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Location: (Map It) 3205 South Waynesville Road in Morrow, Ohio
  • Phone: 513-697-2640
  • Web: www.thechristmasranch.com

The Christmas Ranch:  With over 350,000 lights synchronized to music using state-of-the-art technology, The Christmas Ranch’s “The Gift of Lights” display is a spectacular experience.  The Christmas Ranch sprawls over five acres and includes a scenic drive-thru route that leads you to a magical Christmas Village.  Meander through the twinkling town and stop in the barn for some hot chocolate before heading out to watch the Jingle Bell Show.  Take a stroll through a forest of giant animated Christmas trees that twirl with 15,000 synchronized lights, or dance along with dozens of Santa’s and Snowmen that bop and spin to the sounds of Bing Crosby, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and traditional holiday tunes.  A portion of the entrance fee to “The Gift of Lights” will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati.

Columbus Oktoberfest

Admission to Columbus Oktoberfest is free but parking is approx $8.

  • When: September 8 – 10, 2023
  • Location: (Map It) Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fairgrounds (Natural Resource, Commercial Pavilion area) in Columbus, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-444-5908
  • Web: click here

Columbus Oktoberfest in Columbus, Ohio, celebrates decades of fabulous food, frothy beverages, lively polkas, and much more. Two entertainment halls, an arts and crafts area, a children’s area, COSI on Wheels, polka contests, a cream puff eating contest, and a display of the Columbus Historical Society are just some of the festivities to expect.

Lithopolis Honeyfest

Lithopolis Honeyfest admission, parking, and shuttle are free.

  • When: September 8 & 9, 2023 (Fri & Sat after Labor Day) from 3-7pm and 10am-7pm, respectively
  • Location: (Map It) Along Columbus Street in the village center of Lithopolis, Ohio (20 minutes southeast of Columbus)
  • Phone: 614-829-7355
  • Web: www.lithopolishoneyfest.com

Lithopolis Honeyfest is a honey festival in Lithopolis Ohio:  Celebrate National Honey Month at Ohio’s only honey festival. Experience the science and art of apiculture (beekeeping) in a robust atmosphere of art, music, food, fun, and people. With the involvement of honeybee associations, this event is seen as a component in preserving apiculture. Learn about beekeeping and honey. Don’t miss the bee beard and honey extracting, observation hives, and the opportunity to sample different types of honey. Come hungry for delicious honey-made food and treat yourself to tasting in the Meade and Wine Garden. Browse the works of fine quality artisans and crafters while listening to the sounds of R&B, Jazz, Funk, Swing, Folk, and Gospel music. Create kids’ crafts in the Busy Beehive, buy an entry to the Honey Cook-off Sale and meet the American Honey Princess. There’s also free parking and shuttle service.

Chagrin Documentary Film Festival

Various event tickets to the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in Chagrin Falls, Ohio range from approx. $10-40.

  • When: October 4 – 8, 2023
  • Location: (Map It) Throughout Chagrin Falls, Ohio (see website for various venue locations)
  • Phone: 440-247-1591
  • Web: www.chagrinfilmfest.org/

The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in Chagrin Falls, Ohio is dedicated to educating audiences and empowering talented filmmakers to tell their stories.  The Festival is a five-day celebration of the art of documentary film, at venues in and around the century village of Chagrin Falls and its picturesque downtown complete with a waterfall. This inspiring event has been named to MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top 50” for several years and draws audiences from all over the region, country, and world to experience documentary films and the compelling art and culture they highlight.

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

Admission to Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta, Ohio, is free.

  • When: September 8 – 10, 2023 (Always the Fri – Sun after Labor Day)
  • Location: (Map It) Ohio River Levee at Front and Greene Streets in Marietta, Ohio
  • Phone: 800-288-2577
  • Web: click here

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta, Ohio:  Enjoy a weekend of family fun. Entertainment, fireworks, and more than 30 Sternwheelers docked along the levee in historic downtown Marietta. Three days of music with national entertainers, a care show, Sternwheel pageant, fantastic food, children’s activities, and Sternwheeler races. Visitors can walk to dozens of shops, cafes, restaurants, and world-class museums throughout downtown and Historic Harmar Village.

Ohio Gourd Show

Admission to Ohio Gourd Show is approximately $5/person, kids 12 and under free plus free parking.

The Ohio Gourd Show in Delaware, Ohio:  This unique event brings together many of the most outstanding gourd artists and craftspersons from all across the nation exhibiting their finest work in competition and for sale. The show also features workshops in gourd crafting, trade shows, children’s activities, demonstrations, music, and thousands of dry gourds for sale.

Beavercreek Popcorn Festival

Admission to Beavercreek Popcorn Festival is free.

The Beavercreek Popcorn Festival in Beavercreek, Ohio:  Hop on over to Beavercreek and see what’s poppin’. This event was one of the top-100 events in North America according to the America Bus Association. With it comes popcorn sculpture, popcorn showers, and other popcorn specialties. It also features a 300+ unit parade, balloon rally, and nationally recognized entertainment.

Paul Bunyan Show

Admission to the Paul Bunyan Show is approx. $10, and students and seniors w/Golden Buckeye Card $5. Children ages six and younger are free.

  • When: October 6 – 8, 2023, on Friday & Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Location: (Map It) Guernsey County Fairgrounds at 335 Old National Rd in (Old Washington) Cambridge, Ohio (Exit 186 off of I-70).
  • Phone: 888-388-7337
  • Web: click here

The Paul Bunyan Show in Cambridge, Ohio is one of the nation’s largest and oldest forest industry shows. Show attendees will see more than 130 exhibits representing all facets of the forest industry throughout North America. Representatives will be on-site to showcase equipment, manpower and the dedication that has made the industry what it is today. Lumberjack entertainment and competitions will take place throughout the weekend as well as numerous educational sessions on topics ranging from logging equipment safety and maintenance to the history and restoration of the bald eagle in Ohio to Ohio’s edible mushrooms. Visitors to the show will not want to leave without trying an official Bunyan Burger, a 14 oz Angus burger with all the trimmings.

Christmas Train Displays

Ohio Christmas Train Displays – Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler

xmas-entertrainmentEnterTRAINment Junction, location of the world’s largest indoor train display, offers a separate, FREE, holiday train display throughout December just inside its doors.

The seasonal celebration creates a holiday glow families will never forget with, among other things, lights and decorations, holiday music, some free Christmas train layouts, a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol and a memorable journey to the North Pole to see Santa and his workshop. The best part – it’s all inside!…so no cold or miserable winter weather for families to endure. It’s all part of the total entertainment experience awaiting children, teens, parents and grandparents at the ONLY train-themed entertainment center on the planet, with 80,000 square feet of holiday fun all under one roof, although the main train display requires admission.

There is so much to see and do at the Christmas At EnterTRAINment Junction. First, visitors enter EnterTRAINment Junction’s beautiful 1930s-era Main Street cityscape, all decked out in a warm ambiance of holiday lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, gift packages, colorful bunting and more. Carolers will perform periodically. Main Street also has a sidewalk café, gift shop and several party rooms for special events.

Just off Main Street is the FREE Holiday Trains display in the Expo Center. Here visitors will find three unique train layouts, including a Lionel train display originally exhibited at the popular Children’s Museum in Indianapolis. There is also a G-scale (large-scale) train display featuring the ever-popular Dept. 56 buildings and villages. Plus, a third train display (also G-scale) is set against a beautiful winter wonderland backdrop and was created by members of the Greater Cincinnati Garden Railway Society.

Also off Main Street is the brand new Junction Hobbies just in time for great holiday shopping! Trains, Thomas and toys greet visitors to this large (5,000 square feet) retail store offering thousands of top- of-the-line products and supplies from the biggest names in the hobby industry. Shoppers will find, among other things, G-scale and HO scale trains and accessories along with the Midwest’s largest selection of doll houses and miniatures, a huge selection of the ever-popular Thomas The Train merchandise, PLAYMOBIL products and much more.

Main Street, the Expo Center Holiday Trains and the new Junction Hobbies store are all FREE to the public.

entertrainment-entryDon’t miss the Christmas Journey.

Christmas Journey is actually two holiday “journeys” or “walk- through” experiences for families sharing the good times of Christmas past.

A Christmas Carol transports visitors to the time of Charles Dickens where they become part of his classic holiday story in this interactive journey, featuring period holiday music, theatrical lighting and decor of the season.  Authentic period costumes, memorable characters, and beautiful decorations all greet visitors as they experience the enduring tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim in a way not seen before.

Visitors are immersed into the heart of Victorian England as they enter Scrooge’s musty manor house. Here they are met by period- costumed guides who act as storytellers on an adventure through Dickens’ tale. The guides play multi-parts in this updated version of the story, and at times even get the guests involved in the action.

Along the journey, which takes 8-10 minutes, visitors experience London of the early 1800s, with alleyways, wrought iron fencing and flickering gas lights. During the journey guests are visited by Jacob Marley, as well as the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future (presented in a unique, fun and unexpected fashion), as they wind their way through Scrooge’s counting house, Bob Cratchit’s home, and a cemetery with weeping willows.

entertrainment-hotelThen, it’s off to Journey To The North Pole as visitors become wrapped in an amazing winter wonderland as they embark on a memorable family voyage through snowy landscapes and frosted ice caves on the way to the North Pole and Santa’s Village. Along the way they encounter a vortex of snow and an Evergreen forest with animated animals. Finally, visitors arrive at an imaginative North Pole village with a post office, a sleigh house, a reindeer barn and an elves’ workshop where Santa’s helpers are busy making toys. At last visitors discover Santa’s House, all trimmed in holiday colors and lights. Inside they meet Mrs. Claus, who has been baking all day and offers children a fresh cookie. Then, down the hall and into a study, there he is – jolly ol’ Santa himself, who is awaiting children to listen to what they want for Christmas.

The award-winning EnterTRAINment Junction is home to the world’s largest indoor model train display (25,000 square feet, 90 trains, two miles of track), a giant kids’ interactive play area, the American Railroading Museum, an expo center and seasonal walk- throughs decorated for the holidays.

EnterTRAINment Junction is located at 7379 Squire Court in West Chester, Ohio off I-75 at the Tylersville Rd. exit (#22). For more information, call (513) 898-8000, or (877) 898-4656 or visit  www.entertrainmentjunction.com for hours and costs.

Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival

Admission to Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival at Freshwater Farms is approx. $5/adult, $2 for ages 3-12.

  • When: September 9, 16, 23 in 2023 (3 Saturdays in a row) from 10am – 10pm
  • Location: (Map It) Freshwater Farms of Ohio at 2624 N US Hwy 68 in Urbana, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-652-3701 or 800-634-7434
  • Web: click here

Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival at Freshwater Farms in Urbana:  Celebrate Ohio’s freshwater shrimp harvest. Get your fill of mouth-watering seafood selections while enjoying a live music stage, games, and activities for the whole family. Explore live displays of fish, frogs, turtles, and other native critters. Swing by the fish farm market to taste gourmet smokes and trout products. Participate in the Trout Feeding Frenzy, sand castle play zone, and their famous sturgeon pool, where guests can pet Ohio’s largest native fish. Stuff yourself in the Shrimp Peeling & Eating Contest, take home a souvenir t-shirt, and enjoy the country atmosphere at the farm. Freshly harvested shrimp will be for sale beginning Saturday morning at 10am.

Toledo Jeep Fest

Admission to the Toledo Jeep Fest is free.

The Toledo Jeep Fest attracts Jeep enthusiasts from near and far to downtown Toledo, Ohio. Visitors celebrate the Jeep life and vehicles in the city where the Jeep was invented. Enjoy a great parade of Jeeps and large-scale vendor Midway.

Holmes County Antique Festival

Admission to Holmes County Antique Festival is free.

  • When: October 7 & 8, 2023 (held the 5th weekend after Labor Day) from 9am – 9pm and 10am – 6pm, respectively.
  • Location: (Map It) Historic Downtown Millersburg, Ohio
  • Phone: 330-674-6781
  • Web: Click here

Holmes County Antique Festival in Millersburg, Ohio:  The festival features a Classic Car Parade, Firemen’s Parade and Grand Parade. In addition, there are 25-30 Antique Dealers, Arts and Crafts, 5-K Run, Antiques, continuous entertainment and great food. Take a walking trip through the village and view the Downtown Window Museum, shop in unique stores and then tour the Victorian House and enjoy the beautiful Fall season in Holmes County.

Wood Carver Show

Admission to the Wood Carver Show is free, but carousel rides are $1 inside the Merry-Go-Round Museum.

  • When: September 9, 2023, from 10am – 4pm (Always the first Saturday after Labor Day)
  • Location: (Map It) The Merry-Go-Round Museum at 301 Jackson St. in Sandusky, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-626-6111

Wood Carver Show at the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky: More than 20 talented woodcarvers exhibit, demonstrate and discuss their carving skills and techniques. Kids can ride on the historic indoor carousel.

Woollybear Festival

Admission to Woollybear Festival in Vermilion is free.

  • When: October 8, 2023, from 9am-5pm
  • Location: (Map It) downtown Vermilion, Ohio
  • Phone: 440-967-4477
  • Web: click here

Woollybear Festival in Vermilion, Ohio:  Everyone knows about Ground Hog Day, but a fuzzy little critter in Vermilion will forecast how severe of a winter Ohio can expect before it even starts – or so they say. The Woollybear is a fuzzy caterpillar. If the black band on the critter’s brown back is wide, get ready for lots of white stuff to fall from the sky. Well, this festival pays tribute to the Woollybear with its annual weather forecast, parade, wooly bear races and many contests, arts and crafts, and additional entertainment for the whole family.

Twins Days Festival

Admission to Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg is approximately $4/person.

  • When: August 4 – 6, 2023 (Usually the first full weekend in August)
  • Location: (Map It) Twinsburg, Ohio
  • Phone: 330-425-3652
  • Web: http://www.twinsdays.org/

Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio is the world’s largest annual gathering of twins. Officials estimate 2,000 sets of twins appear every year. Now that’s got to be quite a sight. Twins from around the world participate in a parade appropriately named the Double-take Parade, which has been nationally televised. Other activities include entertainment, fireworks, and contests.

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival

Admission to Vintage Ohio Wine Festival is approx. $39/adult.

  • When: August 4 & 5, 2023, from Noon – 9pm each day (always the first Friday and Saturday in August)
  • Where: (Map It) Lake Metroparks Farmpark at 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd. in Kirtland, Ohio
  • Call: 440-466-4417
  • Web: click here

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival: While Vintage Ohio by Ohio Wine Producers Association at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, Ohio has truly grown to showcase more than just wine, the winemakers and their vintages draw more than 30,000 wine lovers to Lake County each August. Vintage Ohio is sponsored by the Ohio Wine Producers Association. It was named American Bus Association ‘Top 100 Event in North America’ in 2001 and AGAIN IN 2005 and was named as one of the nation’s top wine and food events by ‘Wine Spectator,’ ‘USA Today’ for the past five years as well as by ‘Bon Appetit,’ Southwest Airlines in-flight magazine, and many other national publications. Vintage Ohio is the premier wine, food, and family fun festival between the Appalachians and Rockies. It is the largest event of its kind in Ohio and offers a premier tasting opportunity for people to discover the award-winning wines of Ohio. It is at this event that nearly 20 Ohio wineries produce over 150 varieties, and nowhere else are so many Ohio wines available at a single venue. In addition, Vintage Ohio hosts two stages of live jazz, blues, oldies, reggae, and rock music. Dozens of regional restaurants and caterers will be serving their finest cuisine.

Algonquin Mill Fall Festival

Admission to Algonquin Mill Fall Festival is $8/vehicle.

  • When: October 13 – 15, 2023, from 9am – 5pm
  • Location: (Map It) 234 Autumn Road S.W., Carrollton, Ohio, five miles south of Carrollton on state Route 332.
  • Phone: 330-627-5910
  • Web: Click here
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Algonquin Mill Fall Festival visitors can step back in time as they explore Algonquin Mill’s log cabins, an antique print shop, a one-room schoolhouse, bookstore, and stagecoach inn. Steam-driven flouring, saw, and shingle mills give visitors a chance to learn about life in the pioneer era. In addition, there are demonstrations in chair caning, wood carving, broom making, chain-saw carving, candle dipping, rug making, and weaving.

Enjoy a pork-and-sauerkraut dinner, bean soup, chili, and more. The Carroll County Historical Society sells 9,000 pounds of sauerkraut each year. The historical society also sells apple butter, maple syrup, stone-ground cornmeal, and buckwheat flour. Throughout Saturday and Sunday, visitors can listen to country, bluegrass, and gospel music. On Friday, high-school bands and choirs will perform. Children will enjoy miniature train rides, miniature barn raising, pony rides, and farm animals. Carroll County artifacts and genealogical information will be on display, as well as antique farm tools.

Train enthusiasts will love the New York Central railroad station, complete with an HO model train. An art and photography show features the work of local artists and photographers. A church service will be held in the schoolhouse on Sunday at 8 a.m. The Algonquin Mill Fall Festival provides a beautiful outing for everyone.

Ashville 4th Of July Celebration

Admission to the Ashville 4th Of July Celebration is free.

Ashville 4th of July Celebration:  For more than 80 years, families have gathered to celebrate a day of freedom at this festival. For the first couple of days, the party begins with some good old fashioned food, fun, and entertainment. Ashville’s 4th of July Celebration is famous for its colossal fish sandwiches and Triple Treat Shows. But the real show is on the 4th. To kick off the big day, the festival starts with a Grand Parade. Throughout the afternoon there’s entertainment, food, and contests. And of course, as for a grand finale, there is a firework show.

Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival

Admission to Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival is free.

  • When: October 13 – 15, 2023 (always the 2nd full weekend in October).
  • Location: (Map It) downtown Jefferson, Ohio
  • Phone: 440-576-3769
  • Web: coveredbridgefestival.org/

Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival:  Take a fall color tour of 18 covered bridges throughout Ashtabula County. Upon request, free tour maps are available. This annual event is family-oriented and includes children’s activities, contests, crafts, a parade, queen’s pageant, quilt show, entertainment, great food and antique engines, tractors, and automobiles.

Y Bridge Arts Festival

Admission to Y Bridge Arts Festival in Zanesville is free.

  • When: August 4 & 5, 2023, from 2pm to dark and 11am to dark, respectively
  • Location: (Map It) Zane’s Landing Park in downtown Zanesville, Ohio
  • Phone: 800-743-2303 or 740-455-8282
  • Web: click here

Y Bridge Arts Festival in Zanesville, Ohio, on the Historic Y Bridge:  See you on the Bridge…Friday from 6-9pm and Saturday from 10am – 9pm.  The East Main Street span of the historical Y Bridge in Zanesville, Ohio will be closed to traffic over two days while the bridge is transformed into an outdoor gallery of white tents and lights.  Zanesville will host over two hundred visual artists, craft demonstrators, and performance artists, along with thousands of tourists from across the region. The stage area will spotlight performances by singers, dancers, writers, and poets.  Food concessions will offer fare from local restaurants, and the canal area will become a children’s interactive learning center with many fun activities.  Bring blankets and chairs and spend the day ON the historic bridge. The First Friday Art Walk is also taking place as well as Lorena Sternwheeler public rides, dinner cruise, and twilight cruise.

Cardboard Boat Regatta

Admission to the New Richmond on the Ohio Cardboard Boat Regatta is Free.

  • When: August 5, 2023 (Race is Saturday at 1pm)
  • Location: (Map It) New Richmond, Ohio
  • Phone: 513-403-1675
  • Web: click here

The New Richmond on the Ohio Cardboard Boat Regatta – The Annual New Richmond Race is a wild time. Over 70 wild, wacky, and crafty cardboard boats take to the water for racing competitions. Don’t miss the fun along the Ohio River in New Richmond, Ohio. As the creators of the event say, “Cardboard & water…what could possibly go wrong?” Also, check out the Cardboard Boat Museum.

All Horse Parade

Admission to Delaware All Horse Parade is free.

  • When: September 10, 2023, starting at 3pm
  • Location: (Map It) downtown Delaware, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-272-7636
  • Web: click here

The All Horse Parade in Delaware, Ohio:  Okay, no horsing around; this special parade kicks off the annual Delaware County Fair. Hundreds of horses participate, and many pull vintage memorabilia from Yesteryear, including a horse-drawn milk wagon, sleigh, carriage, fire engine, mail coach, and even a Hearse. The horses come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and breeds.

Chalk It Up!

Admission to Chalk it Up! is free.

  • When: August 5, 2023, from 10am – 2pm
  • Location: (Map It) Victory Park in Vermilion, Ohio
  • Phone: 305-924-0874
  • Web: click here

Chalk it Up! by Main Street Vermilion is a colorful event that adds beautiful and original works of chalk art to the historic district of Vermilion. Chalk it Up is supported by local businesses that sponsor the artists sharing their talent that day.

This free, family-friendly event also invites budding artists to create their own chalk artwork on the shaded walks around Harbourtown Fine Arts Center across from Victory Park. (Formerly Old Towne Hall). While in Vermilion, visit our shops and restaurants, and explore beaches and the Vermilion Lighthouse at the foot of Main Street.

Gnadenhutten Pioneer Days

Admission to Gnadenhutten Pioneer Days is free.

  • When: August 5 & 6, 2023 (Always the first Saturday & Sunday in August)
  • Location: (Map It) 352 Cherry Street in Gnadenhutten, Ohio Historical Park and Museum
  • Phone: 330-691-1474

Gnadenhutten Pioneer Days:  Celebrate pioneer-style at Gnadenhutten Historical Park & Museum. Visitors will see a parade and a mixture of other entertainment. Also, there is an 1840s pioneer encampment sure to make children and adults alike appreciate their modern amenities. In addition, there are plenty of arts, crafts and more to see at this traditional annual event.

Bob Evans Farm Festival

Admission to Bob Evans Farm Festival is$5/person and extra for ride tickets.

  • When: October 13 – 15, 2023 (Always starts on the second Friday in October) from 9am-5pm.
  • Location: (Map It)  10854 State Route 588 in Rio Grande, Ohio, at the Bob Evans Farm
  • Phone: 740-245-5304

Bob Evans Farm Festival in Rio Grande, Ohio, at the original Bob Evans Farm:  This celebration of the harvest season attracts thousands with its entertainment, traditional crafts, farm contests, food, children’s activities, and demonstrations.  A weekend of fun for friends and family of all ages, the Bob Evans Farm Festival offers a taste of yesteryear.

Dickens Victorian Village

The Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio

Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio, provides a trip back in time to experience old-world England. Visitors are invited to stroll amidst over 89 scenes of 180 lifelike figures representing classic scenes from Victorian society. This innovative public art exhibition can be enjoyed by families, couples, and groups alike – an experience that will engage the senses as you explore the charming streetscape, striking historic architecture, and eclectic shops and eateries.

The Dickens scenes are stationed along Wheeling Avenue at each antique lamppost and bench between 6th and 11th Streets. Wheeling Avenue is also the historic National Road/Route 40 and features an outstanding streetscape of original buildings from the 1800s.

The vignettes are comprised of life-sized and hand-made mannequins wearing real vintage clothing. The faces for each character are individually sculpted and painted by local artists. The displays include engaging depictions of classic Dickens-era scenes and figures such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, the town crier, groups of carolers, a bucket brigade, lamplighters, school children, street peddlers, and Father Christmas, all posed in active scenes that appear frozen in time.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Admission to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is free.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is Cincinnati Oktoberfest:  Since its humble beginning as a block party in 1976 celebrating Cincinnati’s deep German heritage, the event has grown to be recognized as North America’s largest Oktoberfest attracting half a million people annually and is second only to the original in Munich as annually decreed by the mayor of Munich. Approximately 80 booths serve authentic German food, beer, wine, soft drinks, and souvenirs. Vendors serve up tasty delicacies from the homeland at appetizing prices. Major stages and large tents feature live entertainment from big bands to accordion players to German folk dancers performing throughout the weekend. For the kids, there are amusement rides and interactive games.

Where else can you get 87,542 metts; 80,500 bratwursts; 64,000 sauerkraut balls; 56,250 sausages; 24,640 potato pancakes; 23,004 soft pretzels; 16,002 strudel; 3,600 pounds of sauerkraut; 1,875 pounds of German potato salad; 702 pounds of Limburger cheese; 700 pounds of pigtails and 400 pounds of pickled pigs feet? In 1994, the Crown Prince of Bavaria attended the event and helped set a world record for the world’s largest chicken dance, with more than 48,000 people participating. The record was published in the Guinness Book of World Records, 1995-97 editions.

Chillicothe Halloween Festival

Admission to the Chillicothe Halloween Festival is Free.

  • When: October 13 – 15, 2023 (Always the second weekend in October)
  • Location: (Map It) Yoctangee Park at Enderlin Circle in Chillicothe, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-702-7677
  • Web: ChillicotheHalloweenFestival.com

The Chillicothe Halloween Festival showcases the fun of the Fall and Halloween season. The festival takes place annually on the second weekend of October and offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy a haunted attraction, inflatables for kids, unique items from vendors, and enjoy their favorite festival foods. Entertainment continues throughout the weekend with live bands on the stage. The festival’s signature contest is the soapbox derby-style “Coffin Races” where participants race their homemade coffins to win cash prizes. The entire festival is centered around enjoying the season in a family-friendly atmosphere and every year features new activities for families.

Arts in the Alley

Arts-in-the-AlleyAdmission to the Grove City Arts in the Alley is free.

  • When: September 15 – 17, 2023 (Always the 3rd Sat & Sun in Sept) from 9:30am – 8pm on Saturday and 10am – 5pm on Sunday.
  • Location: (Map It) Grove City Town Center at the intersection of Broadway & Park Street in Grove City, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-875-9762
  • Web: click here

The Arts in the Alley Music and Arts Festival is hosted by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce and features more than 100 juried exhibitors displaying fine art, photography, jewelry, crafts, fabric art, glasswork, pottery and wood creations. Festivities include a parade to kick off the event on Saturday morning (9:30am), a variety of musical entertainment throughout the weekend, food vendors, and a Kids Fun Street.

Great Mohican Indian Pow Wow

Admission to the Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow: $10/adult, $6/child, Pre-school age Free

  • When: September 15 – 17, 2023
  • Location: (Map It) Mohican Reservation Camp & Festival Grounds at 23270 Wally Road in Loudonville, Ohio 44842
  • Phone: 800-766-2267
  • Web: www.mohicanpowwow.com

The Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow:  A past top-100 event in the USA by the American Bus Association. Learn Native American cultures and lifestyle through live music, dancing, and drum competitions, plus storytelling and tomahawk throwing and fire-starting demonstrations. In addition, there are artisans, craftsmen, and traders, plus plenty of food. It is held rain or shine.

Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit

Admission to the Kirtland Nativity Exhibit is free.

  • When: December Mondays-Saturdays 9:00 am-9:00 pm. Sundays 11:30 am- 9:00 pm (Closed Christmas Day).
  • Location: (Map It) Historic Kirtland Village at 7800 Kirtland-Chardon Road in Kirtland, Ohio
  • Phone: 440-256-9805
  • Web: click here

The Historic Kirtland Nativity exhibit in Kirtland, Ohio features 620 loaned nativity crèches, thousands of lights, and sacred Christmas music. Among hundreds of nativities loaned by area, residents are representations from about 30 countries depicting how cultures around the globe celebrate Christmas. For instance, the exhibit features a Croatian nativity originally created by a refugee in an Australian camp at the end of World War II. A miniature nativity exhibit features examples of primitive art and very detailed paintings and carvings.

The exhibit is a past American Bus Association “Top 100 Events in North America” selection. The collection occupies the entire Visitor’s Center of the restored Western Reserve era village and a one-room schoolhouse next door. Of special interest to families and young children is The Children’s Room, where younger visitors can enjoy child-friendly nativities, dress up in costume and join a child-size nativity scene for a photo opportunity and an “I spy” seek and find activity.

Pomeroy Rhythm On The River

Meigs-Rhythm-on-the-RiverAdmission to Rhythm On The River is free.

  • When: Fridays in July beginning at 8 p.m.
  • Location: (Map It) Riverside Amphitheater in downtown Pomeroy, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-992-6524 or 1-877-MEIGS-CO

Pomeroy, Ohio’s “Rhythm on the River” is a series of free concerts held on Friday evenings throughout the Summer. Well attended by families and individuals alike, the Rhythm on the River shows are a wonderful way to spend a nice summer eve congregating with friends and neighbors.

Loudonville Classic Car Show

Admission to the Loudonville Classic Car Show is free.

  • When: July 1, 2023, from 8am – 4pm (Fireworks July 4th)
  • Where: (Map It) Historic downtown Loudonville, Ohio
  • Call: 419-994-2519

The Loudonville Classic Car Show & Fireworks:  Enjoy more than 500 cars that will come rolling into town for the day. Listen to live music! Taste great food. It’s a wonderful event for the whole family! Visit the downtown shops and restaurants too.

Monster Truck Madness

Admission to Monster Truck Madness at Destination Outlets is Free.

  • When: July 1 & 2, 2023, from 12pm – 6pm
  • Location: (Map It) 8000 Factory Shops Blvd. in Jeffersonville, Ohio
  • Phone: 800-213-9083
  • Web: click here

Monster Truck Madness is the 4th of July event you don’t want to miss! Bring the whole family to Destination Outlets on July 3 – 4 from 12pm – 6pm to see the coolest monster trucks in town! Get your photo taken and take a ride on one of the monster trucks! Bring the whole family to shop, eat, and play!

Journey Borealis Lights at Pyramid Hill

Admission to Journey Borealis Holiday Lights at Pyramid Hill: Monday – Thursday from 6pm – 9pm ($25/vehicle), and Friday – Sunday from 6pm -10pm ($25/vehicle).

  • Open:  Late November to early January Monday – Thursday from 6pm – 9pm, and Friday – Sunday from 6pm -10pm.
  • Location: (Map It) 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd. in Hamilton, Ohio
  • Phone: 513-868-1234
  • Web: https://www.pyramidhill.org/

Journey Borealis Holiday Lights at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is a drive-through experience like no other. Winding through the outdoor sculpture park’s wooded hills is a sea of light displays that’ll wow everyone in the car at every turn. The 60 pieces of monumental outdoor sculpture are illuminated by many lights. This unique, 2.5-mile experience is one of the top holiday attractions in Southwest Ohio.

BG Community Fireworks

Admission to the BG Community Fireworks is free.

  • When: Always held on July 3 at about 9:45pm
  • Location: (Map It) Viewing area is at Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd. in Bowling Green, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-353-7945
  • Web: click here

BG Community Fireworks, hosted by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, is an annual celebration of Independence Day featuring fireworks.

Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale & Auction

Admission to Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale & Auction in Wooster is free.

  • When: August 7 & 8, 2023
  • Where:  (Map It) Wayne County Fairgrounds at 199 Vanover St. in Wooster, Ohio
  • Phone:  330-682-4843 or 330-473-2253
  • Web:  click here

The Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale & Auction in Wooster, Ohio is a festival atmosphere where people come from communities far and wide to eat, visit, and buy. The main events are the three auctions:  The Art and Collectible Auction featuring art and collectibles from local and well-known artists, the Quilt Auction featuring quilts of all sizes and colors, and the Wood Auction featuring items from local businesses and craftsmen.  There are quilting demonstrations, children’s activities, and live entertainment.  There are also booths with needlework, crafts, plants, and thousands of used books, as well as the special MCC display of items shipped in from 10,000 Villages. Enjoy baked goods, sandwiches, homemade ice cream and lots of other wonderful specialty foods. The Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale raises money for world-wide relief through the Mennonite Central Committee.

Log Cabin Days

Admission to Log Cabin Days is $5/person (free for kids 12 and younger).

  • When: September 15 & 16, 2023, from 10am – 6pm on Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday, with an early bird breakfast from 1-10am
  • Location: (Map It) 552 State Route 95 in Loudonville, Ohio
  • Phone: 800-368-1015
  • Web: www.hochstetlerloghomes.com

Log Cabin Days is a 2-day family-friendly fun event that all ages will enjoy! Support the American Cancer Society and go on the self-driving Log Home Tour. Visit the exhibit floor and talk with suppliers for all your home needs. Test your skills at axe throwing in the lumberjack demo area. The food tent will be filled with mouth-watering Amish-cooked food. Step back to the time of the steam engines powering a sawmill. Children will enjoy the petting zoo, covered wagon rides, and many other activities that are set up in the Kids Zone.

Fairborn Heritage Days

Admission to Fairborn Heritage Days is free.

  • When: Always July 3rd from 4pm – 6pm
  • Location: (Map It) Fairborn, Ohio at the Mercer-Smith Log Cabin and other historical locations
  • Phone: 937-609-8112

Fairborn Heritage Days in Fairborn, Ohio:  Enjoy a quilt show, garden tours, historical re-enactments and photo displays, Wright B Flyer simulators, special family activities from Carriage Hill Farm, Carillon Historical Park, the National Aviation Heritage Alliance, and the National Park Service. Step back in time with the special events at the Mercer-Smith Log Home. Enjoy the Heritage Picnic Lunch and Ice Cream Social from 3:30 – 7pm at the Fairborn Senior Center. Enjoy Young’s ice cream, explore the rain gardens, take a carriage ride, play yard games, relax to great music. Stroll down Main Street to view more than 100 antique and new quilts on display in the storefronts of 22 participating businesses.

Marietta Rivers, Trails & Ales Fest

Marietta Rivers Trails Ales FestivalAdmission to the Marietta Rivers, Trails & Ales Festival is free.

  • When: August 10 – 13, 2023 (All day long with events at various times)
  • Location: (Map It) Front Street, Marietta, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-373-5178
  • Web: Click here

The Marietta Rivers, Trails & Ales Festival (RTA Fest) is a down-home celebration of paddling, road & mountain biking, and fine local ales in one of the state’s top destinations for outdoor adventure: Marietta, Ohio!

Enjoy bike-friendly events, including family fun rides, a bike parade, the tortoise & hare race, a town scavenger hunt, and trail rides. Next, paddle down the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers and the through the hand-operated locks during one of the casual trips or races. Don’t forget to build your raft for the Mighty Muskingum River Raft Race!

After a long day of outdoor adventure, kick back and enjoy live music and locally crafted brews around historic downtown Marietta.

Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience

Admission to Kringle’s Inventionasium® Experience starts at $34/person. Group rates are available. Reservations Required.

  • When: The week before Thanksgiving – Christmas Eve
  • Where: (Map It) Tower City Center at 230 W. Huron Rd in Cleveland, Ohio
  • Phone: 1-855-MRKRINGLE (675-7464)
  • Web:  click here

Kringle’s Inventionasium® Experience in downtown Cleveland:  Discover how holiday memories are made with an immersive adventure through Mr. Kringle’s top-secret laboratory! Become an elf-in-training and help Kringle’s elite team as they prepare for the holiday season. Learn about the engineering design process as you invent your very own toy to show Mr. Kringle. This STEM accredited experience will spark the imaginations of children and adults alike! Guests are encouraged to wear pajamas or festive outfits for the most memorable experience.

Kringle’s Inventionasium® Experience entertains diverse families from all over the world and boasts one of the “Best Santas in the U.S.” according to TIME.com.

Accolades: “This was the best Santa experience ever. Looking at the sparkle in my kids’ eyes (especially my six-year-old son) as they listened intently to the characters made my husband lean over and say in my ear “totally worth it.”

“The best day of my life” that’s what my six-year-old daughter called it. The experience for her was awesome. Everyone was very cheerful and kid-friendly.”

“It just gets better every year!! We traveled from Chicago again this year and weren’t disappointed! The Characters are outstanding and make the whole experience truly memorable and believable. We had an eight-year-old with us this year that was on the brink of not believing anymore, but after going through the Inventionasium, he spent the remainder of our trip making wishes and trying to invent new toys for Mr. Kringle.”

Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival

lebanon-horse-paradeAdmission to Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival is free.

  • When: December 2, 2023 (always the first Saturday in December). The Christmas Festival is from 10am-8pm and the Horse-Drawn Carriage Parades are held at 1pm and 7pm (candlelit).
  • Location: (Map It) Downtown Lebanon, Ohio
  • Phone: 513-932-1100
  • Web: www.lebanonchamber.org/

Known as the Lebanon Horse Parade, the Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival in Lebanon, Ohio is hosted by The Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce. The Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival is always held on the first Saturday in December. There will be two horse-drawn carriage parades: a daylight parade at 1 pm and the traditional candlelight parade at 7 pm.  Festivities continue to grow and are sure to include: gift and food vendors stationed along E. Mulberry Street, Christmas carolers, traveling bell choir, storytelling, Paso Fino Horse Demonstrations, musical entertainment, train ride to the North Pole on the North Pole Express visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, street characters, and extended business hours for our 80-plus antique and specialty stores.  This is a free family event!

Ohio Pawpaw Festival

Stephanie Knight Photography

Admission to the Ohio Pawpaw Festival is $15 for a one-day pass or $30 for a weekend pass (senior/military rate is $10 and $20, respectively). Kids 12 and younger get in free.

  • When: September 15 – 17, 2023, from 4pm – Midnight on Friday, 10am – Midnight on Saturday, and 10am – 5pm on Sunday.
  • Location: (Map It) Lake Snowden (5900 US 50) in Albany, Ohio
  • Phone: 800-878-9767 or email pawpawfest@gmail.com
  • Web: www.ohiopawpawfest.com/

Ohio Pawpaw Festival at Lake Snowden in Albany, Ohio, features pawpaw food, craft beer, education, history, art, competitions, sustainable living workshops, live music, and kids’ activities. The fest celebrates the pawpaw (Asimina triloba), North America’s largest native tree fruit.  The fun includes contests for the best pawpaw, best pawpaw-related work of art, a pawpaw cook-off, and the pawpaw-eating contest.