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Ohio festivals and events




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Top Winter Activities in Ohio

There are plentiful winter activities right here in Ohio! We picked our Top-12 outdoor things to do in January and February, but others can easily be on this list.

Dare to plunge Ohio’s tallest and fastest toboggan chutes at the Chalet in Cleveland Metropark’s Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville.

Skate The Ribbon in Toledo! The 1,000-foot loop trail has some rolling hills and soft curves. It connects to a 5,000-square-foot rink at Toledo’s Glass City Metropark. Ice skates may be rented on-site.

Enjoy more outdoor ice skating in Dayton at the MetroParks Ice Rink. It’s a family-friendly experience for skaters of all ages and the region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. The rink offers beautiful views of the scenic Great Miami River and downtown.

How does “Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh” sound?  Ma & Pa’s old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage rides in Northeast Ohio traverse the woods and fields and even stop for some stargazing. Hot chocolate awaits back at the 1820 log cabin.

Mohican Winterfest in Loudonville ice carvings and free family entertainment. Bring the family down to check out all the ice sculptures that line the street and watch the live carving demos.

The annual Winter Hike at Hocking Hills will treat you to amazing ice formations! From giant icicle fields to frozen waterfalls, dress warm, wear sturdy shoes, and freezeframe stunning crystalized shots.

Light fire to winter and burn a giant snowman at the Burning Snowman Fest in Port Clinton. It comes complete with ice sculptures, fire dancers, hot tubs, hobo fires, and plenty of s’mores and hot chocolate. Of course, the climax is the burning of a giant paper snowman to call for spring.

There’s only one sled dog event in Ohio, so of course, it’s called The Great Sled Dog Race! This is a Greater Cleveland classic. Snowpack permitting, this rare event attracts mushers from all around. Teams cover one to six miles through woods and across open fields.

Ohio has several ice festivals, all of which are delightful. Two longtime favorites are in the lovely towns of Medina and Vermilion. There, you’ll enjoy the Medina Ice Fest and the Vermilion Ice A Fair.

When the powdery snow is the perfect mix, you can’t miss tubing, skiing, and snowboarding fun at Snow Trails and Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort in Northeast Ohio.

The list of enjoyable winter pastimes in Ohio could go on and on (Did you know Ohio has an Ice Wine Fest?). But we’ll stop here …for now. 😉

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Amazing Ohio Christmas Lights

Ohio’s Holiday Wonderland of Christmas Lights

This list of amazing Ohio Christmas and holiday lights displays features some of the best places to brighten up your holiday season.

Ashland Candy Cane Trail
It is at Freer Field Barn at 1264 South Center St. in Ashland, Ohio

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
It is at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds at 3311 South Old State Road in Delaware, Ohio. 

Christmas at Dogwood Pass
It is at 726 Adams Rd in Beaver, Ohio.

Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill
It is at 75 Water Street in Clifton, Ohio.

Christmas Ranch in Morrow
It is at 3205 S. Waynesville Road in Morrow, Ohio. 

Conservatory Aglow
It is at the Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio.

Gallipolis In Lights
It is at Gallipolis City Park, 300 Second Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio.

Guernsey County Courthouse Light Show
It is at 801 Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge, Ohio. 

Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
It is at 2385 OH-41 in Troy, Ohio. 

Pyramid Hill Lights
It is at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road in Hamilton, Ohio.

Lights Before Christmas
It is at the Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way in Toledo, Ohio.

Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
It is at Harrison Smith Park, 525 East Wyandot Ave. in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. 

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Wonderful Ohio Christmas Towns

Some of the best Christmas Towns are right here in Ohio! We picked five Ohio Holiday Fun Towns to share, but others can easily be on this list.

Lebanon, Ohio, is nationally known for its annual Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival, which features the legendary Golden Lamb, Ohio’s oldest hotel, and other historic facades as a postcard-quality backdrop.

Cambridge, Ohio, doubles as Dickens Victorian Village. Visitors stroll amidst nearly 100 scenes of lifelike figures representing classic scenes from Old-world England’s Victorian society.

Steubenville, Ohio, turns into Nutcracker Village & Advent Market, displaying over 100 life-size, uniquely designed, and hand-painted Nutcrackers.

Coshocton, Ohio’s Historic Roscoe Village, features Christmas Candlelighting. The old canal town has unique shops, strolling carolers, and the wonderful experience of everyone gathering to light handheld candles and singing “Silent Night.”

Medina, Ohio, is anchored by Castle Noel, America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction! Its scenes are from Hollywood Christmas movie sets and New York City’s legendary holiday storefronts.

And the list could go on and on to include Lodi’s Ye Olde Tyme Christmas or Christmas in Zoar Village, among others.

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Best Ohio Holiday Destinations

Ohio’s top Christmas Destinations and Holiday Attractions include but are not limited to:

America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction at Castle Noel.

A Christmas Story House where you get to walk through a movie set location for the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story,” which has been restored just as it was when it was filmed.

Holiday Parades like the legendary Lebanon Horse-drawn Carriage Parade.

Historic Homes like Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, where you may walk through affluent Christmas past.

Magnificent Ohio light displays like the Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Christmas Towns like Cambridge and Steubenville: Stroll old-world England in Dickens Victorian Village or among a hundred life-size nutcrackers in the Nutcracker Village.

An immersive Christmas experience at Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience.

Special Events like the Christmas Candlelighting in Historic Roscoe Village.

Christmas on stage with a variety of performing arts across the state.

And, of course, Christmas Trains from the Polar Express to Santa Junction.

That rounds out our TOP-1O ideas to enjoy Ohio’s Christmas and holiday season.

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Popular Ohio Fall Farms

For Autumn Family Fun

Ohio has family-favorite fall farms in just about every community. These are just ten places where the family can enjoy the offerings of fall family fun on the farm. Enjoy the season for corn mazes, pumpkin patches, scarecrows, hayrides, and cinnamon spice.

Brumbaugh Fruit & Fun Farm in Greenville

Circle S Farm in Grove City

Lawrence Orchards Apple Fest in Marion

Leaders Family Farms in Napoleon

Niederman Family Farm in Liberty Township

Noble Family Farms in Minford

Pigeon Roost Farm in Hebron

Ramseyer Farms in Wooster

Rockin R Ranch in Columbia Station

Schumaker Farms in West Lafayette

Plan your fall weekends where autumn activities and splendor are at their best—on an Ohio farm! Click here for dozens more fall fests and events throughout Ohio.

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Ohio Memorial Weekend Destinations

Here are 17 Ohio Memorial Weekend destinations that truly symbolize the holiday and our remembrance of those who died in active military service.

Champaign Aviation Museum

Cleveland’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

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 17 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 for more ideas of where to go on Memorial Day in Ohio, or discover other places for long weekend getaways.

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Skate The Ribbon in Toledo

Roller Skate or Ice Skate The Ribbon in Toledo.

  • Open: Usually open daily from dawn to dusk, but seasons and holidays may vary
  • Location: (Map It) 1505 Front St in Toledo, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-407-9717
  • Web: click here

The Ribbon at Toledo’s Glass City Metropark features seasonal roller skating or ice skating along a loop trail. It has some rolling hills and soft curves. Ice skate rentals are available. During warm weather it’s normally free to rollerblade, kick scoot, and balance bike The Ribon.

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Snow Trails

Admission to Snow Trails varies.

  • Open:  Call below for the snow report
  • Location: (Map It) 3100 Possum Run Road in Mansfield, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-774-9818
  • Web: click here

Snow Trails in Mansfield offers winter Ohio skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing fun.

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Tobogganing in Ohio

Tobogganing in Ohio at Cleveland Metroparks at Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville, Ohio

Tickets are required for the Tobogganing at the Mill Stream Run Chalet.

  • When: Winter, weather-permitting, through late February
  • Phone: 440-572-9990
  • Where: (Map It) The Chalet at Mill Stream Run Reservation at 16200 Valley Pkwy. in Strongsville, Ohio.
  • Web: click here

Ohio’s tallest and fastest toboggan chutes are at the Chalet in Cleveland Metropark’s Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville, Ohio.

Adventure-goers can experience the icy thrill of tobogganing. The twin toboggan chutes plunge down a 70-foot vertical drop and travel along 700 feet of ice, reaching up to 50 miles per hour. The refrigerated ice chutes can operate with or without snow below 50 degrees.

The chutes are fun for all ages as the toboggans are transported effortlessly by the Chalet’s lift system. Gloves are required to ride the chutes; all riders must be 42″ or taller. Guests can warm up by one of the Chalet fireplaces between toboggan runs while enjoying a hot chocolate from the snack bar. The Chalet also features a loft with a view of the chutes.

Tobogganing is available annually through late March, on Fridays from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Toboggan Chutes are located in the Cleveland Metroparks Chalet Recreation Area, 16200 Valley Parkway, Mill Stream Run Reservation, between routes 42 and 82 in Strongsville. Guests can call the Chalet at 440-572-9990, option #6, for operations updates in case of warm or inclement weather. Click here for more information on holiday hours, admission, and season passes.

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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 2pm.
  • 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 family-owned, working farm. 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, a bakery, a gift shop, a driving range, batting cages, miniature golf, and more…for a fee.

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Ice Wine Festival

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

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

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

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Arnold Sports Festival

A variety of ticket options are available for The Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus.

  • When: March 5 – 8, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) Multiple locations in Columbus, Ohio, but most are held at the Columbus Convention Center and the Ohio Expo Center.
  • Web: click here

The Arnold Sports Festival is the largest multi-sport event in the world. In Columbus, Ohio, nearly 200,000 fans will watch an estimated 22,000 athletes from 80 nations compete in 70 sports. The Arnold Sports Festival is co-promoted by legendary bodybuilder and film star Arnold Schwarzenegger.  The Arnold Sports Festival is a proving ground for many aspiring athletes.

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Maple Madness Driving Tour

The Ohio Maple Madness Driving Tour is free.

The Ohio Maple Madness Driving Tour:  Maple syrup is Ohio’s first harvest of the year and the sweetest. Sugarhouses across Ohio open their doors and invite visitors to see firsthand how pure maple syrup is made.  The March Maple Madness Driving Tour is a statewide event sponsored by the Ohio Maple Producers Association and Ohio’s syrup makers.

Experienced syrup makers are on hand to answer questions during the free, drive-it-yourself tour.  Some stops are small backyard ventures, while others are large commercial operations. SATURDAY ONLY – A few select Amish sugarhouses are welcoming guests. Maple syrup is made in only a small part of the entire world, and Ohio sits in the heart of that area.  Bring the entire family, dress for the weather with boots and coats, spend a day in Ohio’s beautiful countryside and see how clear, sweet sap from the maple tree becomes golden, delicious maple syrup.

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Old Town Trade Fair

Admission to the Old Town Trade Fair in Xenia is approx. $5/adult and children younger than 12 are free.

  • When:  March 7 & 8, 2026 (Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday  9:00am – 3:00pm)
  • Location: (Map It) Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-857-9745 or 937-372-8621 (On the days of the show, please call 937-216-0274 instead).

Old Town Trade Fair in Xenia: Enjoy the living history event with dealers and demonstrators in period clothing from the 1700s through the 1890s, making and selling their wares. This two-day event will demonstrate early American crafts, including blacksmithing, pottery, patterns, fabrics, finished clothing, silversmithing, wooden products, and leather. Some of the items the demonstrators will make include baskets, brooms, soap, and early flintlock engraving. Door prizes will be given away each hour, with one grand prize awarded on Saturday and one on Sunday. See how our founding fathers lived.

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Dublin, Ohio St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Admission to the Dublin, Ohio St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Free.

  • When: March 14, 2026, from 11am – 1pm
  • Location: (Map It) Through historic downtown Dublin, Ohio.
  • Phone: 614-410-4545
  • Web: click here  

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ohio, is a regional parade that draws visitors from throughout Ohio.  Come, it’s the Greenest, Grandest Parade!  The day starts with the Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast and continues with the parade stepping off at approximately 11 a.m. After the parade, guests can frequent Dublin establishments featuring Irish entertainment and specials. Approximately 110 units, including marching bands, clowns, floats, and giant balloons, are featured in each parade, drawing an estimated 20,000 guests.

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Great Steubenville Eggsibition

Admission to the Steubenville Eggsibition & Storywalk is free.

  • When: Usually, March/April 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. This event 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 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” can stop in at headquarters and choose a prize mini-egg. All the Art Eggs were painted by local artists and ranged from traditional Pysanky to depicting 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!

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Hinckley Buzzard Sunday

Admission to the Hinckley Buzzard Sunday is free.

  • When: Normally the Sunday following March 15, except when it’s St. Patrick Day, then it’s the Sunday after that. Usually runs from 9am – 2:30pm.
  • Location: (Map It) 1586 Center Rd. in Hinckley, Ohio, at the Hinckley Preparatory Academy
  • Phone: 330-299-9720
  • Web: click here

Hinckley Buzzard Sunday in Hinckley, Ohio:  See buzzards (turkey vultures) come home to roost in the rock cliffs and ledges in Hinckley. This annual celebration dates back to 1957 when 9,000 visitors flocked to the township to see the buzzards return from their winter hiatus. The event includes an early bird hike, skits, songs, stories performed in tents or fields, displays, crafts, photos, contests, and other hikes. Don’t miss this rite of Spring. Learn about the legend that surrounds Buzzard Day and why so many buzzards and people come out in March.

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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! The club will have a Specialty show with regular and non-regular classes in the early afternoon on Friday. Saturday will feature Sweepstakes and regular Class Judging. The Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Dayton Specialty Show is for Scottish Terriers.

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Athens International Street Fair

Admission to the International Street Fair in Athens is free.

  • When: April 11, 2026, from 10:30am – 5pm
  • Location: (Map It) East Union Street between Court St. and University Terrace in uptown Athens, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-593-4330
  • Web:  click here

The Athens International Street Fair in Athens, Ohio, has evolved into 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 set up booths at the International Street Fair to sell food, crafts, and other items, and there are stage performances throughout the day.

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Brimstone Haunt

Tickets are required for the Brimstone Haunt in Wilmington.

  • When: Fridays and Saturdays from late September through the end of October
  • Location: (Map It) 525 Brimstone Rd. in Wilmington, Ohio
  • Phone: 513-409-0644
  • Web: click here

Brimstone Haunt in Wilmington, 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 feel 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, be sure to take in the evening’s entertainment featuring storytelling by the bonfires. Enjoy the harvest at the on-site concession stand. Pick your pumpkin, and if you are brave, dare to enter the Forgotten Forest.

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Brumbaugh Fruit n Fun Farm

Tickets are required for the Brumbaugh Fruit ‘n Fun Farm.

  • When: Starts the weekend after Labor Day and runs weekends in October and 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
  • Web: click here

Brumbaugh Fruit n Fun Farm is an extremely affordable, family-friendly, 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 many great things to eat at the bakery, like Brumbaugh’s famous fritters, fresh fruit, and cider slushies in the market.  Bring the whole family to Brumbaugh’s for a fall fun day today!

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COSI Science Festival

Admission to the COSI Science Festival is Free!

  • When: April 29 – May 2, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) 333 W. Broad St. in Columbus, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-228-COSI
  • Web: click here

COSI Science Festival: The largest STEM event in Ohio and one of the largest in the nation, the COSI Science Festival is an annual four-day festival that engages thousands with hands-on experiences and inspires the pursuit of careers in STEM.

The COSI Science Festival will once again deliver engaging and exciting science content to homes, schools, community centers, and workplaces throughout Central Ohio, bringing science to residents where they live, learn, and lounge.

The distribution of COSI Learning Lunchbox education kits will amplify the impact and engagement of these STEM events. These Kits will be donated to partner communities. Learning Lunchboxes are interactive science kits filled with everything you need for five fun STEM activities and additional learning resources. Fun for the whole family and perfect for school-age learners, all Learning Lunchbox content is aligned with national learning guidelines and standards.

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Bears Mill Spring Open House

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

  • When: May 2, 2026, from 11am to 5pm
  • Location: (Map It) 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road in Greenville, Ohio
  • 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. 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.

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Wild Turkey Festival

Admission to the Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival is free.

  • When: May 7 – 10, 2026 (Always the first full Thursday through Sunday in May)
  • Location: (Map It) 100 East Main Street in McArthur, Ohio
  • Phone:  1-800-596-4459 or 740-596-5033
  • Web: click here

Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival in McArthur, Ohio: Some festivals have the expected contests, some have a few that are interesting, and only a handful have truly unique. At the Wild Turkey Festival in Vinton County, you will hear people making the strangest noises while they compete in the Turkey Calling Contest. This street fair features a parade, car show, quilt show, rides, games, arts and crafts, and plenty of entertainment.

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Ohioana Book Festival

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

  • When: April 18, 2026
  • Where: (Map It) The State Library of Ohio at 274 E. First Ave. #100, in Columbus, Ohio
  • Phone:  614-466-3831
  • Web: click here

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

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Geauga County Maple Festival

Admission to the Geauga County Maple Festival is free.

  • When: April 23 – 26, 2026 (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 year’s maple syrup crop. This festival occurs 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 apart is all 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 and Maple corn. The popular Maple stirs are available at the Log Cabin on the Square. Grand parades take place on Saturday and Sunday and showcase many community businesses and events. Check the website above; schedules are frequently updated as the big event approaches. Don’t miss the fun!

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Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival

Admission to Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival is free.

  • When: April 24 – 26, 2026 (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).

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Arbor Day Festival

Admission to Arbor Day Festival at Dawes Arboretum is approx. $10/adult and $5/child age 5-15.

  • When: April 25, 2026 (usually the Saturday following Arbor Day), from 10am – 2pm
  • Location: (Map It) Dawes Arboretum at 7770 Jacksontown Road SE in Newark, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-323-2355
  • 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 appreciate what Mother Nature provides, and to spend a spring day enjoying the outdoors.  An array of activities and educational displays takes place throughout the day, including tree climbing and kids’ crafts.

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Ashland Candy Cane Trail

Admission to the Ashland Candy Cane Trail is Free.

  • When: December evenings, from 5:00 – 9:30pm
  • Where: (Map It) Freer Field Barn at 1264 South Center St. in Ashland, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-289-3524
  • Web: click here

The Candy Cane Trail in Ashland set an official Guinness World Record for the largest display of illuminated metal structures/sculptures, featuring over 700 glowing Christmas trees. The ¾ mile trail’s dazzling displays are draped in 150,000 twinkling lights. Take a walk through this winter wonderland.

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House from A Christmas Story

Tickets are required for the House From A Christmas Story.

  • When: Usually open Thursday – Monday, but days and hours extended during holiday season
  • Where: (Map It) 3159 W. 11th Street in Cleveland, Ohio
  • Phone: 216-298-4919
  • Web: click here

The House from A Christmas Story in Cleveland, Ohio, is the house used in the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story,” which 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 through the scenes and sights 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.

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Dublin Irish Festival

Admission to the Dublin Irish Festival is approx. $30/person but discounts are available online (Free admission for children 12 and younger).

  • When: July 31 – August 2, 2026 (Friday from 4pm – Midnight; Saturday from 11am – Midnight; Sunday from 11am – 8pm)
  • 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: click here

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.

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Lebanon Blues Festival

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

  • When: July 31 – August 1, 2026 (always the first Saturday in August and the Friday night before)
  • 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 than 150 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.” There will also be a 5K Blues Run along the new bike trail.

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Y Bridge Arts Festival

Admission to the Y Bridge Arts Festival in Zanesville is free.

  • When: July 31 & August 1, 2026 (Usually the first Saturday in August)
  • Location: (Map It) The temporary 2026 location is at Zane State College Campus in Zanesville, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-819-3716
  • Web: click here

Y Bridge Arts Festival in Zanesville, Ohio, hosts approximately 75 visual artists, dozens of performing artists/dance troupes, and two primetime bands on Friday and Saturday. Artists are found in outdoor tents and indoor booths at the Secrest Welcome Center Heritage Room.

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Youngstown Italian Festival

Admission to the Youngstown Italian Festival is approx. $5/person.

  • When: July 31 – August 2, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) 6 W Federal St, in Youngstown, Ohio
  • Phone: 330-501-3171
  • Web: click here

The Youngstown Italian Fest is a lively summer tradition that celebrates the city’s strong Italian-American roots. The festival fills the streets with the aroma of classic Italian dishes, from pasta and pizza to cannoli and homemade peppers in oil. Dozens of vendors serve up traditional favorites while visitors stroll through the festival grounds. Italian wine, beer, and desserts add even more flavor to the experience, making it a favorite for food lovers.

Live music plays a central role throughout the weekend, with performers taking the stage to create a festive atmosphere. In addition to the entertainment, the festival includes pageants for Little King and Queen, pasta-eating contests, homemade wine competitions, and the crowning of the Italian Man and Woman of the Year. A Morra tournament, Venetian basket auctions, and an outdoor Sunday Mass with a cultural procession all contribute to the sense of tradition and community pride. The Youngstown Italian Fest offers a mix of food, music, competition, and culture that brings people together to honor and enjoy the area’s Italian heritage.

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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
  • Web: click here
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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 1920s 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 conductor’s narrative highlights the interesting history of the area and the railway 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. The leisurely visit may be commemorated with a unique purchase at the railway’s Gift Shop and Train Store.

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Fall Fun Days at Circle S Farm

Tickets are required for the Fall Fun Days at Circle S Farm.

  • When: Starts in late September and always ends on October 31
    Hours are from 9am – 7pm, daily
  • Location: (Map It) is 9015 London Groveport Rd. in Grove City, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-878-7980
  • Web: click here

Fall Fun Days at Circle S Farm: Celebrated annually, many families, schools, churches, companies, and many other groups and individuals visit the Fall Fun Days Festival at Circle S Farm, located in scenic southwest Franklin County. Our festival features hayrides to pick a pumpkin, a six-acre corn maze, a sunflower maze, a Fun Hay Barn with slides, a Scarecrow Cave, Fodder Lane, a petting zoo, weekend entertainment, and much more. Private hayrides with bonfire parties are available. A full-service bakery has many tasty treats, including freshly made donuts. On the weekends, the Pumpkin Cafe is open.

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HallZOOween at the Cincinnati Zoo

Tickets are required for the HallZOOween at Cincinnati Zoo.

  • When: Saturdays and Sundays from mid to late 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 fun weekends. Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during HallZOOween, young Frankensteins (12 and under) can trick-or-treat throughout the Zoo.  Along the way, guests may encounter Pumpkin Pandemonium – the zoo animals’ 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, a pumpkin patch, a spooktacular train ride, a scare-ousel, strolling characters, face painting, and mini pumpkin decorating activities.

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Lake Eerie Fearfest

Tickets are required for the Lake Eerie Fearfest.  Fast passes are available.

  • When: Fridays & Saturdays in October from 8pm – 11pm.
  • Location: (Map It) 3319 US Route 250 in Sandusky, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-626-4467
  • Web: click here

Lake Eerie Fearfest at Ghostly Manor in Sandusky, Ohio, and Lake Erie coast: This October, four legendary haunts unite with the 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 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 from around the world, including Darkmare, Caged, Quarantine & Eerie Chateau!  Lake Eerie Fearfest consists of six acres of non-stop haunted action.

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Leaders Family Farms and Scream Acres

Tickets are required for Scream Acres at Leaders Family Farms in Napoleon.

  • When: October on Fridays & Saturdays from dark until 10pm.
  • Location: (Map It) Leaders Family Farms is located a mile west of Napoleon, Ohio, just off of state route 24 on county road 16
  • Phone: 419-599-1570
  • Web: click here

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 maze. 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 go through straw tunnels. There’s a special place for those with young children – Little Farmers Barnyard. It includes a corn box, a mini straw jump, and inflatables to enjoy. There’s also a wide array of concessions.

For those who are brave of heart and dare 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!!”

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Niederman Farm Fall Festival

Tickets are required for the Niederman Family Farm Fall Festival. Bonfire reservations are required. S’ more & food packages for groups.

  • Open: Late September through October on weekends (Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat 11am – 9pm, Sun 1-6pm).
  • 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 with your family, school group, church group, scout troop, Mom’s club, or just yourself.

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Noble Family Farms

Tickets are required for the Noble Family Farms.

  • When: Weekends in the fall, from mid-September through October on Thursdays from 3-7pm, Fridays 1-7pm, Saturdays 10am-7pm, and Sundays 1-7pm.
  • Location: (Map It) 11210 State Route 335 in Minford, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-280-2676 or email
  • Web: click here

When you are looking for fun fall attractions that bring together a family, none do that like a good old-fashioned pumpkin patch! Gather the whole family for a fun fall outing at Noble Family Farms in Minford, Ohio. In addition to having a pumpkin patch, Noble Family Farms brings nearly 40 other fun farm activities and attractions, including corn mazes, apple launchers, slides, corn pits, and more! Aside from being open to the public, they also host school field trips, birthday parties, family reunions, corporate outings, and church events. They also hold a large fall vendor market each year. Admission includes all attractions except pumpkin picking, apple launching, and flowering clipping. Season passes are available.

While their most popular season is fall, with their 40+ fun farm attractions, they have expanded into other seasons as well. During the spring, they host an Easter EGG-stravaganza, featuring chaos-free Easter egg hunts, visits from the Easter Bunny, and fun farm attractions. In the summer, they open for a few weeks in June/July for their U-Pick Lavender Lanes, where customers can enjoy an afternoon clipping lavender, sipping lavender lemonade, using photo props, attending vendor events, and more.

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Old West Pumpkin Fest

old-west-pumpkinfestTickets are required for the Old West Pumpkin Fest at Rockin’ R Ranch.

  • When: Weekends in October – every Saturday & Sunday from 12-5pm
  • 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 allows you to pick and paint your pumpkins. The whole family can walk through the Funny Fun House, pet the animals at the Petting Farm, get their faces painted, and much more. Where can you go and ride ponies all day 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!

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Ohio Renaissance Festival

Tickets are required for The Ohio Renaissance Festival.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveysburg is a premier family event with 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, and handmade arts and crafts abound in the authentically recreated 30-acre 16th-century English village.

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Pumpkin Fest at Pigeon Roost Farm

Tickets are required for the Pumpkin Fest at the Pigeon Roost Farm.

  • When: Mid-September through October, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am – 7pm
  • Location: (Map It) Hebron, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-928-4925
  • Web: click here

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, interesting antique displays, and observation beehives.  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 shells, and decorative gourds.  Young and young-at-heart will enjoy exploring the “Great Pumpkin Fun Center” with 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 visit and bring your camera to capture some of those special memories! See the website for scheduling school, birthday, and group outings.

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Ramseyer Farms

Tickets are required for Ramseyer Farms.

  • When: Mid-September thru October on Wednesday – Saturday from 10am – 7pm, and Sunday from 1 – 7pm
  • Location: (Map It), 4000 Ramseyer Lane in Wooster, Ohio
  • Phone: 330-264-0264
  • Web: click here

Ramseyer Farms is Northeast Ohio’s fall family tradition. Enjoy a day of corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin picking, sunflowers (limited dates), and 50+ interactive farm activities. There is something for everyone to enjoy! The farm is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.

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Schumaker Farms Harvest Days

Tickets are required for Schumaker Farms Harvest Days.

  • When: Saturdays and Sundays in October
  • Location: (Map It) 52441 County Road 16 in West Lafayette, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-622-8915
  • Web: click here

Fall isn’t complete without a trip to Schumaker Farms, the oldest operational farm in Coshocton County. Enjoy Harvest Days on Saturdays and Sundays in October. Activities include hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a straw maze, a corn maze, a petting zoo, family fun games, and more. Be sure to visit the farm stand for pumpkins and gourds, fresh produce, honey, and lots of cookies!

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Spooky Ranch at Rockin R Ranch

spooky-ranchTickets are required for Spooky Ranch at Rockin’ R Ranch.

  • When: Weekends in October – Fridays & Saturdays, from 7 pm – 11:30 pm and Thursdays & Sundays, from 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: www.spookyranch.com

Spooky Ranch at Rockin R Ranch, Cleveland’s premier haunted event in Columbia Station, Ohio, has recently been ranked 25th among the country’s top haunted houses! Over 20-plus years of screaming and appealing to the masses in Cleveland. Spooky Ranch is most known for its Famous Haunted Hayride. “You will scream, laugh, and be amazed, leaving you entertained. ” Not your Ordinary boring hayride.” There is 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 30-foot-tall fire-breathing creature, 18-foot-wingspan animated monsters, and monsters that pick up the whole wagon & shake it!!  Extreme Nightmares Haunted House is Ohio’s most extreme haunted house, taking 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.

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Zoar Village Lantern Tours of Ghosts

Tickets are required for Zoar Village’s Lantern Tours of Ghosts.

  • When: By reservation only from September through October on Fridays and Saturdays. Tours begin every 15 minutes from 6:30pm to 8:45pm.
  • Location: (Map It) Zoar, Ohio, 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.

This year, be a part of history 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 in search of religious freedom.  Later, they formed a communal society that lasted 79 years and was among the most successful in the United States. Today, many of the Separatists-built buildings still line the historic village’s main street. 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.

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Chalk It Up!

Admission to Chalk it Up! is free.

  • When: August 1, 2026, from 10am – 2pm
  • Location: (Map It) Victory Park in Vermilion, Ohio
  • Phone: 440-963-0772
  • Web: click here

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

This free, family-friendly event also invites budding artists to create chalk artwork on the shaded paths 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.

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Akron Sugar Plum Tour

Tickets are required for the Akron Sugar Plum Tour.

  • 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. Please visit the fund’s website to learn more about the fund and its mission.

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Marion Popcorn Festival

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

  • When: September 3 – 5, 2026, 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

The Marion Popcorn Festival has a lot poppin’. For starters, it’s billed as the world’s largest popcorn festival 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, a parade, a bike tour, a 5k run, fine arts and crafts, Kiddie Korner, and an over-50 softball tournament. There are numerous rides and activities for the whole family.

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Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

Tickets are required for Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights in Delaware, Ohio.

  • When: Daily in December, Sundays through Thursdays from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 pm – 10:00 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 more than 130 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.

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Castle Noel

Tickets are required for the Castle Noel in Medina.

  • Open: Year-round (except Jan 15 – Feb 15). Hours vary per season and day 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, The Grinch, and Christmas Vacation, among other holiday classics. It even has Eddy’s infamous RV from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! Other delights include unique structures like Santa’s Squeeze, which simulates the feeling of going down a chimney.  There’s even a two-story slide coming down Santa Claus Mountain, 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 past Christmas. And there are multi-million-dollar worth of stunning Christmas displays from New York City stores.  All this and much more await your Xmas celebration anytime.

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Lorena Sternwheeler

The Lorena Sternwheeler is moored at Zane’s Landing Park in downtown Zanesville.

The Lorena Sternwheeler is a beloved riverfront landmark in Zanesville, Ohio, evoking the romance and history of America’s golden age of river travel. Permanently docked along the Muskingum River near downtown, the Lorena is a faithful recreation of a 19th-century sternwheel paddleboat that once carried passengers and cargo along the Ohio River system. With its classic white exterior, towering smokestacks, and iconic paddlewheel, the Lorena instantly transports visitors back to a time when riverboats were the lifeblood of frontier towns. It is available for public rides, lunch cruises, dinner cruises, twilight cruises, and private charters.  The season runs from June through October.  Call the number above for a free brochure and the Lorena Sternwheeler Schedule.

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Gnadenhutten Pioneer Days

26Admission to Gnadenhutten Pioneer Days is free.

  • When: August 1 & 2, 2026 (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 life at Gnadenhutten Historical Park & Museum. Visitors will see a parade and other entertainment. Also, there is an 1840s pioneer encampment that is sure to make children and adults alike appreciate modern amenities. In addition, there are plenty of arts, crafts, and more to see at this traditional annual event.

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Christmas Candlelighting at Roscoe Village

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 Christmas tree tradition and light your 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.

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Christmas at Dogwood Pass

Tickets are required for the Christmas at Dogwood Pass in Beaver, Ohio.

  • When: Thursday – Sunday from approximately Thanksgiving to Christmas.
  • Where: (Map It) 726 Adams Rd in Beaver, Ohio (near SR 32)
  • Phone: 740-835-1130
  • Web: click here

Christmas at Dogwood Pass, Ohio’s favorite Old West Town. Enjoy shows while in town featuring the Grinch and good ol’ Cowboys. Those Cowboys sure know how to make the West festive, and the Grinch, well, he’s got his own unique charm. The fun is usually around Thursdays from 6-9pm, Fridays from 6-10pm, Saturdays from 2-10pm, and Sundays from 2-9pm. Santa and the Grinch will be holdin’ court, makin’ sure your holiday wishes and mischief are well taken care of. But that’s not all, pardner! On weekends, ’round 3 pm, there’s a Wild West show that’ll tickle your fancy before Santa and the Grinch take the stage. So, bring the family, bring your kin, and come on down to Christmas at Dogwood Pass, where the West meets the North Pole for a rootin’, tootin’ good time!

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Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill

Tickets are required for the Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill.

  • 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 over 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, creating 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, have a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate, and snack.

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Obetz Zucchini Fest

Admission to Obetz Zucchini Fest is free.

  • When: September 4 – 7, 2026
  • 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 features entertainment, including a national touring act on Saturday; rides, games, pageants; a Friday night cruise-in; a parade; food; and lots of zucchini.  Sunday is Kids Day, with free activities all day.

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Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival

Photo by Jim Williamson

Admission to the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival is free.

  • When: June 4 – 6, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) Coshocton County Fairgrounds at 707 Kenilworth Avenue in Coshocton, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-622-4877 or 1-800-338-4724
  • Web: click here

The Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival was originally called the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Race. It changed its name to reflect the more encompassing events at this festival. Balloonists from all over Ohio and Michigan come to show off their colorful aircraft. Balloon launches are held at dawn and dusk. And a “night glow” of balloons occurs after dark. Balloonists take part in various events, such as dropping markers while in flight to hit a target on the ground. A traditional hot air balloon race sanctioned by the North American Balloon Association is also held during the festivities. Other activities include a 5k run, crafters, live music, carnival rides, and more.

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Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival

Admission and kiddie rides at The Logan  Washboard Arts & Music Festival are free.

  • When: June 4 – 6, 2026 (Always Father’s Day Weekend) Thursday 5:00pm – 10:00pm and Friday – Saturday Noon – 11:00pm (Always the Thrs – Sat of Father’s Day weekend)
  • Location: (Map It) Logan, Ohio (Hocking Hills region)
  • Phone: 740-380-3828 or 740-380-2752
  • Web: click here

The Logan  Washboard Arts & Music Festival is an annual extravaganza held in the streets of small-town America.  The festival celebrates the enduring role of the washboard in American music.  This annual event provides wholesome family entertainment.  You can enjoy the foot-tappin’ styles of Dixieland Jazz, Jug Music, Celtic, Blues, and Cajun Zydeco played by bands from around the country. In addition, you may enjoy great food, browse the streets lined with quality craft vendors, and take in the many special events, including the festive Saturday evening parade. There’s also a handmade quilt show, washboard factory tours, and street entertainers.  For the kids, there’s a large area with rides, games, and live entertainment.

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Fabulous 50s Fling & Car Show

sugarcreek-car-showAdmission to the Fabulous 50s Fling & Car Show in Sugarcreek, Ohio, is free.

  • When: June 5 & 6, 2026 
  • Location: (Map It) Main Street and Broadway St, Sugarcreek, Ohio
  • Phone: 888-609-7592
  • Web: www.fab50sfling.com

Fabulous 50s Fling & Car Show in Sugarcreek, Ohio:  Fifties’ era music and polished chrome grills take on a life of their own the second weekend in June in Sugarcreek at the Fabulous Fifties Fling & Car Show. Since its start in 1991, the Fabulous Fifties Fling has become the largest Fifties festival in Ohio. It is annually selected as one of the Top Ten cruise-in downtown car shows in the Midwest by a readers’ poll conducted by Cruisin’ Times Magazine. The Fabulous Fifties Fling & Car Show continues to grow each year, increasing the number of visitors and cars, and the number competing for top honors.  Professional judging attracts some of the best custom cars and hot rods in five states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia. The show can accommodate more than 500 cars, with cars on display overflowing into the downtown streets and lots.

The weekend kicks off with the Friday Night Cruise-In, which features an Open Class Show, the Cruisin’ 5K Run/Walk, and entertainment from popular Car Show DJ The Spikeman. The main event on Saturday features homemade food at bargain prices, continuous entertainment with multiple crowd-pleasing oldies bands, and hundreds of car entries, 1980 or older. Car show participants are drawn to the quality of the awards and the generous cash prizes for Best of Show and a custom-cut scroll award. The Top 50 vehicles will also receive a special award. As per usual, the first 300 car registrants get a souvenir as well. Make sure to cruise to Sugarcreek to enjoy the old-fashioned fun!

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Grove City Wine And Art Festival

grove city wine artsAdmission to the Grove City Wine and Art Festival is free (tickets must be purchased to sample tastings).

  • When: June 5 & 6, 2026, from 5pm – 10pm and 11am – 10pm, respectively.
  • Location: (Map It) Grove City Town Center at the intersection of Broadway & Park Street in Grove City, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-539-8762
  • Web: click here

The Grove City Wine & Arts Festival in Grove City, Ohio, is a great place to enjoy the ease of summer with friends and family. This popular outdoor event features only Ohio-crafted wines, visual arts, delicious food, local vendors, and live entertainment. It is a must for wine connoisseurs and art appreciators alike. A shuttle is available from the Broadway Shopping Center to the event.

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Lancaster Old Car Club Spring Car Show

lancaster-old-car-showAdmission to the Lancaster Old Car Club Spring Car Show & Swap Meet is Free (there is a fee for parking on the grounds).

  • When: June 6 & 7, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) On the grounds of the Historic Fairfield County Fairgrounds at 157 East Fair Avenue in Lancaster, Ohio
  • Web: click here

Lancaster Old Car Club Spring Car Show & Swap Meet: The show is open to all makes and models, including muscle cars, old motorcycles, trucks, and fire trucks. Saturday is the Swap Meet and Cruise-in. Sunday is the Swap Meet, Car Show, and judging with trophies awarded at 4:00 pm.  Fourteen classes will be judged on Sunday, with three trophies per class (top three / no order). There are also special awards, including a club participation cash award for many participating members. Enjoy good food, refreshments, swap meet, Car Corral, 50/50 drawing both days, flea market, and Women’s World (flea market area with jewelry, crafts, and miscellaneous items). Sunday Worship Services (non-denominational).

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Medina Kids Day & Teen Fest

Admission to Medina Kids Day & Teen Fest on the Square is free.

  • When: June 6, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) Medina, Ohio, at the town square
  • Phone: 330-722-6186
  • Web: click here

Medina Kids Day & Teen Fest on the Square:  Enjoy a day of play on the Square, including games of skill and chance, explore Big Toys on Broadway (fire engines, Hummers, police cars, horses, big trucks), a petting zoo, and inflatables. Take a scavenger hunt throughout the district for prizes and treasures.

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Troy Strawberry Festival

Admission to the Troy Strawberry Festival in Troy, Ohio, is free.

  • When: June 6 & 7, 2026 (Normally held the first full weekend in June)
  • Location: (Map It) Downtown Troy, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-339-7714 or 937-339-8769
  • Website: click here

The Troy Strawberry Festival is one of the best in the state! The festival attracts more than 250,000 visitors. Its featured attractions include a parade, bed races, car shows, arts and crafts, sporting events, and children’s events. In addition, there are pie-eating contests, kiddie tractor pulls, tug-of-war, rubber duck races, the Berry Special Olympics, Big Wheel Races, and a myriad of other activities.

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Bexley House & Garden Tour

Tickets to the Bexley House & Garden Tour are approx $30 pre-purchased at www.bexleywomen.org and $40 the day of the tour. Prices are subject to change.

  • When: June 7, 2026, from 10am – 4pm
  • Location: (Map It) Bexley, Ohio
  • Phone:
  • Web:  click here

The annual Bexley House & Garden Tour sponsored by Bexley Women’s Club showcases homes in the gracious eastside suburb of Columbus. As you tour these beautiful homes and gardens, you will agree with the tour’s theme, “There’s no place like home.” Bexley BEAT shuttle buses will provide free transportation between homes. Biking is encouraged; bike racks will be provided at the various homes on the tour. There will also be ample, well-marked parking along the streets of each Tour home.

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Portsmouth River Days

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

  • When: September 4 – 6, 2026, from Noon – 11pm, Daily
  • Location: (Map It) 4th Street Municipal Parking lot and surrounding areas of the historic Boneyfiddle district of Portsmouth, Ohio.
  • Web: click here or visit Facebook

Visit Portsmouth River Days Celebration for free nightly entertainment on the riverfront stage, arts and crafts, rides and Inflatables, Vendor Merchants, Southern Ohio Axe Throwing, lots of great food, and more. Concerts begin at 7pm, nightly. The Grand Parade begins at 11am on Saturday, with the Queens Pageant at Shawnee State University Gymnasium at 6:30pm (Tickets are required for the Pageant and Little Miss Pageant at 6pm). There will be children’s activities at Noon near the Music Stage in the Big White tent on Sunday. Sunday night concludes the celebration with a Fireworks Extravaganza at 10:30pm.

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Marietta Rivers, Trails & Ales Fest

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

  • When: August 6 – 9, 2026 (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, a tortoise-and-hare race, a town scavenger hunt, and trail rides. Next, paddle down the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers and 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.

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Christmas in Zoar Village

Tickets are required for the Christmas in Zoar Village.

  • When: December 2026 dates to be confirmed.
  • Location: (Map It) 198 Main St. in Zoar, Ohio
  • Phone: 330-874-3011, Toll Free 1-800-262-6195
  • Web: click here

Christmas in Zoar Village showcases an old-fashioned Christmas with naturally decorated historic house museums and visits from the traditional German Belsnickel 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 as they did 200 years ago and offer a sample of the foods they made in Zoar. The meeting house is filled with music from local high school, amateur, and professional music groups all day.

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 the tree lighting.

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Christmas of Yesteryear

Tickets are required for the Christmas of Yesteryear.

  • When: December 2026 dates to be confirmed, from 11am – 4pm
  • Where: (Map It) The Ross Center at 201 North Main Street in Sidney, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-498-1653
  • Web: click here

Children will decorate gingerbread houses, make ornaments, and enjoy popcorn and chestnuts roasted over an open fire. There will also be woodworking demonstrations, a toy train display, and more!

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Christmas Ranch

Tickets are required for the Christmas Ranch.

  • Open: It is open from after Thanksgiving – January 1st on Thursday – Sunday from 6 – 10pm.
  • 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 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 Santas 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.

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Portsmouth Oktoberfest

Tickets are required for the Portsmouth Oktoberfest.

  • When: Usually the first weekend (Saturday) in October, from 12-5pm
  • Location: (Map It) Market Square Park at 223 Market Street in Portsmouth, Ohio
  • Web: click here
  • Facebook: click here

The Portsmouth Oktoberfest provides plenty of frothy fall fun. The beer flows, the food delights, and the live music is ever-present. More than 20 breweries offer their best brews. Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate the night away.

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Fall Hayrides at Mill Stream Run

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

  • When: Available on select Saturdays in October
  • 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. Enjoy square dancing for all ages and a hay maze on Saturday nights. Activities include balloon twisting, pumpkin painting, scavenger hunt, crafts, and coloring stations. This is one hayride where you’re allowed to throw hay!

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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 grand parade of Jeeps and a large-scale vendor Midway.

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Milan Melon Festival

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

  • When: September 5 – 7, 2026 (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
  • Web: click here

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, an 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.

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Ohio Swiss Festival

Admission to the Ohio Swiss Festival is free.

  • When: October 1 – 3, 2026 (Always the 4th Thrs – Sat after Labor Day)
  • Location: (Map It) Sugarcreek, Ohio
  • Phone: 330-852-4113
  • Web: click here

Ohio Swiss Festival in Sugarcreek, Ohio:  Experience the best of Switzerland here in the “Little Switzerland of Ohio.” Visitors will be drawn to the Swiss music and authentic Swiss costumes. Tons of Swiss cheese, polka bands, alpine horn players, and a parade are just some of the highlights.

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Ohio Gourd Show

Tickets are required for the Ohio Gourd Show.

  • When: October 2 – 4, 2026 (Usually the first weekend in October), from 12- 5pm Friday, 9am – 5pm Saturday, and 10am – 4pm Sunday.
  • Where: (Map It) Delaware County Fairgrounds at 236 Pennsylvania Ave. in Delaware, Ohio
  • Phone:  614-206-6083
  • Email: www.ohiogourd@hotmail.com
  • Web: click here

The Ohio Gourd Show in Delaware, Ohio: This unique event brings together many of the nation’s outstanding gourd artists and craftspersons, 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.

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Paul Bunyan Show

Tickets are required for the Paul Bunyan Show.

  • When: October 2 – 4, 2026, on Friday & Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Always the first Fri-Sun in Oct).
  • 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, and 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.

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Twins Days Festival

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

  • When: August 7 – 9, 2026 (usually the first full weekend, Fri-Sun, in August)
  • Location: (Map It) Glenn Chamberlain Park at 10260 Ravenna Rd. in Twinsburg, Ohio
  • Phone: 330-425-3652
  • Web: click here

Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio, is the world’s largest annual gathering of twins. Officials estimate that 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.

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Woollybear Festival

Admission to the Woollybear Festival in Vermilion is free.

  • When: October 4, 2026, from 9am – 5pm
  • Location: (Map It) Downtown Vermilion, Ohio
  • Phone: 440-967-4477
  • Web: click here

Woollybear Festival in Vermilion, Ohio: Everyone knows about Groundhog Day, but a fuzzy little critter in Vermilion will forecast how severe 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, woolly bear races, and many contests, arts and crafts, and additional entertainment for the whole family.

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Columbus Arts Festival

Admission to the Columbus Arts Festival is free.

Columbus Arts Festival remains the welcome-to-summer event in Columbus, pairing the finest artists and craftspeople with a medley of continuous entertainment, including performances on three stages, food from Columbus’s finest restaurants, and interactive art activities. Families will enjoy the hands-on activity area, with numerous fun-filled projects for kids and grown-ups.

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Vintage Ohio Wine Festival

Admission to the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival is approx. $45/adult.

  • When: August 7 & 8, 2026, 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, hosted by the Ohio Wine Producers Association at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, Ohio, has 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 the premier wine, food, and family fun festival between the Appalachians and the Rockies. It is the largest event of its kind in Ohio and offers a premier tasting opportunity to discover Ohio’s award-winning wines. Ohio wineries produce over 150 varieties at this event, 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.

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Chagrin Documentary Film Festival

Various event tickets to the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

  • When: October 6 – 11, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) Throughout Chagrin Falls, Ohio (see website for various venue locations)
  • Phone: 440-247-1591
  • Web: click here

The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in Chagrin Falls 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. It draws audiences from all over the region, country, and world to experience documentary films and the compelling art and culture they highlight.

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Algonquin Mill Fall Festival

Tickets are required for the Algonquin Mill Fall Festival.

  • When: October 9 – 11, 2026, 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, a bookstore, and a stagecoach inn. Steam-driven flouring saws and shingle mills allow visitors to learn about life in the pioneer era. In addition, there are demonstrations in chair caning, wood carving, broom making, chainsaw 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, as well as antique farm tools, will be on display.

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.

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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.

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North Ridgeville Corn Festival

Admission to the North Ridgeville Corn Festival is free.

  • When: August 7 – 9, 2026 (Always the second weekend in August)
  • Location: (Map It) North Ridgeville, Ohio
  • Phone: 440-218-9802
  • Web: click here

North Ridgeville Corn Festival in North Ridgeville, Ohio:  Living in Ohio, everyone needs to go to at least one corn festival. Join the North Ridgeville community for three fun summer days and experience Amish-style corn. The festivities include a parade, live bands nightly, a corn-eating contest, a car show, a horseshoe tournament, rides, kids’ games, bed races, crafts, and a midway.

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Coshocton Sunflower Festival

Admission to the Coshocton Sunflower Festival is approx. $10-20/person.

  • When: August 8, 14-16, and 22, 2026
  • 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.

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Fort Rowdy Gathering

Admission to Fort Rowdy Gathering is free.

  • When: September 5 – 7, 2026 (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 washboards, 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.

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Bob Evans Farm Festival

Tickets are required for the Bob Evans Farm Festival.

  • When: October 9 – 11, 2026 (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: 740-245-5305

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.

During the festival, it is the only opportunity to see the original farmhouse where it all started. See the original Bob Evans Farm, Restaurant, Homestead, and Museum “down on the farm.” Yes, the original 1,000-acre Bob Evans farm.  Begin your tour with Bob’s first restaurant, The Sausage Shop, and continue to the Homestead Museum, log cabin village, small animal barnyard, quilt barn, and much more. The “Homestead” is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is where Bob and his wife, Jewell, raised their six children. It used to be a stagecoach stop and inn.

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Alumapalooza

Admission to Alumapalooza at the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, Ohio, is approx. $550 for two people and a trailer.

  • When: September 8 – 13, 2026
  • Location:  (Map It) 420 W. Pike St. in Jackson Center, Ohio
  • Phone: 813-200-8877
  • Web: click here

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, along with additional activities such as live music, yoga, trailer open houses, cooking demonstrations, a barbecue, and more.  Alumapalooza is open to Airstream owners and non-owners alike.

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Dickens Victorian Village

Admission to the Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio, is free.

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Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio, provides a trip back 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 1800s buildings.

The vignettes are composed of life-sized, hand-made mannequins wearing real vintage clothing. The faces of 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, carolers, a bucket brigade, lamplighters, schoolchildren, street peddlers, and Father Christmas, all posed in active scenes that appear frozen in time.

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Chillicothe Halloween Festival

Tickets are required for the Chillicothe Halloween Festival.

  • When: October 9 – 11, 2026 (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. It allows patrons to enjoy a haunted attraction, inflatables for kids, unique items from vendors, and 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 festival is centered on enjoying the season in a family-friendly atmosphere, and each year features new family-friendly activities.

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Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival

Admission to the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival in Bucyrus is free.

  • When: August 13 – 15, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) Downtown Bucyrus, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-562-2728 or 419-562-0720
  • Web: click here

Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival in Bucyrus, Ohio:  This festival packs three days of family fun and more than 27 tons of the finest sausage cooking over open pits. The festival celebrates this small Ohio town’s German heritage with more than bratwurst. There are daily parades, contests, auctions, and the FOOD – local family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation, dating back to “the old country.” And, thanks to our sponsors, there is plenty of FREE live entertainment.

Don’t miss the Best “Wurst” Bicycle Ride on Saturday. This flat-to-rolling tour of 12, 32, 65, and 100 miles is associated with the annual Bratwurst Festival.  The registration fee includes the full-service tour, pancake breakfast at registration, and more.  Several awards go to riders. The tour passes historic sites, a nature center, a parkland, and beautiful countryside! Homemade ice cream and showers are available at the finish.  Sponsored by the Bucyrus Tourism & Visitors Bureau.

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Fremont Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show

Admission to the Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show in Fremont is Free.

  • When: Nightly from Thanksgiving Eve to New Year’s Day
  • Where: (Map It) Sandusky County Courthouse in downtown Fremont, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-332-4470
  • Web: click here

The Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show in Fremont transforms the historic Sandusky County Courthouse into a mesmerizing display of Christmas lights. Watch it sparkle with over 33,000 LED lights synchronized to a heartwarming selection of holiday classics. The light show incorporates interactive elements like Horse-drawn carriage rides and visits from Santa Claus.

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Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit

Admission to the Kirtland Nativity Exhibit is free.

  • When: December Monday – Saturday.
  • 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 initially 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.

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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
  • Web: click here

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.

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Jeep Jam

Admission to Jeep Jam in Clarksville is free for the Friday Cruise-In, and approx. $5/spectator, and $40-70 for jeeps.

  • When: September 8 & 9, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) 5723 OH-350 in Clarksville, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-382-4443
  • Web: http://jeepjam.org/

Jeep Jam in Clarksville, Ohio, features a free Cruise-In party on Friday night from 5 pm–midnight. Trail rides and obstacle course competitions for Jeep owners/drivers are Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 6pm and 9am – 4pm, respectively. Enjoy the vendors, beer garden, soft drinks, Jeep enthusiasts, and memorabilia.

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D-Day Conneaut

Admission to D-Day Conneaut is a ticketed event.

  • When: August 13 – 15, 2026
  • Location: (Map It) Conneaut Township Park at 480 Lake Road in Conneaut, Ohio
  • Web: click here

D-Day Conneaut will invade the Lake Erie shores of Conneaut, Ohio, and stage the country’s largest D-Day (June 6, 1944) living history reenactment. Featuring over 1,800 reenactors, the event will offer a living tribute to WWII veterans through dress, mock battles, and living history displays. It is a highly realistic and educational experience.

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Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience

Tickets are required for the Kringle’s Inventionasium® Experience.

  • 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 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 worldwide 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,” my six-year-old daughter called it. The experience was awesome for her. 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 who 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.”

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