Discover Culinary Delights, Live Entertainment, and Timeless Traditions Across the Buckeye State
Ohio comes alive in the fall with a number of festivals that celebrate the season’s rich flavors, captivating performances, and cherished traditions. From indulging in pumpkin-infused treats at the renowned Circleville Pumpkin Show to enjoying lively music and historical reenactments at the Ohio Renaissance Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore artisan crafts, savor local delicacies, and create unforgettable memories amidst the stunning backdrop of Ohio’s autumn landscapes.
We’ve curated a list of our 13 favorite Ohio fall festivals that capture the heart and spirit of the season. Each festival offers something unique, from culinary delights to live entertainment, ensuring there’s a perfect event for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a look at the top festivals that should be on your must-visit list this fall.
Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Location: Cincinnati
Date: September 20-22, 2024
Attendees: Over 500,000
Theme: Food and Beverage, Cultural, Family-Friendly
Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States, drawing over half a million visitors. This lively event brings a taste of Bavaria to Ohio, with German-inspired cuisine, local craft beers, and the famous “Running of the Wieners” dachshund race. Attendees can indulge in schnitzel, sauerkraut, and pretzels while enjoying beer gardens filled with German and local brews. The festival also features the World’s Largest Chicken Dance, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Location: Circleville
Date: October 16-19, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 400,000+
Theme: Food and Beverage, Arts & Crafts, Family-Friendly
The Circleville Pumpkin Show, often referred to as the “Greatest Free Show on Earth,” transforms the town into a pumpkin paradise. Visitors can marvel at giant pumpkins, including the world’s largest pumpkin pie, and indulge in a variety of pumpkin-flavored treats like donuts, pies, and even pumpkin burgers. The festival also features a pumpkin weigh-off, parades, arts and crafts, live music, and carnival rides, making it a perfect autumn event for families and pumpkin enthusiasts alike.
Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival
Location: Waynesville
Date: October 12-13, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 350,000+
Theme: Food and Beverage, Cultural, Arts & Crafts
Waynesville’s Sauerkraut Festival is a unique celebration of the town’s German heritage, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The festival offers a wide range of sauerkraut-inspired dishes, from traditional recipes to creative innovations like sauerkraut pizza and ice cream. With over 450 craft booths and food vendors, live music, and sauerkraut-making demonstrations, this event is a must-visit for food lovers and those interested in exploring Ohio’s cultural roots.
Ohio Renaissance Festival
Location: Waynesville
Date: Weekends from September 2 to October 29, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 250,000+
Theme: Cultural, Entertainment, Family-Friendly
The Ohio Renaissance Festival transports visitors to a 16th-century English village, complete with jousting tournaments, costumed actors, and period music. This immersive experience offers everything from Shakespearean plays to falconry displays, making it a cultural and educational outing for all ages. The festival features artisan shops, traditional food and drink, and live entertainment, creating a vibrant celebration of history and fantasy.
Operation Pumpkin
Location: Hamilton
Date: October 11-13, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 60,000+
Theme: Food and Beverage, Arts & Crafts, Family-Friendly
Operation Pumpkin brings the fall spirit to downtown Hamilton with giant pumpkin weigh-offs, live pumpkin carvings, and a festive atmosphere. The event features amusement rides, kids’ activities, and live music, making it a family-friendly celebration. Visitors can explore craft booths, enjoy pumpkin-flavored treats, and participate in seasonal games, making Operation Pumpkin a cherished autumn tradition in Ohio.
Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival
Location: Hale Farm & Village, Bath
Date: August 30 to September 1, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 20,000+
Theme: Arts & Crafts, Cultural, Family-Friendly
The Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival at Hale Farm & Village is a celebration of local artisanship, featuring over 160 Ohio artists displaying their handcrafted goods. Visitors can purchase unique jewelry, ceramics, and artwork while participating in workshops like pottery throwing and glass blowing. The festival also includes live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal way to enjoy the creative side of Ohio in a historic setting.
Bob Evans Farm Festival
Location: Rio Grande
Date: Mid-October (exact dates TBD)
Attendees: Approx. 15,000+
Theme: Cultural, Food and Beverage, Arts & Crafts
The Bob Evans Farm Festival is a beloved event celebrating the rural heritage of Ohio. Held on the original Bob Evans farm, this festival features traditional Appalachian crafts, including wood carving, quilting, and blacksmithing. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations of apple butter making in large copper kettles, purchase locally made products, and experience a bit of Ohio’s farming history. The festival also offers live music, a petting zoo, and hayrides, making it a perfect fall outing for families.
Bainbridge Fall Festival of Leaves
Location: Bainbridge
Date: October 18-20, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 10,000+
Theme: Family-Friendly, Arts & Crafts, Food and Beverage
The Bainbridge Fall Festival of Leaves celebrates the beauty of Ohio’s autumn foliage with a weekend full of family-friendly activities. Highlights include carnival rides, craft booths, live music, and a colorful costume parade. Children can participate in pumpkin decorating and a “Leaf Hunt,” where they search for hidden painted leaves to win prizes. The festival also features traditional fall contests like pie-eating and apple bobbing, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for all ages.
Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival
Location: Roscoe Village, Coshocton
Date: October 18-20, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 10,000+
Theme: Food and Beverage, Cultural, Arts & Crafts
The Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival in Roscoe Village is a nostalgic celebration of Ohio’s apple harvest season. Visitors can watch as large copper kettles of apple butter simmer over open fires, and sample the freshly made spread. The festival also features craft demonstrations, including blacksmithing and weaving, live music, and canal boat rides that offer a glimpse into the region’s 19th-century history. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the tastes and traditions of autumn.
Deerassic Fall Festival
Location: Cambridge
Date: September 28, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 8,000+
Theme: Arts & Crafts, Family-Friendly, Cultural
The Deerassic Fall Festival in Cambridge is a family-friendly event that highlights local crafts and agricultural heritage. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional skills such as wood carving and basket weaving. The festival also features a pumpkin carving contest, live music, and craft booths where guests can purchase handmade goods. It’s a wonderful way to experience the creativity and community spirit of Ohio’s rural areas.
Malabar Farm State Park’s Harvest Days
Location: Malabar Farm State Park, Lucas
Date: October 5-6, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 7,000+
Theme: Cultural, Family-Friendly, Food and Beverage
Malabar Farm State Park’s Harvest Days offers a hands-on experience of Ohio’s agricultural past. Visitors can participate in traditional harvest activities such as corn husking and apple cider pressing. The event also features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and guided hikes through the park’s scenic autumn woods. Local food vendors serve farm-fresh dishes, and craft displays showcase the region’s artisanal talents. It’s an ideal event for families looking to enjoy the fall season in a beautiful natural setting.
Ohio Heritage Days
Location: Morrow County
Date: September 20-22, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 5,000+
Theme: Cultural, Arts & Crafts, Family-Friendly
Ohio Heritage Days celebrates the state’s rural traditions with displays of antique farm equipment, craft demonstrations, and tours of historic covered bridges. Visitors can watch blacksmiths and soap makers at work, and learn about the importance of these skills in Ohio’s history. The event also includes a covered bridge model contest and a variety of family-friendly activities, making it a charming way to explore Ohio’s heritage.
Van Buren Black Walnut Festival
Location: Van Buren State Park
Date: October 12-13, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 4,000+
Theme: Food and Beverage, Cultural, Nature
The Van Buren Black Walnut Festival celebrates the native black walnut trees of Northwest Ohio with a weekend of tasty treats and educational activities. Visitors can try black walnut ice cream, bread, and candied walnuts and watch walnut-cracking contests. The festival also offers nature walks, craft demonstrations, and vendors selling walnut wood items and jewelry. It’s a unique event highlighting the natural and cultural significance of black walnuts in the region.
Planning Your Trip, Booking Your Stay
Plan your perfect fall getaway by booking a cozy vacation rental through Lake.com. Immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of Ohio’s fall festivals while enjoying comfortable accommodations near all the action. Reserve your stay today and experience the best that Ohio has to offer this autumn season.
