We’re Central Ohioans. We spend all year looking forward to summer. Then summer reaches its conclusion, and we find ourselves dreading each day there are more leaves falling to the ground.
But heed our warning, folks: If you spend your entire fall season dreading the cold weather that’s headed our way, you’ll miss some of the best things a midwest fall has to offer.
And among the family-friendly fun, pumpkin patches, and apple cider, the fall is home to some of the biggest festivals of the year.
So if you need to slow down and enjoy the best season of the year, these 5 fall festivals should be on your calendar YESTERDAY!
And if you love discovering the best things happening in Central Ohio all year ’round, sign up for our daily newsletter so you’re never out of fun things to do and places to eat around Columbus.
Biggest Fall Festivals in Columbus & Central Ohio
Circleville Pumpkin Show | Wednesday, October 21 – Saturday, October 24
159 E Franklin St, Circleville, OH 43113
Known as the “Greatest Free Show on Earth,” the Circleville Pumpkin Show has been wowing Ohioans and tourists since 1903. Here, you’ll find the pumpkin weighing contest with massive gourds that can weigh up to (and over) ONE TON. There are also insane food options like Chocolate covered Pumpkin Pie on a Stick and pumpkin pizza, amusement rides, and even the world’s largest pumpkin pie that weighs over 400 pounds! It’s no wonder that this festival brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors over just 4 days.
The Circleville Pumpkin Show is the epitome of fall in Ohio. Read our full write-up about the Pumpkin Show here.
Columbus Italian Festival | Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11
168 E Lincoln St, Columbus, OH, 43215
The Columbus Italian Festival is always a treat (in more ways than one). Whether you’re eating your way through the plethora of Italian vendors and foods or enjoying the legendary Bocce Classic, the Italian Festival is one of the most underrated fall festivals every year. With the first Italian Festival dating back to 1980, each year builds upon the traditions of years past and somehow outdoes itself with each passing year. Click the link above the address for more info.
Columbus Coffee Festival | Saturday, October 3 – Sunday, October 4
4100 Columbia St, Hilliard, OH 43026
Even though the festival has only been around for just over a decade, the Columbus Coffee Festival has quickly established itself as one of the most beloved festivals each fall. With over 40 coffee roasters, ranging from local roasters to roasters all throughout the Midwest, as well as live music, food trucks, and more, the Columbus Coffee Festival is the epicenter of caffeination this fall. Plus, you’ll get a free mug with your ticket and access to free coffee samples throughout the day.
Click the link above the address for more info, and if you haven’t already, subscribe to our newsletter so you can get guides like this delivered straight to your email inbox!
Pumpkins Aglow | Wednesdays – Sundays October 7 – November 1
1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are beautiful 365 days a year. There’s no denying that. But when hundreds upon hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins line the Conservatory as the sun sets, the place truly enters a new kind of beauty. Whether you’re into the classic Jack-O-Lanterns or legit art carved into a pumpkin, Pumpkins Aglow is arguably the best way to experience Franklin Park Conservatory.
Click the link above the address for more info.
Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival | Thursdays – Sundays, August 20 – October 25
4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
The Columbus Zoo is one of the top zoos in the entire country, and that’s without factoring in the amount of fun programming they run throughout the year. While most people recognize Wildlights as the headlining act, the Lantern Festival makes a solid case for being the most underrated festival at the Columbus Zoo. With over 70 sets of Asian lanterns lighting up the exhibits and walkways throughout the zoo, the Lantern Festival lets you experience the zoo in a whole new light (literally). This year, the lantern festival is Dinosaur themed, with dinosaur lanterns that tower over you and light the way.
Click the link above the address to learn more.
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