Fall festivals in Ohio capture everything that makes the season special — crisp air, colorful leaves, local crafts, and plenty of comfort food. Across the state, communities celebrate their harvest heritage with events that bring people together for fun, food, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Community celebration: Ohio’s fall festivals highlight the best of small-town pride and seasonal tradition.
- Family fun: Most events feature parades, live music, and attractions for all ages.
- Local flavor: From pumpkins to sauerkraut, these festivals showcase Ohio’s agricultural roots.
If you’re planning weekend adventures in Centerville and surrounding areas, these five must-see events are worth adding to your fall calendar.
Why Ohio Loves Fall Festivals
Few states embrace autumn quite like Ohio. With its mix of farmland, charming towns, and vibrant foliage, fall is the perfect time to get outdoors. These festivals celebrate the harvest season with themes ranging from pumpkins to Renaissance fairs. Whether you prefer crafts, music, or food, there’s an event to fit every interest.
- Cultural tradition: Many of Ohio’s most popular festivals date back over a century.
- Tourism boost: Fall events attract visitors from all over the Midwest.
- Economic support: Local vendors and artisans benefit from festival sales.
Now, let’s dive into five of the top fall festivals happening across Ohio in 2025.
5 Best Fall Festivals in Ohio
Ohio’s fall festival scene is as diverse as the state itself, offering everything from small-town charm to massive statewide celebrations. Below are five standout festivals that capture the heart of autumn and reflect Ohio’s strong sense of community and tradition.
1. Circleville Pumpkin Show — Circleville, OH
Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” the Circleville Pumpkin Show has been a central Ohio tradition since 1903. This four-day event, held every October, celebrates everything pumpkin — from giant pumpkin weigh-ins to parades, pie contests, and more.
- Highlights: The world’s largest pumpkin pie, pumpkin donuts, and daily parades.
- When: October 15–18, 2025.
- Admission: Free to attend.
- Fun fact: The heaviest pumpkin ever recorded here topped 1,700 pounds!
For families who love classic fall fun, this is one of the most iconic fall festivals in Ohio.
2. Ohio Renaissance Festival — Waynesville, OH
Step back in time at the Ohio Renaissance Festival, one of the state’s most immersive fall events. Located just outside Waynesville, this festival runs weekends from Labor Day through late October and features a recreated 16th-century English village filled with costumed performers, artisans, and live entertainment.
- Highlights: Jousting tournaments, live comedy shows, artisan markets, and traditional food.
- When: Weekends, August 30 – October 26, 2025.
- Admission: Ticketed event.
- Fun fact: The 30-acre village features more than 150 costumed characters every weekend.
This family-friendly event blends history and fun, offering a completely unique experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
3. Ohio Sauerkraut Festival — Waynesville, OH
Held the second weekend of October, the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival transforms downtown Waynesville into one of the largest craft fairs in the Midwest. What started as a small local event in 1970 has grown into a massive celebration attracting more than 300,000 visitors each year.
- Highlights: 450+ craft vendors, sauerkraut-themed foods, and live entertainment.
- When: October 12–13, 2025.
- Admission: Free entry.
- Fun fact: You can try sauerkraut pizza, fudge, cookies, and even ice cream.
If you’re looking for an authentic small-town festival that combines craftsmanship and culinary creativity, this one is a must-see.
4. Woollybear Festival — Vermilion, OH
Hosted annually in early October, the Woollybear Festival in Vermilion celebrates the famous fuzzy caterpillar that folklore says can predict the severity of winter based on its stripes. This lighthearted event, founded by Ohio weatherman Dick Goddard, draws thousands of families each year.
- Highlights: The Woollybear Parade, costume contests, live entertainment, and kids’ activities.
- When: October 5, 2025.
- Admission: Free community event.
- Fun fact: It’s considered the largest one-day festival in Ohio, often drawing over 100,000 visitors.
Between the costumes, quirky contests, and fun atmosphere, this festival captures the heart of Ohio’s fall season perfectly.
5. Barnesville Pumpkin Festival — Barnesville, OH
The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival kicks off the fall season each September in eastern Ohio. Founded in 1964, this small-town tradition features parades, live music, food vendors, and impressive pumpkin weigh-offs that draw growers from across the region.
- Highlights: Giant pumpkin displays, carnival rides, and craft booths.
- When: September 25–28, 2025.
- Admission: Free to the public.
- Fun fact: The event’s pumpkin weigh-off has produced record-breaking pumpkins weighing over 2,000 pounds.
This early-season festival is perfect for families who want to jumpstart their fall festivities before the October rush.
How to Plan Your Festival Visits
Attending Ohio’s fall festivals takes a little planning — especially since many attract large crowds.
- Book early: Hotels and local rentals near popular festivals fill quickly.
- Dress for the weather: Ohio’s fall temperatures can shift from warm afternoons to chilly evenings.
- Bring cash: Some smaller vendors may not accept cards.
- Arrive early: Parking fills fast, especially at free-entry festivals.
- Stay hydrated: Between walking, food, and fun, it’s easy to forget the basics.
Making a weekend trip out of one or two festivals is a great way to explore different Ohio communities and traditions.
Why Fall Festivals Matter to Local Communities
Beyond the fun, these events play a major role in supporting local economies and fostering community pride.
- Economic impact: Local artisans, farmers, and small businesses rely on festival income each year.
- Cultural preservation: Historic festivals help keep regional traditions alive for new generations.
- Community connection: Festivals bring residents and visitors together in celebration of Ohio’s agricultural heritage.
Attending fall festivals in Ohio isn’t just entertainment — it’s an investment in local culture.
Enjoy the Season With Your Local Ohio Roofing Team
At Johnson Restoration, we’re proud to call Ohio home. From the vibrant fall colors to the long-standing community traditions that make our towns unique, we understand what this season means to local families and business owners. The same pride and craftsmanship that go into Ohio’s fall festivals inspire the work we do every day — protecting the homes and neighborhoods we know best.
As a locally owned company, we share in the rhythms of Ohio life. We’ve stood on the same parade routes, cheered at the same hometown festivals, and weathered the same storms that roll through each autumn. That local understanding helps us deliver roofing solutions built for Ohio’s changing seasons and hardworking communities.
Johnson Restoration is more than a roofing company — we’re your Ohio neighbors, dedicated to quality craftsmanship, reliable service, and peace of mind through every season.
