TEAM Dominic Fonte and Associates Blog

The leaves are changing, that familiar fall chill is starting to return to the air and pumpkin is appearing on menus everywhere. Fall is here, which is an occasion worth celebrating here in Columbus! Fortunately, there are plenty of local events and festivals to look forward to over the next few months.

Whether you're looking to experience the bountiful autumn harvest, get scared at a horror film festival or peruse a craft fair—you'll find something on this list worth marking on your calendar. Have fun this season!

Jump Ahead:

September | October | November

September

Country Living Fair

Where: Ohio Village 

When: September 13-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This massive fair showcases hundreds of vendors from more than 25 states selling antiques, vintage items, handcrafted goods, arts, furniture, home decor, clothing, jewelry, specialty foods and so much more. Meet the editors of Country Living Magazine and HGTV superstars, attend seminars and how-tos, see artisan demonstrations, and shop the Harvest & Gourmet Market. There's no better place or time in Columbus to get inspiration for your home decor!

The 21st Annual Pawpaw Festival

Where: Lake Snowden, Albany

When: September 13-15, Friday 4 p.m.-Midnight, Saturday 10 a.m.-Midnight & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a fun-filled and educational community event that celebrates one of America's largest native tree fruits: the pawpaw. The annual three-day event highlights the rich history and future possibilities of the pawpaw through delectable foods, fantastic entertainment, unique arts, crafts and local vendors. This year, you can expect a full lineup of presentations and activities that will provide fun for your whole family, including a Best Pawpaw Competition, a Pawpaw Cook-off, a Pawpaw Eating Contest and much more.

Old Hilliardfest

Where: Downtown Hilliard

When: September 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

This street fair takes place in Downtown Hilliard on Main Street each fall, usually the second Saturday in September. Throughout the day, you can peruse vendors from all over the area, including local businesses, organizations and artists. After you've shopped your heart out, you can enjoy some live music, great food, games, a sunflower show, a car show, kids' fair and much more.

Scarecrow Festival

Where: Downtown Washington Court House

When: September 20-22, Times TBA

Welcome autumn in style at this annual festival in Downtown Washington Court House! The family-friendly weekend will be full of live music, delicious food, rides, games, craft vendors, a 5K walk and run, classic cars and so much more. Make sure to follow them on Facebook to see what the full lineup of activities will be!

Harvest Fair

Where: The Stratford Ecological Center, Delaware

When: September 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Harvest Fair is the Stratford Ecological Center's biggest event of the year, featuring plenty of tractors, farm animals, a horse-drawn wagon and so much more! Don't forget to bring the best of your bounty, which you can display to the rest of the fair, and some good walking shoes so you can traverse the nearby hiking trails while you're there. Tickets are $5 per person and children under the age of 3 are free.

Pumpkinpalooza

Where: Emswiler Farm, Pataskala

When: September 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Presented by TWIG of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Pataskala's annual Pumpkinpalooza is a can't-miss event this season. This year, enjoy exploring a huge barn full of food and activities; pick out a perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch; take a hayride around the farm; and bounce around in a bounce house—the possibilities are endless! You can purchase advance tickets on their website. All proceeds will benefit the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Apple Fest

Where: Lawrence Orchards, Marion

When: September 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Lawrence Orchards

This old-fashioned autumn event gives you and your whole family the chance to explore Lawrence Orchards, a local institution since 1921. Explore the orchard on a horse-drawn carriage, let the kiddos ride a pony, traverse the hay maze, take a train ride and, of course, eat a lot of apples! The event will feature plenty of fresh apples, caramel apple bars, apple pie and homemade apple cider that you'll want to take home gallons of.

October

43rd Annual Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival

Where: Young's Jersey Dairy, Yellow Springs

When: October 5-6, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Celebrate the fall season at Young's Jersey Dairy this year with the Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival! There you'll be able to take your picture with Humongous Gus; taste freshly made pumpkin donut holes; take a tour of their cheese making facility; and go pumpkin bowling. This event is entirely free, so bring the whole family out to have some autumn fun!

German Village Monster Bash

Where: German Village Meeting Haus

When: October 12, 7-11:30 p.m.

This annual event at the Historic German Village offers endless Halloween fun for kids-at-heart. The festivities start with an adult trick-or-treating route at 7 p.m., followed by dancing and drinks at the Meeting Haus at 9:30 p.m. There will be a photo booth, dancing and a costume contest, so come dressed in your Halloween finest! You can even grab a s'more and try a delicious concoction from Middle West Spirits.

Fall Festival at Oakland Nursery

Where: Oakland Nursery, Dublin

When: October 12-13, 12-4 p.m.

Come celebrate all things autumn at this family-friendly festival! There will be tractor-pulled hayrides, make n' take crafts, a pumpkin bounce house, apple cider pressing, a giant pumpkin carving demo and much more—all of the ingredients needed for a perfect fall fest.

Shock Around the Clock

Where: The Drexel Theater

When: October 12-13, Noon-Noon

Sharpen your wooden stakes and stock up on silver bullets because Columbus's terror tradition is back to haunt your nightmares! This 24-hour horror marathon is held at the Drexel Theater and will feature a lineup of several terrifying films. In addition to watching a few movies, you'll also have the chance to meet Michael Gornick, the legendary director of photography for Creepshow, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Knightriders and Martin!

All Hallow's Eve at Ohio Village

Where: Ohio Village 

When: October 12 & 19, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of 1890s-style fun at the historic Ohio Village. All Hallows' Eve will feature a retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by the bonfire, pumpkin carving and strange characters roaming the village. Revel in old-fashioned entertainment for all ages, including fortune telling, crafts, games and more!

Circleville Pumpkin Show

Where: East Franklin Street, Circleville

When: October 14-19, Times Vary

 

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Any Ohioan will tell you, fall means the Circleville Pumpkin Show! The 113th Circleville Pumpkin Show is just south of Columbus and attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year. Check out the parades, rides, entertainment and every kind of pumpkin-flavored treat that you can think of. Be sure to stop by and see the largest pumpkin pie, measuring at 14 feet in diameter, along with all of the massive pumpkins on display around East Franklin Street!

Haunted Ohio Statehouse Tours

Where: The Ohio Statehouse

When: October 18-19 & 25-26, 7-9 p.m.

See the iconic Ohio Statehouse from a different perspective this Halloween season as you embark on a haunted tour of the building—if you dare! Combine history and legend in this special family-friendly haunted tour, which travels through dimly lit limestone corridors by lantern. This spooky tour features recently found evidence of paranormal activity and is most appropriate for children ages 9 and up. Purchase your tickets for this unique historic tour with a Halloween twist!

Boo at the Zoo

Where: The Columbus Zoo

When: Weekends October 11-27, Fridays 5-9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sundays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

This "merry-not-scary" Halloween event is a must for little ones of all ages! Go on a trick-or-treating adventure at the Columbus Zoo on the weekends leading up to Halloween, stopping by various treat stations scattered throughout the zoo. Make sure you catch the animals smashing pumpkins, which is a favorite amongst guests each year! Admission to Boo at the Zoo is included with your membership or paid admission to the zoo.

Halloween Pet Parade and Fall Festival

Where: Easton Town Center

When: October 20, 12-3 p.m.

Make sure your fur baby isn't left out of the fall fun! Dress your dog in their best costume and head to Easton Town Center for a special Halloween Pet Parade and Fall Festival. Costumes will be judged and awards are given based on a number of categories, including Best Group, Best Duo, Cutest, Funniest, Most Creative and Scariest. Free registration begins at noon and the parade kicks off at 2 p.m.!

HighBall Halloween

Where: Short North, Columbus

When: October 11-12, Times TBD

Head to the vibrant Short North Arts District for a Halloween party unlike any other! HighBall Halloween is considered one of the nation's most elaborate costume parties, bridging runway style with the culture of this lively area. This festive weekend attracts over 40,000 costumed participants in a celebration of costumes and creativity. The party is taking place along High Street between Goodale Street and Nationwide Boulevard.

Creepside Festival

Where: Creekside Park & Plaza, Gahanna

When: October 19, 11 a.m-3 p.m.

Don't miss the annual Creepside Festival two Saturdays before Halloween! This event is free and appropriate for all ages with a number of kid-friendly activities, including live music, games, a haunted trail, escape rooms, character interactions, pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating with local organizations, and more. Head to Creekside Park & Plaza in Gahanna for this exciting community event!

November

Ohio Made Holiday Market

Where: Hollywood Casino Columbus

When: November 15-16, Friday 6-10 p.m. & Saturday 12-7 p.m.

Columbus Hungry Turkey 5K & 10K

What about you?

Let us know how you plan to celebrate the season in the comments!

Fall is finally upon us! Crisp morning walks through crunchy leaves, homemade apple pie, pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters—there are so many things we love about this season in Ohio. Don't miss out on these important rituals by attending one of the fall festivals and events happening in and around Cleveland this year!

And because we can't wait until the official first day of fall, we are starting the harvest party a bit earlier in September! From art shows to pumpkin festivals, here are the essential Cleveland events you can't miss this fall.

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If you've ever visited the Akron and Canton area, you'll know that we're a hub for vintage shops, antique malls and flourishing interior designers. So it's only natural that our area is home to an incr...

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Named after the fashionable neighborhood in New York City, Hyde Park in Cincinnati oozes charm and luxury from every vantage point. The neighborhood was established in 1892 by several prominent Cincinnati businessmen who wanted to create a community exclusively for the city's wealthy citizens. Initially, only those deemed worthy by the gentlemen were able to purchase homes here, but the area has gained a lot of diversity since the early 1900s.

Today, Hyde Park is home to delicious restaurants, incredible boutiques, award-winning wineries and stunning parks—the only challenge is deciding what to see first!

Our guide includes the best ways to spend your day, starting with a visit to The Echo for breakfast and ending with stargazing at the Cincinnati Observatory and a nightcap at Dutch's. Enjoy!

9 a.m. — Breakfast at The Echo

Before you truly start your Hyde Park adventure, you'll need to fuel up. The Echo is one of the hottest breakfast spots in Cincinnati and has served the neighborhood for decades. Due to the friendly staff and comforting fare, the eatery has established itself as a local institution that people return to week after week. We love classics like the Oktoberfest omelet (featuring Glier's goetta), the corned beef hash, and the Belgian bird breakfast sandwich (with chicken tenders, a fried egg, cheddar and syrup).

10:30 — Go Shopping in Hyde Park Square

 

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It isn't a day in Hyde Park without shopping. Located in the center of the neighborhood is Hyde Park Square, a two-block area on Erie Avenue that is full of one-of-a-kind shops. Spend a few hours exploring the streets and stopping into interesting stores. A few of our favorites include Cincy Shirts, Alligator Purse, 45/46, Soho Boutique and Fazel Rug Gallery.

1 p.m. — Lunch at Arthur's Café

For one of the best burgers in Cincinnati, you have to check out Arthur's Café. This casual and laid-back spot is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat during your Hyde Park adventure—or pretty much any other time. They have a great selection of local craft beers on tap, as well as some carefully crafted cocktails. Everything on their menu is especially good, but we highly recommend the black bean burger with a side of their homemade pink salsa!

2:30 p.m. — Peruse Some Great Art at the Miller Gallery

Photo courtesy of the Miller Gallery | Featuring Work From Robert Mars, 40" x 60" Mixed Media

Established in 1960, the Miller Gallery is Cincinnati's oldest operating art gallery, specializing in contemporary art and sculptures. Their renowned exhibits actively promote over 40 artists in the global art market, featuring everything from photography to traditional painting. Take a breather and stop in to peruse some incredible artwork from local artists (and maybe purchase a piece) before heading on to your next destination.

4 p.m. — Refuel at the Coffee Emporium

Need a midday pick-me-up? We've got just the place! The Coffee Emporium has gained quite the reputation over the years—and with the gorgeous Victorian touches, outdoor patio and tasty bites, we're not surprised. This stop is a must for out-of-town guests and remains a local favorite. While you can't go wrong with any of the signature sips, we go wild over the cold brew aged in bourbon barrels.

5:30 p.m. — Marvel at the Mushroom House

 

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When you leave the Coffee Emporium, you'll notice something across the street. While you might feel like you've just been dropped into a Cincinnati-fied version of Alice in Wonderland, don't worry—it's just the Mushroom House! This architectural wonder was created after a local architect allowed his students to redesign one of his properties. While you can't go inside this adorably whimsical home, it's still definitely worth walking by and snapping a few pictures.

6 p.m. — Dinner at Forno Osteria+Bar

When you're looking for some seriously good food in Cincinnati, there's no better place to go than Forno! This incredible, rustic and approachable Italian restaurant offers some of the most delicious dishes around, from Gorgonzola Tortelloni to Spaghettini Arrabbiata. If you're in the area on a Tuesday, you won't want to miss their Bolo Tuesday special where $12 will get you some pasta with Bolognese sauce, bread and a few trips to the salad bar.

8:00 p.m. — Stargaze at the Cincinnati Observatory

Photo courtesy of the Cincinnati Observatory

In 1842, Cincinnati professor Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel had a dream: to build a local observatory in the heart of Cincinnati that would help expand astronomy research. He went door to door, soliciting $25 a person to invest in his endeavor. Eventually, he was able to make his dream a reality, with the observatory building coming to fruition in 1843. The building served as a strictly research-focused center until 1999, when it was resurrected into a center for astronomy education. While you're in the area, a visit to this exquisite historic building is a must. And if you happen to be exploring on a Thursday or Friday—you'll definitely want to stop in for their weekly public stargazing sessions, just don't forget to RSVP online before you go!

9:30 p.m. — Late Night Bites at Dutch's

This intimate local favorite is the perfect place to finish off the night. Not only do they offer the widest selection of refrigerated beer in the region, but you can also order an incredibly delicious charcuterie board made with locally sourced ingredients—all for a great price!

Happy Exploring!

Do you have a suggestion on what we should add to our itinerary? Let us know in the comments!