COLUMBUS, Ohio—Forget about choosing between football, foliage and Halloween fun, Columbus brings all three together for the ultimate fall getaway. See autumn colors recognized by NBC’s TODAY among the country’s best fall foliage road trips, then join a sea of scarlet and gray as the Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll, take the field. Top it all off with Halloween tours and events sure to leave you with goosebumps as you explore legendary horror author R.L. Stine’s hometown.  
 

"Fall in Columbus is a magical time when stunning fall foliage provides the perfect backdrop for families and friends coming back together for cherished, deep-rooted traditions," said Sarah Townes, ECI, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. "It's a season built for togetherness and memory making, and I can think of no better place for it than Columbus, which Miami Herald called a 'spectacular autumn getaway.’'" 


Fall Feels & Milestone Moments 

Columbus is the perfect place to get your fill of nature before the chill of winter creeps in. Experience Columbus offers guides to the outdoors, including a leaf peeping, fall hikes and a roundup of U-Pick farms around the area. Grab a cup of coffee and explore charming nearby cities like Worthington, Westerville and Dublin. See why Parade named Columbus’ historic German Village one of 14 small towns that feel straight out of Stars Hollow.  

Contrary to popular belief that flowers are at their best in spring, Harvest Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens proves fall gardens can be just as striking, if not more so, from Sept. 26 through Nov. 1.  

This fall, visitors and residents can also celebrate Palace Theatre’s centennial with special events, from free behind-the-scenes tours in September to a special signature concert event, Palace 100: The Genius of Ray Charles. Hosted by Paul Shaffer with Patti Austin, Aloe Blacc and more, the evening celebrates 100 years of unforgettable performances at the historic theatre and pays tribute to one of the theatre’s most cherished artists, Ray Charles, where he performed throughout his career, most recently in 1992.  
 

A Game Day Getaway 

Few destinations deliver college football like Columbus. The Ohio State Buckeyes play seven home games this season, including marquee matchups against Oregon and Michigan. Home games will bring themed experiences, and fans can take game day beyond the stands with pregame photos on the 50-yard line, sideline access during warmups, VIP seating for Skull Session and full-service tailgates. 
 
Eater recently mapped out the full weekend in “Three Days of Hot Dogs, Boutiques, and Football for an Ohio State Buckeyes Game Weekend,” pairing Buckeye traditions with local restaurants, vintage shopping, museums and visits to the Short North Arts District and German Village. For the ultimate Buckeye fan experience, Ohio Stadium Tours, presented by Experience Columbus, take visitors inside “The Horseshoe” and onto the sidelines where Woody Hayes coached, Archie Griffin made history and generations of Buckeyes have battled. Between football festivities, fans can sample Ohio’s iconic chocolate and peanut butter candy along the free Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail, featuring traditional buckeyes, milkshakes, cream puffs and other creative takes at local businesses across the city. 
 

Not-So-Scary Halloween Activities 

HighBall Halloween, the Columbus classic dubbed the “nation’s most elaborate costume party,” is joining Hops on High on Oct. 3 this year. The free Short North street festival will feature more than 80 vendors, interactive art, live performances and the signature Costume Couture Fashion Show. 
 
From Oct. 15–18, follow a trail of 1,500 carved pumpkins at the Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow, with family-friendly activities including bounce houses, a supersized corn maze, pumpkin bowling, a mechanical pumpkin ride and LED putt-putt. 

Literary lovers can also celebrate the season in the hometown of Goosebumps author R.L. Stine, whose childhood in Bexley inspired elements of the bestselling series. Explore the city through his eyes with Stine’s guide to his favorite Columbus-area spots.

New this year, Columbus celebrates being a stop on “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” author Jeff Kinney’s Fight or Flight Tour in partnership with Gramercy Books. The Fight or Flight Show is an interactive stage show hosted by the author that will take place on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at Bexley High School. While the event is expected to sell out, fans can stop by the Columbus Welcome Center throughout October for a special photo op and chance to win two tickets to the show and a special themed prize package (enter by Oct. 19). Be sure to follow Experience Columbus on social media for details on an additional chance to win two more tickets.

For something slightly spookier, take Trolley Pub’s two-hour Haunted Hops tour, created in collaboration with Columbus Ghost Tours, to hear haunted tales about the Kelton House, Thurber House and Olde Towne East. The tour is available to book now and runs Oct. 15-Nov. 1. 

For a complete guide to what’s trending this season, check out the Columbus Fall Edit, featuring the latest happenings across the city, insider tips and more. To make the most of fall in Columbus, visit ExperienceColumbus.com/Fall.  
 
About Columbus 
Did you know Columbus is a top 10 best big city in the U.S. and one of the friendliest cities in the country according to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards and one of Food & Wine’s Next Great American Food Cities? Yes, Columbus. Columbus is bold, welcoming and forward-thinking. Home to world-class museums and attractions, historic and unique neighborhoods like the Short North Arts District, historic German Village and the Arena District — where four professional sports teams live on one street — Columbus has so much to offer. Visitors can learn what awaits in the 15th largest city in the country and Ohio’s capital by visiting www.ExperienceColumbus.com and following Experience Columbus on Instagram: @ExperienceColumbus, Facebook: @ExperienceColumbus, Threads: @ExperienceColumbus and TikTok: @ExperienceColumbus. 

### 

Media Contacts:  
Leah Berger, APR, ECI: lberger@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6145 
Cameron Walker, ECI: cwalker@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6146