Fall is one of the most magical times to visit and experience Columbus. Our city celebrates the season in style, and you can enjoy everything from coffee-themed festivals to high-fashion costume parties.
To help keep the fun going all season long, we’ve rounded up some of the best fall events in Columbus to add to your calendar this year.
The Meiler Vier at Columbus Oktoberfest. Source: Schmidt's.
Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest
When: Sept. 11-13
Where: Ohio State Fairgrounds
What: Bountiful beers, tasty food and live music will have you in the mood for fall. Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest is a celebration of German culture in Columbus has been going strong for over 50 years, and with two stages of entertainment on all three days, there’s plenty to enjoy. This event is free with onsite parking available for $15. Read all the best ways to celebrate Oktoberfest in Columbus, come see why USA Today's 10Best has nominated Columbus Oktoberfest as one of the best in the nation and cast your vote today.
Mac & Cheese Festival at Easton. Photo by Liz Porter Photography.
Columbus Mac & Cheese Festival
When: Sept. 25
Where: Easton
What: Dig in to the cheesiest event all year, Columbus Mac & Cheese Festival. Sample mac & cheese-inspired dishes from some of your favorite Columbus restaurants, with proceeds benefitting the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James). Get tickets.
Harvest Blooms. Source: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Harvest Blooms
When: Sept. 26 through Nov. 1
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
What: A plethora of pumpkins, mums, cabbages and more fill the gardens at Franklin Park Conservatory, making Harvest Blooms one of the must-see fall attractions in Columbus. Two pumpkin houses and and creative horticultural displays make for Instagram-worthy moments for the whole family. Get tickets.
Source: All American Quarter Horse Congress.
All American Quarter Horse Congress
When: Sept. 26-Oct. 24
Where: Ohio Expo Center / Ohio State Fairgrounds
What: The All American Quarter Horse Congress is the world’s largest single-breed horse show, attracting more than 650,000 visitors annually to the Ohio Expo Center. The Quarter Horse Congress event is also an industry-leading trade show with over 200 exhibitors. Read our picks for things to see, do and eat while you're in town for the show.
Hank's Low Country Oyster Fest
When: Sept. 27, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: Intersection of Gay and High Street, Downtown
What: Head downtown for the third annual Hank's Low Country Oyster Fest! Hosted by Hank's Low Country Seafood, guests can sip and enjoy live jazz music, oyster shucking and roasting and other southern dishes. A Kids Zone will also be available with oyster shell painting and hands-on crafts. Admission is free, and food and drinks are available for purchase.
Boo at the Zoo. Source: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Boo at the Zoo
When: Weekends in October
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
What: Families can enjoy a “merry-not-scary" time at Boo at the Zoo featuring Halloween-themed activities around the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium across three weekends in October. Find everything from pumpkin carving to a hay maze, a trick-or-treat trail, a Halloween-themed train ride and more. Get tickets.
Hops on High. Source: Jason Younkman for the Short North Alliance
Fall Hops on High featuring HighBall Halloween
When: Oct. 3
Where: Short North Arts District
What: Head to the Short North Arts District for the largest pedestrian-only experience in Central Ohio. Hops on High features interactive art, performances, shopping and more. New this year, check out the Trick-or-Treat Trail along with HighBall Halloween's Costume Couture Fashion Show. Admission is free, learn more.
Columbus Coffee Festival. Source: Columbus Underground.
Columbus Coffee Festival
When: Oct. 3-4
Where: Franklin County Fairgrounds
What: Enjoy two days full of coffee sampling, food trucks, live music and entertainment at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Now in its 11th year, Columbus Coffee Festival is the perfect way for coffee lovers to spend a weekend in Columbus. Get tickets. Looking for even more coffee? Download the Columbus Coffee Trail pass to check in at local shops and earn prizes.
Pumpkins Aglow. Source: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Pumpkins Aglow
When: Oct. 7-Nov. 1
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
What: Find spectacular spooky scenes and surprises during Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory. This family-friendly event happens Wednesdays-Sundays during October. Spy more than 700 hand-carved pumpkins and themed displays featuring pirates, spiders, mermaids, and even aliens. Don't miss the variety of food trucks and beverages for sale on site. Get tickets.
Urban Scrawl
When: Oct. 9-11
Where: 400th block of Rich and Town Streets
What: Mark your calendar for Columbus' signature street art festival. Local, national and even international artist participate in this annual event in Franklinton. Visitors can expect to see live mural paintings, gallery and studio tours, live performances and interactive art for all ages. Learn more.
Columbus Italian Festival. Source: Ohio Stock Photography.
Columbus Italian Festival
When: Oct. 9-11
Where: St. John The Baptist Catholic Church
What: Over 35,000 visitors annually celebrate Italian culture in Columbus with food and entertainment in Italian Village. Mark your calendar for Columbus Italian Festival and get ready to experience two stages with music every day, delicious Italian cuisine, a parade and even a bocce ball tournament. Get tickets.
Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon
When: Oct. 17-18
Where: Downtown Columbus
What: Known as one of the marquee road races in the city, Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon attractions 15,000 athletes annually for four races spanning two days. Whether you're a runner, volunteer or spectator, this event is inspiring and exhilarating year after year. Learn more.
Source: Columbus Fashion Council
Fashion Week Columbus
When: Nov. 8-14
Where: Throughout Columbus
What: Central Ohio has an incredible fashion community. The flagship program and industry launchpad of the Columbus Fashion Council features a full week of fashion shows and fashion-related programs that showcase emerging designers. While the designers come from around the world, many are from Columbus! Get tickets.
Please note that the websites linked above remain the best and most updated source of information for each event highlighted here.
Home to endless ways to have fun this season? #yesColumbus. Find more fall happenings in the city.
