The Columbus Fall Edit is your seasonal sidekick, bringing you everything you need to know about our city. Fall in Columbus deserves more than a bucket list: instead of checking boxes, it's time to curate your Columbus lifestyle.
So be intentional this fall in Columbus and use this guide to start making your plans.
What to Expect:
- What’s New and Next
- The Agenda: Trending Things to do
- The Shortlist
- Insider Tips
Sugar Restaurant & Bar on opening night. Source: Sugar Restaurant & Bar Facebook.
What’s New & What’s Next this Fall in Columbus
Fall is already sprinkled with new openings and upcoming experiences.
Sugar Restaurant & Bar just opened on Park Street. This "Mexican-Mediterranean mash up" is the first of many new places in the works from One Hospitality, the brand behind Standard Hall, Astra and Forno. Enjoy happy hour, weekdays from 4-6 p.m.
Welcome to the Farm, a live country music bar by Chase Rice, made its debut in the Short North Arts District, located under Good Night John Boy.
Amara opened on the Scioto Mile, serving up modern Mediterranean cuisine from Chef Josh Dalton. Listen to our interview with Josh and his business partner Mitch Coale on the Yes, Columbus podcast. Chef Dalton's next concept, Rosalita, an upscale Mexican restaurant is due to open early 2027.
HighBall Halloween takes new shape this year as part of Hops on High on Oct. 3. The legendary Costume Couture Fashion Show will take the main stage during this all-day open streets event in the Short North Arts District. Don't miss the Trick-or-Treat Trail and more creative, hands-on experiences. Learn more.
New locations of your Columbus favorites are making their debuts all over town. Love Riley, a from-scratch bakery opened a second at 1089 W. First Ave in Grandview. Fox in the Snow opened in Upper Arlington, bringing its seventh location to Columbus. Mikey's Late Night Slice opened in Polaris, bringing it's unicorn sauce and by-the-slice offerings to Columbus' north side.
Read our full list of what's new in downtown Columbus.
The Agenda: Trending things to do in Columbus
Build your fall outings around these themes.
Schiller Park in German Village. Photo by Sarah Tolzmann via Instagram
Explore Columbus Based on Your Favorite Movie or Show
Calling all Gilmore Girls fans, German Village was just named among the 14 Cities that feel like Stars Hollow and fall is the perfect time to explore its cobblestone streets. Read how we think your favorite character would spend their trip to Columbus. Looking for more? We’ve also pulled together itineraries for The Devil Wears Prada cast, Elle Woods, and can even tell you How to Have a Stranger Things Day in Columbus, just in time for spooky season.
For more set jetting, check out our list of movies and shows filmed in Columbus.
Brutus Buckeye inside Ohio Stadium. Source: Ohio State Athletics.
Tailgate Trip
Buckeye football season is back and the experience is about so much more than just the game with several happenings and haunts for fans to enjoy ahead of kick-off. Taste some campus-area eats on the Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail, where you can check in earn prizes. Attend the Skull Session featuring the "Best Damn Band in the Land" for a pep-rally style rehearsal at the St. John's Arena. Die hard fans can reserve their spot outside of Ohio Stadium and park their car for some true tailgating.
If you’ve never been to Ohio Stadium ahead of a game, this is your sign to go. Read our full guide to game day.
Van Buren Acres, photo by Meg Berno.
Festive Fall Fun on the Farm
Escape the city for a few hours and head to a U-Pick farm with the family or just the group chat. Feel like a kid again and get lost in a corn maze, pick the perfect jack-o-lantern for Halloween and shop farm-fresh products. Some places we love in and around Columbus are Lynd Fruit Farm for apple picking, Groovy Plants Ranch for unique pumpkins and Van Buren Acres for kid-friendly outdoor fun. Read our full list of U-Pick Farms in and around Columbus.
The Women's Final Four returns to Columbus in 2027. Photo courtesy of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.
Everyone Watches Columbus Women’s Sports
In case you missed it, Columbus is in its women's sports era with the NCAA Women's Final Four coming in 2027 and a new NWSL team coming in 2028, but don't wait until next year to watch. OSU Women’s Hockey returns Oct. 9, with Olympic Gold Medalist, Joy Dunne, making her senior year debut. The OSU women’s soccer and women's volleyball teams both play at home eight times throughout September and October, so there are plenty of ways to #WatchWomenWin in Columbus this season.
Ryan Ransom, owner, Ransom Supply. Photo by Purple Star Photography for Experience Columbus.
The Shortlist
Must-dos this fall in Columbus
- Elevated Event: Attend a night of musical excellence as the Palace Theatre celebrates 100th years with The Genius of Ray Charles, hosted by Paul Shaffer with Patti Austin, Aloe Blacc and more.
- Rave-worthy Retail: Ransom Supply, thoughtfully curated apparel that's equal parts creative and cool.
- Recommended Reservation: Take in unparalleled view of the fall Columbus skyline from the patio at Amara, a new modern Mediterranean restaurant on the Scioto Mile riverfront.
- Stylish Staycation: Cozy up at 50 Lincoln Bed & Breakfast, a quiet escape located just steps away from the hustle and bustle of High Street.
Insider Tip: Join the Experience Columbus Insider Program
The Experience Columbus Insider Program invites residents to become Columbus tourism experts by taking an in-person or online course. Becoming certified costs $39, but insiders can take advantage of nearly $2,000 in savings through the Experience Columbus Insider Savings Pass. Other program benefits include exclusive access to events, venues and private tours along with connecting with a network of highly engaged locals.
