The lineup for the weekend is massive, anchored by long-running traditions and unique celebrations that draw visitors from across the Midwest. Whether you’re looking to brave a haunted trail, sample authentic Italian cuisine, or witness a soapbox coffin race, Ohio has your weekend covered.
The Epicenter of Fright and Fun: Chillicothe Halloween Festival
For those seeking the ultimate pre-Halloween bash, all roads lead to Chillicothe. The Chillicothe Halloween Festival, running all three days from Friday to Sunday in Yoctangee Park, has established itself as one of the state’s premier spooky events. This free, family-friendly festival offers a massive three-day celebration of all things macabre and fun.
The festivities begin Friday night with the creation of the iconic Pumpkin Pyramid from hundreds of carved gourds. Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a wide array of activities, including live entertainment, unique vendors, and, for the brave, a spine-chilling Haunted House Attraction open both Friday and Saturday nights.
Saturday is the festival’s most jam-packed day, featuring the immensely popular Costume Contest for all ages, a Car Show followed by a family-friendly Trunk-or-Treat, and the highly-anticipated Southern Ohio Pumpkin Growers’ Pumpkin Weigh-Off Challenge.
The festival’s signature and most bizarre contest is the hilarious, high-speed, soapbox derby-style “Coffin Races,” where teams race their homemade coffins for cash prizes and bragging rights. In a new feature this year, fans of cult cinema will be thrilled to see the appearance of the famous Green Goblin truck from Stephen King’s Maximum Overdrive, accompanied by actor Patrick Miller, available for autographs. Beyond the fun, the volunteer-driven festival is a charity event, with proceeds dedicated to supporting local community organizations.
A Royal and Rustic Weekend: Central and Southwest Ohio Highlights
Southwest Ohio is inviting revelers to don their kilts and celebrate Celtic heritage at the Ohio Renaissance Festival in Waynesville. This weekend, October 11-12, marks the festival’s Highland Weekend. The 16th-century English village transforms into a celebration of all things Scottish, featuring Highland Games in the Joust Field, bagpipe performances, Scottish dance demonstrations, and the chance to indulge in authentic cuisine like haggis. Visitors can also explore the Family Clan Tents to learn more about Celtic heritage. With over 100 shows daily, medieval jousting, and a massive marketplace of artisan shops, the Renaissance Festival is a must-see for fantasy and history lovers alike.
Meanwhile, Central Ohio offers a mix of fall treats and spooky thrills. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is hosting one of its weekend installments of Boo at the Zoo, which runs from Friday, October 10, through the 26th. Billed as a “merry-not-scary” time, the event features a Trick or Treat Trail with 13 stations, a Giant Pumpkin Carving display, a character ambassador fun house, and a festive hay maze. It’s a perfect, safe environment for young children to show off their costumes and collect candy.
Also in Columbus, the Columbus Italian Festival takes over the Italian Village from October 10-12. This beloved event celebrates Italian culture with two stages of live music daily, a parade, a bocce ball tournament, and, most importantly, a vast selection of delicious Italian cuisine that draws over 35,000 visitors each year.
For a smaller, historical-themed family event, Halloween at Thurber House in Columbus is offering a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, October 11, with pumpkin painting and a teaser performance of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Harvest Traditions Across the State
For those whose tastes lean more towards apple cider and covered wagons than ghosts and goblins, Ohio’s classic fall festivals are in full swing.
In Northeast Ohio, Hale Farm & Village in Bath is continuing its annual Harvest Festival on October 11-12. Visitors can immerse themselves in 19th-century traditions, watching demonstrations of Apple Cider and Apple Butter making, enjoying wagon rides, and visiting a pumpkin patch. A special highlight this weekend is an appearance by Johnny Appleseed, portrayed by renowned poet Ray McNiece.
Further east, a journey back in time awaits at the Algonquin Mill Fall Festival in Carrollton, running all three days from October 10-12. This festival is a historical celebration, where guests can explore the mill’s log cabins, a one-room schoolhouse, and an antique print shop. Demonstrations of pioneer-era crafts abound, including broom making, candle dipping, and wood carving. The festival is famous for selling 9,000 pounds of sauerkraut annually, alongside apple butter and stone-ground cornmeal.
In Southwest Ohio, the area around Dayton is a hub of autumn flavors. The Bradford Pumpkin Show continues through Saturday, October 11, offering daily parades, fair food, and amusement rides. Also on Saturday, the Enon Apple Butter Festival is the place to be, filling the air with the pleasant aroma of cooking apples and wood smoke.
For those craving spooky trails up north, the Halloween Fair at Lorain County Metro Parks in LaGrange offers two distinct experiences on Friday and Saturday nights. A Family Friendly Trail runs early from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., perfect for younger guests, while the trail morphs into a full-on Spooky Trail from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., complete with startling actors and mechanical props. The event also features train rides on the “Boo Choo” around a non-spooky children’s trail.
From the high-stakes Coffin Races in Chillicothe to the family-friendly fun at the Columbus Zoo and the historical ambiance of the Algonquin Mill, this weekend in Ohio is the perfect time to embrace the spirit of the fall and Halloween season. Be sure to check event websites for specific hours and any pre-sale ticket requirements. Get out your calendars, choose your costume, and get ready for an unforgettable Ohio weekend.