Hello, fall! After a HOT and VERY dry September- bring on fall! The leaves are starting to change. The colors are just beautiful and mums and pumpkins are everywhere you look. The smell of pumpkin spice is in the air and you can hear the leaves crunch as you take an evening stroll with your family. Who’s ready for fall activities and fun in our guide to the month of October?!
There are plenty of Pumpkin Patches to visit this month! You may be able to squeeze in some last-minute Apple Picking as well. Be sure to check out our post on Haunted Houses and Spooky Tours too. It sounds like a spooktacular time! Along with Trick-or-Treat this month, there are a number of Trunk-or-Treat options along the way! This is a great option for little ones too. {As always, the information is subject to change. Be sure to use the links and check directly with the businesses/organizations.}
October Events
Ongoing Events:
2024 Trail of Scarecrows: Fairfield County has been named “The Scarecrow Capital of Ohio” and there are 14 communities throughout the county displaying scarecrows. There are almost 300 on display. Use the link to get a map of where to visit and the app too!
Wizard and Wands Festival: Takes place all month at The Westerville Public Library | Design potions, treasure hunts, a fantasy-themed wonderland and so much more! Meet the new dragon in 2024 sponsored by the students at Otterbein Universtiy.
Brick or Treat Monster Party at Legoland Discovery Center: 4D movie:brew up fun at the Potion Kitchen, a place to create potions of all sorts by combining your building creativity. Plus, enjoy monster-ific activities and an exclusive 4D Halloween movie, The Great Monster Chase, during the family Halloween event.
Harvest Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory: Enjoy two pumpkin houses, an overflowing cornucopia and lots more fall foliage at Franklin Park Conservatory’s Harvest Blooms! This exhibition will be on display now through November 3rd and is included in regular admission or membership.
Hoovers Haunted Maze: Choose between two levels of “scary” at the Haunted Maze at Hoover Gardens! The maze is open any time the store is open (generally 10AM – 5PM) and is $3/person for all-day access.
Fall Farm Family Fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy:Fall Fun at Young’s Dairy includes pumpkin picking, Cowvin’s Corny Maze & Playland, haunted wagon rides, and more! a Moo-It-All wristband is available for $25 and includes a two-dip waffle cone! Hours are daily from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Weekly Events
October 1- 3
October 3: Jo Koy: Just being Koy Show!
October 3 and October 5-7: Fahrenheit at Dublin Jerome High School | A great play to kickoff the season opener!
October 4-10
October 4: Inclusive Open Gym at The Westerville Rec Center: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | A morning of arts and crafts, fun and play using a variety of large and fine motor skills equipment. This program will benefit your child by increasing social skills and encouraging family involvement. Every child or group of children must be accompanied by an adult. Children up to six months old are allowed to accompany at no charge!
October 4: 7th Annual Mac and Cheese Festival: 4:00 p.m. | The 7th Annual Columbus Mac & Cheese Festival will delight your tastebuds with mac and cheese samples from some of your favorite central Ohio restaurants. The festive atmosphere will also include live music entertainment, kid zone activities, raffle prizes and more.
October 4: Teen Night in Westerville: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Westerville Community Center| Enjoy access to the climbing wall, gym, indoor pool, adventure fitness area and more!
October 4: Family Night at the Worthington Rec Center: 6:30 p.m. | A different theme each week!
October 4-5: Eurydice at Hilliard Bradley High School | Come support the students and see how they bring this play to life! Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students
October 4: Movies Under the Stars at GreenLawn Abby: Hocus Pocus will play at dusk! Free event.
October 5: Worthington Farmers’ Market: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Last month of outdoor market!
October 5: Home Depot Kids Workshop: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Head to your nearest Home Depot store and create a fire rescue truck!
October 5: Coffee Festival: 9:00 a.m. at Franklin County Fairgrounds | Come and explore all the coffee samples!
October 5: Harvest Fair at Stratford Ecological Center: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Kids can explore farm life by feeding chickens, pressing apple cider, climbing on tractors and more!
October 5: Ohio Archaeology Day at Ohio History Center: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Ohio History Center. There will be presentations, partner booths and hands-on stations. Learn about pottery making, flint knapping, and see tools that archaeologists use. There will be a “mock” dig for kids at 1:15 PM where kids ages 6-12 can get hands-on and learn the basics of archaeology. This is a first come/first serve activity and there will be a sign up sheet at the front entrance.
October 5: Hello Kitty Cafe Truck at Easton Town Center: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. There will be exclusive goodies and limited-edition collectibles while supplies last at The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck near Crate and Barrel!
October 5: Kid’s Day at the Butterfly Boutique: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Visit the Butterfly Boutique in Grove City on Saturday between for crafts, face painting, candy and donuts. Crafts and face painting cost $10 each.
October 5: Chalk the Block + ’90s Vintage Fest at Easton Town Center: This event was rescheduled from last weekend! On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM celebrate the 90’s with live music, art and fashion! On Town Square, the annual Chalk the Block event will take place with artists creating 90s-inspired street murals. (You can come back on Sunday to view the finished chalk art designs.) There will be a 90s Vintage Fest with local vendors, a skate rink, and more.
October 5: Fall Tram Rides at Blendon Woods Metro Park: Take a tram ride around Blendon Woods Metro Park to see the fall colors. Tram Rides will take place on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM and Sunday from 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
October 5: Apple Cidering at Hilliard Library: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Learn the history of apples and cider making and press your own apple cider at the Hilliard Library!
October 5: Delaware Fall Festival & Treat fest: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Delaware County YMCA | Must register for this event. Hayrides, VIP Bags, pumpkins, bounce park, costume contest, character meet & greet, fun prize wheel, food & treat trucks, shopping, find things for the family, home & more!
October 5: Great Pumpkin Walk in Downtown Bellefontaine: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Free activities, trick or treating, crafts and petting zoo. You can also purchase a $20 passport for kids to have unlimited access to bounce houses, photo shoots, hayrides and even a caramel apple bar!
October 5: Family Fun Night at Galloway Road Sports Complex: 4:00 p.m. | For Fire Prevention Week, Prairie Township Community Center will offer a CPR training, fire prevention education and a touch-a-truck at the Galloway Road Sports Complex. They will be showing the movie Inside Out 2 (PG) at 7:00 PM
October 5: Chihuly Nights: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Franklin Park Conservatory | All 18 installations will be lit up! Special event pricing for this event.
October 6: Community Days at Franklin Park Conservatory:10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.| Free admission for Franklin County Residents!
October 6: Old Time Harvest Day at Century Village: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Century Village in Fryer Park there will be tours of the village, costumed teachers, live music, animals, hands-on activities, metalworking demonstrations, food vendors and more!
October 6: Upper Arlington Fall Fest: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Fancyburg Park | Carve pumpkins, make scarecrows and create your own buckeye necklaces as you enjoy the sounds of live and music and fall fun!
October 6: Fire Department Open House: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at various Washington Township Fire Stations | Meet the firefighters, check out a fire truck or ambulance, watch a cool demonstration, and learn about fire safety. FREE
October 6: Kid Friendly Magic Show at Olentangy Caverns: 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | A blend of magic, comedy, music, and mime, enjoy an interactive show from Delaware County-based entertainer Nate the Magician. Appropriate for all ages. Located in the open-air shelter house.
October 6: Zoo visit at the Farm: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm | Kids can see all the zoo animals close up for a unique experience!
October 6: Halloween Lantern Art Class at Standardized Brewing: 2:00 PM | Kids can make a Halloween-themed lantern. The ticket price includes one soft drink or token for the snack vending machine. Adults must remain on the premises. Tickets are limited and available online!
October 6: Fall Fest at Worthington Christian Church: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Worthington Christian Church | There will be a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, inflatables, games and a donut and coffee truck. Hot dogs, popcorn and cold drinks will be provided. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to this free event!
October 6: Sundays at Scioto: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Enjoy an outdoor concert featuring Hoodoo Soul Band at Scioto Park in Dublin.
October 6: Sensory Friendly Swim: 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. | Designed for families and individuals with disabilities at the Westerville Community Center.
October 7: A Night in Your Own Dinner Verona: Italian Festival kickoff event! Dinner and dance at the Berwick.
October 8-13: The Book of Mormon: Get your tickets at The Ohio Theater today!
October 9- October 27- Pumpkin Nights at Franklin Park Conservatory| Enjoy hundreds of carved pumpkins and seasonal horticulture displays. Pumpkins can be found outdoors, displayed along the path leading to the Grand Mallway. Spot the Pumpkin Patch Monster, pass between the legs of the giant spider or explore the spectacular Pumpkin House again this year. Open Wednesday- Sunday. Purchase tickets in advance. $15 for members and $26 for non-members.
October 10: Worthington Fall Crawl: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | The tour begins at the new Cohatch location (752 High Street) where you will receive your tour map and a goody bag for toting your treats, whatever you don’t eat right way, that is! Tour starts at 5 pm, you may pick up tickets starting at 4 pm, on Thursday, Oct 10. Tickets are required, and the event is expected to sell out quickly.
October 10: An Evening with America Ferrera: Get your tickets today for this show at the McCoy Center!
October 10: COSI After Dark: 7:00 p.m. at COSI | Unmasked is the theme this month!
October 11-17
October 11: Fall Safari at The Wilds: 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Enjoy a wildly fun night at exploring The Wilds with drink stops along the way!
October 11: Wheelchair Basketball: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Adaptive and Drop Ins welcome!
October 11 – 13: The City Mercantile Vintage Home Market: Opens at 10:00 a.m. at Franklin County Fairgrounds | Come out and shop! Enjoy home decor, boutiques, vintage finds, live music, and food trucks!
October 12-13: Ghost Trolley Tours: 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 | Put on by the Ohio Railway Museum!
October 11-13: Chillicothe Halloween Festival: It’s spooky season at Yoctangee Park! All weekend long October 11-13 you can visit for the Chillicothe Halloween Festival. This 3-day festival has inflatables, live entertainment, vendors, food and more! Celebrate the fun of Halloween! Admission is free!
October 11-13: Bob Evans Farm Festival: 9:00 a.m. each day | Takes place in Rio Grande each day this weekend. Tickets are $5 with ride wristbands available too. Music, pig racing, special performances, visits from the Zoo and more!
October 11-13: Boo at the Zoo: Fridays 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. | Special regions will be dressed up for this spooky kooky holiday!
October 12: WOSU Kids Day: 9:00 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Come meet Hero Elementary, play games, color and more!
October 12: Groveport Apple Butter Day: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Homemade apple butter, crafts, pioneer demonstrations and live entertainment. Free chidlren’s activities, fishing, hayrides, food, pony rides and more!
October 12: Fall Fest at Slate Run Farm: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Corn Maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, crafts, games and food trucks!
October 12: Seeds of Caring’s Halloween Treat Bags and Food Drive: 1:30 – 3 pm at the Broad Street Food Pantry | Hocus Pocus kind is the focus! When families struggle to buy food, it can also be difficult to afford other items like special treats for their kids. Join in to learn about food insecurity in our community, decorate and assemble treat bags, and tour Broad Street Food Pantry.
October 12: Open Barn Days: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Sunrise Sanctuary | Open to the public with a chance to get to know the animals on a personal level. Adults are $10 and Youth are $5.
October 13: Magic Duel with Sedgie the Hedgehog at the Olentangy Caverns: 2:00-3:00 p.m.| The show is for kids ages 5 and up! See Erica Carlson and her new children’s book too!
October 12: Like Totally- A tribute to 80’s Music: A tribute to this music at The McCoy Center!
October 12: The Drowsy Lads: 20th anniversary celebration!
October 13: Seeds of Caring’s Wrapping Babies in Love Diaper Drive: 11 am – 12 pm at the Columbus Diaper Bank |Learn about the importance of diaper banks and how we can help support this community resource. Then, you can get hands-on; sorting, counting, packaging, and preparing diapers to be distributed to families in Columbus.
October 13: Mums and Mummies: 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Westgate Park | Wear your costumes to trunk or treat, participate in activities, find a treat at the bake sale and enjoy fireside stories!
October 13: Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat at Reynoldsburg: Come to the Church of Christ in Reynoldsburg for food, games, activities, and Halloween fun!
October 14: Moonlight Market on Gay Street: 6:00 p.m. on Gay Street, Downtown Columbus | The Moonlight Market is a monthly outdoor street festival/marketplace on Gay Street in Downtown Columbus. It takes place every Second Saturday from April through October. This is the last one!
October 16-17: Circleville Pumpkin Show: Various times each day | A fan favorite with all things pumpkin!
October 16-17: Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Each night this weekend from 5-9 PM you can walk the grounds and see hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins, two pumpkin houses, a spooky forest, a foggy creek and a ghostly graveyard. Advanced reservations are recommended!
October 17: Worthington Third Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Come have dinner, drinks, and shop till in the beautiful historic district. Shops will be open till 9 p.m.
October 17: The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow: The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow is their signature fall event! Wind your way through an enchanting trail of 1,500 carved glowing pumpkins. New this year, plenty of fun activities are included with the price of admission.
Events: October 18-24
October 18-19: Circleville Pumpkin Show: Various times each day | A fan favorite with all things pumpkin!
October 18-19: Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Each night this weekend from 5-9 PM you can walk the grounds and see hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins, two pumpkin houses, a spooky forest, a foggy creek and a ghostly graveyard. Advanced reservations are recommended!
October 18-20: Boo at the Zoo: Fridays 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Special regions will be dressed up for this spooky kooky holiday!
October 19: Boo and Brew 2024: 12:00- 4:00 p.m. at Polaris | Celebrate the fall season with us at our annual Boo & Brew festival! Enjoy live music, food, beer, family-friendly Fall activities and so much more. All for a great cause- Epilepsy of Ohio!
October 19: Trunk or Treat in New Albany: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Bevelhymer Park | Wear your best costume and trick or treat through the parking lot to play games and get candy from local organizations!
October 19: Fall Festival at Christian Community Church: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Event is free and trunk or treat is from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.! Photo booth, hayrides, crafts, giant pong, inflatables, and free hot cocoa and apple cider
October 19: Amy Grant: Get your tickets today at The Palace Theater!
October 20: Trick or Treat at Lehners Pumpkin Farm: 10:00 a.m. | Come out to Lehners for a day full of Halloween Fun!
October 20: Sunday Funday in Worthington: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Sunday Funday with Halloween and Spooky Pet Parade theme!
October 23: Boo & Brew: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Bridge Park | Walk the streets as businesses pass out candy and goodies. FREE
Events: October 25-31
October 25-27: Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m | Special engagement prices for this illuminated event!
October 25: Gahanna Goblin Fest: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | May you have a bag full of candy, bones, and a whole lot of fun. Come enjoy a night of live entertainment, hayrides, trick or treats, and fun surprises! Registration for parking at Academy Park opens on September 18. For more info, visit gahanna.gov.
October 25: Halloween on the Green in Worthington: This family-friendly Halloween event includes a Trick-or-Treat Trail, a professional pumpkin carver, dance performances, storytime and more! Come in costume for this free event on Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on the Worthington Village Green
See the full list here: Trunk-or-Treating
October 25: Trick or Treat at The Palace Theater: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Get a jumpstart to trick-or-treating by exploring the historic Palace Theatre. Kids of all ages can walk through a themed version of the Palace Theatre and collect goodies in this safe, weather-proof alternative to trick-or-treating. Selfie spots, crafts, and more fun can be found along the way.
October 25: Family Halloween Party & Trunk or Treat at Vineyard Community Church: This free family-friendly Halloween party includes a Trunk-or-Treat, games, food and drink (for purchase), a dance party and hayrides on Friday from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Come in costume. The Trunk-or-Treat takes place from 6:30 PM. 7:15 PM.
October 25-November 11: Next to Normal: Next to Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart.
October 26: Trick or Treat at the German Village Farmers Market :Trick or treat at the German Village Farmer’s Market on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Come in costume
October 26:Garlic Smash & Costume Contest at Groovy Plants Ranch : 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM celebrate all things garlic at Groovy Plants Ranch with garlic-themed vendors, a costume contest, family-friendly, spooky photo ops, and a food and coffee truck
October 26: Seeds of Caring’s Rocking Together with Seniors: Halloween Celebration: 10:30 – 11:30 am at Wesley Glen | Dress up in costumes and make music together, and bring the fun of fall to the senior residents of Wesley Glen!
October 26: All Ohio Reptile Show: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at The Franklin County Fairgrounds | Come out and see your favorite reptile friends!
October 26: Troops & Treats at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | Trick-or-treat at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Admission (and this activity) is free!
October 26-27: COSI’s Spooky Science Spectacular| On Saturday and Sunday you can enjoy Halloween-themed science activities at COSI on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Come in costume and explore 10 hands-on stations!
October 26: Pop-Up Science: Spooky Science at The Works: 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. | Explore the science behind spooky experiments at The Works with hands-on activities. Included in admission. Costumes welcome.
October 26-27: Howl-O-Weekends at Otherworld: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday enjoy scavenger hunts, trick-or-treat, face painting, performances and more for the whole family at Otherworld Ohio.
October 26: Boo Off Broadway in Grove City Town Center : 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | This event takes place in Town Center Park and features candy, games, activities, food trucks and more. The movie Ghostbusters will begin at 4:00 PM.
October 26: Momm Foundation Fall Festival: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | This Fall Festival will feature a pumpkin patch, game truck, inflatable, caricature artist, face painting, a trick-or-treat trail, crafts, food and drink and more!
October 26: Blendon Bones at Blendon Woods Metro Park: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Learn about wildlife with a display of skeletons and taxidermy at Blendon Woods.
October 26: HighBall Halloween in the Short North: 2:00 p.m. – Midnight | This Halloween event takes place in the Short North. General admission is free. There will be a Kids Costume Showcase at 5:10 PM. There will be live performances, a Highball Bazaar featuring spooky vendors, food trucks and more! This is an all-ages event.
October 26: Historic Dublin Candy Trail: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Come to Historic Dublin for photo ops, games, crafts, and a bag to collect candy!October 27: Hallow Glow: 6:00 p.m. | Hip-Hop Halloween Skate for the whole family! Prizes for costumes too.
October 26: Trick or Treat Trail at Westland High School: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Families can get candy from local businesses on the Trick-or-Treat Trail at Westland High School. The Central Ohio Ghostbusters will be there as well as local food trucks.
October 26: Monster Mash Skate Party at United Skates of America : 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM and features friendly “monsters”. Admission will be reduced for kids in costume!
October 26: Halloween Party at Homestead Metro Park: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | This Halloween party at Homestead Metro Park includes games, crafts and a trick-or-treat trivia trail on. Bring a bag.
October 26: Howl-O-Ween at Sharon Woods Metro Park: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | This event at Sharon Woods includes a Trick-or-Treat trail, learning about nocturnal animals, not-so-scary ghost stories, games and a craft. Family-friendly costumes are welcome.
October 26: Fright at the Museum at Ohio History Center: 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. | Explore the spooky side of Ohio history with family-friendly activities, crafts, spooky stories and games, apple cider making, food trucks, a dance party and more at Ohio History Center. Tickets are available online.
October 27: Blacklick’s Enchanted Woods at Blacklick Woods Metro Park: Search for creatures in the enchanted woods to win a candy prize! Come in costume for this event at Blacklick Woods on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
October 27: Annual Halloween Party at Inniswood Metro Gardens :2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |This family-friendly celebration includes crafts, activities and animals from Ohio Wildlife Center at Inniswood Metro Gardens.
October 27: North Market Downtown Halloween Family Funday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Merchants will be passing out candy, free face painting, DJ, and a few pop up vendors.
October 27: Blacklick’s Enchanted Woods: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Blacklick Woods Metro Park | Roam through the different realms in the woods searching for creatures to earn your candy prize. Costumes encouraged.
October 27: Petting Zoo at Lynd Fruit Farm: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Petting Zoo at the Corn Maze!
October 27: Candy by the Carload: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in Powell | The parking lot will be transformed into a trick or treaters’ treasure chest as local businesses and organizations set up booths and car trunks filled with candy, toys, and other Halloween goodies.
October 27: Hallow Glow: 6:00 p.m. | Hip-Hop Halloween Skate for the whole family! Prizes for costumes too.
October 27: Zombie Halloween Party: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Join the zombie lifeguards for a haunted trick-or-treat trail through the Community Center.
October 29-31
October 29: Cabela’s Halloween Event: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Free candy hunt throughout the store! Check their website for details as they get updated for 2024!
October 31: Tots Trick or Treat: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Pickerington City Hall | Children 2-5 years old accompanied by an adult may wear their favorite costumes as they walk through the decorated City Hall to see staff dressed in costumes while receiving a few goodies.
