September is here! Who’s ready for cooler temps and all things pumpkin spice? As you know, the kids are back to school, but the weekends are still full of fun and this guide will allow you to find your favorite September event! Be sure to check out our list of fall posts below too! Don’t forget we add in new fun events each week, so be sure to check back often!
- Spots to Apple Pick
- 6 Ohio Road Trips to Take this Fall
- Fall Bucket List
- 20 Fall Traditions for Columbus Families
September 1-5
September 1: Franklin Park Community Days: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Join in for a free day at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on the first Sunday of every month, a full day of fun awaits!
September 1: Ohio Cup Vintage Baseball Festival: 10:00 a.m. | 25 vintage baseball teams will play against each other for the Ohio Cup!
September 1: Bird Tunnel Party: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Glen Echo Park | 8 hour celebration with local and national Dj’s providing lots of time for music and dancing!
September 1: Drop In: Weather Experiments at Highbanks Nature Center: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |Stop by the Highbanks Nature Center on Sunday to learn about weather experiments, thunderstorms, tornadoes, rainbows and more!
September 1: Darling Dragonflies at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, join a naturalist at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center to learn about dragonflies and create a dragonfly craft. For ages 5 and up.
September 1: Hilliard Summer Concert Series: 7:00 p.m. in Hilliard | Whirlybirds to perform!
September 1: St. Michael’s Labor Day Festival: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.| A great festival to end the summer! Rides, games, and fun food and music! Begins August 30.
September 1-2: Obetz Zucchini Festival: 90’s Rewind Tour – featuring Dru Hill with special guests Digital Underground, C&C Music Factory, and Tag Team!
September 1-2: Greek Festival: Come to the festival at Goodale and High Street! 51st annual event!
September 1-2: Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival: Various times on Saturday/Sunday/Monday | There will be musical performances, a parade on Monday, ice cream social, animals, car shows, and so much more! Begins August 31. Mini golf and a giant screen for OSU will be new this year!
September 1-2: Alum Creek Dam Tours: Come take a tour at 12:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. | Best for ages 6 and up, you will learn about the dam’s history and mission. The tour lasts one hour and involves the 100-step climb!
September 2: Labor Day at Ye Olde Mill: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM head to Ye Olde Mill for food trucks, craft vendors, live music and family-friendly activities.
September 2: Labor Day Arts Festival at Northam Park: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |The Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival takes place at Northam Park on Monday and will include around 120 artists, hands-on art activities, and live music. The Tremont Library will offer a sensory room, nursing station, and baby changing room.
September 2: Labor Day Skating at United Skates of America: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM at United Skates! If you dress in red, white & blue you will get a free glow stick. There will be music, patriotic games and a Labor Day trivia contest
September 2:Sunday Session in Historic Dublin: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Celtic music performed each Sunday!
September 4: Farmers’ Market at Franklin Park Conservatory: 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Runs until September 11!
September 5: Dogs Night Out: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | The first Thursday of every month is Dog’s Night Out at Graeter’s Ice Cream. Try their famous Black Raspberry Chip or any flavor — and your dog receives a treat too! Last one of the summer!
September 5-7: Marion Popcorn Festival: This festival takes place over 3 days and is about an hour from Columbus. There are rides, live music, a popcorn parade and so much more!
Events: September 6-12
September 6:Lantern Festival at Columbus Zoo: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Enjoy larger-than-life Asian lanterns shaped like animals from around the world at the Columbus Zoo. This event takes place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from until September 29th.
September 6-7: Lithopolis Honeyfest: 3:00 p.m – 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m on Saturday| Features all things honey! There will be contests, educational sessions, food, live music, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, a Bee Train and more!
September 6-8: Columbus Oktoberfest: 5:00 p.m. – Midnight on Friday, Noon to Midnight on Saturday and Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday | Free admission at The Ohio State Fairgrounds. A time that celebrates the joy in life like no other!
September 6: Uptown Friday Nights in Westerville: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Enjoy live music and shop local businesses that are open late in uptown Westerville!
September 6: Outdoor Movie at Ethos + Co Cafe: 7:35 on Friday | Watch The Parent Trap outdoors at Ethos + Co. Cafe. There will be grab & go beverage options, Johnson’s Ice Cream, nitro teas and coffees, and free popcorn while supplies last.
September 7: Worthington Farmers Market: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | A fun Saturday tradition with lots to see!
September 7: Art in the Park at Gantz Park: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Gantz Park | Artists will be set up in the park to create works of art! Young artists can paint rocks, too! There will be pumpkin donuts, cider, garden tours, and live music from Lily Bloom.
September 7: Harvest Movie Night at Columbus Commons: 8:15 p.m. | Come check out the movie to follow the Harvest Fair! COCO!
September 7: Dublin Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Dublin Bridge Park | Shop for goods from local farmers, artisans and craftsmen. (Every Saturday in September.)
September 7: Westerville Farmers Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Westerville| Fresh produce each Saturday morning in Westerville!
September 7: For the Love of Hilliard Festival: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | There will be shopping, family activities, food trucks and shopping vendors spread throughout over 20 business locations in Downtown Hilliard. Each participating Hilliard business will be offering a promotion, activity and/or vendor(s). Find all of the fun activities here!
September 7: Doggie Paddle: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Bring your pooch to the pool for a special swim time for dogs. Dogs are required to have proof of license and immunizations. Specific time slots for the size of the dog.
September 7: Hops on High: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM portions of High Street in the Short North will be closed to traffic during Gallery Hop and there will be a Hops on High Market, a street fair with games and art, live music, street performers, mural making with Summer Spray and more!
September 7: LEGO® Drive + Buildapalooza at Pins Mechanical Company: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Join Bricks of Hope and Bricks & Minifigs Powell for a free LEGO build.There will be over 150 lbs of LEGO bricks and minifigs to build with. Consider donating a new LEGO set to support Bricks of Hope too!
September 7: Harvest Fair: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at The Columbus Commons | Inflatables, downtown pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, and so much more!
September 7: Free Movie Night at Columbus Commons: Stick around Columbus Commons after the Harvest Fair on Saturday to watch the movie Coco at 8:15 PM for free on the big screen.
September 8: Powell Street Market: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 70 local vendors to fill the streets!
September 8: Fishing with a Ranger at Alum Creek: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | All ages are welcome to fish with a Ranger at the Alum Creek Below Dam Recreation Area. Learn how to bait a hook and cast. Supplies will be provided. You’ll need a fishing license if you are 16 years or older.
September 8: Outdoor Inclusive Adventure at Prairie Oaks Metro Park: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks and the YMCA of Central Ohio are hosting this day of fun and inclusive activities including kayaking, canoeing, hiking, fishing, lawn games, sensory play and more. Lunch and light refreshments will be available.
September 8: Seeds of Caring’s Blanket Making for Ronald McDonald House Families: 1:30 – 3 pm at the Seeds of Caring Office | Join Seeds of Caring as they teach kids about the services and support the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio provides families with children facing medical challenges. Kids will make an easy no-sew blanket, decorate cards with messages of strength and positivity, and create worry dolls that will provide comfort to kids and families during this difficult time.
September 11: 9/11 Remembrance Day: 12:00 p.m. in Worthington | The Ceremony is organized by Leasure-Blackston American Legion Post 239 and will feature speakers, music and remembrances to commemorate and honor those lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. More details will be added when they are available.
Events: September 13-19
September 13-14: Caribbean Festival: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. at The Franklin County Fairgrounds | Celebrate the heritage and culture of the Caribbean islands with the Columbus Caribbean Festival. Enjoy live music, dancers, food and fun for the entire family!
September 13-15: Fall Fest at Anywhere with You Acres: Opens at 12:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday | Pumpkin and mum sales, a craft show, food trucks, live music and a Kids Day on Saturday.
September 13: Food Truck Festival in the Park: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | The Heart of Grove City is hosting the Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop, enjoy an evening of strolling and shopping in the historic Grove City Town Center.
September 13-14: Scioto Fest: 5:00 p.m. | Paddling, music, climbing, and more will all be here at Scioto Fest 2024!
September 13: Franklinton Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Take the opportunity to see art studios, local businesses and try food and see awesome entertainment!
September 13: Summer Concert Series in Grove City: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Enjoy the charm of the historic Town Center set to music on Friday evenings. Simba Jordan Band Live tonight! Free
September 13: Uptown Friday Nights in Westeville: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Enjoy live music and shop local businesses that are open late in uptown Westerville!
September 14: Worthington Old Market Day: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | A fun Saturday tradition with lots to see! No farmer’s market today but an awesome variety of vendors with High Street closed.
September 14: Dublin Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Dublin Bridge Park | Shop for goods from local farmers, artisans and craftsman. (Every Saturday in September.)
September 14: Westerville Farmers Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Westerville| Fresh produce each Saturday morning in Westerville!
September 14: Hilltop Hop: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | This event occurs monthly and involves food trucks, handmade vendor market, and a pop up from Slice of Heaven!
September 14: Seeds of Caring’s Protecting the Planet – Kids in Action event: 10 –
11:30 am at the Carriage Place Community Center | Calling all Planet Protectors!!! Join Seeds of Caring as they team up with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to be part of the solution, not the pollution. Together, they will take action by picking up litter at a park, supporting local pollinators, and discussing ways your family can help care for our environment.
September 14: Blues Brews and Barbeque: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Velvet Ice cream | Have BBQ, pumpkin carbing and experiences a fishing derby at Ye Old Mill!
September 14: Topiary Park PBJ and Jazz Kids Concert: 12:00 p.m. | The biggest band returns to the PBJ & Jazz stage with more of your favorite tunes! Dance with the PBJ & Jazz Big Band swings into the Topiary Park to close out our summer series with a bang!
September 14: Chihuly Nights at Franklin Park Conservatory: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | All 18 Chihuly installations will be professionally lit to create a breathtaking view of the botanical gardens.
September 14-22: Sunflower Festival at Ramyseyer Farms: 9 acre field will be loaded with thousands of beautiful sunflowers with a wide range of colors and cut-flower varieties! Be sure to purchase your sunflower vases online with your tickets to get a reduced price. There will be local vendors, live music, and delicious festival foods available! Located in Wayne County.
September 15-16: Franklin County Community Days at the Zoo: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | In support of the levy passing, the zoo will offer half-priced admission.
September 15-October 15: Latino Heritage Month Parade in Downtown Columbus: 11:00 a.m. | So many events going on this month!
September 15: Pumpkin Patch Season Opening at Hartland Farm: 12:00 p.m. | A farm out in Lancaster that has hayrides, animals, pumpkins and corn mazes.
September 19: Night Market in Dublin: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Sip and stroll and shop at this fun night market!
September 19: Old Worthington Sip and Shop Third Thursdays: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Come out and shop at local businesses!
Events: September 20- 27
September 20: St. Mary Oktoberfest:The Saint Mary School Oktoberfest takes place on Friday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and includes authentic German food and drinks, family-friendly activities and live music.
September 20: Music in the Park at Stradley Park: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Music in the Park at Stradley Park where this month’s theme is Fall Fest featuring live music by Honkytonk Revival Band, pumpkins, a corn maze, a bounce house, balloon animals, and more!
September 20: Screen on the Green: 7:45 at Goodale Park | Enjoy the movie WONKA for FREE on a big screen in the softball field at the southwest corner of Goodale Park.
September 20:1999 Movie Rewind at Easton: Watch The Mummy (PG-13) at The Yard at Easton Town Center on Friday at 8:30 PM. Complimentary blankets and popcorn will be available while supplies last!
September 20-22: Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday | The show will go for three days, offering multiple parking reservation times to help keep crowd density low so you can enjoy a variety of artists, food, live music, pumpkin carving, glass blowing demos and DIY activities. Held in the Hocking Hills region!
September 20-22: Scarecrow Festival in Washington Court House: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Live music, food vendors, crafts, car show, carnival rides, games and more.
September 20-22: Arts in the Alley in Grove City: 5:00 p.m .- 9:00 p.m. | The 44th annual Arts in the Alley Music and Arts Festival begins a day early 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 in Grove City’s historic Town Center, at 3359 Park St. Parking and admission are free.
September 20-29: Venardos Circus at Tanger Outlets Columbus: The Vernardos Circus will be at Tanger Outlets Columbus. The show features a “Broadway-Style” circus performance with juggling, acrobats, clowns, aerial acts and more. Tickets are available online. There are several showtimes throughout the weekend!
September 20-22::U.S. Air Force Birthday Weekend at National Veterans Memorial and Museum| Celebrate the 77th birthday of the U.S. Air Force with $5 admission to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be speical programs and kid-friendly activity stations each day including the opportunity to make your own airplane!
September 21: Worthington Farmers Market: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Great way to spend a Saturday morning!
September 21: Dublin Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Dublin Bridge Park | Shop for goods from local farmers, artisans and craftsmen. (Every Saturday in September.)
September 21: Westerville Farmers Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Westerville| Fresh produce each Saturday morning in Westerville!
September 21: Reptile Show: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Franklin County Fairgrounds | Always a hit each month to explore with your reptile lovers!
September 21: Touch A Truck at Hannah Park: Enjoy a Touch-a-Truck at Hannah Park on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM featuring the fire, police and public works departments of Gahanna. Bring a non-perishable donation to Gahanna Residents in Need.
September 21: Opening Day at Leeds Farm: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m | Come join in the fun at Leeds Farm for opening day!
September 21: Barbie Truck at Easton Town Center| The Barbie Dreamhouse Living Pop-Up Truck will be parked near Crate & Barrel at Easton Town Center on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Barbie Dreamhouse truck will offer an array of apparel, along with home goods and accessories inspired by a day in life of Barbie in her Dreamhouse.
September 21: OSU LEGO Build at Standardized Brewing: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Join BAM Powell at Standardized Brewing for an OSU-themed LEGO Build. Your registration includes an OSU LEGO set, 1 snack token and 2 drink tickets.
September 21: Forts, Fire & Fun at Blacklick Woods Metro Park: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |Roast marshmallows by the fire and build a fort in the Natural Play Area at Blacklick Woods Metro Park.
September 21-22: Flannel Fest at Pickwick Place: Shop two floors and 60+ vendors in The Stalls. Stock up on local produce and unique grocery finds in The Market. Then pull up a seat for something scrumptious in The Cafe or pick your own apples in the orchard. In addition, find those perfect funky pumpkins from our locally grown selection!
September 21: Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm Open: It’s opening day at Lehner’s. They are open select weekdays and on weekends from now until October 31.
September 21: Welcome to Fall at Highbanks Metro Park: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Saturday there will be hayrides, inflatables, campfires, marshmallows, archery and other outdoor activities at Highbanks Big Meadow Picnic Area. The movie How to Train Your Dragon will be shown at 8:00 PM. This is a free event
September 21: Pumpkin Float and Flick at Hlliard Municipal Park: 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
There will be a lantern-lit trail at Municipal Park and after the sun sets, your pumpkins will be launched into the pond. Watch the movie Willy Wonka in the park afterward. Bring your own pumpkin (5 lbs or less).
September 21: Movies at the Dam: 8:00 p.m. at Alum Creek Dam | Come see the Jungle Book playing! Popcorn and candy available for purchase!
September 21-22: Flower Power Days at Maize at Little Darby Creek: U-pick sunflowers and zinnias!
September 22: Sunday Fun Days Oktoberfest: 12:00 p.m . – 6:00 p.m. in Old Worthington | Monthly themed dining, shopping and entertainment in Worthington’s historic district.
September 22: Free LEGO Build at Nocterra Brewing:12:00 PM – 2:00 PM enjoy free building with LEGO bricks at Nocterra Brewing in Powell.
September 22: Pumpkin Carving at Olentangy Caverns:Watch Gus the Squash Carver carve a 500-pound pumpkin at Olentangy Caverns on Sunday.
September 22: Sundays at Scioto: Enjoy a free outdoor concert at Scioto Park in Dublin from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Sunday. This week’s concert features Andy Shaw and Fleetwood Gold. There will be food trucks on-site as well.
September 22: Seeds of Caring’s Mental Health Fair Co-Presented with The Beehive Alliance: 2:30 – 4 pm at the Westerville Community Center| Join Seeds of Caring for their back-to-school mental health fair – a free event providing valuable mental health tools for children, while exploring the link between self-kindness and kindness to others. This fun, engaging event will include activities like yoga, worry stones, affirmation pictures, Abercrombie and Fitch kindness kits donation station, sensory kits for first responders, a take home plant, informational resources from community partners, and more! Please note that stations will close promptly at 4pm so please plan accordingly.
September 27: Uptown 4th Friday Nights: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Come to Westerville for live music and stores open late!
September 27-29: Flower Power Days at Maize at Little Darby Creek: U-pick sunflowers and zinnias!
September 27-29: Venardos Circus at Tanger Outlets Columbus: From September 19-29, the Vernardos Circus will be at Tanger Outlets Columbus. The show features a “Broadway-Style” circus performance with juggling, acrobats, clowns, aerial acts and more. Tickets are available online. There are several showtimes throughout the weekend.
September 27-29: Big Bounce America at Scioto Downs: Friday through Sunday bounce in huge inflatable bounce houses that feature different themes. Your ticket gets you 3 hours of bounce time. Choose your session time online.
September 27:Heart of Grove City Food Truck Festival & Shop Hop: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | enjoy food trucks and Shop Hop Specials at local businesses in Grove City Town Center.
September 27: Night at the Museum! Wizarding World of the Works: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Explore The Works at night! The theme is Wizarding World of The Works. This event will feature stations that unlock the magic of science with family-friendly activities throughout the museum. Included in admission/membership.
September 27: Minecraft! at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park: 5:00 p.m. | Go on a scavenger hunt in Darby’s woods to look for things from Minecraft! Ages 5 and up.
September 27: Parents Night Out at BAM Powell: 5:30 p.m. | Register in advance for Parents Night Out at Bricks & Minifigs Powell! Drop the kids off for pizza, LEGO free play and a movie. $25/child.
September 27: Movie Nights at Topiary Park: Watch the original West Side Story (PG) on Friday night at dusk. Beforehand there will be food trucks, lawn games and entertainment at Topiary Park.
September 28: Rocket Day at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | This free event takes place at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Kids can build their own model rockets, launch paper rockets, enjoy Rocket Trivia, STEM presentations and dmore!
September 28: The Congenital Heart Walk series: 8:30 a.m. registration opens and the event ends at 12:00 p.m. at Alum Creek N. Westerville | The event will be a day of fun activities, entertainment, research updates, and a family-friendly one mile walk! Come out and help support the mission of The Children’s Heart Foundation
September 28: Dublin Market: 9:00 a.m – 12 pm in Dublin Bridge Park | Shop for goods from local farmers, artisans and craftsman. (Every Saturday in September.) Last one and it’s family fun day!
September 28: Westerville Farmers Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Westerville| Fresh produce each Saturday morning in Westerville! The market is a great September event!
September 28: Touch-a-Truck at Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM the Radnor Fire Department will have emergency vehicles on-site at Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm!
September 28: Chalk the Block + ’90s Vintage Fest at Easton Town Center: 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!
September 28: Paddle the Peninsula at Scioto Audubon Metro Park: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Paddle around the Scioto Audubon Peninsula in a solo kayak on. You must register in advance for this event. Ages 10 and up.
September 28: Beginner Ukulele Class at Music Royale: 1:00 p.m. | Free beginner ukulele group class- All ages are welcome.
September 28: 2024 Festival for Good: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | This festival features a marketplace full of local social enterprises! This year it takes place in combination with the Grandview Hop on Grandview Avenue. There will be activities for the whole family.
September 29: Pet Fair at Coffman Park: 12:00 p.m .- 5:00 p.m | 10th annual Dublin Pet Fair, an annual pet event in Dublin Ohio! See website for more details!
September 29: Live Music at Olentangy Caverns :Enjoy live music from Mark Reinhart at Olentangy Caverns on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Olentangy Caverns will also have pumpkins for sale and fall activities in addition to their regular attractions.
September 29: Potato Harvest at Slate Run Farm: :1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Drop in to learn about potatoes and help harvest them at the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm.
September 29: Sundays at Scioto: 5:00 PM enjoy music from Devi + Liz and Angela Perley at Scioto Park in Dublin. There will be food trucks on-site as well.
