Upcoming fun, fall activities, and more in Hilliard

Hilliard, Ohio is located just west of Downtown Columbus, and is an area rich with festivals, fun events, parks, and more.

Hilliard is home to the Franklin County Fairgrounds, 2 public pools, a Community Center/Senior Center, Splash Pad at Hilliard Station Park, and over 27 parks and 41 miles of multipurpose trails.

You’ll also find unique attractions like an authentic 1800s Historical Village, the only U.S. Early Television Museum, First Responders Park, more than 41 miles of outdoor trails and the Bo Jackson Elite Sports Facility. 

photo: Destination Hilliard

There are plenty of fun outdoor activities in Hilliard all year round!

Scroll down to see our calendar listing of all of the fun events coming up in Hilliard!

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Hilliard DORA

A DORA is a designated outdoor refreshment area where residents age 21+ may purchase and carry alcohol. Old Hilliard’s designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) runs year round now. DORA hours are be noon-9 p.m., everyday.

photo: Destination Hilliard

Hilliard Farm Market

Tuesdays, May 23-September 12, 2023 from 4-7 p.m., at Hilliard United Methodist Church (5445 Scioto Darby Rd. Hilliard). No market on July 4. Click here for the updates and food truck options, if available.

Hilliard’s FREE Playground & Parks Passport

Sign up for Hilliard’s FREE Playground & Parks Passport! Earn points toward prizes by checking in at one of the 27 parks on the gamified pass! You can earn bonus points by trying out some of the park’s attractions! See details and instructions on the website.

Historical Village at Weaver Park

The Hilliard Ohio Historical Society Historical Village is now open on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1pm to 5pm through October 29, 2023. The Village is located in Weaver Park in Hilliard at 4162 Columbia Street

Visit and explore the log cabin, one room schoolhouse, caboose, Hilliard’s original train station and other buildings from Hilliard’s past.  The museum has several new displays along with newly expanded displays and a new gift shop.

Parking is free, close to the Village and the tours are free; donations are appreciated. Docents are available to share the history of the buildings and the area. Details here.

Summer in Hilliard

Scroll down to see some of the fun upcoming events and features in Hilliard this Summer. See Hilliard Summer in the City website for details.

Hilliard Splash Parks

The Hilliard’s Station Park and Clyde “Butch” Seidle Community Pool splash pads open to the public on Monday, May 8, 2023. The CBSCP splash pad will close as a free amenity when the pool opens on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Both splash pads operate post-pool season through September 30, 2023. 

Free Fitness with Motivation at the Station

Saturdays, June 3 through Sept 23, 2023 (except Sept 9). The classes are open to all fitness levels and are 50 minutes long. Bring a mat, towel, or a blanket, plus water. 

7 – 7:50 a.m. High intensity fitness classes with SHED Fitness
8 – 8:50 a.m. Yoga with Mat Happy Yoga

Class are canceled if temperature is below 45 degrees at the time of class. Participants must register in advance. (use keyword search for Motivation to find the available dates and to register).

Free Fitness with Motivation at the Station

Fall Fun in Hilliard

Fall is the BEST season in Ohio, so get outside and enjoy the cool weather and beautiful colors before everything turns cold and gray. Head to Hilliard to check out some of the fun activities going on this fall!

Walking Tour of Old Hilliard

Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 10 AM. Starts at the Historical Society Library, 5274 Norwich St. Fee is $10 per person. Rain date: Sunday, September 4th.

Old HilliardFest Street Festival

Cancelled for 2023

Hilliard 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at First Responders Park

September 11, 2023. The community is invited to join Hilliard Division of Police and Norwich Township Fire each Sept. 11 at First Responders Park as we remember the 9/11 terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Pennsylvania. Details here.

The First Responders Park, in the center of Old Hilliard, memorializes those who died on 9/11 and pays tribute to the 403 First Responders who died making the ultimate sacrifice for their community.

In 2010, a delegation of 20 individuals representing the City of Hilliard, Hilliard Police Department, The Norwich Township Fire Department, and the Hilliard community made the two day round-trip from Hilliard to New York City to escort home seven tons of steel from the World Trade Center.

This memorial features granite walls inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives, a reflecting pool, personalized pavers, a monument honoring fallen officers, and a metal sculpture made from the steel of the World Trade Center.

Columbus Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Makoy Center, 5462 Center St, Hilliard. 
This large show will feature artists and crafters selling their original handmade items at this beautiful venue!

Admission is $3 to the public, children under 12 are free! A portion of proceeds will benefit local non-profit, Charity Newsies.

photo: Destination Hilliard

Hilliard Fall Festival

Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 1-4 pm at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park. Fall Festival welcomes the change of season with family fun!

With food trucks, inflatables, games and crafts, pumpkin picking, petting zoo, pony rides, and even a hayride, it’s an event that’s perfect for all ages! 

Heritage Day presented by the Hilliard Historical Society

September 30, 2023 from 11 am – 4 pm. Go back in time to the 1800’s during Heritage Day at Weaver Park. 

The historical village will host Civil War reenactors, artisans, craftsmen, village tours, bean soup prepared in a cast iron kettle on the village green, other food and drinks available. FREE admission (donations welcome).

Visit the restored buildings on the grounds of historic Weaver Park, an 1850 period village. The historical buildings and museum will be open for tours and historical crafts and skills such as broom making, rope making, blacksmithing and bee keeping will be showcased.

Pumpkin Float and Flick at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park

September 30, 2023 from 6:30 pm- 9:30 pm

Enjoy the park after the sun sets and the pumpkins are launched in the pond. Walk on the lantern-lit trail and enjoy some hot chocolate before we end the evening watching “Transylvania.”

Bring your lawn chair, blankets, picnic, and pre-carved pumpkin (no more than 5 pounds), or carve your own at the pumpkin carving station, to float in the pond. 

Please register if you plan to bring a pumpkin to donate to the event. This event is FREE!

Scarecrow Spooktacular 2023

Check out scarecrows all over Hilliard with the Scarecrow Spooktacular from October 16 to November 1, 2023. Find over 30 scarecrows! This fun event is FREE – go at your own pace! Find the map on the Hilliard Chamber of Commerce website.

Haunted Village

Friday, October 20, 2023, 6 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, October 21, 6 PM – 9 PM, at the Historical Village for Halloween tours. Food and drinks available.
Admission: $5 per person, kids five and under are FREE.

There will be many children’s activities such as “Keep It Safe Trick or Treat”, storytelling in the one room schoolhouse, the Witches’ Cauldron, a Haunted Cemetery, “Spooky” character Photo Op Cutouts and a Costume Contest.

Halloween Haunt

Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Trick or treat at participating businesses located in Downtown Hilliard! Kids are encouraged to wear costumes, and there will be scattered free activities along the way. You can also participate in an electronic scavenger hunt of skeletons!

This event is presented by Destination Hilliard.

Beggar’s Night

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Each year, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission sets the Trick or Treat date for cities in central Ohio.

When Halloween, Oct. 31, falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, Trick or Treat is held on the Thursday before Oct. 31.

Upcoming events in Hilliard

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Monday, October 16, 2023

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Friday, October 20, 2023

Past Events in Hilliard (tba 2023)

Hilliard Sunflower Field Raising Funds for Refugees

The City of Hilliard planted a 4-and-a-half acre sunflower field on Scioto Darby Road, west of Municipal Park, and it’s blooming through Sept. 18, 2022.

Bring your scissors and wander the field to cut your own stems. The project was created to bring awareness about and raise funds to support international refugees from all countries. In addition to serving as the City of Hilliard’s official flower, sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine, making them the perfect fit for this initiative.

Park across the street at Latham Park (4125 Cosgray Road) or in the lot near the west entrance of Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park (3800 Veterans Memorial Drive). Cross Scioto Darby Road at a crosswalk.

To support the cause, make donations at the Community Center and the Senior Center (3800 Veterans Memorial Drive) weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (credit cards or checks) or by donating directly on WebTrac’s “Planting Seeds of Love” donors page (credit cards only). A QR code to donate can also be found on a sign at the field.

Read more here.

Drug Take Back Day

tba 2023 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The Hilliard Division of Police is joining other communities on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Drug Take Back Day.

Residents can use a simple drive-thru service at the police department, located at 5171 Northwest Parkway, to drop off their unwanted or expired medications in pill form. The disposal service is free and anonymous for consumers, with no questions asked.

HPD also has a prescription drug drop-off box located in the lobby of the Safety Services Building for residents to bring in unwanted medications in pill or capsule form throughout the year.

Haunted Fields Trunk or Treat at Hilliard Soccer Complex

tba 2023 from 5 pm – 7 pm. Enjoy a night of fun and community. There will be a trunk or treat trail for all, food trucks, activities and more.

Veterans Day Parade

tba for 2023

The parade will proceed will proceed from the Fairgrounds, head South on Avery/Main Street, West on Cemetery Road to Scioto Darby Road and South on Veterans Memorial Drive, where it will conclude with a short ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park.

Holidays in Hilliard

Letters to Santa

tba 2023. Drop off letters to Santa at Hilliard Station Park. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive a return letter from Santa. The red Santa mailbox is located at the corner of Main and Center streets.

Holiday Hop and Hilliard Tree Lighting

Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 4-6:30 p.m. Lighting of the tree in Hilliard’s Station Park with holiday music, visit by Santa and the elves, ice sculpting demonstrations, reindeer, cookie decorating, food trucks, face painting, holiday train and carriage rides and hot chocolate!

There are activities in the park, along Main Street, and Historical Village. The event is walkable, but a trolley will also be available from the Chase Bank parking lot to the Historical Village.

Mrs. Claus and elves will be in the schoolhouse with children writing letters to Santa and many other activities including village tours, balloon twister, face painting, holiday music and more. FREE admission (donations welcome)

Convenient, free parking is available at the Franklin County Fairgrounds and at the lot at Madison and Wayne streets.

Santa Calls

TBA 2023. Santa calls are a popular choice for children who want to hear Santa’s voice while adding in a personal touch for your child. When registering, select a day and time, and Santa will call your child within that time frame.

Calls will be personalized as parents will be required to answer a few questions at the time of registration to help personalize the message.

$3 for residents, $5 for non-residents. Register here. 

Santa in the Train Station

Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 2 PM – 5 PM, at the Historical Village train station.

Children can share their Christmas list with Santa at the Historical Village train station, horse drawn wagon rides, music in the chapel and hot chocolate & donuts available, FREE admission (donations welcome)

Sensory Santa

tba 2023

Santa has reserved a special time to visit in a small, quaint room for friends with special sensory needs at Hilliard Rec Center.
Please register for one 10-minute time slot. Registrants may take their own photos as they visit with Santa. Sensory Santa visits cost $5.

Spring in Hilliard

Destination Hilliard Bunny Hop

Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 9 am – 11 am

Bring your Easter baskets and hop along Main Street! Hilliard businesses are excited to work together to fill those baskets up. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny at Hilliard’s Station Park. He may be making an appearance! Don’t miss this FREE family favorite event! 

See Facebook event page here.

Huge list of Easter Bunny Pictures, Easter Egg Hunts, and Easter in Columbus

Earth Day Recycling Event

Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 10 am – 1 pm

Go Green Hilliard is planning a community Earth Day recycling event on Saturday, April 15 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia Street, Hilliard. Help us keep Hilliard “green” by recycling this Earth Day!

Enter the fairground at Northwest Parkway to drop off recycling. See details about what can be recycled here.

Hilliard Historical Society Open House

Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. 

Free admission, free tours, family fun, and so much more. Visit the newly renovated museum and restored caboose. Starts at Norwich Pavilion, snacks & drinks available, open to the public, FREE admission (donations welcome). Details here.

Located at Hillard Historical Village in Weaver Park, 5274 Norwich St. Hilliard, OH 43026

Touch a Truck at Hilliard’s Station Park

Friday, May 12, 2023 from 10 am – 12 pm. This Children’s event features interactive fun with Big Trucks, Cars, Machines, Police and Fire Vehicles.  Touch-A-Truck takes place at Hilliard’s Station Park (corner of Center and Main Streets in Old Hilliard). Details.

Walking Tour of Old Hilliard

Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join longtime resident Tim Woodruff for a guided tour of historic Old Hilliard.

Listen to stories, learn fun facts like where the first silent movie played, where the first Hilliard bank robbery took place, where the first integrated school was in Hillard and where the first hotel was located and much, much more.

Starts at the Historical Society Library, 5274 Norwich St. Hilliard, Fee is $10.00 per person, Tour size is limited. Details here.

Summer in Hilliard

Swimming in Hilliard

Hilliard is home to two community swimming pools. Day passes and memberships available for 2023.

Hilliard Family Aquatic Center

Opens May 27 – Aug. 21, 2023
Hilliard Family Aquatic Center features slides, lazy river, multiple pools, zero depth entry kids area splash pad
3850 Veterans Memorial Dr., Hilliard
Daily Admission: $5-$15. Daily visitors must register for a RecTrac account and obtain visitor pass key fobs prior to entering the facilities. Account registration can be done online or at the Hilliard Community Center and must be done prior to visiting the pool. Online account registration may take up to three business days for activation
Membership: Prices start at $25 (seniors)
Membership: Open to residents on May 3; if available they will go on sale to school district/non-residents May 17. Read all rules and regulations before purchasing. 
Website: link

Clyde “Butch” Seidle Community Pool

Opens May 27 – Sept 4
4450 Schirtzinger Rd., Hilliard
Daily Admission: $5-$15. Daily visitors must register for a RecTrac account and obtain visitor pass key fobs prior to entering the facilities. Account registration can be done online or at the Hilliard Community Center and must be done prior to visiting the pool. Online account registration may take up to three business days for activation
Membership: Prices start at $25 (seniors)
Website: link 

Celebration at the Station summer concert series

Free live music at Hilliard’s Station Park in Old Hilliard on Thursdays from June 1 – August 10 during Hilliard’s DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area) from 6:30 pm – 9 pm.

June 1 – Alexis Gomez
June 8 – Zack Attack
June 15 – Alan Carl
June 22 – Walk of Shame
July 6 – Fabulous Johnson Brothers
July 13 – Swagg
July 20 – Conspiracy
July 27 – New Frontier
Aug. 3 – Reaganomics
Aug. 10 – Trailer Park Ninjas

Lunch Time Live

June 2, July 7, and Aug. 4, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Weaver Park

Kick off your weekend early by enjoying lunch time concerts this summer. A food truck will be available or pack a picnic.

Chalk the Park at Tinapple Park

June 5, 2023 from 4-6 p.m.
Get creative with us by chalking up the path at Tinapple Park! Professional chalk artist Cecilia Martyna shares tips and tricks to the art of chalking. Chalk is provided and this event is free!

Sprouts Night Out

June 11 & Aug 6, 2023

Families can enjoy a fun summer night with live music, kids activities, and food trucks from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hilliard’s Station Park. Registration is required.

Hilliard Arts Council Summer Concert Series

June 11 – Sept 3, 2023. This Sunday evening concert series features an eclectic mix of performers and music styles. The concerts are free to the public and usually occur in front of the Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center.

The concerts are held during Hilliard DORA, which allows you to enjoy alcoholic beverages outside within a designated zone (read more about DORA above). Bring food and your beverage of choice from DORA participating establishments, or purchase from limited concessions available for purchase.

Click here for full concert schedule. 

Historical Society Art Show

June 17, 2023 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St. 

There will be 50+ local artists displaying and selling their wares at this year’s fair. There will be paintings, mixed media, jewelry, wood crafts and ceramics along with many others.

Children can enjoy their own arts and crafts activities along with face painting, face painting and various photo opportunities. 

Food will be available for purchase from the popular Buckeye Crepes and Kona Ice food trucks.

Find details on the website.

Freedom Fest

Saturday, July 1, 2023. Independence Day is an all day-celebration in Hilliard. Festivities include parade, followed by Freedom Fest at Municipal Park, with live music, food trucks, and games for kids and adults. Stick around for the spectacular fireworks show after dusk. Details for Freedom Fest here.

Independence Day Parade

Tuesday, July 4 at 9:30 a.m. The annual parade starts at Franklin County Fairgrounds, continuing through Old Hilliard. Register for the parade on July 4 at the parade website.

Franklin County Fair

July 17-23, 2023: At the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Admission to the Fair is $10. Most attractions and performances are FREE with admission (excluding select Grandstand events, rides, games and food).

There are discount days, presale tickets, and more ways to save money – check them out here!

Get the Scoop!

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 12 pm – 2 pm. Beat the summer heat with free ice cream, family activities, a craft, and more at the splash pad. Details.

National Night Out

August 1, 2023. Every August, Hilliard Division of Police hosts the community for National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The event heightens awareness of crime and drug prevention, as well as encourages community and police interaction.