Free and cheap things to do in Hilliard this Fall

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. 

This year may not be “normal”, but there is still plenty of safe activities for fall fun! 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!

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

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Fall Fun in Hilliard

Pumpkin Patchport Trail

October 1 – 31
Take part in a pumpkin scavenger hunt in Hilliard. Pick up a Patchport at a participating business, the community center, or print one from the Recreation and Parks Facebook page. Look for the “Pumpkin Patchport” sign displayed on the window of participating businesses from Oct. 1 – Oct. 31 then go inside to find a decorated pumpkin, get your Patchport stamped and receive a treat.

Turn your completed Patchport in at the Hilliard Community Center after Oct. 31 to receive a prize (you must have at least one Bingo line to be eligible). The participant with the most stamps will be given an additional prize. Print the pumpkin patchport and start today!

Hilliard Fall Friday Night Flicks in the Park

Load your car with blankets and snacks, and enjoy a throwback drive-in movie experience this fall in Hilliard. (3800 Veterans Memorial Dr., Hilliard). Grab a snack at Lil Pearl Waffle Truck, opening at 7 p.m. Park in the lot in front of the Community Center.

Sept. 18: Playing with Fire
Oct. 23: The Goonies (rated PG, contains adult language and violence)

Registration is required! Search “movie” here: https://webtrac.hilliardohio.gov/web/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html

Trick or Treat/Beggar’s Night in Hilliard

October 29 from 6-8 pm
Suggestions for making it a safe trick-or-treat night include: wearing masks, having the adult handing out candy stay outside their house and wear gloves, not letting ghosts and goblins grab their own candy from the bowl, and ensuring children have parental supervision. See updates here.

HalloWaffle Walk

October 31 from 9 am – 11 am 
Get another wear out of your Halloween Costume! Take a walk through Hilliard’s Station Park in your Halloween costume. Enjoy a waffle to-go by Coffee Connections, stop by our 3 treat stations, and take your Halloween costume photos with our fully decorated park. Participants may bring a non- perishable food item as a donation for the Hilliard Food Pantry.

Price is $6 for residents/$8 for non-residents, and registration is required for each person attending the event. Registration times are staggered in 15 minute increments to keep the crowds to a minimum. Use keyword “waffle” to register here: https://webtrac.hilliardohio.gov/web/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html

Free Fitness in Hilliard

Free Fitness with Motivation at the Station

Take free fitness classes with Motivation at the Station during the Summer and Fall! Classes have been extended through October.

• Thursdays at 7 am: SHED fitness 
• Saturdays at 7 am: SHED Fitness
• Saturdays at 8 am: Yoga with SPENGA

See more details here.

Pumpkin Bike Scavenger Hunt

October 31 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
As you cycle through Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park and enjoy the fall scenery, be on the lookout for the hidden bike tires. Locate all six tires and submit a PicCollage (or similar) to kturner@hilliardohio.gov by Monday, Nov. 2.

Holidays in Hilliard

tba for 2020

Holiday Tree Lighting in Hilliard

December 6; tba for 2020
Join us the first Sunday of December to ring in the holiday season! There are fun seasonal activities for kids, carolers, local events benefiting charities, and Santa makes an appearance for all the kids. The highlight of the event is the lighting of the City’s tree.

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) ended at the end of September.

DORA hours are be 4-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through September 27. 

Upcoming events in Hilliard

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Friday, October 23, 2020

Saturday, October 24, 2020

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Monday, October 26, 2020

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Friday, October 30, 2020

Saturday, October 31, 2020

Saturday, November 14, 2020

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2021 Events in Hilliard

Earth Day in Hilliard

Join the City of Hilliard and the Environmental Sustainability Commission for Earth Day every April at the Community Center, 3800 Veterans Memorial Drive. Enjoy activities for kids and opportunities to learn about composting, the importance of bees to our environment, energy efficiency, conservation and more. During the event, there are three collections going on: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Community Computer Alliance Technology, and Styrofoam.

Celebration at the Station summer concert series

Series was cancelled for 2020; hoping to return in 2021

Sprouts Night Out

A summer event that happens in June and July. Families can come and enjoy a fun night for the whole family. With live music, kids activities, and food trucks, it’s an unforgettable evening! Event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Freedom Fest

Independence Day is an all day-celebration in Hilliard. We kick off festivities with parade, followed by Freedom Fest at Municipal Park. With live music, food trucks, and games for kids and adults, we spend the day celebrating the USA. We cap the night off with a spectacular fireworks show.

National Night Out

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.

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

September 11
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.

Hilliard Fall Festival

Fall Festival welcomes the change of season with family fun! With food trucks, games and crafts, pumpkin picking, pony rides, and even a hayride, it’s an event that’s fun for all ages!

Old Hilliard Fest

Celebrating Hilliard, the annual event features vendors, food trucks, crafts, and live music. It’s a day of fun held on the second Saturday of September.