Over 325 festivals in Columbus and Central Ohio in 2023

There are so many festivals in Columbus and around Ohio back on the schedule for 2023!

Events and more details will be added throughout the season.  If you see any missing, please leave a comment. Let me know what your favorite festival is!

Columbus, Ohio skyline. Image: Mace Publishing, LLC

WEEKLY/MONTHLY FESTIVALS in Columbus 

Short North Gallery Hop: First Saturday of the month. Visit the District for shopping, dining, and art.

Franklinton Fridays: Second Friday of the month

Moonlight Market on Gay Street: 2nd Friday of each month, April – November. The monthly outdoor street festival marketplace is the 2nd Saturdays from 6 pm – 11 pm. Find makers, vendors, food pop-ups, and more!

Sunday Sunlight Market on Gay Street: 3rd Sunday of the month, May – December, plus April 24. Browse Gay Street for brunch, shops, and sidewalk street markets with artisan goods and products from 11am to 3pm. Note: event is the 2nd Sunday in June.

4th Fridays in Uptown Westerville: 4th Friday May through October 

Grandview Hop: Last Saturday of the month in June-September

Yard Sales and Garage Sales in Columbus: Daily; find community and neighborhood sales, freecycle days, and a map of individual sales.

Reminder: Check the Links!

We love finding and sharing a great deal or event, but sometimes things can change without our knowledge. Events get cancelled or moved, bargains sell out, and deals change. Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.

NOTE: Updates are made year round as festivals are announced – please pay attention to the year listed, and check links.

March Columbus and Ohio Festivals 

Cheryl’s Cookies Annual Bake Sale: February 27-March 11, 2023 Up to 75% off your favorite Cheryl’s Cookies and Brownies goodies! Buy extra to freeze! The bake sale has been extended for multiple days and locations to spread out any crowds. 

Arnold Sports Festival: March 2-5, 2023. Drawing more than 22,000 athletes annually who compete in more than 80 sports & events, including 16 Olympic sports, along with over 1,000 booths at the Fitness Expo, this event is every fitness enthusiasts “must-attend” event. Tickets start at $20.

New Albany Kidsfest: Friday, March 10, 2023

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Columbus: March 10-18, 2023 with parades, community events, family events, hikes, parties, and more

Columbus Pet Expo, All About Cat Expo, and Mega Adoption Event: March 10-12, 2023

Columbus SoupFest: March 11, 2023 Sample 45+ soups and enjoy live music for a good cause

Big Book Sale at Columbus Main Library: March 11-12, 2023

Columbus International Auto Show: March 16-19, 2023 Admission is $6-$12; ages 9 and under free

Spring Avant-Garde Arts & Craft Show: March 26, 2023 at Makoy Event Center. Admission $3 for ages 13 and up.

Other March festivals

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Friday, March 3, 2023

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Monday, March 6, 2023

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Friday, March 10, 2023

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Friday, March 17, 2023

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Friday, March 24, 2023

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Friday, March 31, 2023

April Columbus Festivals

Tons of Easter Events with Easter egg hunts, and photos with the Easter Bunny 

Columbus Home Improvement Show: March 31 – April 2, 2023 at Ohio Expo Center

CCAD Art Fair: tba 2023 A juried selection of Columbus College of Art & Design’s top alumni and students sell their wares at this must-see event. Proceeds from the art go directly to the artists.

Eggs, Paw and Claws at the Columbus Zoo: April 7-8, 2023. Easter and Spring season celebration at the Zoo.

image: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Ohio State Football Spring Game: April 15, 2023 Tickets are just $7

Pizza and Beer Week with 614: April tba Enjoy Pizza and Brews for a fraction of the cost during (614) Pizza and Beer Week presented by (614) Magazine. 

Earth Day Celebration at Genoa Park: April 22, 2023 from 12 pm – 7 pm

Grove City EcoFest: April 22, 2023. Learn to be greener at this festival that promotes sustainability and innovation.

Ohioana Book Festival: April 22, 2023 This free virtual event celebrates Ohio authors with events for book lovers of all ages. 

Columbus Oddities & Curiosities Expo: April 22-23, 2023 Oddities, taxidermy, wet specimens, antiques, odd jewelry, unusual art, bones, curiosities and all around creepy, strange and bizarre items. Tickets are $10, 12 and under free.

Party for the Planet Earth Day Celebration at the Columbus Zoo: April 22-23, 2023 Learn about conservation and ways you can help Mother Earth at this Earth Day Celebration.

Arbor Day Celebration at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens: April 29, 2023. Celebrate Arbor Day 2023 during the annual Arbor Day Awards Ceremony from 10 am – 11 am. 

Grove City Lions Club Spring Craft Beer Fest: April 29, 2023

Arbor Day Festival at Dawes Arboretum: April 29, 2023. FREE admission! Hands-on activities for kids, mini-talks from our plant experts, tree climbing, live music and more!  We’ll be giving away tree seedlings (while supplies last) and food trucks will have food for purchase.  Plus, visitors will get a sneak peek at the new History Center exhibit. 

Taste of Granville: April 29, 2023. Taste test dishes from 20+ local restaurants, while you enjoy live music and drinks. A food truck rodeo will be outside too! 

Other April festivals

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Monday, April 3, 2023

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Friday, April 7, 2023

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Monday, April 10, 2023

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Friday, April 14, 2023

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Monday, April 17, 2023

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Friday, April 21, 2023

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Friday, April 28, 2023

Saturday, April 29, 2023

MAY Festivals in Columbus

COSI Science Festival: May 3-6, 2023. Hundreds of activities to celebrate science around the city on May 3-6, and the Big Science Celebration on May 6.

Powell Touch-a-Truck: Friday, May 5, 2023 Kids will love climbing and exploring dozens of vehicles in Seldom Seen Park including emergency vehicles, farm equipment, and city vehicles. FREE! 

Gahanna Herb Day Festival: May 6, 2023 Plant sale, workshops, tours, and more 

Green on the Green, Worthington: May 6, 2023

Merion Village Yard Sale: May 6, 2023

Free Comic Book Day: May 6, 2023

Central Ohio Folk Festival: May 6-7, 2023 Enjoy concerts and workshops all day with all-access virtual tickets

Powell Street Market: May 7, 2023

CCAD Senior Fashion Show: May 2023 – Date TBA

Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale: May 12-13, 2023. Choose from over 650 varieties of uncommon plants proven to grow well in Ohio climate and soil. Pick up some plants for your garden!

Indianola Carnival: May 12, 2023. The Indianola Carnival Committee hosts a school fundraiser with great food, games, entertainment & an amazing silent auction to support Indianola!

Vintage and Artisan Festival: May 13, 2023. At Boardman Arts Park in Delaware.

German Village GartenMarkt Plant Sale: Presale for pickup in May, and in-person event on May 13

The Annual Columbus Taco Fest: May 20-21, 2023 Tacos, Tequila, and Music at Goodale Park

Ride of Silence: May 17, 2023. Join cyclists in a short, slow and silent processional through Downtown Columbus in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. FREE.

North Market Apron Gala: May 19, 2023 Food, drinks, music, and more.

PBR10K with Parker Lee Foundation: May 20, 2023. All you can drink PBR, live music, food and more at a fundraiser to benefit Central Ohio Youth Organizations. 

New Albany Founders Day: May 20, 2023

Village Valuables in German Village: May 20, 2023

Art Stroll-Art on the Canal: May 20, 2023 Canal Winchester

Delaware Arts Festival: May 20-21, 2023

Upper Arlington Spring Fling: May 20, 2023. Touch-a-Truck, inflatables, arts and crafts, and more

Asian Festival Dragon Boat Race: May 21, 2023. West Bank Park. Free. 

photo by Craig Hicks

Memorial Day Parades and Ceremonies: May 26-29, 2023 events will be updated in late April, but are typically annual.

Westerville Field of Heroes: May 26-29, 2023. This year’s event is drive-through or walk-through. Flag and commemorative coins will be available for purchase. There is also a Heroes Hike that you can register to complete during the weekend. 

Buckeye Country Superfest: May 27, 2023. At Ohio Stadium

Jeni’s Strawberry Jam at Land-Grant: May 27-28, 2023. Strawberry Jam will feature strawberry ice cream, the release of a Jeni’s and Land-Grant collaboration beer, local food, family friendly activities, and live music all day.

Riverfront Culture Fest: May 27-28, 2023

Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival and Car and Motorcycle Show: May 27-29, 2023

Asian Festival: May 27-28, 2023 

Green Lawn Abbey Memorial Day Open House: May 29 2023. Make your Memorial Day special this year. Tour the Cemetery and the Abbey to learn about the personal histories of many Columbusites who helped shape our history. Experience the beauty of nature and architecture. The Cemetery will be grilling complimentary hot dogs and the Abbey will be handing out ice cream and sweets. It’s a match made in Heaven!

Columbus Craft Beer Week: TBA for 2023. Over 200 events all over the city celebrating Craft Beer

Six One Pour – The Ohio Craft Beer Fest: TBA for 2023 Craft beer festival at COSI to kick off craft beer week!

Dawes Arboretum Plant Sale: TBA for 2023

Maibockfest at Germania: TBA for 2023

More May festivals

Monday, May 1, 2023

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Friday, May 5, 2023

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Friday, May 12, 2023

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Friday, May 19, 2023

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Friday, May 26, 2023

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Sunday, May 28, 2023

JUNE Festivals in Columbus

The Memorial Tournament: May 29 – June 4, 2023

Newark Strawberry Festival: June 2-4, 2023. Rides games, crafts, food, and entertainment provide the entire family with many exciting things to do, see, and taste. Enjoy the Strawberry Shortcakes made famous by the Newark Kiwanis Club and served with creamy Velvet Ice Cream, made locally.

Short North Yard Sale: June 3, 2023

Water Lantern Festival: June 3, 2023

Bexley Women’s Club House & Garden Tour: June 4, 2023 The tour showcases some of the finest homes and gardens in the Bexley area and has become a destination for people from all over Ohio and beyond. Tickets are $20 presale, or $25 at the door.

Summer Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show: June 4, 2023 at the Makoy Center. Admission $3 for ages 13+.

Columbus Arts Festival: June 9-11, 2023 on the Scioto Mile

GCAC Columbus Arts Festival 2017

Olde Towne East Trash to Treasures: June 10, 2023. Neighborhood yard sale

S.P.A.C.E. Small Press & Alternative Comics Expo: June 10-11, 2023

Washboard Music Festival: June 15-17, 2023

Duck Creek Log Jam: TBA for 2023. Music festival in Hocking Hills

Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival: June 16-18, 2023 

Grove City Wine and Arts Festival: June 16-17, 2023. Featuring wineries, food, art and more.

Columbus PRIDE Festival and March: June 16-17, 2023. Goodale Park with the March on Saturday morning.

KidsLinked’s Free Columbus Children’s Festival: TBA for 2023. The free festival celebrates youth and family sports and will feature lots of activities and entertainment for the family, including sports clinics, face painting, family fun zone, bounce park and inflatables. There will be food trucks available when you get hungry.

Zoofari at The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: June 17, 2023 Party like an animal at this annual adult-only festival with nearly 100 of Central Ohio’s best restaurants and bars serving their signature dishes, as well as live music on several stages throughout the zoo from 7 pm – 11 pm. Your evening will be spent walking through the Zoo tasting food from fantastic restaurants, sipping drinks, and listening to live music from great bands.

Worthington Art Festival: June 17-18, 2023 The Worthington Arts Festival features over 150 artists, plus food and beverage vendors. 

Origins Game Fair: June 21-25, 2023

London Cobra Auto Show: June 22-24, 2023

A Taste of Worthington: June 23, 2023

Powell Festival: June 23-24, 2023. Family fun, entertainment, DORA, and concerts with Spin Doctors and Ryan Cabrera. The festival ends with a fireworks display. 

Comfest: June 23-25, 2023. ComFest returns to Goodale Park and is celebrating 50 years with local music, activism, arts, crafts, food and drink vendors.

German Village Garten Tour: June 25, 2023. Choose from afternoon walking tour, cocktail party, or evening walking candlelight tour. Tickets are selling out fast!

WesterFlora Garden Tour: June 25, 2023. Annual tour of gardens in the Westerville community that will be bursting with color, plant collections, theme gardens, scenic views and much more.

More June events

Easton Art Affair: tba for 2022

JULY Columbus Festivals 

4th of July Fireworks, Parades, and Celebrations Around Columbus: July 1-4, 2023. 4th of July celebrations, parades, and fireworks.

Red White & Boom: July 3, 2023. Huge 4th of July festival in downtown Columbus with an all-day festival, plus entertainment, parade, and fireworks. 

Doo Dah Parade: July 4, 2023. Wild and wacky parade through the Short North (you have to see it to understand!)

Good Guys PPG Nationals: July 7-9, 2023. Huge classic car show at the Ohio Expo Center with entertainment, family activities, and more.

Ohio Brew Week Festival: July 7-15, 2023 Huge beer festival with tons of events in Athens, Ohio.

Summer Jam West: July 8, 2023. Grassroots, free arts and music festival held annually in Westgate Park. 

Westerville Music and Arts Festival: July 8-9, 2023. Enjoy local and national artisans and musicians. Details tba.

Merion Village Garden Tour: TBA for 2023. Free garden tours in Merion Village.

Taste of Powell Tour: July 16, 2023. Enjoy samples at restaurants around town. Tickets for tastes are $3 and sold in packs of 10.

Franklin County Fair: July 17-23, 2023

Lancaster Festival: July 19-29, 2023. Celebration of music, the arts, and community.

Upper Arlington Summer Celebration: July 20, 2023 Free outdoor family fun including inflatables and entertainment, followed by a movie in the park

Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest: July 21-23, 2023. Three days of continuous jazz by renowned international and local musicians, barbecue pit masters, and fun activities.

Jazz and Rib Festival Columbus Ohio

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days: July 21-23, 2023. America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, national championship vintage racing in numerous disciplines and unforgettable fun everywhere, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is one of the must-do motorcycling events.

Nelsonville Music Festival: July 21-23, 2023 

Union County Fair: July 23-July 29, 2023

Ohio State Fair: July 26-August 6, 2023. The 2022 Ohio State Fair will be open to the public with concerts, rides, competitions, and the full fair experience! 

Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest: July 28-29, 2023

Whitehall Food Truck & Fun Fest: July 29, 2023. Over 30 food trucks/stands to fill your belly, and lots of bands to provide the fun, as well as a crafters area/marketplace.

Columbus Duck Race: TBA for 2023. It’s only $5 to register a duck! Hosted by the Development Board of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

July festivals tba

North Market Ohio Wine Festival: TBA for 2023

The Summer Tour of Historic Homes of Olde Towne East: TBA for 2023

AUGUST Festivals in Columbus

Lobster Roll Days, Hills Market Worthington: Saturdays in August 5-Sept 2 from noon – 4 pm. 

Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival: August 1-12, 2023. More details coming soon! (2022)Entertainment headliners for each night include North to Nashville (Thursday), Morris Day (Friday), Plain White T’s (Saturday)

Dublin Irish Festival: August 4-6, 2023. 

Pelotonia: August 5-6, 2023. Pelotonia is a two-day bike tour that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism. The event raises millions of dollars each year for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. 100% of every Rider raised dollar goes directly to fund cancer research. Gather where the riders will be passing through or get involved as a rider or volunteer!

ProMusica SummerFEST Series: TBA for 2023. SummerFEST includes three programs as the orchestra returns to Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and performs at Alum Creek Park Amphitheater.

Wands and Wizards Weekend in Fairfield County: August 10-12, 2023

All Ohio Balloon Festival: August 10-12, 2023. Hot Air Balloons, live music with Brett Michaels, Night Ranger, Niko Moon, Kid fun, and more at this fun annual event with over 30 balloons!

North Ridgeville Corn Festival: August 11-13, 2023. The annual Corn Festival offers FREE admission, FREE entertainment, FREE parking, and it is always the second weekend in August! Enjoy fireworks, corn eating contest, kids’ games, free & live entertainment, and the Grande Parade

MatsuriCon: August 11-13, 2023. Matsuricon is an annual Japanese pop-culture event that focuses primarily on Japanese animation (known as “anime”), manga (Japanese graphic novels), and video games. 

Columbus Summer Beerfest: TBA for 2023. Pick from the daytime or evening session to pick samples from over 350 brews.

PupArt: TBA for 2023. Shop a selection of pet-related and other original artwork from many local artists available as part of silent auctions and raffles

Festival Latino: August 12-13, 2023. Experience traditional and contemporary Latin American culture at the largest Latin event in Ohio. Admission is free!

photo: Festival Latino

Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival: August 17-19, 2023

Lexington Blueberry Festival: TBA for 2023

Columbus Food Truck Festival: August 19-20, 2023. Annual food truck festival has relocated to the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. There will be over 60 food trucks and food carts.

Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival: August 19-20, 2023. This is a family-oriented event with 180 handmade arts and crafts booths and food vendors. There are activities for children including pony rides and the Big Bounce. There will be free entertainment both days in the festival area. Parking and admission are also free.

Wolf’s Ridge SeptemberFEST: TBA for 2023. Hang onto the last days of Summer and enjoy beer, music, fried food, and more.

WAG! Festival: TBA for 2023. Fun festival for the dogs and family.

Van Wert County Fair: August 29 – September 4, 2023

Millersport Sweet Corn Festival: August 30 – September 1, 2023. Festival, concerts, rides, 5k, and more

Full calendar list of August events

August festivals tba or cancelled

Rally for the Ranch: TBA for 2022

Superhero Day at Easton: tba for 2022

Craft Brew at the Zoo: Not scheduled for 2022. Craft beer, food trucks, and a concert by Sugar Ray at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.

Cartoon Weekend at the Columbus Zoo: TBA for 2022 Characters will make appearances throughout the event, plus appearances by YouTube sensation voice actor Brian Hull and special guests Batman and Robin. 

SEPTEMBER Festivals in Columbus

Van Wert County Fair: August 29 – September 4, 2023

Millersport Sweet Corn Festival: August 30 – September 2, 2023. Festival, concerts, rides, 5k, and more

Greek Festival: September 1-4, 2023. The festival is a Central Ohio Labor Day weekend tradition which highlights Greek culture and features cathedral tours, authentic food and drink, exhibits, shops, music, dancing, and more.

photo: Greek Festival

Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival: September 1-3, 2023 at Ohio History Center/Ohio Village

Obetz Zucchinifest: September 1-4, 2023. Rides, car show, parades, and free concerts with Ezra Ray Hart, and Big & Rich.

Ohio Renaissance Festival: September 2 – October 29, 2023 Saturdays, Sundays, Labor Day Monday

Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival: September 2-4, 2023 Join us for three days of family fun at the oldest and largest Labor Day Festival in all of Ohio! Concerts, Labor Day parade, car show, pageants, rides, and food.

Bike the Cbus: September 4, 2023. Bike the Cbus is a bicycle tour, for all ages and abilities, highlighting our city’s many attractions and unique neighborhoods. The ride features four supported routes around the city. 

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival: September 4, 2023

Fredericktown Tomato Show: TBA for 2023

Marion Popcorn Festival: TBA for 2023

Lithopolis Honeyfest: September 8-9, 2023.  Indulge on all things honey, experience a real life bee beard (it’s what it sounds like) and save the bees. Honey Competition & Tasting, Honey Bake-Off, Mead & Wine Tastings, Honey Beer Garden, Honeyfest Queen Pageant, Bee Beard & Beekeeping Demonstrations

Hot Times Community Festival: TBA for 2023

The Columbus Dispatch Fall Home and Garden Show: September 8-10, 2023. Home and garden expertise from local gurus and craftsmen; how-to sessions and demonstrations; giveaways; and much more! Get in free to the Columbus Oktoberfest – also being held at the Expo Center!

Columbus Oktoberfest: September 8-10, 2023. Try some delicious German food and beer at the Ohio Expo Center while listening to the musical performances on two stages and tons of events. Get in free to the Columbus Dispatch Home and Garden Show – also being held at the Expo Center!

Hot Licks Blues Fest, Granville: TBA for 2023

Powell Street Market: September 10, 2023

Old Hilliardfest Art and Street Fair: TBA for 2023

FestiFair Arts and Craft Festival: TBA for 2023

Columbus Bottle & Barrel Fest: TBA for 2023. Local beer, wine, and spirits festival in Powell with, local fare, live music, your favorite craft beverages, and browse the shops of Columbus’ makers and artisans. The Ohio State game will be on the projector screen. Sample tickets and parking included with entry. 21+

Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival: September 9, 16, and 23, 2023 from 10 am – 10 pm.

Merion Village Festival: TBA for 2023 from 12 pm – 6 pm. Outdoor, rain or shine event features food trucks, live music and entertainment, artists, crafters, businesses, and organizations in the Historic Merion Village neighborhood.

Slice of Columbus: TBA for 2023. Over fifteen area pizza shops will serve their most savory pies. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample pizza and vote for their favorite pie with the “People’s Choice Award.” Event includes children’s activities, craft beers and wine.  

Ohio Pawpaw Festival: September 15-17, 2023

Arts in the Alley, Grove City: September 15-17, 2023

Germania Oktoberfest: September 15-17, 2023. The oldest and most authentic Oktoberfest in Columbus

Backwoods Fest, Thornville: September 15-17, 2023

Ohiolina Music Festival: TBA for 2023

Preble County Pork Festival: September 15-17, 2023

Scarecrow Festival in Washington Courthouse: TBA for 2023. Fun food, family activities, beer garden, rides, food, 5k, car show, and free concerts and more.

Annual General Mayhem Craft Beer and Music Festival: TBA for 2023 at Brewdog in Canal Winchester. Featuring over 100 fresh craft beers flowing, a line-up of music to rock your day away, swathes of street food and much more. Headlined by Alkaline Trio, have food trucks, and Not Your Mama’s Craft Fair

Creekside Hops & Vines Fest: TBA for 2023

Short North Tour of Homes: September 17, 2023

Young’s Jersey Dairy Fall Farm Pumpkin Fun: September 16 – October 19, 2023

Delaware County Fair: September 16-23, 2023. Last county fair in the area – get your fair food!

Fall Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show: September 17, 2023 at the Makoy Center. Admission $3 for ages 13+.

Annual Taste of Dublin: September 19, 2023 Enjoy fine food from 25+ Dublin-area restaurants at this upscale event

Jackson County Apple Festival: TBA for 2023. Apple everything in Hocking Hills

Little Brown Jug, Delaware: September 21, 2023

Taste of Bexley: al fresco: TBA for 2023

Easton Fashion Night: TBA for 2023 from 5-8 pm. Fashionable activities, great discounts, giveaways and more

Barnesville Pumpkin Festival: September 21-24, 2023 If you love pumpkin, take a 2 hour drive east for this fun festival

Lebanon Country Applefest: September 23-24, 2023

Columbus Coffee Fest: September 23-24, 2023

September festivals tba or cancelled for 2022

Hills Market Ohio Hog Roast: TBA for 2022. Every Labor Day they host an Ohio Hog Roast featuring smoked Ohio pork paired with a live bluegrass and a variety of brews.

TWIG of Nationwide Children’s Pumpkinpalooza: tba for 2022

Welcome to Fall Festival at Glacier Ridge Metro Park: tba for 2022. Celebrate the season with hayrides, live animals, crafts and activities. Meet at bulletin board at picnic shelter.

OCTOBER Columbus Festivals

We are still updating the following events for 2023 – bear with us! You can click on the links to see if updated information has been published at the organizers websites. Thanks!

The Fall Festival at the Farm at Walnut Creek: September 30-October 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2022

Stratford Ecological Center Fall Harvest Fair: October 1, 2022.  Food, wagon rides, kids activities, live music, cider making, animals, and more. $5 per person, ages 3 and up.

Destination Downtown Lancaster Fall Festival: October 1, 2022

Chalk the Block at Easton: October 1-2, 2022. Artists create 10 foot chalk drawings in the square as bands perform.

Upper Arlington Fall Fest: October 2, 2022 from 1-5 pm. Family-friendly festival in Fancyburg Park with fall activities

Old-Time Harvest Day in Grove City: October 2, 2022

Ohio Gourd Festival (Delaware County): October 7-9, 2022

Columbus Italian Festival: October 7-9, 2022

Old Worthington Market Day: October 8, 2022

Ohio Sauerkraut Festival: October 8-9, 2022

Dublin Halloween Spooktacular: October 13-14, 2022 in Coffman Park.  Guests of all ages can come in costume and enjoy this ghoulish celebration. Goblins and ghouls will enjoy returning favorites like the Trunk or Treat Trail, eerie exhibits and dance performances on the Coffman Park Tennis Courts. 

Boo at the Zoo: October 14-16, October 21-23, October 28-30, 2022

Scrawl in Franklinton: October 15-16, 2022. Live creation of murals, art and more!

photo: Scrawl

Van Wert County Harvest Happenings: October 14-15, 2022 Apple cider, apple pie, apple dumplings, apple butter, and so much more at this fall festival at this festival in NW Ohio.

Haunted Statehouse Tours: October 14-15 and 21-22, 2022

German Village Monster Bash: October 15, 2022 Adult trick-or-treat route, dancing and drinking, costume contest and more!

Circleville Pumpkin Show: October 19-22, 2022

photo: Circleville Pumpkin Festival

Highball Halloween: October 22, 2022 Annual Halloween street party with entertainment, costume contests, and more. Event is at EXPRESS LIVE! again.

Grove City Boo on Broadway: October 29, 2022 Family-friendly Halloween celebration

Find more Fall Fun here!

• Best places to pick apples in Central Ohio
• Columbus Pumpkin Patches, Farm Activities, Corn Mazes, and More!
• Big list of great Fall date ideas around Columbus
• Best hikes and scenic drives for Fall Color in Ohio
• Over 120 events celebrating Fall and Halloween in Columbus
• 11 Haunted Woods and Haunted Houses Around Columbus

October festivals tba or cancelled for 2021

Easton Pet Parade and Fall Festival: tba 2022

TRAUMA – Halloween Fetish Party: tba for 2022

North Market Mix and Shake Cocktail Event: tba 2022

Full calendar list of October events

NOVEMBER

Grandview Heights Fall Fest: November 2, 2023. from 4 pm – 7 pm at Ray DeGraw Park 850 First Ave. Celebrate all things fall! This is a family friendly festival with bounce houses, food trucks, yard games, music and more!

Ohio Made Holiday Shoppe: November 18-19, 2022 The Holiday Market features 80+ one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty small businesses from Ohio. The Hollywood Casino Columbus makes the event a unique destination with endless activities available. Choose from unparalleled selection of home decor, specialty clothing and one-of-a-kind finds, plus enjoy fine dinning at the Hollywood Casino or a cocktail from one of our two bars. Make sure to snap a selfie with Santa as he walks around greeting shoppers. 

Wildlights: November 19 through January 4

Christmasfair: November 20-21, 2021

Gahanna Holiday Lights Parade and Celebration: tba 2021

Magical Day of Giving at Polaris Mall: tba 2021

DECEMBER

Marysville Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting: December 2

Village Lights: tba

Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting: December 5

Upper Arlington Winter Festival & Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 6

12 Bars of Xmas Bar Crawl: December 14

Chanukkah Celebration, Easton tba

First Night Columbus family-friendly New Years Eve Celebration: December 31

JANUARY 2023

Great Train Show at the Ohio Expo Center: January 14-15, 2023 There will be tables of trains for sale, exhibitors from around the country, Model Train displays, and a riding train for kids, plus door prize giveaways. 

MLK Jr. Day Events in Columbus: January 15-20, 2023 at locations throughout the city

Columbus Winter Beerfest: January 21, 2023 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. This delicious and boozy event will have over 350 craft beers available for sampling, and live music. 

(614) Magazine Restaurant Week Columbus: January 23-28, 2023 Over 150 restaurants offering 3 course prix fixes menus from $15-$40. To-go options also available.

Winter Jam Tour Spectacular: January 28, 2023 Christian Music’s Largest Annual Tour. $15 (donation) at the door (ages 2 and up).

Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival: January 28, 2023 at COSI. Enjoy all things chocolate, wine, and whiskey – and fun at COSI! Tickets start at $60, but include UNLIMITED tastings of chocolate wine, whiskey, craft spirits, plus Boozy Milkshakes and a S’mores Bar!

Buckeye Lake Winterfest: January 28, 2023. See Benny the Bass predict when spring will arrive, watch fireworks, and enjoy specials at businesses around the Lake. Polar Plunge is at Buckeye Lake Winery on January 29!

Sweet Treats Dessert Festival: January 28, 2023. There will be 20+ local bakers, a chance to spin the prize wheel with drag queen baker, Plenty O’Smiles, and shopping local vendors. It’s a great chance to tour the beautiful newly renovated Municipal Light Plant. 

Other January Festivals

FEBRUARY 2023

Black History Month events in Columbus: Throughout February

Columbus Winter Carnival with KidsLinked: February 4, 2023 at Franklin County Fairgrounds. This super fun Winter Carnival has magician, jugglers, big bounce park, carnival games & food, princess & super hero area, and so much more!

Worthington Kidsfest and Camp Expo: February 10, 2023 at Worthington Community Center. Bounce houses, magician, face painter and balloon artists, and more! Win Valentine candy, spin the wheel, play games, visit characters, and more.

Valentine’s Day in Columbus: February 14, 2023 We’ve gathered tons of fun events and ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Columbus (this list will be updated in late January)

The Annual International Irish Triathlon at the Shamrock Club: February 18, 2023

Virtual AAA Great Vacations Travel Expo: February 18, 2023 Get ideas for your next big vacation by talking to travel experts and checking out vacation packages. 

Maple Syrup Tours and Events: late February – early March. Learn about the process and taste the results with maple syrup events around town, including tours to see the tapped trees in action, pancake breakfasts with fresh syrup, and more.

National Margarita Day: February 22, 2023. Find all of the best margarita deals around town to celebrate!

The Dispatch Home and Garden Show: February 18-26, 2023 Event will be modified to ensure safety. Online ticketing only, with timed entrance. No celebrity guests, workshops, or stage demonstrations.

Columbus Baby & Kids Galleria and Mommy & Me Walk: February 26, 2023. Vendor event for all things parent and child. Candy Land Scavenger Hunt, Meet & Greet with princess and super hero, balloon artist, free cookies, win a Candy Land game and lot of other neat items! Plus Mommy & Me Walk before the event!

Cheryl’s Cookies Annual Bake Sale: February 27-March 11, 2023 Up to 75% off your favorite Cheryl’s Cookies and Brownies goodies! Buy extra to freeze! The bake sale has been extended for multiple days and locations to spread out any crowds. 

Other February festivals