Fall Arts Preview: 12 Exhibitions, Shows and Festivals to See This Season

From musical performances celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Ohio Valley Opry to a stage adaptation of “The Notebook,” there’s no shortage of art experience to be had this fall in Ohio. Add in big-name concerts from the likes of Eric Church and John Legend, as well as a dazzling showcase of Neil Lane jewelry in Toledo and Howard Chandler Christy’s painting in Zanesville, this season holds plenty of reasons to appreciate Ohio’s creative spirit.

The Notebook 
Sept. 6-27: Cleveland
See the story of “The Notebook” come to life at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. Based on the 1996 book by Nicholas Sparks that was later made into a movie, Allie and Noah’s romantic journey leaps off the screen and onto the stage, accompanied by music from multiplatinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a script by “This Is Us” writer and producer Bekah Brunstetter. playhousesquare.org

Ohio Valley Opry 25th Anniversary Show
Sept. 20: Belpre
Formerly held in McConnelsville, the Ohio Valley Opry is settling into its new home in Belpre as it celebrates its 25th season with two anniversary performances on Sept. 20. Country, bluegrass and gospel lovers will be able to gather at 3 or 7 p.m. for a lively show that includes an appearance from Grand Ole Opry guest stars The Whites. ohiovalleyopry.com

Chalk Festival
Sept. 20-21: Cleveland 
The sidewalks winding through the Fine Arts Garden and around Wade Lagoon outside the Cleveland Museum of Art become a vibrant canvas during the Chalk Festival. Hosted by the Cleveland Museum of Art, this favorite annual event invites artists of all ages and skill levels to grab a square on the sidewalk and transform walkways into a colorful display of chalk art. clevelandart.org

River of  Arts Festival
Sept. 26-27: Fremont 
Fostering curiosity and celebrating the arts is the aim of the River of Arts Festival. The two-day event in downtown Fremont hosts an indoor juried art show and an open-air market with vendors selling unique pieces. Visitors have the chance to dig into eats from local establishments. Glass-blowing demonstrations and live jazz music are also part of the fun. downtownfremontohio.org

Eric Church
Oct. 11: Cleveland
Catch four-time Country Music Award winner Eric Church on his “Free the Machine Tour” as it makes a stop at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena. Armed with his Southern drawl, acoustic guitar and crowd-pleasing hits, the North Carolina native is sure to put on a feel-good show. The Marcus King Band kicks off the night. rocketarena.com

The Rocky Horror Show
Oct. 16-Nov. 1: Columbus
Get ready to do the Time Warp again as “The Rocky Horror Show” is brought to life on stage at the Garden Theater in Columbus. This cult classic is a production from Short North Stage and is a Halloween tradition that blends campy horror, unforgettable rock tunes and wild audience participation into one electrifying night of theater that is sure to be remembered. shortnorthstage.org

Radiance and Reverie: Jewels from the Collection of Neil Lane
This exhibit at Toledo Museum of Art traces a century of jewelry creation by legendary designers and is on view from Oct. 18 through Jan. 18, 2026.

Queens of Soul
Nov. 8: Dayton
The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra joins forces with Broadway vocalist Shayna Steele to honor the legendary women that helped shape R&B music. Relive iconic hits from Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and other musical powerhouses as Steele brings these songs to life with the help of the orchestra, adding a classical twist to longstanding favorites. daytonlive.org

Howard Chandler Christy: A Golden Age Master, From the Trembly Family Collection
Explore the portraits, landscapes and iconic “Christy Girls” of the Ohio-born artist during this exhibit at the Zanesville Museum of Art, running Oct. 23 through Jan. 10, 2026.

John Legend
Nov. 10: Columbus
Ohio native John Legend is returning to the Buckeye State this fall as part of his “Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour.” The musician is on the road in celebration of his debut album, and his November stop at the Schottenstein Center is sure to include classics from the release that started his career. schottensteincenter.com

Riley Green
Nov. 14: Toledo 
Riley Green pays homage to the classic country music he grew up listening to. These memories inspired his third studio album, “Don’t Mind If I Do,” which includes appearances from Luke Bryan and Ella Langley. His show at the Huntington Center in Toledo will feature plenty of tunes from Green, as well as special guests Drake White and Hannah McFarland. huntingtoncentertoledo.com

Shattered Glass: The Women Who Elevated American Art
From photorealistic paintings to pop art works, this exhibit highlights female artists who defied barriers and helped reshaped our idea of art. See it from Nov. 25 through March 1, 2026, at the Canton Museum of Art.

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