Ohio Fall Arts Preview 2023

From a performance that teams up alt-rock favorites Guster with the Toledo Symphony to an exhibition at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio that features nature-inspired works by more than three dozen Ohio artists to “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” taking the stage at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, autumn in Ohio promises plenty of creativity.

Here is a preview of 14 events happening this fall. To search more going on across the Buckeye State as the leaves begin to turn and temperatures fall, search out online events guide at ohiomagazine.com/events. 


Guster with the Toledo Symphony
Sept. 20: Toledo
Alternative rock meets the sounds of the symphony at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Peristyle Theater in this one-night-only event. Guster and the Toledo Symphony join forces for a collaborative performance of music from a body of work built over the Boston band’s more than 30 years of creating and performing together. artstoledo.com


“It’s an Honor to Be Here” at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
Sept. 30–Dec. 31: Lancaster 
This exhibition features works by more than 40 artists and features pieces that reflect the biodiversity and beauty of our state.


The Cleveland Orchestra: “Amadeus” Live
Sept. 21-24: Cleveland
Severance Music Center’s 2023-24 classic musical season opens with the Cleveland Orchestra performing the score of the 1984 film “Amadeus” as the movie plays on screen. The period epic that won eight Academy Awards tells the tale of Vienna composer Antonio Salieri’s plot to destroy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Richard Kaufman will conduct the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus for these performances. clevelandorchestra.com

Pyramid Hill Art Fair 2023
Sept. 23-24: Hamilton
Over 70 art vendors show their work among Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum’s more than 70 permanent outdoor sculptures. Buy handmade creations, and stop by the beer garden for a drink. In addition to food trucks and live music, this year’s Pyramid Hill Art Fair adds to its family programming with arts and crafts activities and a bouncy castle. pyramidhill.org

“Jesus Christ Superstar” at Ohio Theatre
Oct. 3-8: Columbus
This hit musical returns to the stage for its 50th anniversary, celebrating the rock music that defined a generation. “Jesus Christ Superstar” follows the events of the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Judas. Winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in 2017, this stage show offers a modern take on the production. capa.com


“Quilting a Future: Contemporary Quilts and American Tradition” at Columbus Museum of Art
Oct. 6–Jan. 28: Columbus
This Columbus Museum of Art exhibition showcases artists who use the medium of quilting in innovative and thought-provoking ways.

“Nina Vivian Huryn” at the Mansfield Art Center 
Through Oct. 8: Mansfield
Cleveland-based artist Nina Vivian Huryn specializes in wearable art, and her creations have been worn on stage by musicians such as Elton John and Queen guitarist Brian May. This Mansfield Art Center exhibition also highlights work the artist does in other mediums, including large fabric and mixed-media quilts, multi-panel assemblages and more. mansfieldartscenter.org

“Star Wars: A New Hope” Film with Orchestra
Oct. 14-15: Dayton
For two nights only, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performs John Williams’ Academy Award-winning score live as the first Star Wars film plays on screen. Watch the twin suns of Tatooine rise over the desert home of Luke Skywalker, and witness the first appearance of the villainous Darth Vader in this sweeping musical experience at Schuster Center’s Mead Theatre. daytonlive.org


Styx at Peoples Bank Theatre 
Oct. 17: Marietta
The beloved 1970s band that brought hits like “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” “Babe” and more to the FM radio dial takes the stage at Peoples Bank Theatre as part of its 50th anniversary tour. Whether you buy a standard ticket or upgrade for a VIP experience, this performance at Marietta’s 940-seat historic theater promises to make for a memorable night of music. peoplesbanktheatre.com

Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin at the Midland Theatre
Oct. 18: Newark 
Grammy Award-winning artists Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin take the stage at Newark’s Midland Theatre. As one of only 21 female members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Carpenter’s music focuses on pain, joy, discovery and knowledge. Inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2019, Colvin is known for her captivating performances and storytelling. midlandtheatre.org

Cleveland Play House Presents “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” 
Oct. 21-Nov. 12: Cleveland
Based on the dreary summer that inspired Mary Shelley’s famous novel, “Frankenstein,” this performance follows the artist as she weaves her horrifying tale. Vacationing in a gloomy Swiss lake house, Shelly and her circle of literary friends act out her story, revealing their own complex characters. This retelling of the classic tale unfolds at Playhouse Square’s in-the-round Outcalt Theatre. playhousesquare.org


“Judith Brandon: Recent Work” at the Southern Ohio Museum
Through Nov. 1: Portsmouth
Since 1979, Portsmouth’s Southern Ohio Museum has showcased works from its collections as well as special exhibitions. Through Nov. 1, the exhibition, “Judith Brandon: Recent Work,” will feature the Ohio-based artist’s large skyscapes that immerse the viewer in the colors and textures of nature. Brandon’s powerful works reflect both the destructive and restorative power of the natural world. somacc.com

Fallen Timbers Art Festival
Nov. 4-5: Maumee
The Fallen Timbers Art Festival returns to The Shops at Fallen Timbers for its third year in 2023. What started as an effort to support artists and uplift the community during the pandemic has blossomed into a free, two-day event featuring an art show and local food trucks. Enjoy a premium wine-tasting experience for $15. facebook.com/fallentimbersartfest


“Charles White: A Little Higher” in Cincinnati
Nov 10.–Feb. 25
The drawings, prints and paintings of this acclaimed 20th-century artist are featured in this Cincinnati Art Museum exhibition.