Can’t Miss Fall Events in Columbus

Fall is one of the most magical times to visit and experience Columbus. Our city celebrates the season in style, and you can enjoy everything from coffee-themed festivals to high-fashion costume parties. 

To help keep the fun going all season long, we’ve rounded up some of the best fall events in Columbus to add to your calendar this year. 

Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest. Source: Schmidt’s Restaurant and Banquet House.

Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest
When: Sept. 5 to 7
Where: Ohio Expo Center at the Ohio State Fairgrounds  
What: Bountiful beers, tasty food and live music will have you in the mood for fall. This celebration of German culture in Columbus has been going strong for over 50 years, and with two stages of entertainment during all three days, there’s plenty to enjoy. This event is free, with on-site parking available for $15. Come see why USA Today’s 10Best has nominated Columbus Oktoberfest as one of the best in the nation and cast your vote today.

Hank's Low Country Oyster Festival
When: Sept. 14
Where: Intersection of Gay and High streets, Downtown Columbus
What: Head downtown for the second annual Columbus Oyster Festival. Hosted by the new Hank's Low Country Seafood, guests can sip and enjoy live jazz music, oyster shucking and roasting, and other southern dishes. Admission is free, and food and drinks are available for purchase.

Fashion Week Columbus. Source: Tony Bentivenga for Columbus Fashion Council

Fashion Week Columbus
When: Sept. 14 to 20
Where: Throughout Columbus 
What: Central Ohio has an incredible fashion community, and the flagship program and industry launchpad of the Columbus Fashion Council features a full week of fashion shows and fashion-related programs that showcase emerging designers. While the designers come from around the world, many are from Columbus!

Cartoon Crossroads
When: Sept. 18 to 21
Where: Throughout Columbus
What: Celebrating its 11th year, this citywide cartoon art festival features interactive panels, presentations and artist spotlights from a world-class guest list. Admission is free and events are happening at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Columbus College of Art and Design and the Columbus Museum of Art.  

Scrawl Columbus. Source: Larry Hamill for Franklinton Arts District.

Scrawl
When: Sept. 20 and 21
Where: 400th block of Rich and Town streets 
What: Mobile murals from the city’s best visual artists are on full display in the Franklinton Arts District. You’ll also find local vendors, DJ sets, food trucks and local brews at this two-day event. 

Harvest Blooms
When: Sept. 27 through Nov. 2
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 
What: A plethora of pumpkins, mums, cabbages and more fill the gardens, making Harvest Blooms one of the must-see fall attractions in Columbus. Two pumpkin houses and a pumpkin tree make for Instagram-worthy moments for the whole family. 

Columbus Coffee Festival. Source: Danielle Hackworth, Columbus Underground.

Columbus Coffee Festival
When: Oct. 4 and 5
Where: Franklin County Fairgrounds
What: Two days full of coffee sampling, food trucks, live music and entertainment at a new location, the Franklin County Fairgrounds. It’s a great way to enjoy tastes from roasters around the state. 

Columbus Italian Festival
When: Oct. 10 to 12
Where: St. John The Baptist Catholic Church 
What: Over 35,000 visitors celebrate Italian culture in Columbus with food and entertainment in Italian Village. There are two stages with music every day, delicious Italian cuisine, a parade and even a bocce ball tournament. 

Boo at the Zoo. Source: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Boo at the Zoo
When: Weekends in October
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium  
What: A merry, not scary time for the entire family, Boo at the Zoo features Halloween-themed activities around the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium across three weekends in October. You’ll find everything from pumpkin carving to a hay maze, a Halloween-themed train ride and more.  

High Spirits Art + Music Festival
When: Oct. 18
Where: Intersection of Gay & High streets
What: Get into the Halloween spirit with High Spirits, an alternative art and music festival. Listen to performances across three stages, roaming entertainment and more surprises that celebrate the diverse arts community of Columbus.

Highball Halloween Source: Randall L. Schieber for Short North Alliance.

Highball Halloween
When: Oct. 25
Where: Short North Arts District
What: The nation's most elaborate costume party returns to the Short North Arts District this October, and admission is free. Join in the fun and fan over the most fantastic fashions. VIP experiences are available for purchase. Check back to learn more.

To learn more about all the amazing festivals and events happening in Columbus this summer, visit ExperienceColumbus.com.