Dig In at 5 September Food Festivals in Ohio

Early fall in Ohio brings one last push for outdoor food festivals before the weather turns. Put this handful of delicious dates in your planner, from one gathering celebrating one of our state’s biggest native tree fruits to another playfully putting local food truck vendors head to head.

Forager’s Fest | Sept. 18
Our state has a wealth of wild food sources, which take center stage at this event in Milford’s Rowe Woods, one of two Cincinnati Nature Center locations. The adults-only gathering features activities and demos centered on these scavenged goods, along with foraged bites and delicious eats from local food trucks. Southwest Ohio breweries will provide complimentary beer samples made with ingredients found at the center, and area makers will sell their wares at the Autumn Native Plant Sale and center’s shop.

Ohio Pawpaw Festival | Sept. 18-20
Take a bite out of one of Ohio’s largest native tree fruits during this annual fruit-filled celebration. Visitors to the three-day affair are welcome to compete for the best pawpaw-related work of art, as well as go head-to-head in an eating contest or cook-off. Nelsonville’s Snow Fork Event Center will be jam-packed with presenters detailing genetics, medical use, growing and cooking of the fruit. Make sure not to leave before sampling a number of pawpaw-forward food and beverages.

Columbus Mac and Cheese Festival | Sept. 25
Celebrating its ninth year, this one-day event benefits the Adolescent and Young Adult cancer program at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.) Central Ohio restaurants will provide delicious mac and cheese samples; in between trying them out, patrons will enjoy live entertainment and a kid zone.

Defiance Rib Fest | Sept. 26
Downtown Defiance heats up during this barbecue-focused annual gathering, now in its 20th year. Live music is a highlight, with Rent headlining and Battle of the Bands winners supporting, including Letterbox, Johnny & The Cosmos and Superhawk. Area vendors Bulldog BBQ, The Drop Zone Pizzeria, Seasoned Mobile Grill, Iron Horse Brews, among others, will serve rockin’ ribs all afternoon.

Crocker Park Food Truck Challenge | Sept. 26
Head to this Westlake shopping area to witness over 20 Cleveland-area trucks battle for bragging rights as one of the best. Competitive categories include “Best Handheld Hero,” “Outside the Box” and “Show Stopping Side.” Guests can enjoy a lineup of live entertainment and kid-friendly activities along South Main Street while casting their vote for the best in show.

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