Step Back in Time at 6 Living-History Festivals

Ever wished you could live in another era? While time travel is not in the cards, Ohio’s living-history festivals this fall can let you step back to a bygone time. From life on the frontier to Civil War reenactments to the days when knights reigned supreme, mark your calendar for these six events that put the past in the present.

Yankee Peddler Festival | Sept. 13-14; 20-21
Travel back 200 years at the Yankee Peddler Festival, where pioneer America comes alive across 75 wooded acres on the property of Clay’s Park Resort in North Lawrence. Master artisans set up shop to peddle their wares, while the scent of food cooking over the fire fills the air. Plus, town criers keep visitors up to date on the latest happenings. Mountain men, watch craftspeople turn raw materials into handmade treasures and even try your hand at their craft yourself. Then, return to the present, where contemporary artists and live entertainment round out this tradition.


Life in Early Ohio | Sept. 20-21
Step inside the daily routines of Ohio’s frontier past at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. Throughout the event, the Old Northwest Military History Association and Fort Meigs staff lead demonstrations of early trades like rope-making, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, harness-making, gardening and open-hearth cooking. Visitors can try their hand at activities such as tomahawk throwing and learn how settlers sustained their communities. Spanning two full days, this hands-on history event blends education with family fun at this reconstructed War of 1812 fort.


Zoar Civil War Reenactment | Sept. 20-21
Billed as one of the largest Civil War reenactments in Ohio, this journey into history has been a tradition at Zoar Historic Village since 2002. Enjoy two days featuring costumed reenactors in action, bringing historic battles to life. Saturday recounts the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse, while Sunday will feature an afternoon reenactment and artillery night fire. Friday features special school programs preceding the weekend, and all proceeds from the event support the preservation of Historic Zoar Village and support its educational causes.

FallFest: 18th Century Festival | Sept. 28 
Journey back to the 1700s at Cleveland Metroparks’ annual FallFest, a free family event held at the Brecksville Reservation’s Meadows Picnic Area. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can see blacksmiths at work, watch Revolutionary War reenactors fire muskets and enjoy the lively folk music filling the air. Families can sample fresh-pressed cider, smell wood smoke from open fires on the grounds and even enjoy magic shows. With history, nature and fun combined, FallFest offers an unforgettable autumn day outdoors.


Days of Knights | Oct. 4-5
Immerse yourself in the Middle Ages at Days of Knights, a free living-history event at Charles Alley Nature Park in Lancaster. Visitors can explore the Middle Ages through a timeline encampment spanning centuries, from Norman invaders of Britain in 1066 to knights of the Hundred Years’ War. Reenactors highlight everything from armor and archery to women’s roles and religion in the culture. Unlike a Renaissance fair, Days of Knights places an emphasis on historic accuracy, offering an educational and enlightening glimpse into Europe’s medieval past.

Historic Trade Faire & Festival | Oct. 18-19
Experience the bustle of an 18th-century marketplace at the Historic Fall Trade Fair, held at Johnston Farm & Indian Agency in Piqua. Visitors can watch oxen at work, meet costumed militia portraying soldiers from the Revolution through the Civil War and watch artisans demonstrate trades. Hands-on crafts like jump rope and ornament-making round out the experience, and a lineup of artisan and food vendors on-site contribute to the festive atmosphere.

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