At the stroke of midnight on Labor Day, something magical happens in the Buckeye State that's better than glass slippers and royal balls: fall! We love fall in Ohio: the crisp air, colorful foliage, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and festivals. Give us all the fall festivals! Across the state, farms and fairgrounds are gearing up for an amazing 2023 festival season. The season tends to book up fast, so be sure and aside some weekends for the following best fall festivals in Ohio:

Ohio Renaissance Festival - Harveysburg

Hear ye, hear ye! Every fall, Ohioans get the unique opportunity to step back -- way back -- in time. Travel to Harveysburg for the Ohio Renaissance Festival and be prepared for a total sensory experience fit for knights and queens. I took my crew to the Ren Fest for the first time a few years ago, and they were completely enthralled by the experience -- especially the live shows, which are worth the cost of admission alone.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival takes place weekends from Sept. 2-Oct. 29, 2023.

Fall on the Farm - Loveland

Every year, this family-run farm in Loveland, Ohio, puts on a family-friendly fall festival that's become a beloved tradition for many a Buckeye State household -- mine included. From its epic corn mazes (including a "mini" maze for families that I've gotten happily lost in many times!) to hayrides to barrel trains and a bakery full of delicious treats, there's nothing quite like this fall festival in Ohio!

Fall on the Farm at Blooms and Berries happens daily, Sept. 16-Oct. 31 and advanced ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.

The Johnny Appleseed Festival - Brunswick

Easily the best fall festival near Cleveland, The Johnny Appleseed Festival is an early fall event that makes a fantastic kickoff to a season of fun. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the festival, which remains as fun as ever. Corn mazes, festival rides and games, and tractor rides are fall festival classics, but this fest pays homage to its namesake with delicious apple pies and fresh cider, living historians (including a visit from Mr. Appleseed himself), a National Apple Cider Donut Eating Championship, and more.

The 2023 Johnny Appleseed Festival happens Sept. 22-24 and tickets can be purchased ahead of time via the website.

Ohio Swiss Festival - Sugarcreek

Ohio's Little Switzerland is beguiling all year round, but this darling village really turns on the charm come fall. The Ohio Swiss Festival is a weekend-long celebration of all things Swiss that might just make you think you've traveled to the Old Country. From wine and cheese samplings to races, contests, and parades, the Swiss Festival offers something for everyone!

Mark your calendars: the 2023 Ohio Swiss Festival happens Sept. 28-30. There is no admission cost, but you may need to pay for parking depending on where you park.

The Circleville Pumpkin Show - Circleville

Hailed as The Greatest Free Show on Earth, The Circleville Pumpkin Show absolutely lives up to hype. From gargantuan gourds that tip the scales at 1,500+ pounds to record-breaking pies, there's no fall festival in Ohio that celebrates the season's orange mascot with greater enthusiasm.

The 2023 Circleville Pumpkin Show happens Oct. 18-21 and admission is free.

Woollybear Festival - Vermilion

Easily the most wonderfully weird (and woolly) fall festival in Ohio, the Woollybear Festival is a celebration of one of nature's most curious creatures. And what a celebration it is! Between the parade, caterpillar races, live music, and food vendors, this is one Ohio event you simply must experience!

Woollybear Festival happens Saturday, Oct. 8, 2023 in downtown Vermilion.

Tell us: what's your favorite fall festival in Ohio? There are literally dozens and dozens (and dozens), so my advise is to plan a few different adventures to both tried-and-true favorites and new-to-you events. Just be sure and pack some waterproof boots for your autumnal exploits. Happy fall, friends!