Out of all the amazing festivals in Ohio, the fall ones are hands-down the best. (Who else agrees?) From pumpkin everything to one-of-a-kind crafts you just can't find anywhere else, there's a little something for everyone during fall festival season in Ohio. The following festivals are 12 of the very best harvest festivals in Ohio, ordered by annual dates of occurrence. See if we've featured your favorite one:
1. Backwoods Fest (Thornville)
Set literally in the middle of the woods, this unique festival says goodbye to summer and hello to fall every year on the third weekend in September. Backwoods Fest features more than 300 craft vendors, bluegrass music, open-fire kettle cooked food and more. Admission is $9 per adult. Children 10 and under are free. Address: 8572 High Point Road, Thornville, OH, 43076
2. Jackson Apple Festival
Don't miss this delicious festival in the small town of Jackson, which typically takes place the third week of September between that Tuesday and Saturday. If you're an apple lover, you won't want to miss the caramel apples and cider at this event. (Don't forget to take home a jar or two of the heavenly apple butter during your visit!) Address: Address: 21 Broadway Street, Jackson, OH, 45640
3. Ohio Heritage Days Festival (Lucas)
Malabar Farm State Park hosts this popular festival at the end of September each year. The event is free and features crafts, antique tractors, horses, food, live music, a Civil War and 18th-Century Living History Camp and even archaeological displays. Address: 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, OH, 44843
4. Ohio Swiss Festival (Sugarcreek)
Celebrate the Sugarcreek area’s Swiss heritage (and Swiss cheese, of course) with parades, a 5K and all the authentic Swiss cuisine you can eat. The event has been taking place since 1954 and takes place on the final weekend of September. Address: 106 W Main Street, Sugarcreek, OH, 44681
5. Ohio Gourd Show (Delaware)
You've never seen gourds like this before. The Delaware County Fairgrounds will host the annual Gourd Show on the first weekend of October. Address: 236 Pennsylvania Avenue, Delaware, OH, 43015
6. Applebutter Fest (Grand Rapids)
Crafts, food, music and (of course) apple butter abound at this beloved festival in the historic village of Grand Rapids. Don't miss this year's festival on the second Sunday of October. Address: 11900 Jeffers Road, Grand Rapids, OH, 43522
7. Bob Evans Farm Festival (Rio Grande)
Don't miss the Bob Evan's Farm Festival, where we celebrate what’s "down on the farm," feast on local food and leave with one too many jars of apple butter. Admission is $6 per adult and $4 per child. The annual event typically takes place the second weekend of October. Address: 10854 OH-588, Rio Grande, OH, 45674
8. Ohio Sauerkraut Festival (Waynesville)
This classic Ohio festival takes place during the second weekend in October in the small town of Waynesville. Don't miss this year's festival, which abounds with decadent comfort food. Address: 10b N Main Street, Waynesville, OH, 45068
9. Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival (Jefferson)
Celebrating the county's 19 covered bridges (including the longest and shortest covered bridges in America), this lovely fall festival takes place every year on the second weekend of October. Address: Address: 25 W Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH, 44047
10. Circleville Pumpkin Show (Circleville)
"The Greatest Free Show on Earth" in the small city of Circleville features pumpkin flavored everything. (Be sure to try the pumpkin favored burgers, waffles, chili and cheesecake.) The event takes place on the third Wednesday of October and continues through the following Saturday. Address: 159 E Franklin Street, Circleville, OH, 43113
11. Fall Festival of Leaves (Bainbridge)
Celebrating all things fall, this charming festival takes place in the small town of Bainbridge on the third weekend of October. Featuring rides, games, crafts and fair food, this festival is fun for the whole family. Address: 104 North Maple Street, Bainbridge, OH, 45612
12. Black Walnut Festival (Camden)
You'll find delicious food, family entertainment and homemade and hand crafted goods at this fall festival, which the town of Camden prides itself in. (Please note: The festival dates vary from year to year, though it tends to fall on the third weekend in October. The sign pictured above is from previous years.) Address: N Lafayette Street & Bloomfield Street, Camden, OH, 45311
How many of the best harvest festivals in Ohio have you been to? What are your favorite fall festivals in Ohio? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
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