In just a few weeks the fall season will officially be upon us. That's why you need to start planning out your fall festival schedule now. Ohio is known for some really great fall festivals that feature fun the whole family can enjoy. The following are 10 of our favorite fall festivals throughout Ohio―and you need to mark your calendars for the ones nearest you.

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. It takes place September 16-18 and is located at 8572 High Point Rd., Thornville, OH 43076.

2. Jackson Apple Festival (Jackson)

Don't miss this delicious festival this year, which takes place on September 20-24. (And don't forget to take home a jar or two of the heavenly apple butter.)

3. Ohio Heritage Days Festival (Lucas)

Malabar Farm State Park hosts this popular festival on September 24-25 this 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 archeological displays.

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. This year's festival will take place on September 30-October 1.

5. Ohio Gourd Show (Delaware)

You've never seen gourds like this before. The Delaware County Fairgrounds will host the 52nd annual Gourd Show on October 7-9. This year's theme is "Gourds on the Move."

6. Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival (Jefferson)

Celebrating the county's 18 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. This year's festival will be from October 8-9 in the heart of downtown Jefferson.

7. Fall Festival of Leaves (Bainbridge)

Celebrating all things fall, this charming festival takes place in the small town of Bainbridge on October 14-16 this year. Featuring rides, games, crafts and fair food, this festival is fun for the whole family.

8. 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. This year's festival takes place on October 14-16.

9. 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: This year's festival will take place on October 15-16. The sign pictured above is from previous years.)

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.) This year's Circleville Pumpkin Show will take place on October 19-22.

How many of these festivals have you been to? What is your favorite fall festival in Ohio? Be sure to let us know!