6 Ohio Pumpkin Festivals to Enjoy This Fall

Pumpkin season is officially here, and it is high time to sip on sweet pumpkin spice lattes, take a stroll through the pumpkin patch and carve a jack-o-lantern to put on the front porch. No matter how you choose to celebrate the bright orange gourds this season is known for, these six festivals are a great way to get started. 

Pumpkin Pandemonium | Through Oct. 27 
Music, hayrides, scavenger hunts and food? Pumpkin Pandemonium at Heritage Farms in Peninsula has it all. Seven days a week through Oct. 27, a tradition of fall spirit takes place in this tiny northeast Ohio village. Straw bales, corn shocks, gourds, and of course, pumpkins are all for sale, and the weekend brings extra farm fun like hayrides and children’s activities. This family owned and operated farm has been in business for 176 years and is a one stop shop for all things fall, pumpkins, and fun.

Old West Pumpkin Fest | Select Dates Through Nov. 3
There won't be a disappointed pumpkin fan in sight at this festival that blends fall fun with the wild, wild west. Activities at the Old West Pumpkin Fest in Columbia Station feel endless and last all day long on both Saturday and Sunday. Guests can enjoy a wagon ride through the pumpkin patch or say hello to the animals in the petting zoo, and for the animal lovers who want a more hands-on experience, take a pony ride on the range. Round out the day with face painting, the Country Kids Show, inflatables, and of course, pumpkin picking. 

Circleville Pumpkin Show | Oct. 16-19
Always held the third Wednesday through Saturday in October, The Circleville Pumpkin Show is packed with all things pumpkin. First celebrated in 1903 under Circleville mayor George Haswell, this year's four-day festival begins on Oct. 16 with events happening all day, every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Festivities include the largest pumpkin contest, window-decorating contest in the local shops, a pet parade, local vendors and plenty of pumpkin-flavored fare. Also, enjoy a parade of bands on Thursday night, featuring local high schools and the Ohio University Marching 110.

The Great Pumpkin Glow | Oct. 18-20 
Kingwood Center Garden in Mansfield is gorgeous year-round, but it shines in a spectacularly spooky glow this time of year. Walk the grounds during The Great Pumpkin Glow to see a towering, 15 foot-tall mum tree and 1,000 carved jack-o-lanterns. This special, nighttime event also features different areas like Scarecrow Row, an Enchanted Forest and a carnival designed just for little ones. Walk through lighted tunnels and past stunning fall decor before grabbing a bite for dinner at one of the food trucks. 

The Great Pumpkin Fest | Oct. 19-20
Visit Mapleside Farms in Brunswick the weekend of Oct. 19 for the weekly fall festival, this week with a theme of "The Great Pumpkin Fest." Past themes have included a superhero weekend, Johnny Appleseed Festival, Wild West-themed weekend and more. The Great Pumpkin Fest is set to include the 100-acre pumpkin village featuring 20 family-friendly attractions, pumpkin flavored foods and photo ops with the Pumpkin Wall, made up of more than 200 pumpkins. Don't forget to pick your own pumpkin to take home and carve too. 

Pumpkin Glow at Caesar Ford Park | Oct. 24-26
The Pumpkin Glow at Caesar Ford Park in Xenia is a break from tradition. Instead of being carved, and candle lit, these pumpkins are hand painted with characters, movie scenes and more for spooky season. When illuminated by black light, (special flashlights are available to borrow) hundreds of pumpkins along the park’s network of trails come to life. Festive music fills the air while people bask in the eerie glow of pumpkins. After your trek along the path, stop by the on-site food vendor, who is cooking up Halloween treats.