Can’t Miss Fall Events in Columbus

Fall is one of the most magical times to visit and experience Columbus. Our city celebrates the season in style, and you can enjoy everything from coffee-themed festivals to high-fashion costume parties. 

To help keep the fun going all season long, we’ve rounded up some of the best fall events in Columbus to add to your calendar this year. Plan your visit and see why USA Today's 10Best nominated Columbus as a top place to visit this season.

Photo courtesy of Hanks Low Country Seafood.

Inaugural Hank’s Low Country Oyster Festival
When: Sept. 15
Where: Intersection of Gay and High Street, Downtown
What: Head downtown for the Inaugural Columbus Oyster Festival! Hosted by the new Hank’s Low Country Seafood, guests can sip and enjoy live jazz music, oyster shucking and roasting and other southern dishes. Admission is free, and food and drinks are available for purchase.

Cartoon Crossroads
When: Sept. 26–29
Where: Throughout Columbus
What: Celebrating its 10th year, this citywide cartoon art festival features interactive panels, presentations and artist spotlights from a world-class guest list. Admission is free and events are happening at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Columbus College of Art and Design and the Columbus Museum of Art.  

Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus.

Harvest Blooms
When: Sept. 28–Nov. 3
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 
What: A plethora of pumpkins, mums, cabbages and more fill the gardens, making Harvest Blooms one of the must-see fall attractions in Columbus. Two pumpkin houses and a pumpkin tree make for Instagram-worthy moments for the whole family. 

All American Quarter Horse Congress
When: Sept. 29–Oct. 27
Where: Ohio Expo Center/Ohio State Fairgrounds 
What: The world’s largest single-breed horse show attracts more than 650,000 people annually to the Ohio Expo Center. The Quarter Horse Congress event is also an industry-leading trade show with over 200 exhibitors.  

Photo courtesy of Columbus Coffee Festival.

Columbus Coffee Festival
When: Oct. 5–6
Where: Franklin County Fairgrounds
What: Two days full of coffee sampling, food trucks, live music and entertainment at its new location, the Franklin County Fairgrounds. It’s a great way to enjoy tastes from roasters around the state. 

Columbus Italian Festival
When: Oct. 11–13
Where: St. John The Baptist Catholic Church 
What: Over 35,000 visitors celebrate Italian culture in Columbus with food and entertainment in Italian Village. There are two stages with music every day, delicious Italian cuisine, a parade and even a bocce ball tournament. 

Photo courtesy of Columbus Fashion Council.

Fashion Week Columbus
When: Oct. 13–19
Where: Throughout Columbus 
What: Central Ohio has an incredible fashion community, and the flagship program and industry launchpad of the Columbus Fashion Council features a full week of fashion shows and fashion-related programs that showcase emerging designers. While the designers come from around the world, many are from Columbus!

Boo at the Zoo
When: Weekends in October
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium  
What: A “merry-not-scary" time for the entire family, Boo at the Zoo features Halloween-themed activities around the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium across three weekends in October. You’ll find everything from pumpkin carving to a hay maze, a Halloween-themed train ride and more.  

Photo courtesy of Short North Alliance.

Highball Halloween
When: Oct. 26 
Where: Short North Arts District
What: The nation's most elaborate costume party returns to the Short North Arts District this October and for the first time ever, admission is free! Join in the fun with celebrity host, Nina West and fan over the most fantastic fashions. VIP experiences are available for purchase, check back to learn more.

Get more information about can’t-miss fall events in Columbus.