Fall is on the way, and quaint towns throughout northeastern Ohio are ready to welcome visitors for seasonal festivals and halloween fun.
Several are within a two-hour drive of Youngstown and make for a fun weekend getaway.
Here’s a sampling of what’s out there.
BELMONT COUNTY
Every fall, the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio come alive with the sights, sounds and flavors of one of the state’s most beloved traditions, the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival.
For more than six decades, this charming town in Belmont County has welcomed thousands of visitors each September to celebrate the season in true small-town style.
This year’s festival takes place Sept. 25-28, and promises an unforgettable weekend filled with giant pumpkins, parades, delicious food, and family fun.
Founded in 1965, the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival began as a modest community gathering and has since blossomed into one of Ohio’s premier fall events.
Barnesville’s historic downtown transforms into a lively festival ground, and visitors are greeted with a warm welcome.
No trip to the festival would be complete without the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, held on Wednesday evening to kick off the festivities. Crowds gather in anticipation as colossal gourds are carefully lifted onto scales, vying for the honor of being crowned King Pumpkin.
In recent years, the weigh-off has drawn national attention. In 2023, the winning pumpkin tipped the scales at an astounding 1,950 pounds and was later auctioned for $15,000. The year before, a record-breaking 2,405-pound pumpkin claimed the crown.
Once announced, the King Pumpkin sits proudly on display for the rest of the festival, offering a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity for visitors.
The festival isn’t just about pumpkins on pedestals; it’s also about pumpkins on the plate. The streets are filled with the tempting aromas of autumn favorites, from pumpkin pie and pumpkin rolls to creamy pumpkin ice cream. Visitors can also enjoy hearty meals, home-baked goods, and regional specialties served up by local vendors and food trucks.
The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival is designed for all ages, with activities ranging from playful contests to cultural traditions. Popular events include:
- Pumpkin Pie-Eating Contest: A messy, fast-paced race to the finish for dessert lovers.
- Hog Calling and Beard/Mustache Contests: Quirky, crowd-pleasing competitions that highlight the festival’s fun-loving character.
- Pumpkin 5K Run/Walk: A refreshing way to enjoy the crisp fall air and the region’s scenic countryside.
The Giant Pumpkin Parade will take place Saturday of the weekend, featuring floats, marching bands, and pumpkins of every shape and size. Then on Sunday, the Antique and Classic Car Show takes center stage.
To learn more, check out Visit Belmont County.
MEDINA COUNTY
Visit Medina County to be wowed by vibrant color and a spooky atmosphere.
Brunswick’s Mapleside Farms has mastered fall fun for the whole family. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pumpkin patch, although they have plenty of pumpkins in Pumpkin Village. Guests can stock up on apple favorites after a trip down the hill on their giant slide or a winding adventure through one of the biggest corn mazes in the Midwest.
There is also a train ride through the orchard on cow and pig trains. Tickets for the weekends of mid-September through the end of October sell out fast, and can be purchased on the Mapleside Farms website.
October is the perfect time to learn about the hauntings of Main Street Medina. On Oct. 16, a ticketed fundraiser will offer a guided tour through town. Tickets and raffle purchases can be made at mainstreetmedina.com.
Main Street Wadsworth will present its Scare on the Square event on Oct. 18 from 6-8 p.m., with trick or treating, Halloween activities, and family entertainment.
Afterward, the acclaimed Wadsworth Thriller dance will take place on downtown streets. In its twelfth year, the event has grown into a must-see Halloween favorite and is watched by thousands. Tickets are not necessary.
Main Street Medina will present its Witches Night Out event on Oct. 23, from 5-8 p.m., with photo contests and specials in charming shops.
Looking for a more serene scene? Plan to visit Medina County on Oct. 11-12 for its Fall Foliage Tour. This self-driving tour highlights farms, attractions, county parks, and historical societies while offering plenty of chances to capture glimpses of beautiful landscapes and rich fall colors.
This 57-year tradition always happens during the area’s peak fall color season, and an annual two-day event makes for a great getaway for families, couples or solo travelers.
For information, go to visitmedinacounty.com.
MOHICAN VALLEY
Fall is a great time to relax in the beauty of Mohican Country in Ashland County. Local farmers markets will be stocked with pumpkins, mums and more.
Canoeing in the fall is awe-inspiring at the Camp & Canoe Capital of Ohio, as some canoe liveries remain open through October. It’s a treat to float down the Mohican State Scenic River under an arbor of color.
Guests can stay in a treehouse, castle, resort, inn, historic bed and breakfast, or choose one of many private cabins. Several of the private cabins or cottages have hot tubs, spectacular views, and all the amenities of home. They are even pet-friendly options.
Visitors can marvel at view at the Gorge overlook, climb the fire tower, and take a stroll across two covered bridges.
A brand-new event for the Mohican Area is the inaugural Mohican Bigfoot Festival, scheduled for Sept. 20.
September also brings several other popular events, including the Mohican Pow-Wow, Mohican Bluegrass Festival, and Log Cabin Days. The month wraps up with the Oktoberfest at the Mill, Ohio Heritage Days, and Prairie Peddler.
Magnificent fall colors will be ablaze on the drive-it-yourself fall foliage tour.
More favorite October pastimes are accentuated by Ghost Hikes at Malabar Farm State Park.
Or, enjoy a crisp autumn day playing games, riding rides, or checking out the vendors and displays at the Loudonville Street Fair. And come November, lace up your racing shoes for the Mohican 5K or the Fuzzy Fandango.
To learn more, go to DiscoverMohican.com.
Pictured at top: The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival parade.