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What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, October 16-18, 2020

Looking for something to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these 16 family-friendly Columbus and Ohiobased events and activities!

Check out this list of events for the upcoming weekend and if you need even more ideas for Fall make sure to check out:

1. Pumpkin Picking and Fall Festivals

Fall festivals around Central Ohio are beginning and many of them include pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, outdoor activities, food and all kinds of fall-themed fun! Click the link for a complete list of fall festivals and pumpkin farms to choose your fun this weekend!

2. Harvest Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory

Through November 1, 2020, Franklin Park Conservatory will be decked out with fall foliage, pumpkins, mums, gourds and more in the outdoor gardens! The Pumpkin House will be on display! This is included in regular admission or membership. While you’re there make sure to see the outdoor Garden Railway!

3. COSI’s Digital Farm Days

Farm Days is going virtual this year with a day’s worth of events on Friday including lunch on a dairy farm, touring a poultry farm, learning about aphids and more! Events will be streamed from COSI’s Facebook and YouTub pages! The first event starts at 9:30 AM.

4. Monsters and Mochas at Community Grounds: Coffee & Meeting House

Visit the Monsters in the abandoned Meeting House on Friday from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM! There will be a hands-free tour and you will get a bag of fun activities to do at home! Appropriate for all ages.

5. Boo at the Zoo at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Boo at The Zoo is a not-scary Halloween event where kids can dress up and collect candy at 13 treat stations around the zoo! There will be a Jack-O-Lantern Journey Seek and Find, musical, rolling celebrations, a self-guided tour at Frogwortz Academy and more! This event is included in membership or admission and takes place Fridays from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM. All visits require a timed ticket purchased in advance! Members will need to have tickets before 5:00 PM.

6. Sleepy Hollow Drive-In at Ohio History Center

Each Friday night in October you can watch a “spooktacular” movie at this drive-in experience at Ohio History Center! There will also be drive-thru scenes from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This weekend’s movie is Beetlejuice and there are two times: 5:00 PM and 8:30 PM. You must get your tickets in advance.

7. Gahanna Fall Drive-In Series

The Gahanna Fall Drive-In Series features movies and performances outside in Sunpoint Park! Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Saturday night’s movie is “The Sandlot” and it starts at 8:00 PM! Tickets are $10/vehicle.

8. Drive-in Movie at Jefferson Community Park

Get your ticket for a drive-in viewing of Hocus Pocus on Friday night! Each vehicle will receive a bag of treats to share! Tickets are limited. Gates open at 6:30 PM.

9. MOP’s Parking Lot Yard Sale

Buyers can shop this outdoor consignment sale beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday at the Naz! Shop for kids clothing, toys and more!

10. KidX Candy Crawl Drive Thru at Polaris Fashion Place

Come in costume for this drive-thru event on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM where kids can collect treats and goodies!

11. Sweet Carrot Bexley Pop-Up at Kittie’s Cakes

Get your Sweet Carrot favorites in Bexley for one day only on the patio at Kittie’s this Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM! This event is weather permitting!  

12. Velvet Ice Cream’s Block Party

This event on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM includes a cruise in, live music, ice cream eating contest, a magic show, a K9 demonstration, balloon artist and more! 

13. Taste of Pumpkin Show at Pickaway County Fairgrounds

Pre-order your favorite pumpkin treats from the Circleville Pumpkin Show and pick them up at this drive-thru event on Saturday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM! Choices include pumpkin chili, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin fudge and more! 

14. Fall Family Fun Night at Ohio Bird Sanctuary

Register in advance for this fun outdoor event in Mansfield, Ohio on Saturday night from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Activities include a 1 mile trail with activities, craft kits, cooking over a fire and visiting with birds! 

15. Family Field Trip Days: All About Archaeology at Ohio History Connection

Register in advance for this Field Trip at Ohio History Center focused on Archaeology. There will be an archaeologist on site, a simulated dig and more! There will be activity stations with an archaeology theme. There are several times available on Sunday morning and afternoon.

16. Halloween Concert at McCord Park

Come in costume for this outdoor concert with Captain Captain and Luna Stardust from The Shazzbots on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Spaces are limited and you must register in advance. Each child will get a candy goodie bag. There will be prizes for costumes, too!

things to do this weekend in columbus ohio

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*Please be aware,  information is gathered from multiple community sources.  Times, dates and locations are subject to change. There may be a fee to participate in a featured activity.  Please call ahead or check links to confirm activities. Inclusion of an event on this list is not considered an endorsement. Please use your best judgement when attending public events and consult your doctor if you have questions regarding the safety level of a public event. Read my disclaimer here. Enjoy what you do today!*