Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Please double check the link and/or call to make sure events are still happening! Lots of things are changing during this time and this information may change after it is published!
1. The Circleville Pumpkin Show
Enjoy a festival about all things pumpkin! This 4 day festival starts Wednesday October 20th and runs through Saturday October 23 and features rides, pumpkin displays, food, parades, contests, vendors and more!
2. Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Hundreds of jack-o-lanterns will be lit throughout the grounds of Franklin Park Conservatory. There will also be larger than life spiders and two pumpkin houses! This event takes place from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on select dates. This week’s dates are October 20-24.
3. Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Farms
Every weekend in October, local farms offer pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and many more fun fall activities! There are too many to list here so click the link above for a complete list of fall festivals happening this weekend!
Read more: Halloween Events and Trick or Treat Times Around Columbus
4. Corn Mazes Around Columbus
Looking for a corn maze to get lost in this weekend? Click the link above for a list of local Corn Mazes!
5. Apple Picking Around Columbus
It’s apple picking season! Click the link above for a list of farms where you can pick your own apples this weekend!
6. Help Columbus Families with Seeds of Caring
At Seeds of Caring, we believe we all need help sometimes and we can all give help sometimes. Right now, that help looks like creating personal care kits for families in our city experiencing hard times with our partner, Columbus Recreation and Parks’ Rapid Response Program. We are collecting kits through November 7 so register today and put your helping hands to work!
7. Ex-STRAW-dinary Scarecrows at The Dawes Arboretum
Head to The Dawes Arboretum to see dozens of scarecrows throughout the Parkwoods Trial! The scarecrows will be on display from October 16-31 and you can vote for your favorite!
8. Boo at the Zoo at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Boo at the Zoo will take place for 5 weekends in October! Enjoy a trick or treat trail, rolling celebrations, special performances, Halloween decorations, giant pumpkin carving and more! Hours are Fridays 5:00 PM – 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM – close each weekend in October.
Related: Over 100 Fun Things to do in Columbus, Ohio
9. Halloween Youth Drop Off with GET AIR and AR Workshop Pickerington
Drop your kids off for a night of crafting with AR Workshop and jumping at Get Air! Pizza is included. This event begins on Friday night at 5:30 PM. Register in advance.
10. Family Halloween Party at Vineyard Community Church
This free Halloween Party includes a Trunk-or-Treat, games and activities, a dance party, hayrides and more! Party starts on Friday night at 6:30 PM.
11. Haunted History – Ghost Tours in Canal Winchester
Meet the ghostly characters that shaped the history of Canal Winchester on a 90 minute walking tour! These tours take place on Friday night beginning at 7:00 PM. Tickets available online.
12. Author Lindsay Bonilla – Virtual Storytime with Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers
Register in advance for this virtual story time on Saturday at 10:00 AM with author Lindsay Bonilla. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
13. CRC Drive Through Pumpkin Patch – Drive Thru 2021
This annual event will feature prepackaged kits for kids that include activities and crafts, apple cider to-go and a free pumpkin with a donation of 3 cans of food. This event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
14. Spooky Pooch Parade in Huber Park
Dress your pet in costume for a parade, training demos, kids activities, special performances, vendors and more on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
15. Historic Happy Halloween Candy Trail in Historic Dublin
Come in costume to Historic Dublin on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM to visit the local businesses for a candy trail!
16. Press It (Pop It tournament) at BriHi Square
Bring your own pop-it pad for a tournament! Participants will be divided by age and prizes will be given! Register online for this free event that takes place on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
17. Trunk or Treat in Bevelhymer Park
Come in costume for a trunk-or-treat in the parking lot on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
18. All Hallows’ Eve at Ohio Village
Visit Ohio Village on Saturdays in October for All Hallows’ Eve! Preregistration is required! This event takes place on Saturdays from 5:30 – 9:30 PM an includes a 1890’s celebration with a retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, pumpkin carving, crafts, games, special visitors and more!
19. Tailgate Party on the Green in Powell
Watch the Buckeye game outside with food trucks, a bonfire, yard games and more! Bring a pair of socks for the Common Ground Free Store. This event takes place on Saturday from 6:00 PM -10:00 PM.
20. Trick or Treat, Costume Contest, and Market Day at Lehners Pumpkin Farm
Enjoy trick-or-treat and a costume contest with cash prizes on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
21. Paint A Pumpkin at Blacklick Woods Metro Golf Course
Paint a pumpkin on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Picnic Shelter.
22. Crew Fest 2021
Crew Fest 2021 takes place on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and includes a DJ, Photo Booth, Nationwide Soccer Kick, Play Cbus ninja course, axe throwing, inflatable darts, and more! This is a free event for season ticket members and tickets are $5 for non-members. Tickets benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
23. HOWLoween Pet Contest & Fall Festival at Easton Town Center
Easton Town Center is hosting this pet contests and fall festival on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM which will feature a costume contest, kid-friendly activities like an inflatable corn maze, pop-up pumpkin patch and caricature artist!
24. Sunbury Fall Festival at Sunbury Town Square
This fall festival takes place on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and includes hay rides, pumpkin decorating, a straw maze, rides, food and more!
25. Halloween Party in Selby Park
This event in Selby Park takes place on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and includes a pumpkin patch, bagged candy, snacks, crafts and game prizes! This is a walk through event.
*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!*