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What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, October 8-10, 2021

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohiobased 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. 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

2. 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!

3. 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!

4. 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 10:00 AM – close each Friday through Sunday in October.

Related: Over 100 Fun Things to do in Columbus, Ohio


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The Destination Outlets World Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship will take place at 1 P.M. on Sunday, October 10, 2021, in the Destination Outlets parking lot at Highway 71, 8000 Factory Shops Blvd., Jeffersonville, OH.
There will be FREE pie slices with a donation, great savings and more! Bring the whole family to shop, eat and play, right here at Destination Outlets!!

5. 2021 Festival for Good at Gravity

On Friday night beginning at 4:30 PM you can visit local vendors whose products focus on creating social good, enjoy family-friendly games with a giant parachute, hear social impact stories, win raffle prizes and more!

6. Columbus Italian Festival

The Columbus Italian Festival takes place Friday night, Saturday and Sunday and features rides, live entertainment, cultural events, food and a parade! Admission is $10 at the door, kids 12 and under are free with adult admission.

7. Make Your Own Monster: Kids Only Canvas Class at Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio

Register in advance for this painting class for kids ages 6-13. This is a drop off event for kids on Friday night at 6:00 PM!

More ideas: Halloween Events and Trick or Treat Times Around Columbus

8. Polaris Night Market at Polaris Fashion Place

Head to Polaris Fashion place on Friday at 6:00 PM for an open air market, live music, shopping, art food trucks and activities!

9. Franklinton Friday at 400 SQ

Franklinton Friday features open studios, gallery exhibitions, an outdoor market, food trucks, live performances and more on Friday night from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

10. Parent’s Night Out at The Five Party & Event Center

Drop the kids off for food, games and pumpkin painting! Ages 4-11. Register in advance for a parent’s night out on Friday at 6:30 PM!

11. Prairie Harvest Festival at Westland High School

This festival takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and includes food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, raffle prizes, petting zoo, contests, touch-a-truck and more!

Related: The Unofficial West Side Ice Cream Trail

12. Apple Butter Day in Groveport

This annual festival takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and features a fishing derby, a kids area, live music, pioneer demonstrations and more!

13. ZOO at Legacy Church

Visit with animal ambassadors from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. There will be bounce houses, pumpkin painting, crafts, ice cream truck, yard games an more! This event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

14. Dinosaur-themed Story Time at Beanbag Books

Enjoy a story time all about dinosaurs and do a dinosaur craft or activity! There will be dig kits to giveaway, too! Storytime is Saturday at 10:30 AM.

Nearby: Exploring Delaware Ohio with Your Kids!

15. Oakland Nursery Fall Festival

This event takes place beginning at noon on Saturday and Sunday at the Columbus location and includes pumpkins, pig racing, musical entertainment, hayrides, kids’ games, petting zoo, bounce house, concessions and much more!

16. Stories on Saturdays with Dublin Toy Emporium

Register in advance for story time with local author S.R.D. Harris! This is a free event at 11:30 AM on Saturday in BriHi Square in Dublin. Tickets must be reserved in advance.

Related: 5 Super Fun Playgrounds in Dublin, Ohio

17. Grown-Up & Me Foxes at Purple Dog Art Studio

Register in advance for this painting class where you will paint foxes together! This class takes place on Saturday at 3:30 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. Sunday Funday: Oktoberfest

Head to Worthington for a kid-friendly Oktoberfest with games, music, food and more on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

20. Destination Outlets World Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship

Head to Destination Outlets in Jeffersonville for a pumpkin pie-eating contest featuring Joey Chestnut, the number-one ranked competitive eater in the world! There will be free pie slices for everyone with a donation! This event takes place on Sunday at 1:00 PM.

21. Trunk or Treat at Capital Kia

Come in costume to collect candy and meet superheroes and friends! Bring a non perishable food item to donate to Mid-Ohio Foodbank. This event is on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

22. We are Turning 49! at Skate Zone 71

Celebrate the 49th birthday of Skate Zone 71 on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM with games, prizes, giveaways and more!

23. 8th Annual Mums and Mummies at Westgate Park

This is a free event on Sunday at 1:30 PM in Westgate Park that includes costume contests, games, activities, food and a “tree trunk” or treat! Mums will be for sale, 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!*