Columbus is buzzing with excitement this weekend as festivals, concerts, sports, and family-friendly activities take over central Ohio. With the Buckeyes off, locals and visitors alike can take the opportunity to explore the city and nearby attractions in what promises to be a memorable stretch of late September entertainment. From glass pumpkins and trail runs to Bigfoot sightings and live country music, there is no shortage of things to do across the region.
One of the standout attractions is the Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival in Laurelville. This nationally recognized event showcases thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins in every color and style imaginable. Guests can watch live glassblowing demonstrations, shop from regional artists, enjoy food trucks, and listen to live music throughout the weekend. The festival is free to attend and runs September 19 through 21, with hours extending into the evening. Parking is encouraged to be reserved in advance, offering discounts and purchase vouchers for those who plan ahead.
For those looking for something more unusual, the Mohican Bigfoot Festival in Loudonville brings together adventurers, enthusiasts, and families for a unique celebration. Activities range from river trips and community campfires to photo opportunities with a nine-foot Bigfoot replica. A lineup of speakers, including authors, podcasters, and investigators, will share their insights into Ohio’s Bigfoot legends. Downtown Loudonville comes alive with sidewalk sales, vendors, contests, and live entertainment, making the event a must-visit for both skeptics and believers.
Nature enthusiasts can lace up their running shoes for the 47th annual Hocking Hills Trail Run at Hocking Hills State Park. With race options from 5K to 60K, the event offers a chance to experience the park’s iconic caves, waterfalls, and gorges while enjoying the crisp early autumn weather. Each runner receives handcrafted medallions made by local students and commemorative t-shirts. Walkers and leashed pets are also welcome, ensuring the event maintains its community-friendly atmosphere.
Sports fans in Columbus will have plenty to cheer for as well. The Columbus Clippers, Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, finish their series against the Omaha Storm Chasers at Huntington Park. Games continue through September 22, with affordable ticket prices making it a fun outing for families. On Saturday evening, the Columbus Crew will host Toronto FC at Lower.com Field in what promises to be an exciting Major League Soccer matchup.
Music lovers will not want to miss Cody Johnson’s performances at Nationwide Arena on September 19 and 20. Part of his Leather Deluxe Tour, the shows feature special guest appearances from artists such as Clint Black, Drew Baldridge, Ian Munsick, and Walker Montgomery. With doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and concerts starting at 7:30 p.m., these events are expected to draw large crowds of fans eager for a night of country hits.
If theater and comedy are more appealing, MadLab’s play “Clowntime is Over” offers a surreal and darkly comic production about a television clown caught in an existential crisis. Running through October 4, the play has received praise for its mix of humor and unease. Meanwhile, Nostalgia Brewing in Gahanna will host Comedy Night on September 19, featuring high-energy performances by a rotating cast of comedians. With no drink minimum and constantly changing lineups, the show has become a staple for local comedy fans.
Wine enthusiasts will gather at the North Market Wine Fest at Bridge Park in Dublin on September 19 and 20. The festival showcases wineries and distributors from around the world, offering tastings, food pairings, and live entertainment. Admission includes taste tickets and food vouchers, making it an appealing event for both casual wine drinkers and serious connoisseurs.
For families, the Maloney Park Cap City Festival provides a free afternoon of activities, food, and entertainment in a safe and fun environment on September 19. Dog lovers can head to the Canine Companions North Central Training Center on September 21 for DogFest, which includes service dog demonstrations, food trucks, kids’ activities, and fundraising for the nonprofit’s work in providing service animals to those in need.
The Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens takes place on September 21, highlighting the unique architecture and creativity of the Short North’s Victorian Village and Italian Village neighborhoods. From restored Queen Anne mansions to modern renovations, the tour showcases a blend of tradition and innovation.
Adding to the cultural lineup, Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) runs through September 22, featuring internationally known cartoonists, animators, and illustrators. This year’s guests include Jhonen Vasquez, John Musker, and Charles Burns, with new manga programming adding an international flair. Films, panel discussions, and workshops will be spread across multiple venues, celebrating comics and animation as a vibrant art form.
With so many options, this weekend in Columbus has something for everyone. Whether it is exploring glass art in Laurelville, cheering for the Crew downtown, attending a wine festival in Dublin, or wandering the streets of the Short North, central Ohio offers a rich blend of activities for families, couples, and solo adventurers. The variety of experiences underscores Columbus’s reputation as a city with both cultural depth and family-friendly fun, making this weekend one that locals and visitors alike will remember.
