My Favorite Things to do During Fall in Columbus

Fall is without a doubt my favorite season. Each year we have some go-to activities that keep our schedules busy and our hearts full. Here’s a list of our favorite ways to spend the season - treat it as your must-do guide for all things fall in Columbus.

Raise a Stein at Columbus Oktoberfest.

Both Chris and I have German heritage, so Oktoberfest is near and dear to our hearts. Each September (this year it’s September 8-10), Schmidt’s puts on Columbus Oktoberfest and takes over the Ohio Expo Center and Fairgrounds for three days of fun. We like to get there early on Friday evening to snag a seat and get in line for food from places like Hey Hey (a great local dive bar), DK Diner and of course, Schmidt’s. They’ve recently added a great space for kids called Kinderplatz, with inflatable bounce houses for kids ages 3+. Admission to this event is free, parking is onsite, and typically costs between $10-$12 per car.

Apple Pick at Lynd Fruit Farm.

Apple picking is an early fall activity that seems like an unofficial kick-off to the season. Our family has always gone to Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala, about 30 minutes outside of downtown Columbus. We try to visit during early September when Honeycrisp Apples are ready to pick, but their u-pick season extends all the way mid-October.

Pro Tip: Stop by the market on your way out to pick up gourds, pumpkins and more to add to your fall decor.

Attend A Fashion Week Columbus Event.

As part of my full-time job, I have had the privilege of attending several Fashion Week Columbus events the last few years. Columbus is home to the third largest population of fashion designers in the country and each year Columbus Fashion Council hosts a full week of fashionable events.

The headliner is definitely the finale runway show. The finale always features several local designers and one “celebrity” designer for an evening full of fashion and fun. This show rotates venues each year keeping it fresh and surprising.

If you’ve never been to an event, I highly recommend checking out one or two this year. See the full schedule.

Indulge in the return of fall coffee menus.

Fall is the best time for coffee in Columbus. So many shops release special menus during the season that you can taste something new each week. Some of my favorites are the Cinnamon Roll Cappuccino from Roosevelt Coffee House (don’t sleep on their S’mortado either) and the Pumpkin Rainy Day Coffee from Bottoms Up (this is an off-menu item, I ask that they don’t make it too sweet). The Rainy Day is easily one of the most Instagram-worthy coffee drinks in Columbus with a cotton candy cloud hanging over your mug.

Find more top Columbus coffee shops to explore this season.

peep Fall leaves at Columbus Metro Parks.

Did you know that Columbus has more than 20 metro parks? I was so lucky to grow up across the street from Sharon Woods in Westerville - some of my favorite memories from my teenage years happened during rides with my mom through its bike paths.

Fall color comes alive at these parks in October through the beginning of November. Scioto Audubon and Quarry Trails are the two closes parks to downtown Columbus that we like checking out during this season.

Pro Tip: Check the Fall Foliage Map on SmokeyMountains.com to keep tabs on when Ohio’s peak color will be.

Take the Kids to the Pumpkin Farm.

Every year, our family rounds up the kids and heads to Van Buren Acres, just east of Columbus in Hebron. They have set up this expansive property to keep the kids entertained for hours with slides, ball games, tractor rides and even pig races. You’ll also never run out of places for a great photo opportunity, and don’t miss their cinnamon donuts! The season runs from September 9 through October 31. Admission is $10, children 2 and under are free.

Walk the Streets of Olde Towne East.

This little neighborhood on the Near East Side of Columbus hits different during the fall, especially close to Halloween. Residents along the main drag of Bryden and beyond go all-out for the holiday decorating their stately homes with tombstones, skeletons, pumpkins and more. Once you’ve hit OTE, be sure to head south and walk through German Village, too!

Tailgate at a Buckeye Football Game.

Admittedly, I’m not the biggest football fan, but I can definitely get behind a good old fashioned tailgate. Every home game the lots around Ohio Stadium fill with fans as early as you can imagine and the party doesn’t stop all day long. Be sure to hit the Skull Session, a musical preview ahead of each game featuring The Best Damn Band in the Land. The Greater Columbus Sports Commission has a ton of suggestions for how to best spend game day in Columbus.

Shop the Harvest Market at Bridge Park.

Each Saturday morning during the summer, hundreds of shoppers flock to Bridge Park for the Dublin Market. Market organizers also host the one of my favorite retail events of the year with a special Harvest Market in November. This fall-themed market features a diverse sampling of local vendors for you to shop, taste, smell and enjoy. This year, the market will be held on Nov. 11; check their website for a full list of vendors.

I had so much fun writing this piece. Enjoy some of the songs I listened to in the process.