Looking for cozy, lesser-known fall events in Southwest Ohio? Here’s a curated list of charming local festivals—from pretzel lovers’ delights to storytelling sprees—that celebrate the season’s spirit without the heavy crowds.
1. Germantown Pretzel Festival – Germantown
Dates: Saturday, September 27, 2025 & Sunday, September 28, 2025
Learn More: germantownpretzelfestival.com
Held in Veterans Memorial Park, this long-running tradition features all things pretzel, craft vendors, live music on two stages, carnival rides, and a beer garden. A perfect mix of small-town charm and festival energy.
2. Ohio Sauerkraut Festival – Waynesville
Dates: Saturday, October 11, 2025 & Sunday, October 12, 2025
Learn More: sauerkrautfestival.waynesvilleohio.com/home/
Main Street transforms into a sauerkraut celebration with hundreds of craft booths, live entertainment, and sauerkraut in every form—pizza, fudge, cookies, and more.
3. Beavercreek Popcorn Festival – Beavercreek
Dates: Saturday, September 6, 2025 & Sunday, September 7, 2025
Learn More: beavercreekpopcornfestival.org
This popcorn lover’s paradise offers delicious popcorn treats, craft booths, a car show, a 5K run, kids’ activities, and live music in a fun community atmosphere.
4. Ohio Swiss Festival – Sugarcreek
Dates: Thursday–Saturday, September 25–27, 2025
Learn More: ohioswissfestival.com
Celebrate Ohio’s Swiss heritage with cheese tastings, wine sampling, parades, folk music, and even Swiss wrestling. Don’t miss the annual Cheese Chase on Saturday morning.
5. Operation Pumpkin – Hamilton
Dates: Friday–Sunday, October 10-12, 2025
Learn More: operation-pumpkin.org
Downtown Hamilton comes alive with giant pumpkin weigh-offs, pumpkin-themed foods, live carving demonstrations, an art show, kids’ activities, and a pet parade. This quirky and colorful festival is a perfect mix of harvest fun and community pride.
6. Jackson County Apple Festival – Jackson
Dates: September 16–20, 2025
Learn More: jacksonapplefestival.org
This small-town celebration offers lively parades, apple-themed foods, local crafts, live performances, and family fun rooted in decades of tradition.
7. Barnesville Pumpkin Festival – Barnesville
Dates: September 25-28, 2025
Learn More: barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com
Giant pumpkin weigh-offs, pie-eating contests, tractor cruises, parades, and carnival rides make this one of the most beloved harvest events in the region.
8. Tipp City Mum Festival – Tipp City
Dates: Friday–Sunday, September 26–28, 2025
Learn More: tippmumfestival.org
This floral-themed festival celebrates Tipp City’s title as the “Mum Capital of the World.” Enjoy a colorful parade, hundreds of craft vendors, live entertainment, and streets lined with blooming mums in every shade of fall.
9. Springboro Oktoberfest – Springboro
Dates: Friday–Saturday, September 5-6, 2025
Learn More: oktoberfestspringboro.org
A lively German celebration featuring authentic food, beer, live music, games, and a kids’ zone. This community-run festival blends traditional Bavarian charm with small-town hospitality, making it a fun fall weekend for all ages.
10. Country Applefest – Lebanon
Dates: Saturday–Sunday, September 27–28, 2025
Learn More: countryapplefest.com
With over 300 craft vendors, apple-themed treats like fritters and pies, live music, and family-friendly entertainment, this event is a must-visit for apple lovers.
