When the leaves turn golden and the air feels crisp, nothing says autumn like a community festival. Luckily, families don’t have to spend big to join the fun. This October, Greater Cincinnati and Dayton are packed with free fall festivals offering pumpkins, parades, crafts, live music, and seasonal treats. Here’s your guide to the best free events for 2025.
Cincinnati / Greater Cincinnati Area
Fall Fest Weekend at Washington Park
When: October 25–26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate fall in the heart of Over-the-Rhine! Families can enjoy a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, animal encounters, live music, crafts, and vendors — all with free admission in one of Cincinnati’s favorite parks.
The Great Pumpkin Fest at Keehner Park
When: October 4, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
This not-so-scary event is a family classic. Explore the hay bale maze, petting zoo, puppet shows, crafts, and a costume contest. Kids can trick-or-treat through the park — so don’t forget bags!
Ohio Sauerkraut Festival
When: October 11–12
Drawing more than 400 vendors, this legendary event combines small-town charm with big festival energy. Expect live entertainment, crafts, and plenty of sauerkraut-themed food — all with free entry and parking.
Dayton / Greater Dayton Area
Spring Valley Potato Festival
When: October 4–5
A local favorite celebrating all things potato. From soups and candy to crafts, games, and live music — this unique event is quirky, fun, and free.
Heritage of Flight Festival
When: October 4–5
Pay tribute to Dayton’s aviation roots with vintage aircraft, parades, music, car shows, and community fun. Admission is free, with a carnival atmosphere.
Xenia Fall Festival
When: October 11, Noon – 5 p.m.
Downtown Xenia comes alive with pumpkin painting, a straw maze, vendors, food trucks, and live music — perfect for a free afternoon out.
Enon Apple Butter Festival
When: October 11–12
Step back in time with homemade apple butter, craft vendors, demonstrations, and family activities. Admission and parking are free.
Yellow Springs Street Fair
When: October 11
A huge one-day celebration with hundreds of vendors, live music, food trucks, and a Kids Zone. Families love the eclectic, welcoming vibe.
Centerville Fall Fest at Stubbs Park
When: October 4
Includes inflatables, hayrides, crafts, petting zoo, corn maze, and free pumpkin giveaways while supplies last. The perfect way to kick off October.
Bradford Pumpkin Show
When: October 7–11
One of the region’s longest-running small-town festivals, with parades, games, contests, and all things pumpkin. Admission and parking are free.
Hocus Pocus Family Fun Festival
When: October 12
Celebrate spooky season downtown with crafts, costume contests, a Creepy Car Show, and even a free screening of Hocus Pocus.
From the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville to the Potato Festival in Spring Valley and family fun at Washington Park, there’s no shortage of free fall festivals in Cincinnati and Dayton. These community celebrations offer the perfect way to enjoy crisp autumn weekends with your family — all without spending a dime on admission.
