Can somebody explain how we're already halfway through October?! I feel like we were JUST getting excited about pumpkin patches, and somehow Halloween is already knocking on our doors!
But don't put those flannels away just yet! There's still PLENTY happening around Central Ohio and beyond, and we've rounded up all the festivals, haunted attractions, family adventures, and Halloween fun worth adding to your calendar.
And this time, we're hitting the road a little farther because some of the best fall memories are worth the drive!
This Route 1039 adventure is brought to you by the Circleville Pumpkin Show! 🎃
Speaking of fall traditions, the Circleville Pumpkin Show returns October 21–24, 2026, taking over downtown Circleville for four days of giant pumpkins, parades, rides, live entertainment, local vendors, and more pumpkin-flavored treats than you could possibly count.
Pumpkin doughnuts? Obviously. Pumpkin burgers? Sure, why not?! If there's a way to put pumpkin in something, chances are you'll find it in Circleville.
And here's the best part: Admission is FREE!
It's one of those Ohio traditions that deserves a spot on everybody's fall bucket list, whether you've been going for years or you're finally making your first trip.
Plus, there's a little early fun with preview festivities on Tuesday, October 20, before the official show begins!
🎃 Circleville Pumpkin Show
📅 October 21–24, 2026
📍 Downtown Circleville, Ohio
🎟️ FREE admission
🔗 Plan your visit at PumpkinShow.com
This edition of Route 1039 is a paid partnership with the Circleville Pumpkin Show.
Now, let's see what else Ohio has planned for the rest of October! 🚗🍂
🍂 October 14–18: The Fall Fun Continues! October 14–17: Fairfield County Fair
Lancaster, Ohio
One of the final county fairs of the season! Enjoy livestock exhibits, fair food, entertainment, and all those traditions that make an Ohio county fair so much fun.
October 15–16: Dublin Halloween Spooktacular
Coffman Park | Dublin, Ohio
Costumes, candy, and family-friendly Halloween fun! A great opportunity to let the kids break out those costumes before the big night.
October 17th: I Want My CBJ - Jackets Jukebox 🏒
Nationwide Arena | Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers
We're going BACK TO THE '80s, and I am HERE FOR IT!
The Blue Jackets are celebrating the MTV era with neon, big hair, retro photo ops, special merchandise, and live music from The Breakfast Club!
Hockey AND nostalgia? You know I love a good theme night.
October 16–17: Ohio Statehouse Haunted Tours 👻
Ohio Statehouse | Columbus
Explore the Statehouse after dark while learning about spooky stories and legends connected to the historic building.
October 17: All Hallows' Eve
Ohio Village | Columbus
ONE OF MY FAVORITES. Take a trip back in time for an old-fashioned Halloween celebration featuring historical traditions and spooky storytelling.
October 17 & 18: Boo at the Zoo 👻
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Powell
One of my favorite kinds of Halloween events: the kind where the kids have a blast without being terrified!
Costumes, trick-or-treating, character appearances, animals, and plenty of fun. Included with regular Zoo admission.
October 18: Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon
Downtown Columbus
Thousands of runners, incredible spectators, and a community coming together for something bigger than themselves.
Even if you're not running, cheering on the participants is an experience worth having!
OCTOBER 20 7 PM Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Need a Tuesday night plan? The Blue Jackets are taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs at Nationwide Arena! Grab your favorite CBJ gear, bring your loudest cheering voice, and help the 5th Line make some noise!
October 21: CAPA Haunts the Palace
4–7 PM | Palace Theatre, Columbus
A FREE, family-friendly Halloween-themed event, CAPA Haunts the Palace. Children of all ages can celebrate the Palace's 100th birthday with a special, slightly spooky, visit to the Palace Theatre this fall.
Children and adults are invited to wear costumes and explore the Palace Theatre, which will be decorated for the season. In addition to trick-or-treating, guests can also take photos at selfie stations, view a Day of the Dead display, and more.
October 21: Boo & Brew
Bridge Park | Dublin
A little Halloween fun with the chance to enjoy one of Dublin's favorite entertainment districts.
October 22: Haunted Village
6–8 PM | Olde Pickerington Village
A community Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating through the village businesses.
October 22: Millersport Monster Mash
Millersport, Ohio
A fun local Halloween celebration worth adding to your calendar if you're around Buckeye Lake.
October 23: Great Gahanna Goblin Fest
5:30–9:30 PM | Academy Park, Gahanna
A community Halloween celebration with plenty of reasons to get the family dressed up.
October 23–25: Columbus Symphony Halloween Spooktacular
Columbus
Who says Halloween has to be all haunted houses? Add a little music to your spooky season!
October 24: Trick-or-Treat with the Pups @ The Franklin Co. Dog Shelter with 103.9 The Maverick!
10 AM–Noon | Join Emyle and Tess and The Maverick Crew!
DOGS IN HALLOWEEN COSTUMES. Need I say more?!
This is one of those events that combines Halloween fun with a cause that's close to our hearts. Come celebrate the season and show some love to shelter pups waiting for their forever families. Stop by The Maverick tent to color and decorate a trick or treat bag before you head in for the fun!
October 23–24: Haunted Trail
Fairfield County Fairgrounds | Lancaster
Looking for a scare? Head to Lancaster for some Halloween thrills.
October 24: Halloween Haunt
9–11 AM | Downtown Hilliard
A fun morning of trick-or-treating at local businesses and celebrating Halloween with the community.
October 24
CBJ Hockey Halloween — Peanuts Spooktacular
Nationwide Arena | Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vegas Golden Knights
GOOD GRIEF, CHARLIE BROWN! 🎃
The Blue Jackets are celebrating the 60th anniversary of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown with Halloween fun at Nationwide Arena!
Expect trick-or-treating around the concourse, a costume contest for all ages, and a special Snoopy and Woodstock bobblehead available with a qualifying theme-night ticket package.
Hockey, Halloween, AND Snoopy?! This might be one of my favorite combinations of the season!
Theme night and ticket information
All Hallows' Eve
Ohio Village | Columbus
One more chance to experience historical Halloween traditions.
Scarysville
Marysville, Ohio
Downtown Marysville gets into the Halloween spirit with its annual celebration!
Fall Festival
West Jefferson, Ohio
Looking for another small-town fall outing? Add West Jefferson to your list.
Pumpkin Hike at Alley Park
5–8:30 PM | Lancaster
A fall evening outdoors surrounded by pumpkins? Sign me up.
October 30: The Maverick Halloween Blood Drive
Friday, Oct. 30 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
American Legion Post 164
3363 McDowell Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
WE WANT YOUR BLOOD! But for a really good reason. ❤️
Our Maverick family is coming together to help save lives this Halloween.
Giving blood is such a simple way to make a difference, and we're proud to make this part of our Halloween traditions.
Plus, anyone who donates blood is registered to win 3-day GA passes to THE BASH, featuring Tim McGraw, Riley Green, and Russell Dickerson next August 12-14th!
🚗 More Fall Stops You Can Visit Throughout October!
Don't forget, not every adventure needs a special event date! These attractions and destinations are worth checking out before the season ends.
- Pumpkins Aglow — Columbus: Glowing jack-o'-lanterns and beautiful nighttime displays at Franklin Park Conservatory, on select evenings through November 1.
- Blood Prison — Mansfield: A terrifying haunted attraction inside the historic Ohio State Reformatory.
- Factory of Terror — Canton: For those who enjoy paying money to be absolutely terrified.
- Hocking Hills — Logan: Beautiful fall colors, hiking, and scenic drives.
- Young's Jersey Dairy — Yellow Springs: Farm fun, seasonal activities, and ice cream. Enough said.
- Branstool Orchards — Utica: Apples, pumpkins, and beautiful countryside views.
- Pigeon Roost Farm — Hebron: A favorite for pumpkins and family fall adventures.
- Amish Country — Berlin, Millersburg & Sugarcreek: Scenic drives, local shops, bakeries, and all the comfort food.
- Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival — Powell: Beautiful illuminated displays through October 25.
- All American Quarter Horse Congress — Columbus: Western shopping, horse competitions, and entertainment through October 24.
Check individual attraction calendars for operating days, admission, and availability.
Make the Most of What's Left of October!
Here's your reminder that you don't have to go far to make incredible memories.
Sometimes it's a giant pumpkin in Circleville. Sometimes it's a spontaneous drive through Hocking Hills. Sometimes it's watching your kids pick out the perfect pumpkin or laughing because somebody convinced you to walk through a haunted prison.
Whatever it is, I hope you find a little time to enjoy it.
That's what Route 1039 is all about: discovering places, supporting our communities, and making memories right here in Ohio.
Did we miss something? Have a favorite fall festival, haunted attraction, or hidden gem we should add? Let us know!
Keep following Route 1039 and 103.9 The Maverick for more adventures around Central Ohio and beyond.
Event schedules, admission, and availability can change. Always check with organizers before making the trip.
